DNA analysis support method, DNA analysis support device, DNA analysis support system, and program

Abstract

The aim is to provide technology that efficiently identifies the identity of individuals under protection. [Solution] A DNA testing support method comprising: a first sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a first sample which is a sample of a person who wishes to register DNA information; a second sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a second sample of a person who wishes to make an inquiry and is identified in an inquiry request; an inquiry procedure for receiving the inquiry request from a public institution and acquiring the result of the inquiry between the DNA information of the second sample and the DNA information of the first sample; and a notification procedure for notifying the public institution of the inquiry result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a DNA identification support method, a DNA identification support device, a DNA identification support system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In order to search for missing persons or the like, or to identify the identity of a missing person under protection, information such as the physique, appearance, clothes, and shoes worn by the missing person may be publicly disclosed to solicit information.

[0003] In the missing person search system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the server 2 receives an image and information of a missing person from the search requester terminal 3 and receives a search request, the server 2 searches for images stored in the image storage 4A, 4B, 4C such as a cloud photo storage service and searches for images including a person who matches or is similar to the missing person. The server 2 obtains candidates for the location of the missing person based on information such as the shooting location and shooting time of an image including a person who matches or is similar to the missing person, and transmits the candidates to the search requester terminal 3 as search results.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventionally, in searching for missing persons or the like, the search requester provides information such as the clothes and shoes worn by the missing person, and information is obtained by publicly disclosing this information. However, since it is assumed that the missing person can easily change their appearance, such as changing clothes or shoes, using the appearance of the missing person in the search leads to inefficiency in the search.

[0006] The missing person search system disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates the similarity of facial images and belongings between images of subjects stored in a memory unit and images of the missing person, and searches for individuals with a high similarity to the missing person. However, if the missing person changes their clothing, it will affect the similarity. Also, if the circumstances or timing of the photograph change, facial images will also change, so it cannot be said that an efficient search is possible.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a technology for efficiently identifying the identity of a person to be protected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This application includes several means to solve at least some of the above problems, and some examples are as follows.

[0009] To solve the above problems, a DNA analysis support method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a first sample which is a sample of a person who wishes to register DNA information; a second sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a second sample of a person who wishes to make an inquiry and is identified in the inquiry request; an inquiry procedure for receiving the inquiry request from a public institution and acquiring the result of the inquiry between the DNA information of the second sample and the DNA information of the first sample; and a notification procedure for notifying the public institution of the inquiry result.

[0010] The DNA analysis support method of the present invention may be characterized by comprising a registration procedure for registering the DNA information of the first sample separately according to a registration category indicating whether the person wishing to register is a party who may be the subject of a search or a blood relative of the said party.

[0011] The inquiry procedure of the present invention may be characterized by identifying an inquiry category indicating whether the person requesting the inquiry is the party concerned or a blood relative of the party concerned, and referring to the DNA information of the first sample according to the inquiry category.

[0012] The query procedure of the present invention may be characterized by obtaining the query result using the STR type of DNA.

[0013] The procedure for obtaining the second sample DNA of the present invention may be characterized in that the DNA information of the second sample is obtained from a missing person or person of unknown identity who has been taken into custody by the police or local government, and the inquiry procedure may be characterized in that the inquiry category is identified to indicate that the person who requested the inquiry is the party concerned.

[0014] In the inquiry procedure of the present invention, the matching rate between the inquiry target, who is the person who wishes to register, and the inquiry requester is obtained as the inquiry result. The system may also be characterized by a procedure that notifies a predetermined number of the aforementioned individuals with a high matching rate and their pre-associated contacts, and encourages them to meet with the individuals requesting the inquiry.

[0015] The registration procedure of the present invention may be characterized in that information indicating whether or not a missing person report has been filed with the party is registered in association with the DNA information of the first sample, and in the notification procedure, the inquiry results concerning the person for whom the information indicating that a missing person report has been filed is associated include information regarding the missing person report.

[0016] In the procedure for obtaining the second sample DNA of the present invention, the DNA information of the second sample of a relative of the missing person is obtained as the person requesting the inquiry. In the inquiry procedure, the inquiry category indicating that the person requesting the inquiry is a blood relative of the party is identified, and the matching rate between the person requesting the inquiry and the person requesting the inquiry, who is the person requesting registration, is obtained as the inquiry result. The notification procedure may be characterized by notifying the locations of a predetermined number of the inquired persons with a high matching rate.

[0017] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a DNA analysis support method according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a first sample which is a sample of a person who wishes to register DNA information; a second sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a second sample of a person who wishes to make an inquiry and is identified in an inquiry request; an inquiry procedure for acquiring the result of an inquiry between the DNA information of the second sample and the DNA information of the first sample in response to the inquiry request; a notification procedure for notifying the source of the inquiry request of the inquiry result; a registration confirmation information acquisition procedure for acquiring registration confirmation information including information that identifies the person to be registered for confirmation from an insurance company terminal device owned by the insurance company; a registration determination procedure for determining whether the first sample DNA acquisition procedure has acquired the DNA information of the person to be registered for confirmation; and a response procedure for returning the determination result of the registration determination procedure to the insurance company terminal device.

[0018] The first sample acquisition procedure of the present invention may be characterized in that, if the registration determination procedure determines that the DNA information of the person to be registered has not been obtained, the first sample of the person to be registered is acquired.

[0019] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a survival determination method according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a first sample which is a sample of a person who wishes to register DNA information; a second sample DNA acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information from a second sample of a person who wishes to make an inquiry and is identified in an inquiry request; an inquiry procedure for acquiring the result of an inquiry between the DNA information of the second sample and the DNA information of the first sample in response to the inquiry request; a registration procedure for registering the DNA information in association with information regarding death if the person who wishes to register or the person who wishes to make an inquiry has died; and a survival determination unit that, upon receiving information indicating a survival confirmation request that identifies a person to be confirmed alive, performs survival confirmation of the person to be confirmed alive by referring to the DNA information.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a DNA analysis support device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a DNA information acquisition unit that acquires DNA information extracted from samples of a person who wishes to register and a person who wishes to inquire; a registration unit that distinguishes and registers the DNA information of the person who wishes to register according to a registration category indicating whether the person who wishes to register is a party who may be the target of a search or a blood relative of the party; and an inquiry unit that receives an inquiry request, identifies the DNA information of the person who wishes to inquire, and acquires the inquiry result of DNA information between the person who wishes to inquire and the person who wishes to inquire, wherein the inquiry unit identifies an inquiry category and refers to the DNA information of the person who wishes to register according to the inquiry category.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, another aspect of the present invention relates to a DNA testing support system, wherein a DNA testing support device, a DNA testing device, and a DNA testing request device owned by a public institution are communicated with each other, the DNA testing device includes a DNA testing unit that extracts DNA information from a sample in response to a testing request from the DNA testing support device, the DNA testing support device includes a DNA information acquisition unit that acquires DNA information extracted from samples of a registration applicant and an inquiry applicant from the DNA testing device, an inquiry unit that receives an inquiry request from the DNA testing request device that identifies the inquiry applicant and acquires the result of the inquiry between the DNA information of the inquiry applicant and the DNA information of the registration applicant, and a notification unit that notifies the DNA testing request device of the inquiry result.

[0022] Also, in order to solve the above problems, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a DNA identification support device to execute a DNA identification support method, the program including: a DNA information acquisition procedure for acquiring DNA information extracted from specimens of a registration applicant and an inquiry applicant; a registration procedure for separately registering the DNA information of the registration applicant according to a registration classification indicating whether the registration applicant is a person who can be a search target or a person related by blood to the person; and an inquiry procedure for receiving an inquiry request specifying the DNA information of the inquiry applicant and acquiring an inquiry result of the DNA information between an inquiry target person who is the registration applicant who makes the inquiry and the inquiry applicant. In the inquiry procedure, an inquiry classification indicating the relationship between the inquiry applicant and the inquiry target person is specified, and the DNA information of the registration applicant corresponding to the inquiry classification is referred to.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for efficiently identifying the identity of a person to be protected.

[0024] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is an example of a functional block diagram of a DNA identification support system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of personal DNA information in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] [[ID=j25]]It is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of DNA information of blood relatives in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a DNA identification support device. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of DNA information registration processing. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of inquiry information reception processing. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the STR type of blood relationship. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of DNA information querying in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of exact match processing. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating an example of partial matching processing. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) shows an example of the STR registration screen. Figure 11(B) shows an example of the STR inquiry request screen. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the inquiry result display screen (part 1). [Figure 13] Figure 13(A) shows an example of the inquiry result display screen (part 2). Figure 13(B) shows an example of the inquiry result display screen (part 3). [Figure 14] This is an example of a functional block diagram of the DNA analysis support system in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This sequence diagram shows an example of a process for determining whether or not DNA is registered. [Figure 16] This is an example of a functional block diagram of the DNA analysis support system in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17(A) shows an example of the data structure of the individual's DNA information in the third embodiment. Figure 17(b) shows an example of the data structure of a relative's DNA information in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This flowchart shows an example of DNA information querying processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing an example of a survival confirmation process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The outline of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a person who is expected to be subject to a search in the future or who is already subject to a search will be described as the "party" to be protected. Furthermore, a person who is related by blood to the "party" will be described as a "relative."

[0027] <First Embodiment>

[0028] Figure 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of the DNA analysis support system 1 in the first embodiment. The DNA analysis support system 1 comprises a DNA analysis support device 10, a DNA analysis request device 20 owned by a public institution, a DNA testing device 30, and a DNA information storage device 40. The DNA analysis support device 10, the DNA analysis request device 20 owned by the public institution, the DNA testing device 30, and the DNA information storage device 40 are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to communicate with one another.

[0029] The DNA analysis support device 10 is an information processing device such as a server computer or a PC (Personal Computer), owned by a DNA analysis support service provider. The DNA analysis support device 10 comprises a processing unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, an output unit 140, and a communication unit 150. The processing unit 110 comprehensively controls the entire DNA analysis support device 10. The storage unit 120 stores information necessary for processing by the processing unit 110. The input unit 130 receives information input from each input device connected via an input IF (Interface) 14, which will be described later. The output unit 140 outputs information via an output device connected via an output IF 15, which will be described later. The communication unit 150 mediates the transmission and reception of information with other devices that are connected to enable communication.

[0030] The processing unit 110 comprises a DNA information acquisition unit 111, a registration unit 112, an inquiry unit 113, and a notification unit 114. The DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires DNA information extracted from a first sample, which is a sample of the person who wishes to register their DNA information. The person who wishes to register may be the person concerned or a blood relative.

[0031] Furthermore, the DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires DNA information extracted from the second sample, which is a sample from the person requesting the inquiry. The person requesting the inquiry may be the person concerned or a blood relative. For example, the DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires the STR (Short Tandem Repeat) type of the DNA acquired by the DNA testing device 30 from the first and second samples as DNA information.

[0032] The registration unit 112 registers the DNA information of the first sample according to the registration category indicating whether the person wishing to register is a party who may be the subject of the search or a blood relative of said party. If the person wishing to register is a party, the registration unit 112 stores the DNA information of the first sample in the person's DNA information 121, which will be described later. If the person wishing to register is a blood relative, the registration unit 112 stores the DNA information of the first sample in the blood relative's DNA information 122, which will be described later.

[0033] The inquiry unit 113 performs a query of DNA information between the inquiry requester and the person being investigated in response to an inquiry request transmitted from the DNA analysis request device 20. The inquiry request includes information that identifies the inquiry requester. The inquiry unit 113 performs a query between the DNA information of the second sample, which is the inquiry requester's sample, and the DNA information of the first sample, and obtains the query results. The query process will be described in detail later. The inquiry unit 113 identifies a query category indicating whether the inquiry requester is the person being investigated or a blood relative of the person being investigated, and refers to the DNA information of the first sample according to the query category. For example, the inquiry unit 113 obtains query results using the STR type of the DNA. Note that the DNA information that can be queried in this embodiment is not limited to the STR type.

[0034] The notification unit 114 notifies the DNA testing request device 20 that sent the inquiry request of the inquiry result. For example, the inquiry result includes the matching rate between the inquiry requester and the person being inquired about.

[0035] The memory unit 120 includes personal DNA information 121 and relative DNA information 122. Personal DNA information 121 is information about the DNA of the person who wishes to register. Relative DNA information 122 is information about the DNA of a relative who wishes to register.

[0036] The DNA testing request device 20 is an information processing device such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet, and is owned by a person who wishes to have a DNA test performed. The DNA testing request device 20 is owned by a person or organization that has the authority to request a DNA test, such as a public institution such as the police or a local government. The DNA testing request device 20 comprises a processing unit 210, a storage unit 220, an input unit 230, an output unit 240, and a communication unit 250. The processing unit 210 comprehensively controls the entire DNA testing request device 20. The storage unit 220 stores information necessary for processing by the processing unit 210. The input unit 230 receives information input from each input device connected via an input IF. The output unit 240 outputs information via an output device connected via an output IF. The communication unit 250 mediates the transmission and reception of information with other devices that are connected to communicate.

[0037] The processing unit 210 includes an inquiry request unit 211. The inquiry request unit 211 transmits an inquiry request to the DNA analysis support device 10, which includes information identifying the person requesting the inquiry and an inquiry category indicating whether the person requesting the inquiry is a party to the search or a blood relative of the person to the search. The inquiry request unit 211 outputs the inquiry result received from the DNA analysis support device 10 as a response to the inquiry request.

[0038] The DNA testing device 30 is an information processing device such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet, and is owned by a testing institution that performs DNA testing. The DNA testing device 30 comprises a processing unit 310, a storage unit 320, an input unit 330, an output unit 340, and a communication unit 350. The processing unit 310 comprehensively controls the entire DNA testing device 30. The storage unit 320 stores information necessary for processing by the processing unit 310. The input unit 330 receives information input from each input device connected via an input interface. The output unit 340 outputs information via an output device connected via an output interface. The communication unit 350 mediates the transmission and reception of information with other devices that are connected to communicate.

[0039] The processing unit 310 includes a DNA testing unit 311. The DNA testing unit 311 extracts DNA information from the first and second samples. In response to a test request transmitted from the DNA identification support device 10, which includes information identifying the person wishing to register or the person wishing to inquire, the DNA testing unit 311 transmits a registration number to the DNA identification support device 10 and transmits the extracted DNA information to the DNA information storage device 40. Alternatively, the DNA testing unit 311 may transmit the extracted DNA information directly to the DNA identification support device 10 without going through the DNA information storage device 40.

[0040] The DNA information storage device 40 is, for example, a server device or an information processing device such as a PC, and is owned by a service provider that allows others to use its storage area. The information stored in the DNA information storage device 40 can be shared between the DNA analysis support device 10 and the DNA testing device 30.

[0041] The DNA information storage device 40 comprises a processing unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a communication unit 450. The processing unit 410 comprehensively controls the entire DNA information storage device 40. The storage unit 420 stores information necessary for processing by the processing unit 410. The communication unit 450 mediates the transmission and reception of information with other devices that are connected to it for communication.

[0042] Furthermore, the memory unit 420 stores the extracted DNA information 421. The extracted DNA information 421 is DNA information extracted by the DNA testing device 30. The extracted DNA information 421 is information that associates the registration number assigned by the DNA testing device 30 with the DNA information, and is stored in the registration STR data file described later.

[0043] Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of the individual's DNA information 121 in the first embodiment. The individual's DNA information 121 includes the applicant ID 121a, registration number 121b, individual's name 121c, locus measurement value 121d, relative's name 121e, relative's contact information 121f, individual's address 121g, and registered STR data file name 121h.

[0044] Applicant ID 121a is identification information that identifies the applicant. Registration number 121b is identification information assigned by the DNA testing device 30 to identify the DNA information obtained from the applicant's first sample. Applicant's name 121c is a string of characters indicating the applicant's name. Locus measurement value 121d is DNA information extracted from the applicant's first sample. The locus measurement value 121d is a value indicating the number of repeats of the base sequence at a specific gene locus. For example, in this embodiment, the number of repeats is associated with each of the 21 loci.

[0045] The relative name 121e is a string of characters indicating the name of a relative of the person applying for registration. Note that the relative name 121e is simply the name of the person who will be contacted if the person applying for registration is searched for, and does not necessarily have to be related to the person applying for registration by blood. The relative contact information 121f is information indicating the contact information of the relative related to the relative name 121e. The person's address 121g is information indicating the address of the person applying for registration. The registered STR data file name 121h is information that identifies the storage location of the DNA information in the DNA information storage device 40. Note that if the DNA information can be uniquely identified by the registration number 121b in the DNA analysis support device 10, the DNA testing device 30, and the DNA information storage device 40, the person's DNA information 121 does not need to have a registered STR data file name 121h.

[0046] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of relative DNA information 122 in the first embodiment. The relative DNA information 122 includes applicant ID 122a, registration number 122b, relative name 122c, locus measurement value 122d, relative contact information 122e, registered STR data file name 122f, and protected person name 122g.

[0047] Applicant ID 122a is identification information that identifies the applicant for registration. Note that the applicant for registration in the relative DNA information 122 is a relative of the person who may be the subject of the search. Registration number 122b is identification information assigned by the DNA testing device 30 to identify the DNA information obtained from the applicant's first sample. Relative name 122c is a string of characters indicating the name of the relative who is the applicant for registration. Locus measurement value 122d is DNA information extracted from the applicant's first sample.

[0048] The relative contact information 122e is information indicating the contact information of the relative who is a registration applicant. The registration STR data file name 122f is information that identifies the location where the DNA information is stored in the DNA information storage device 40. If the DNA information can be uniquely identified by the registration number 122b in the DNA analysis support device 10, the DNA testing device 30, and the DNA information storage device 40, the relative DNA information 122 does not need to have a registration STR data file name 122f. The name of the person to be protected 122g is the name of a person to be protected whom the registration applicant may wish to search for, and who is related to the registration applicant by blood.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the DNA analysis support device 10. The DNA analysis support device 10 comprises a computing unit 11, memory 12, external storage device 13, input IF 14, output IF 15, and communication IF 16, and each component is connected by a bus.

[0050] The arithmetic unit 11 is an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs processing according to a program recorded in memory 12 or external storage device 13. In the DNA analysis support device 10, processing is performed by the arithmetic unit 11, which operates according to a program read from memory 12 or external storage device 13. Each processing unit constituting the processing unit 110 realizes its respective function by having the arithmetic unit 11 execute a program.

[0051] Memory 12 is a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, and functions as a storage area where programs and data are temporarily read. External storage device 13 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a writable and readable storage medium such as a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), or a DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk-Random Access Memory), and a storage medium drive device.

[0052] The input IF14 is an interface that is connected to an input device such as a mechanical key or a touch panel, for example, and receives operation signals from the input device. The output IF15 is an interface for outputting information to an output device built in or connected to the DNA identification support device 10. The communication IF16 is an interface for connecting the DNA identification support device 10 to the network N and the bus, and a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, for example, is connected thereto. The communication unit 150 realizes its function through the communication IF16. Note that the DNA identification support device 10 may have a storage medium drive device (not shown) and input / output information from a portable medium.

[0053] The hardware configurations of the DNA identification request device 20, the DNA inspection device 30, and the DNA information storage device 40 are the same as those of the DNA identification support device 10, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0054] <DNA Information Registration Process>

[0055] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the DNA information registration process. The process of this sequence diagram is started, for example, when the DNA identification support device 10 receives an input operation indicating that it wishes to register DNA information.

[0056] First, the DNA information acquisition unit 111 of the DNA identification support device 10 receives an input of the name of the person wishing to register (step S11).

[0057] Next, the DNA information acquisition unit 111 assigns a requester ID to the person wishing to register who has input their name in step S11 (step S12).

[0058] Next, the DNA testing support provider, which is a provider of DNA testing support services, collects a sample using the test kit (step S13). The DNA testing support provider holds the test kit and collects the first sample from the person wishing to register. For example, the DNA testing support provider collects the first sample by swabbing the inside of the mouth of the person wishing to register with the cotton swab included in the test kit, or by obtaining a hair follicle. Alternatively, the DNA testing support provider may obtain the first sample collected at the home or accommodation of the person wishing to register, or by mail. The DNA information acquisition unit 111 of the DNA testing support device 10 may facilitate the collection of the first sample by outputting a method for collecting the sample.

[0059] Next, the DNA testing supporter sends the sample (step S14). Specifically, the DNA testing supporter encloses the first sample collected in step S13 and the applicant ID assigned in step S12 and sends them to the DNA testing device 30.

[0060] Next, the DNA testing unit 311 of the DNA testing device 30 performs STR measurement, assigns a registration number, and stores it (step S15). Specifically, the DNA testing unit 311 extracts DNA information from the first sample sent by the DNA analysis supporter in step S14, assigns a registration number, and stores it in a predetermined registered STR data file in the DNA information storage device 40. The DNA testing unit 311 extracts DNA information by, for example, extracting DNA from the sample of the first sample, amplifying the DNA by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and measuring it with an STR measuring instrument.

[0061] Next, the DNA testing unit 311 transmits the registration number, the registered STR data file name, and the applicant ID to the DNA analysis support device 10 (step S16). Specifically, the DNA testing unit 311 transmits the registration number assigned in step S15, the registered STR data file name in which the DNA information was stored in step S15, and the applicant ID sent by the DNA analysis supporter in step S14 to the DNA analysis support device 10 owned by the DNA analysis supporter who sent the sample. The DNA analysis support device 10 stores the received information in an area of ​​the storage unit 120 (not shown).

[0062] Next, the registration unit 112 accepts input of the registrant name, registration category, and registered STR data file name for the STR registration screen 160 and displays the registration number (step S17). The registration unit 112 displays the STR registration screen 160 according to the input operation.

[0063] Figure 11(A) shows an example of the STR registration screen 160. Figure 11(B) shows an example of the STR inquiry request screen 170. As shown in Figure 11(A), the STR registration screen 160 has a registrant name input area 161, a registration category input area 162, a registered STR data file name input area 163, a registration number display area 164, a DNA information registration button 165, and a cancel button 166.

[0064] The registrant name input area 161 is for entering the name of the person wishing to register. The registration category input area 162 is for entering the registration category. In the registration category input area 162, either "Self" or "Blood Relative" can be selected. The "Self" registration category indicates that the person wishing to register is a party who may be the subject of a search, and the "Blood Relative" registration category indicates that the person wishing to register is a blood relative of a person who may be the subject of a search.

[0065] The registered STR data file name input area 163 is an area that accepts input of the registered STR data file name in which DNA information is stored. The registration number display area 164 is an area that displays the registration number of the DNA information of the person wishing to register. The DNA information registration button 165 is a button that accepts input of an instruction to register the DNA information identified by the registration number displayed in the registration number display area 164 to the person's DNA information 121 or relative's DNA information 122. The cancel button 166 is a button that accepts input of an instruction to cancel the registration of DNA information.

[0066] The registration unit 112 uses the information entered in the registrant name input area 161 and the registration STR data file name input area 163 to refer to the storage unit 120, identify the corresponding registration number, and display it in the registration number display area 164.

[0067] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 5. Next, the DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires the locus measurement value from the registered STR data file (step S18). Specifically, when the DNA information acquisition unit 111 receives input to the DNA information registration button 165 on the STR registration screen 160, it uses the registered STR data file name entered in the registered STR data file name input area 163 and the registration number displayed in the registration number display area 164 to refer to the extracted DNA information 421 in the DNA information storage device 40 and identify the corresponding DNA information. The DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires the locus measurement value, which is the identified DNA information, from the DNA information storage device 40.

[0068] Next, the registration unit 112 stores the acquired locus measurement values in the personal DNA information 121 or the DNA information of blood relatives 122 (step S19). Specifically, the registration unit 112 associates the locus measurement values acquired in step S18 with the name of the applicant who wishes to register, the applicant ID assigned in step S11, the registration number and the registered STR data file name acquired from the DNA testing device 30 in step S16, and stores them in the personal DNA information 121 or the DNA information of blood relatives 122. When the registration category "personal" is entered in the registration category input area 162 of the STR registration screen 160 in step S17, the registration unit 112 stores the information in the personal DNA information 121. When the registration category "blood relationship" is entered, the registration unit 112 stores the information in the DNA information of blood relatives 122.

[0069] After that, the DNA identification support device 10 and the DNA testing device 30 end the processing of this sequence diagram.

[0070] <DNA Information Inquiry Process>

[0071] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the inquiry information reception process. The processing of this sequence diagram is started, for example, when the DNA identification request device 20 receives an input operation for requesting an inquiry of DNA information. Before the start of this processing, the DNA identification requester having the DNA identification request device 20 has identified the inquirer.

[0072] First, the inquiry request unit 211 of the DNA identification request device 20 transmits an inquiry request specifying the inquiry category to the DNA identification support device 10 (step S21). Specifically, the inquiry request unit 211 receives an input operation of the inquiry category indicating whether the inquirer is the party to be searched or a blood relative of the party. The inquiry request unit 211 sets the information for identifying the inquirer and transmits it to the DNA identification support device 10 as an inquiry request together with the input inquiry category.

[0073] Next, the DNA testing supporter equipped with the DNA testing support device 10 assigns a requester ID and sends a test kit (step S22). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 of the DNA testing support device 10 assigns a requester ID to the requester in response to the inquiry request. The DNA testing supporter encloses the test kit and the requester ID and sends them to the DNA testing requester by mail or other means. The DNA testing supporter only needs to send the test kit to the location of the requester, and the recipient is not limited to the DNA testing requester. In addition, the inquiry unit 113 may display a message prompting the requester to send the test kit along with the requester ID.

[0074] Next, the DNA test requester collects a sample using the test kit (step S23). The DNA test requester collects a second sample of the person seeking the inquiry using the received test kit. In this step, the person seeking the inquiry who received the test kit may collect their own second sample. The inquiry request unit 211 of the DNA test request device 20 may also display a message prompting the collection of the second sample.

[0075] Next, the DNA test requestor sends the sample (step S24). Specifically, the DNA test requestor encloses the second sample collected in step S23 and the requester ID assigned in step S22 and sends them to the DNA testing support device 10.

[0076] Next, the DNA testing supporter sends the sample received in step S24 to the DNA testing device 30 (step S25). Alternatively, in step S24, the person requesting the DNA testing may directly send the sample to the DNA testing device 30.

[0077] The processes executed in steps S26 to S27 are the same as those executed in steps S15 to S16 in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0078] Next, the inquiry unit 113 of the DNA analysis support device 10 receives input of registration number, inquiry category, registered STR data file name, and test matching threshold for the STR inquiry request screen 170 (step S28).

[0079] The STR inquiry request screen 170 shown in Figure 11(B) includes a registration number input area 171, an inquiry category input area 172, a registered STR data file name input area 173, a search matching threshold input area 174, a DNA inquiry instruction button 175, and a cancel button 176.

[0080] The registration number input area 171 is an area for receiving the registration number of the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry, which has been assigned by the DNA testing device 30. The inquiry category input area 172 is an area for receiving the inquiry category. In the inquiry category input area 172, either "Self" or "Blood Relative" inquiry categories are displayed for selection. The "Self" inquiry category indicates that the person requesting the inquiry is the person who was the subject of the search, and the "Blood Relative" inquiry category indicates that the person requesting the inquiry is a blood relative of the person who was the subject of the search.

[0081] The registered STR data file name input area 173 is an area that accepts input for the registered STR data file name in which the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry is stored. The search matching threshold input area 174 is an area that accepts the specification of a threshold for the matching rate with the person being inquired about. For persons being inquired about whose matching rate is calculated to be below the threshold, output to the inquiry results will be suppressed.

[0082] The DNA query command button 175 accepts the input operation for initiating the query for DNA information. The cancel button 176 accepts the input operation for canceling the query for DNA information.

[0083] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 6. Next, the DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires the locus measurement value from the registered STR data file (step S29). Specifically, when the DNA information acquisition unit 111 receives input to the DNA inquiry instruction button 175 on the STR inquiry request screen 170, it uses the registered STR data file name entered in the registered STR data file name input area 173 and the registration number displayed in the registration number display area 164 to refer to the extracted DNA information 421 in the DNA information storage device 40 and identify the corresponding DNA information. The DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires the locus measurement value, which is the identified DNA information, from the DNA information storage device 40. In other words, the DNA information acquired by the DNA information acquisition unit 111 is the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry. To put it another way, in this step, the DNA information acquisition unit 111 acquires the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry, which is identified in the inquiry request sent from the DNA analysis request device 20 in step S21.

[0084] Next, the inquiry unit 113 performs an inquiry according to the inquiry category (step S30). This process will be described later. The inquiry unit 113 selects the person who wishes to register, as the inquiry target, and performs the DNA information inquiry process with the person who wishes to register.

[0085] Next, the notification unit 114 notifies the DNA analysis request device 20 of the query result (step S31). Specifically, the query unit 113 notifies the DNA analysis request device 20 that sent the query request of the query result obtained in step S30.

[0086] Next, the inquiry request unit 211 of the DNA testing request device 20 outputs the inquiry result (step S32). For example, the DNA testing request device 20 displays the inquiry result on the display. For another example, the DNA testing request device 20 sends an email containing the inquiry result to the person requesting the inquiry or their guardian. For yet another example, the DNA testing request device 20 prints the inquiry result on paper and sends it to the person requesting the inquiry or their guardian. After that, the DNA testing request device 20, the DNA testing support device 10, and the DNA testing device 30 complete the processing shown in this sequence diagram.

[0087] Figure 12 shows an example (part 1) of the query result display screen 180. The query result display screen 180 includes a sample name display area 181 and a query result display area 182. The sample name display area 181 is an area where information identifying the person requesting the inquiry is displayed. The query result display area 182 is an area where the query results are displayed. As shown in this figure, for example, the query result display area 182 displays the matching rate with the person requesting the inquiry for each person who is the target of the inquiry. In this example, the query result display area 182 displays one or more people who exceed the matching threshold entered in the search matching threshold input area 174 of the STR inquiry request screen 170 shown in Figure 11(B), in descending order of matching rate. Note that the query results displayed in the query result display area 182 are not limited to this example. For example, a predetermined number of people with high matching rates may be displayed regardless of the matching threshold.

[0088] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the STR type of kinship. DNA contains regions where DNA sequences of 2 to less than 10 bases are repeated in series as a single unit. These regions, called STRs, are located at specific positions (locuses) on chromosomes, and the number of repetitions differs from person to person, making them useful for DNA analysis.

[0089] In this embodiment, DNA sequences from 21 loci r are used. The DNA analysis support device 10 assigns a locus number to each locus in advance. For example, the topmost record y shown in Figure 7 has a locus number of "1" and indicates that for the locus identified by "D3S1358", the father s has "15, 17" repetitions, the offspring t has "15, 16" repetitions, and the mother u has "16, 16" repetitions. In this way, the number of repetitions in a pair is expressed as the "STR value" (also called the allele number).

[0090] Since the STR value for each locus is unique for each person, if the person requesting the inquiry and the person being inquired about are the same individual, the STR values ​​for all locuses in both samples will be exactly the same.

[0091] On the other hand, in the case of STR types with a parent-child relationship, the STR value of child t is paired by inheriting one of the STR values ​​of father s and one of the STR values ​​of mother u. In record y, child t inherits "15", one of the STR values ​​of father s, and "16", one of the STR values ​​of mother u, and has the STR values ​​"15, 16".

[0092] Furthermore, in record z shown in Figure 7, the mother u does not have an STR value. Thus, there are certain loci where women do not have an STR value. Note that among siblings, there is a high probability that one of them will have the same STR value in each locus. For example, siblings with the same father and mother will theoretically have a 50% chance of matching STR values.

[0093] By utilizing the properties described above and analyzing the STR values ​​in each locus, it is possible to calculate the matching rate of DNA information between the inquirer and the inquired individual.

[0094] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the DNA information querying process in the first embodiment. This flowchart provides a more detailed explanation of the process performed by the DNA analysis support device 10 in step S30 shown in Figure 6.

[0095] First, the inquiry unit 113 determines the inquiry category (step S301). Specifically, in step S28 shown in Figure 6, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether the inquiry category entered in the inquiry category input area 172 of the STR inquiry request screen 170 is "the person concerned" or "a blood relative".

[0096] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the inquiry category is "the person concerned" (if it is "the person concerned" in step S301), it performs an exact match process with the person concerned's DNA information 121 (step S302). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 performs an exact match process between the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry obtained in step 29 and the DNA information of each person being inquired about included in the person concerned's DNA information 121. The exact match process will be described later. As a result, it is determined whether the person requesting the inquiry is the same person as any of the registration applicants included in the person concerned's DNA information 121.

[0097] Next, the query unit 113 determines whether or not a perfect match query result exists (step S303). The query unit 113 determines that a perfect match query result exists if, as a result of the perfect match processing in step S302, there is a record of the individual's DNA information 121 that has the same DNA information as the person requesting the query. If the query unit 113 determines that a perfect match query result exists (if the answer is "YES" in step S303), the process proceeds to step S31 shown in Figure 6. The query unit 113 calculates a matching rate between the person requesting the query and the person requesting the query for which a perfect match query result has been determined, which is a value very close to 100% (for example, 99.99%).

[0098] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that there are no exact match queries (i.e., "NO" in step S303), it performs a partial match process with the relative DNA information 122 (step S304). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 performs a partial match process between the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry obtained in step 29 and the DNA information of each person being inquired about included in the relative DNA information 122. The partial match process will be described later. As a result, the matching rate between the person requesting the inquiry and the registered individuals included in the relative DNA information 122 is calculated. After that, the inquiry unit 113 proceeds to step S31 shown in Figure 6.

[0099] In step S301, if the inquiry unit 113 determines that the inquiry category is "related" (if it is "related" in step S301), it performs a partial matching process with the individual's DNA information 121 (step S305). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 performs a partial matching process between the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry obtained in step 29 and the DNA information of each person being inquired about included in the individual's DNA information 121. As a result, the matching rate between the person requesting the inquiry and the person requesting registration included in the individual's DNA information 121 is calculated. After that, the inquiry unit 113 proceeds to step S31 shown in Figure 6.

[0100] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the exact match process. This process is performed on each record of the individual's DNA information 121 in step S302 shown in Figure 8.

[0101] First, the inquiry unit 113 identifies one of the DNA records that has not yet been designated for processing (step S41). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 identifies one of the records included in the individual's DNA information 121 that has not yet been designated for processing as the record of the person being inquired about.

[0102] Next, the inquiry unit 113 identifies the lowest locale number among the locale numbers that have not yet been queried as the target of the inquiry (step S42).

[0103] Next, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether the STR values ​​match (step S43). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 identifies the STR value of the locus number identified as the target for processing in step S42 from the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry obtained in step S29 in Figure 6. The inquiry unit 113 identifies the STR value of the locus number to be processed from the locus measurement value 121d of the person's DNA information 121 identified in step S41, i.e., the locus measurement value 121d of the person being inquired. The inquiry unit 113 determines whether the STR value of the person requesting the inquiry and the STR value of the person being inquired are a perfect match.

[0104] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the STR values ​​match (if the answer is "YES" in step S43), it stores information indicating that the STR values ​​match (step S44).

[0105] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the STR values ​​do not match (i.e., "NO" in step S43), or after processing in step S44, it determines whether the locus number is "21" (step S45). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether the locus number identified as the target for processing in step S42 is "21".

[0106] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the locus number is not "21" (i.e., if the result in step S45 is "NO"), it proceeds to step S42.

[0107] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the locus number is "21" (i.e., if the answer is "YES" in step S45), it obtains the result of whether or not there is an exact match (step S46). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 refers to the information stored in step S44 and determines whether or not the STR values ​​match for all locus numbers from 1 to 21.

[0108] Next, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether all records of the target DNA information have been selected for processing (step S47). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether all records included in the personal DNA information 121 were identified as targets for processing in step S41. If the inquiry unit 113 determines that not all records of the target DNA information have been selected for processing (i.e., "NO" in step S47), the process proceeds to step S41. As a result, one of the records of the personal DNA information 121 that has not yet been selected for processing is identified as a target for processing.

[0109] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that all records of the target DNA information are to be processed (i.e., "YES" in step S47), it terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0110] In this embodiment, step S43 determines whether the STR values ​​are a perfect match. However, the inquiry unit 113 may determine whether the STR values ​​are a partial match. Also, in step S46, it is determined whether the STR value of the inquiry requestor and the STR value of the inquiry target are a perfect match. However, if the STR values ​​are a perfect or partial match for some locus numbers but not for other locus numbers, the inquiry unit 113 may calculate the degree of match as a matching rate.

[0111] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of partial matching processing. This processing is performed on each record of the individual's DNA information 121 or relative's DNA information 122 in step S304 or step S305 shown in Figure 8.

[0112] First, the inquiry unit 113 identifies one of the records in the target DNA information that has not yet been designated for processing (step S51). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 identifies one of the records included in the target DNA information 121 or relative DNA information 122 that has not yet been designated for processing as the inquiry target.

[0113] Next, the inquiry unit 113 identifies the lowest locality number among the locality numbers that have not yet been queried as the target of the inquiry (step S52).

[0114] Next, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether at least one STR value of the person requesting the inquiry exists in the locus number of the person being inquired (step S53). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 identifies the STR value of the locus number identified as the target for processing in step S52 from the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry obtained in step S29 of Figure 6. The inquiry unit 113 identifies the STR value of the locus number identified as the target for processing from the locus measurement value 121d of the person's DNA information 121 or the locus measurement value 122d of the relative's DNA information 122 identified in step S51 as the STR value of the person being inquired. The inquiry unit 113 determines whether at least one of the STR values ​​of the person requesting the inquiry is included in the STR value of the person being inquired.

[0115] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that at least one STR value of the person requesting the inquiry exists in the local number of the person being inquired about (if the answer is "YES" in step S53), it proceeds to step S58.

[0116] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that at least one of the requester's STR values ​​is not present in the locus number of the person being inquired about (i.e., "NO" in step S53), that is, if none of the requester's STR values ​​are included in the STR values ​​of the person being inquired about, it determines whether or not it is a gender-specific locus (step S54). As mentioned above, there is a predetermined locus in which women do not have STR values. The inquiry unit 113 determines whether or not the locus number identified in step S52 is a locus number that indicates a locus in which women do not have STR values.

[0117] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the locus is not specific to gender (i.e., if the result in step S54 is "NO"), it proceeds to step S59.

[0118] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the locale is specific to gender (if the answer is "YES" in step S54), it determines whether gender characteristic information already exists (step S55). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 refers to an area of ​​the storage unit 120 (not shown) and determines whether gender characteristic information is already stored for the combination of the person requesting the inquiry and the person being inquired about.

[0119] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that gender characteristic information does not exist (if the result is "NO" in step S55), it generates gender characteristic information (step S56). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 generates gender characteristic information by determining which of the STR values ​​of the inquiry requester and the inquiry target is a male-specific STR value and which is a female-specific STR value. For example, the inquiry unit 113 generates gender characteristic information that identifies the person without an STR value as female and the person with an STR value as male, and stores this information in the storage unit 120.

[0120] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that gender characteristic information already exists (if the answer is "YES" in step S55), it determines whether or not it matches the stored gender characteristic information (step S57). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 refers to the STR value of the person requesting the inquiry and the STR value of the person being inquired about in the locale number to be processed, and estimates the gender of the person requesting the inquiry and the person being processed. The inquiry unit 113 then determines whether or not the estimated gender matches the gender characteristic information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0121] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the information does not match the stored gender characteristic information (i.e., if the result in step S57 is "NO"), it proceeds to step S59.

[0122] The inquiry unit 113 stores information indicating that the STR values ​​are common if it determines that the stored gender characteristic information matches (if the answer is "YES" in step S57), or if it determines in step S53 that at least one STR value of the person requesting the inquiry exists in the locus number of the person being inquired about (if the answer is "YES" in step S53), or after step S56, it stores information indicating that the STR values ​​are common (step S58).

[0123] If the inquiry unit 113 determines after step S58, or in step S54, that the locus is not specific to sex (if the result is "NO" in step S54), or if it determines in step S57 that the locus does not match the stored sex characteristic information (if the result is "NO" in step S57), it executes the process in step S59. The process in step S59 is the same as in step S45 in Figure 9, so its explanation is omitted.

[0124] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that the locus number is "21" (i.e., if the answer is "YES" in step S60), it calculates the matching rate. Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 uses the information stored in step S58 to calculate the matching rate between the person requesting the inquiry and the person being inquired about. Naturally, a higher matching rate indicates a higher probability of the person being a blood relative.

[0125] Next, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether it has identified all records of the target DNA information as targets for processing (step S61). Specifically, the inquiry unit 113 determines whether it has identified all records included in the DNA information of the person 121 or the relative's DNA information 122, which are the DNA information to be processed, as targets for processing in step S51. If the inquiry unit 113 determines that it has not identified all records of the target DNA information as targets for processing (i.e., "NO" in step S61), it proceeds to step S51.

[0126] If the inquiry unit 113 determines that it has identified all records of the target DNA information as targets for processing (i.e., if the answer is "YES" in step S61), it terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0127] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently determine whether the person requesting the inquiry is the party being searched for, a blood relative of the party, or neither. In other words, the identity of the person to be protected can be efficiently identified.

[0128] In addition, in this embodiment, 21 locus are used to determine the STR type, but the number of locus used to determine the STR type is not limited to 21.

[0129] <Case 1: Local government protects missing persons> The DNA testing support system 1 in this embodiment can be applied when a local government takes custody of a missing person. For example, the DNA information of a person who may become missing in the future is registered in advance in the individual DNA information 121. Alternatively, the DNA information of a blood relative of the person in question may be registered in advance in the blood relative DNA information 122.

[0130] The local government that has found the missing person operates the DNA testing request device 20 as the DNA testing requester and sends the inquiry request to the DNA testing support device 10. The DNA information acquisition unit 111 of the DNA testing support device 10 treats the missing person as the person requesting the inquiry and acquires DNA information extracted from the missing person's second sample. Since the missing person is the subject of the search, the DNA testing request device 20 sends an inquiry request to the DNA testing support device 10 with the inquiry category set to "the person concerned".

[0131] Figure 13(A) shows an example of the inquiry result display screen 180 (part 2). Figure 13(B) shows an example of the inquiry result display screen 180 (part 3). When the inquiry category is "the person concerned", the DNA test request unit of the DNA test request device 20 may display the inquiry result display screen 180 shown in Figure 13(A) instead of the inquiry result display screen 180 shown in Figure 12.

[0132] The inquiry result display screen 180 shown in Figure 13(A) is displayed, for example, when the inquiry category is "the person concerned". When the inquiry category is "the person concerned", the notification unit 114 of the DNA analysis support device 10 may refer to the relative's name 121e and relative's contact information 121f from the person's DNA information 121, or the relative's name 122c and relative's contact information 122e from the relative's DNA information 122, and notify the name and contact information of the person with a high matching rate as the inquiry result. In that case, the name and contact information of the relative will be displayed in the inquiry result display area 182 of the inquiry result display screen 180.

[0133] Therefore, local governments that have taken custody of missing persons can efficiently identify them, improving convenience.

[0134] <Case 2: Police discover the body> The DNA analysis support system 1 in this embodiment can be applied when the police discover a body. The police officer who discovers the body, i.e., the unidentified person, operates the DNA analysis request device 20 as a DNA analysis requester and sends an inquiry request to the DNA analysis support device 10. When the police collect a second sample from the body, the STR value of the second sample is extracted. Since the body is the person being searched for, the DNA analysis request device 20 sends an inquiry request to the DNA analysis support device 10 with the inquiry category set to "the person concerned". As a result, the DNA analysis request device 20 can display, for example, the inquiry result display screen 180 shown in Figure 13(A) as the inquiry result.

[0135] The DNA testing request device 20 can, in response to input from a police officer, notify the contact information of relatives displayed in association with a predetermined number of individuals with a high matching rate. The notification may include text encouraging a face-to-face meeting with the person requesting the inquiry. DNA information extracted from a corpse may be partially corrupted. Therefore, by encouraging individuals with a high matching rate to meet with the person requesting the inquiry, the identity of the corpse can be efficiently determined.

[0136] For example, if a family member goes missing, relatives may file a missing person report with the police. In this embodiment, in the relative DNA information 122, information indicating whether or not a missing person report has been filed for a party related to the registration applicant may be registered in association with the locus measurement value 122d. If, as a result of the inquiry process for a missing person or unidentified person found by the police, a person with a high matching rate is included in the relative DNA information 122, the notification unit 114 of the DNA analysis support device 10 may notify the DNA analysis request device 20 of the inquiry results, including information indicating that a missing person report has been filed for the person being investigated. In that case, the inquiry result display screen 180 can display information indicating that a missing person report has already been filed for the person being investigated.

[0137] <Case 3: Relatives search for missing person> The DNA analysis support system 1 in this embodiment can be applied when relatives search for a missing person. For example, when the police or local government find a missing person, the DNA analysis support device 10 treats the missing person as a person wishing to register and registers the DNA information extracted from the first sample. In this case, since the missing person is a party who may be the subject of the search, the registration unit 112 accepts input of the registration category as "the person concerned". As a result, the missing person's DNA information is registered in the person's DNA information 121. In addition, the location of the found missing person is registered in the person's location 121g of the person's DNA information 121.

[0138] As another example, when the police or local government find a disaster victim, the DNA analysis support device 10 treats the victim as a person wishing to register and registers the DNA information extracted from the first sample. In this case, since the victim is a person who may be the target of a search, the registration unit 112 accepts input for the registration category of "the person concerned". As a result, the victim's DNA information is registered in the person's DNA information 121. If the victim is admitted to a hospital, the hospital's location is registered in the person's location 121g of the person's DNA information 121. If the victim's body is taken to a morgue, the location of the body is registered in the person's location 121g of the person's DNA information 121.

[0139] Meanwhile, relatives request a search from public institutions such as the police or local government. The DNA information acquisition unit 111 of the DNA analysis support device 10 treats the relatives as inquiry requesters and acquires DNA information extracted from the second sample. Since the inquiry requesters are relatives of the person being searched for, the DNA analysis request device 20 sends an inquiry request to the DNA analysis support device 10 specifying the inquiry category as "relative". As a result, the DNA analysis request device 20 can display the inquiry result display screen 180 shown in Figure 13(B) as the inquiry result.

[0140] The inquiry result display screen 180 shown in Figure 13(B) is displayed, for example, when the inquiry category is "blood relation". When the inquiry category is "blood relation", the notification unit 114 of the DNA analysis support device 10 can refer to the location 121g of the person's DNA information 121 and notify the location of a predetermined number of inquiry subjects with a high matching rate as the inquiry result. In that case, the location of a predetermined number of inquiry subjects is displayed in the inquiry result display area 182 of the inquiry result display screen 180.

[0141] This embodiment allows relatives to efficiently search for missing persons who have been registered in advance, and to easily identify the missing persons.

[0142] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will now be described. The DNA analysis support system 1 in the second embodiment includes an insurance company terminal device 50. The differences from the above embodiment will now be described.

[0143] In this embodiment, a DNA testing support provider offers an insurance company a service to register the DNA information of the insured under an insurance contract. When the insurance company enters into a contract with the insured, it is required to register the insured's DNA information with the DNA testing support device 10. This allows for rapid identity verification in the event that the customer is involved in an accident or disaster. Furthermore, even if the accident or disaster occurs in another country, for example, identity verification can be easily performed by cross-referencing the DNA information of a second sample collected locally.

[0144] Figure 14 is an example of a functional block diagram of the DNA analysis support system 1 in the second embodiment. The insurance company terminal device 50 is an information processing device such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet owned by the insurance company, and is connected to at least the DNA analysis support device 10 in a communication manner.

[0145] The insurance company terminal device 50 comprises a processing unit 510, a storage unit 520, an input unit 530, an output unit 540, and a communication unit 550. The processing unit 510 comprehensively controls the entire insurance company terminal device 50. The storage unit 520 stores information necessary for processing by the processing unit 510. The input unit 530 receives information input from each input device connected via an input interface. The output unit 540 outputs information via an output device connected via an output interface. The communication unit 550 mediates the transmission and reception of information with other devices that are connected in a communicative manner.

[0146] The processing unit 510 includes an investigation unit 511. The investigation unit 511 transmits registration confirmation information, which includes information identifying the person to be registered, to the DNA analysis support device 10. The person to be registered is a candidate for an insurance contract. The information identifying the person to be registered is the person's personal information, such as name, address, and date of birth. The investigation unit 511 receives a response to the registration confirmation from the DNA analysis support device 10.

[0147] Furthermore, the processing unit 110 of the DNA analysis support device 10 in the second embodiment includes a DNA information acquisition unit 111, a registration unit 112, an inquiry unit 113, a notification unit 114, and a registration status determination unit 115. The registration status determination unit 115 searches for the individual's DNA information 121 using registration confirmation information from the insurance company terminal device 50, determines whether the person subject to registration confirmation is registered, and transmits the determination result to the insurance company terminal device 50.

[0148] In addition, the DNA information 121 in the second embodiment includes personal information such as the individual's address and date of birth, as well as the information shown in Figure 2.

[0149] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the DNA registration status determination process. This sequence diagram is initiated, for example, when the insurance company terminal device 50 receives an input operation indicating the start of processing. Prior to the start of this process, the insurance company terminal device 50 obtains personal information of the person who may be a registered insured person.

[0150] First, the investigation unit 511 of the insurance company terminal device 50 transmits registration confirmation information, including the subject's personal information, to the DNA analysis support device 10 (step S71). The registration status determination unit 115 of the DNA analysis support device 10 acquires the transmitted registration confirmation information.

[0151] Next, the registration determination unit 115 of the DNA analysis support device 10 determines whether or not the DNA information 121 has been registered (step S72). Specifically, the registration determination unit 115 refers to the DNA information 121 using the personal information contained in the registration confirmation information and determines whether or not the local measurement value 121d of the person to be registered has been registered.

[0152] Next, the registration status determination unit 115 transmits the determination result from step S72 to the insurance company terminal device 50 (step S73). If, in step S72, it is determined that the DNA information of the person to be registered is included in the personal DNA information 121, the registration status determination unit 115 and the insurance company terminal device 50 terminate the processing shown in this sequence diagram.

[0153] If the DNA testing supporter determines in step S72 that the person is not registered, they send a test kit to the person's address (step S74). For example, the registration status determination unit 115 displays the address of the person to be registered, which was received from the insurance company terminal device 50 in step S71, and prompts the DNA testing supporter to send the test kit. As a result, the DNA testing supporter obtains the first sample of the person to be registered.

[0154] Next, the registration unit 112 performs DNA information registration processing for the person to be registered (step S75). The DNA information registration processing is the same as the process shown in Figure 5. As a result, the DNA information of the person to be registered is registered in the personal DNA information 121.

[0155] Next, the notification unit 114 notifies that registration is complete (step S76). Specifically, the notification unit 114 sends a registration completion notification to the insurance company terminal device 50, which includes the name of the person to be registered and information indicating that registration is complete. After that, the DNA analysis support device 10 and the insurance company terminal device 50 terminate the processing shown in this sequence diagram.

[0156] In summary, this embodiment allows insurance companies to facilitate the registration of insured persons' DNA information, reducing the burden of identity verification in the event of accidents or disasters, and preventing fraudulent activities such as impersonation. Furthermore, even if an accident or disaster occurs overseas, identity verification can be performed using DNA information extracted from a second sample, improving convenience.

[0157] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below. In the third embodiment, the DNA analysis support system 1 associates whether or not a body has been found with the individual's DNA information 121 and the relative's DNA information 122. Subsequently, in response to a request for confirmation of survival, the DNA analysis support device 10 performs a survival confirmation. The differences from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0158] Figure 16 is an example of a functional block diagram of the DNA analysis support system 1 in the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the processing unit 110 of the DNA analysis support device 10 includes a DNA information acquisition unit 111, a registration unit 112, an inquiry unit 113, a notification unit 114, and a survival determination unit 116.

[0159] When the survival determination unit 116 receives information indicating a survival confirmation request that identifies the person to be confirmed alive, it performs survival confirmation by referring to the person's DNA information 121 or the relative's DNA information 122. In this embodiment, if the death of the person is confirmed, the registration unit 112 associates information indicating that the death has been confirmed with the person's DNA information 121 or the relative's DNA information 122.

[0160] Figure 17(A) shows an example of the data structure of the individual's DNA information 121 in the third embodiment. Figure 17(b) shows an example of the data structure of the relative's DNA information 122 in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 17(A), the individual's DNA information 121 in this embodiment includes the applicant ID 121a, registration number 121b, individual's name 121c, locus measurement value 121d, relative's name 121e, relative's contact information 121f, individual's address 121g, registered STR data file name 121h, as well as identity verification information 121i and body identification flag 121j.

[0161] Identity verification information 121i is personal information of the individual identified by the applicant ID 121a. Examples of identity verification information 121i include the individual's legal gender and date of birth. The body confirmation flag 121j indicates whether or not the individual's body has been confirmed. In other words, the body confirmation flag 121j indicates whether or not death has been confirmed.

[0162] As shown in Figure 17(B), the relative DNA information 122 in this embodiment includes the applicant ID 122a, registration number 122b, relative name 122c, locus measurement value 122d, relative contact information 122e, registered STR data file name 122f, protected person name 122g, as well as protected person confirmation information 122h and body confirmation flag 122i. The protected person confirmation information 122h is personal information of the protected person whose name is included in the protected person name 122g. The protected person confirmation information 122h is, for example, the protected person's registered gender, date of birth, etc. The body confirmation flag 122i is information indicating whether or not the protected person's body has been confirmed.

[0163] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of DNA information query processing in the third embodiment. Similar to the embodiments described above, in this embodiment as well, the DNA analysis support device 10 receives a query request in step S21 of the query information reception processing shown in Figure 6. If the person requesting the query is a corpse, the received query request will include information indicating that the person requesting the query is a corpse.

[0164] The processes performed in steps S301 to S305 are the same as the DNA information query process shown in Figure 8, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0165] In step S303, if the inquiry unit 113 determines that an exact match query result exists (if the answer is "YES" in step S303), the registration unit 112 associates a confirmation flag if the person is a corpse (step S311). Specifically, if the person requesting the inquiry, whose referral request was received in step S21, is a corpse, the registration unit 112 associates information indicating that the corpse has been confirmed with the corpse confirmation flag 121j of the record of the person's DNA information 121 that was determined to be an exact match. After that, the processing unit 110 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0166] After the processing in step S303, the registration unit 112 associates a confirmation flag if it is a corpse (step S312). Specifically, in step S304, the registration unit 112 associates information indicating that a corpse has been identified with the corpse confirmation flag 122i of the relative DNA information 122 record that was determined to be a partial match. After that, the processing unit 110 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0167] The process shown in this figure associates information about death with the individual's DNA information 121 or relative's DNA information 122 if the person concerned in the inquiry request is a corpse. The registration unit 112 may update the individual's DNA information 121 or relative's DNA information 122 at times other than when an inquiry request is received. For example, during the DNA information registration process, the registration unit 112 may associate information about death with the DNA information of the person wishing to register if the person wishing to register is a corpse. Alternatively, the registration unit 112 may update the individual's DNA information 121 or relative's DNA information 122 at any time after receiving a registration request. In this case, the registration unit 112 receives a registration request that includes personal information such as the person's name and date of birth, as well as information indicating death, and refers to the individual's DNA information 121 and relative's DNA information 122. The registration unit changes the corpse confirmation flag of the person's record to information indicating that the corpse has been confirmed.

[0168] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a survival confirmation process.

[0169] First, the survival determination unit 116 obtains survival confirmation request information that identifies personal information (step S81). Specifically, the survival determination unit 116 obtains survival confirmation request information, including personal information of the person to be confirmed alive (name, legal gender, and date of birth, etc.), from an information processing device (not shown) that is connected to the network N in a communicable manner.

[0170] Next, the survival determination unit 116 identifies corresponding records for the individual's DNA information 121 and the relative's DNA information 122 (step S82). Specifically, the survival determination unit 116 uses the personal information contained in the survival confirmation request information obtained in step S81 to refer to the individual's DNA information 121. The survival determination unit 116 identifies the record containing the personal information in the identity verification information 121i of the individual's DNA information 121. For example, if there is no record corresponding to the individual's DNA information 121, the survival determination unit 116 identifies the record containing the personal information in the protected person verification information 122h of the relative's DNA information 122. If there are no corresponding records for both the individual's DNA information 121 and the relative's DNA information 122, the survival determination unit 116 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0171] Next, the survival determination unit 116 identifies and outputs whether the person is alive or not according to the body identification flag (step S83). Specifically, if the record identified in step S82 is the record of the person's DNA information 121, the survival determination unit 116 refers to the body identification flag 121j to determine whether the person to be confirmed alive is alive or not. If the record identified in step S82 is the record of the relative's DNA information 122, the survival determination unit 116 refers to the body identification flag 122i to determine whether the person to be confirmed alive is alive or not. Furthermore, the survival determination unit 116 assumes that the person being verified is alive if the body identification flag does not indicate death.

[0172] For example, the survival determination unit 116 transmits the determination result to the information processing device that sent the survival confirmation request information. Alternatively, the survival determination unit 116 prints the determination result and mails it to the person who made the survival confirmation request. When outputting information indicating that the person is alive, the survival determination unit 116 may also output the person's address by referring to the person's address 121g. After that, the processing unit 110 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0173] As described above, this embodiment improves convenience by allowing the DNA analysis support system 1, which registers DNA information, to utilize information on whether or not the subject's body has already been found. For example, in the event of a disaster, it is possible to suppress inefficiencies that arise from a lack of information sharing, such as conducting searches in other areas even though a body has already been found in one area.

[0174] The embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the examples of embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the examples of embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of making the present invention easy to understand, and the present invention is not limited to having all the configurations described herein. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one example of an embodiment with the configuration of another example. It is also possible to add a configuration of another example to the configuration of one example of an embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of one example of each embodiment with a configuration of another. In addition, some or all of the above configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc., may be realized in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Also, the control lines and information lines in the figures are shown only if they are considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily show all of them. It can be assumed that almost all of the configurations are interconnected.

[0175] Furthermore, the functional configurations of the DNA analysis support device 10, DNA testing device 30, DNA information storage device 40, and insurance company terminal device 50 described above are classified according to their main processing content for ease of understanding. The present invention is not limited by the way the components are classified or named. As stated above, the configurations of the DNA analysis support device 10, DNA testing device 30, DNA information storage device 40, and insurance company terminal device 50 can be further classified into more components depending on the processing content. Alternatively, a single component can be classified to perform even more processing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0176] 1: DNA testing support system, 10: DNA testing support device, 11: Calculation unit, 12: Memory, 13: External storage device, 14: Input IF, 15: Output IF, 16: Communication IF, 20: DNA testing request device, 30: DNA testing device, 40: DNA information storage device, 50: Insurance company terminal device, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510: Processing unit, 111: DNA information acquisition unit, 112: Registration unit, 113: Inquiry unit, 114: Notification unit, 115: Registration status determination unit, 116: Survival determination unit, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520: Storage unit, 121: Personal DNA information, 122: Relative DNA information, 130, 230, 330, 530: Input unit, 140, 240, 340, 540: Output unit, 150, 250, 350 ·450·550: Communication section, 160: STR registration screen, 161: Registrant name input area, 162: Registration category input area, 163·173: Registered STR data file name input area, 164: Registration number display area, 165: DNA information registration button, 166·176: Cancel button, 170: STR inquiry request screen, 171: Registration number input area, 172: Inquiry category input area, 174: Search matching threshold input area, 175: DNA inquiry instruction button, 180: Inquiry result display screen, 181: Sample name display area, 182: Inquiry result display area, 211: Inquiry request section, 311: DNA testing section, 421: Extracted DNA information, 511: Investigation section, N: Network, r: Locus, s: Father, t: Child, u: Mother, y·z: Record

Claims

1. The procedure for obtaining DNA information from the first sample, which is a sample from a person who wishes to register their DNA information, A procedure for obtaining DNA information from a second sample of the person requesting the inquiry, as identified in the inquiry request, An inquiry procedure for receiving the aforementioned inquiry request from a public institution and obtaining the results of the query between the DNA information of the second sample and the DNA information of the first sample, A notification procedure for notifying the public institution of the results of the inquiry, A DNA analysis support method characterized by having the following features.

2. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 1, A DNA analysis support method characterized by comprising a registration procedure for registering the DNA information of the first sample separately according to a registration category indicating whether the person requesting registration is a party who may be the subject of a search or a blood relative of the party.

3. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 2, A DNA analysis support method characterized in that the inquiry procedure identifies an inquiry category indicating whether the person requesting the inquiry is the party concerned or a blood relative of the party concerned, and refers to the DNA information of the first sample according to the inquiry category.

4. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 1, The DNA analysis support method is characterized by obtaining the query result using the STR type of DNA in the query procedure.

5. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 3, In the procedure for obtaining the second sample DNA, the DNA information of the second sample is obtained from a missing person or person of unknown identity who has been taken into custody by the police or local government, with the person being referred as the person requesting the information. A DNA testing support method characterized in that the inquiry procedure identifies the inquiry category indicating that the person requesting the inquiry is the party concerned.

6. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 5, In the aforementioned inquiry procedure, the matching rate between the person who is the subject of the inquiry (the person who is the A DNA testing support method characterized by comprising a procedure for facilitating face-to-face meetings with a predetermined number of the individuals to be inquired about who have a high matching rate, and for notifying contacts that have been previously associated with the individuals to be inquired about.

7. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 5, In the registration procedure described above, information indicating whether or not a missing person report has been filed with the party concerned is registered in association with the DNA information of the first sample. A DNA analysis support method characterized in that, in the notification procedure, the inquiry results concerning the person to be inquired about, associated with information indicating that a missing person report has been filed, include information regarding the missing person report.

8. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 3, In the procedure for obtaining the second sample DNA, the DNA information of the second sample of a relative of the missing person is obtained as the person requesting the inquiry. In the inquiry procedure, the inquiry category indicating that the person requesting the inquiry is a blood relative of the party is identified, and the matching rate between the person requesting the inquiry and the person requesting the inquiry, who is the person requesting registration, is obtained as the inquiry result. A DNA analysis support method characterized in that the notification procedure notifies the locations of a predetermined number of the persons to be inquired about who have a high matching rate.

9. The procedure for obtaining DNA information from the first sample, which is a sample from a person who wishes to register their DNA information, A procedure for obtaining DNA information from a second sample of the person requesting the inquiry, as identified in the inquiry request, A query procedure to obtain the query result between the DNA information of the second sample and the DNA information of the first sample in response to the query request, A notification procedure for notifying the sender of the inquiry request of the results of the inquiry, A procedure for obtaining registration confirmation information, which includes information identifying the person to be registered, from an insurance company's terminal device, The first sample DNA acquisition procedure includes a registration determination procedure that determines whether or not the DNA information of the person to be registered has been acquired, A response procedure for returning the determination result of the registration determination procedure to the insurance company terminal device, A DNA analysis support method characterized by having the following features.

10. A DNA analysis support method according to claim 9, The DNA analysis support method is characterized in that the first sample DNA acquisition procedure acquires the first sample of the person to be registered if the registration determination procedure determines that the DNA information of the person to be registered has not been acquired.

11. The procedure for obtaining DNA information from the first sample, which is a sample from a person who wishes to register their DNA information, A procedure for obtaining DNA information from a second sample of the person requesting the inquiry, as identified in the inquiry request, A query procedure to obtain the query result between the DNA information of the second sample and the DNA information of the first sample in response to the query request, A registration procedure for registering information relating the DNA information to information regarding death when the aforementioned applicant or the aforementioned inquirer has died, A survival determination method comprising: a survival determination unit that, upon receiving information indicating a survival confirmation request that identifies a person to be confirmed alive, performs survival confirmation of the person to be confirmed alive by referring to the DNA information.

12. A DNA information acquisition unit that acquires DNA information extracted from samples of applicants for registration and those requesting inquiries, A registration unit that registers the DNA information of the applicant, distinguishing it according to the registration category indicating whether the applicant is a party who may be the subject of the search or a blood relative of the party, The system includes an inquiry unit that receives an inquiry request, identifies the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry, and obtains the results of the DNA information inquiry between the person requesting the inquiry and the person who is the registered person requesting the inquiry. The DNA analysis support device is characterized in that the inquiry unit identifies an inquiry category and refers to the DNA information of the person who wishes to register according to the inquiry category.

13. A DNA analysis support system in which a DNA analysis support device, a DNA testing device, and a DNA analysis request device owned by a public institution are connected to each other in a manner that enables communication between them, The DNA testing device is The system includes a DNA testing unit that extracts DNA information from a sample in response to an analysis request from the DNA analysis support device. The DNA analysis support device is A DNA information acquisition unit that acquires DNA information extracted from samples of applicants for registration and those requesting inquiries from the DNA testing device, An inquiry unit receives an inquiry request from the DNA testing request device that identifies the person requesting the inquiry, and obtains the result of the inquiry between the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry and the DNA information of the person requesting registration. A DNA analysis support system characterized by comprising a notification unit that notifies the DNA analysis request device of the query results.

14. A program that causes a DNA analysis support device to execute a DNA analysis support method, A procedure for obtaining DNA information extracted from samples of applicants for registration and those requesting inquiries, A registration procedure for registering the DNA information of the applicant, distinguishing it according to the registration category indicating whether the applicant is a party who may be the subject of a search or a blood relative of the said party, The procedure involves receiving an inquiry request that identifies the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry, and obtaining the results of the inquiry regarding the DNA information of the person requesting the inquiry and the person who is the registered person requesting the inquiry. The program is characterized in that the inquiry procedure identifies an inquiry category indicating the relationship between the person requesting the inquiry and the person being inquired about, and then references the DNA information of the person requesting registration according to the inquiry category.

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