App to support people who have difficulty returning home.

Abstract

We will provide a mobile app that can operate with low power consumption even when communication is cut off during a disaster, and that will support people walking home for several days or more. [Solution] The system has a means of storing location information of destinations such as one's home and target objects in advance, and after a disaster occurs, using GPS and compass functions, displaying the destination and target objects as icons on the screen according to the direction and distance from the current location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is an application for assisting homecomers in times of disaster. In particular, it relates to a technology for providing information with low power consumption to homecomers in a situation where communication is interrupted.

Background Art

[0002] During the Great East Japan Earthquake, approximately 5.15 million homecomers occurred in the Tokyo metropolitan area. (Estimated by the Cabinet Office) Furthermore, in the event of a direct hit earthquake in the capital, the number of homecomers is estimated to be at least 6.4 million. (See Non-Patent Document 1) In the Great East Japan Earthquake, many railways were able to resume operations within 1 to 2 days. However, in the event of a direct hit earthquake in the capital, important infrastructure such as transportation, power transmission networks, and communication networks will be significantly damaged. Moreover, from the perspective of prioritizing life-saving by the administrative side, efforts are being made to encourage a three-day waiting period. However, if the scale of damage is enormous, it is not possible to expect the restoration of transportation within a short period of about three days. Eventually, most commuters, students, and shoppers will become homecomers. That is, about 6.4 million people will be forced to return home on foot. In addition, due to road damage, a large amount of rubble, and dense crowds, it is said that the limit of walking movement during the disaster is 10 to 15 km per day. That is, it takes several days to return home to a place far beyond 15 km. As a realistic route to return home, it is conceivable to pass through several evacuation sites and return home while securing food, water, and a resting place. However, in a situation where communication is interrupted, the navigation function of the mobile terminal cannot be used. Even if communication is restored, there is also a problem of ensuring the power supply of the terminal. Based on the above, there has been a need for a technology to support walking home for several days even in a situation of communication failure and power shortage.

[0003] Due to concerns about communication failure due to disasters, many inventions have been made. One of them is a technology (see Patent Document 1) for guiding the evacuation route between any two points, which is a known technology even when communication between the mobile terminal and the server is impossible. Specifically, the system involves pre-searching for evacuation routes between any two locations, downloading them to a mobile device, and recording them. This way, even in the event of an unforeseen disaster, this evacuation route data can be utilized. However, its usefulness was questioned because it was an evacuation route established before the extent of the damage on the ground could be assessed. Moreover, since it did not take into account power shortages, it could not be applied to walking home during a disaster. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-147340 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Central Disaster Management Council, "Damage Estimates and Countermeasures for a Major Earthquake Directly Beneath the Capital," p. 56 https: / / www.bousai.go.jp / jishin / syuto / taisaku_wg / pdf / syuto_wg_siryo02.pdf [Non-Patent Document 2] (Same as above) p.24-25 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a disaster response application that assists users in returning home on foot, even in situations of communication disruption, and that can operate for extended periods with low power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This is a support app for people who have difficulty returning home. It stores location information for a destination such as home and landmarks that serve as reference points during travel. When activated during a disaster, it uses GPS and compass functions to display the destination as an icon on the screen according to the direction and distance from the current location, and also displays the landmarks as icons on the screen according to the direction and distance from the current location. The scale on the screen can be changed, and the destination icon is displayed regardless of the scale. The icons for landmarks that can be seen from a distance are also displayed on the screen even if they are outside the range of the scale display.

[0008] The icons are displayed separately within and outside a circular area corresponding to the scale, and measures are taken to keep the destination and the visible targets displayed on the edge of the circle, even if they are outside the icon display area.

[0009] Furthermore, the targets handled by this invention consist of natural objects such as mountains, evacuation sites such as government offices, schools, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, community centers, and parks, public objects such as bridges, transportation hubs such as train stations and airports, and public or private buildings with distinctive appearances, and the destination consists of one or more of the following: one's own home, workplace, relatives' homes, friends' homes, acquaintances' homes, business partners' homes, etc.

[0010] In addition, the present invention employs means to display the distance from the current location near each icon.

[0011] In addition, the present invention employs means for displaying the movement history.

[0012] In addition, the present invention employs means for acquiring location information using GPS functionality at set intervals or after a set number of steps.

[0013] In addition, the present invention employs means to pre-store memo data containing assumed evacuation routes, user-specific landmarks, precautions, etc., and display it on the screen, as well as means to share it with other devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] By using the support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention, even in a state where communication is interrupted, it is possible to provide the user with information necessary for walking home. Furthermore, since power consumption can be minimized, it is effective as a disaster response app.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is an app screen diagram showing an embodiment of the support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an app screen diagram showing the display content of the support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing a modification example in the support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an app screen diagram showing a modification example in the support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a system diagram showing a modification example in the support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing a method of using the support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The support app for those having difficulty returning home according to the present invention (hereinafter, this app) can provide information useful for walking home even when communication is interrupted. More specifically, by not adopting the conventional map-based guidance means and presenting limited objects, simple and clear information such as "the place and direction to proceed" and "the target serving as a guide for the route" can be obtained, so that the operation time of the mobile terminal can be significantly shortened, power consumption can be minimized, and it can operate for a long period of time. Note that the overall configuration and the configuration of each part of this app are not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, that is, within the scope of the configuration modes that can exhibit the same operational effects.

[0017] (Definition of terms) Destination: Home, workplace, relatives' home, friends' home, acquaintances' home, or business partners' home. This includes so-called "related parties," including those with professional or personal relationships or blood ties to the evacuee. Users walk towards one of the designated destinations. Target objects: Natural features such as mountains; evacuation sites such as government offices, schools, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, community centers, and parks; public structures such as bridges; transportation hubs such as train stations and airports; or public or private buildings with distinctive appearances. Landmarks: Among the aforementioned targets, these are targets that are particularly tall above ground level or extremely well-known targets, and include, for example, the following special natural objects, public objects, and private objects. Special natural objects: These are conspicuous objects located far away that serve as landmarks during evacuation. Examples include mountains such as Mount Fuji and celestial bodies such as the sun. Special public structures: These are tall, conspicuous structures that serve as landmarks during evacuations. Examples include the Imperial Palace (plaza), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Ueno Park. Special private property: This refers to structures that are tall, conspicuous, and serve as landmarks during evacuations. Examples include Tokyo Tower (registered trademark), Tokyo Skytree (registered trademark), Ushiku Daibutsu (trademark), and Tokyo Disneyland (registered trademark). The feasibility of viewing a landmark from a distance will be determined using a known formula for geometric line-of-sight distance (approximate value).

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[0018] The destination is assumed to be one's home. However, as mentioned above, it can also be the workplace, colleagues, relatives, friends, acquaintances, business partners, etc. The user must register the destination, or a place that could potentially become a destination, in advance using this app. The user can also select which destination to display. One important point to note at this time is not to register detailed location information such as your home address. For example, using Google Maps, it is easy to obtain coordinates with five decimal places. This means an accuracy of about 1 meter in Tokyo. If a mobile device with your home location registered with this level of accuracy is lost or stolen, there is a risk that a malicious third party could identify your home address. Therefore, this app limits destination registration to two decimal places. Even so, there is no problem with using the app. No matter what type of navigation app (guidance app) is used, no user requests guidance all the way to their front door. Generally speaking, it is common knowledge that if you are in the vicinity of your home, you can get home from a distance of a few kilometers to 10 kilometers without relying on a navigation app. Landmarks serve as guides to indicate the direction of travel while walking. Information about these landmarks is stored on the mobile device along with the application upon installation. It may also be periodically updated from a server. As described above, users need to register their destination. On the other hand, the app provides landmarks. In addition, it also provides a way for users to register their own landmarks. This allows users to use familiar places or buildings as their own personal landmarks.

[0019] (Detailed explanation) Hereinafter, embodiments of the application for assisting people who have difficulty returning home (hereinafter referred to as "this application") according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an app screen diagram showing an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 is an app screen diagram showing the content displayed by this application, where (a) shows examples of various screen display changes and (b) is the power saving settings screen. The "Assistance App for People Unable to Return Home 1" is an application installed on mobile device 10. Mobile device 10 is assumed to be a smartphone or similar device. Mobile device 10 must have GPS (Global Positioning System) and compass functions. The "Assistance App for People Unable to Return Home 1" is an application that provides information to help users of mobile devices 10 return home when they are affected by a disaster. In large-scale disasters, the shutdown of critical infrastructure such as transportation, power grids, and communication networks is unavoidable. Especially if transportation is severely damaged, people will be forced to walk home. This means a large number of people will be stranded. These stranded individuals will travel from one evacuation center to another, securing food, water, and rest along the way, taking several days to reach their homes. During this time, the role of this application is to continue operating with minimal power consumption and without relying on communication, while continuously providing information to users who are stranded. The app for assisting people who have difficulty returning home pre-stores the locations of landmarks and destinations. In response to the user's request, it uses GPS and compass information to display the relative positions of the landmarks and destinations at the user's current location as icons on the screen, allowing the user to recognize their current location and understand which direction to go.

[0020] Figure 1 shows the screen 11 of the mobile device 10. This is the main screen of the app 1 for assisting people who have difficulty returning home. There is a position display area 20, below which are a scale selection bar 24 and a scale display 23, and below that is a display selector 25. The location display area 20 has multiple circles 21 arranged concentrically from the center point, straight lines indicating the east, west, north, and south directions from the center point, and a direction indicator 22 at the end of each line indicating the east, west, north, and south directions. The scale should be a discontinuous and appropriate value, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100...km. The scale can be selected by operating the scale selection bar 24. The scale is then displayed on the scale display 23. Furthermore, the number of circles 21 can be made easier to see by using two or three. For a scale of 2km, two circles 21 is appropriate. Within the location display area 20, a home icon 30 and a target icon 31 are displayed. The center point of the location display area 20 is the user's location, i.e., their current location. Icons for destinations and targets are displayed according to their direction and distance from the current location. Users can also choose to show or hide these icons. In the example in Figure 1, the scale of the location display area 20 is 3km. The largest circle 21 represents a radius of 3km with the current location as the center point. In this case, only targets within 3km will be displayed as icons. However, landmarks that can be seen from a distance, such as Mount Fuji, and destinations such as one's home, will continue to be displayed outside the circular 21 even if they are more than 3 km away. These landmarks and destinations play a crucial role in determining the route and maintaining the direction of travel, and therefore will continue to be displayed as icons. More details will follow. The distance to the destination and target object (distance indicator 32) is displayed next to the icon. Users can choose whether or not to display this distance indicator. The display selector 25 allows you to select the items to display. In the example in Figure 1, the settings are configured to display home, school, police station, government office, and train station.

[0021] The user's movement path can be displayed as a movement history 33 within the location display area 20. By referring to the movement history 33, it is possible to prevent the user from repeatedly circling the same location (loitering). As shown in Figure 2(a), various messages can be displayed on screen 11. The message section 26 displays notifications from the app. For example, if the battery level is low, it will display a warning such as "Please charge your device." In this way, various notifications are displayed depending on the situation. Button 27 is for app settings. Tapping this button allows you to access various settings, such as power saving settings and help. This app conserves battery power by minimizing the use of GPS functionality. The location acquisition button 28 only activates the GPS function when pressed, acquiring the user's current location. This reduces unnecessary use of GPS and saves power.

[0022] Figure 2(b) shows the power saving settings screen 29, where the power saving method is specified. When users are affected by a disaster and begin using this app, their first concern is battery life, as securing power is difficult during large-scale disasters. Therefore, this app recommends settings that reduce the power consumption of your mobile device. In the example of power saving settings screen 29, four power saving modes are assumed: no power saving, timer, pedometer, and super power saving. Power saving mode: A mode in which GPS and compass are always operating. Timer mode: A mode in which only the GPS is activated at regular intervals. The compass does not activate. Pedometer mode: A mode in which only the GPS is activated after a certain number of steps. The compass is not activated. Ultra Power Saving Mode: This mode permanently disables the GPS and compass. The GPS and compass are only activated when necessary. Furthermore, from an energy-saving perspective, the ultra-energy-saving mode is set as the default setting. The estimated remaining operating time is displayed for each mode. When this time drops to a single digit, it turns red. Users can select a mode based on this estimated remaining operating time. In ultra-power-saving mode, as mentioned above, power saving is achieved by restricting the use of the GPS function. For this reason, a location acquisition button 28 is provided on screen 11, and location information can only be acquired when the button is pressed. In addition, the ultra-power-saving mode offers two options: one that activates both GPS and compass, and another that activates only the compass as a precaution for when the battery level is extremely low.

[0023] As described above, the present invention is useful for supporting people who have difficulty returning home because it can obtain information for walking home even when communication is interrupted, and it can operate for a long period of time while keeping power consumption low.

[0024] (Planning evacuation routes in advance) Other embodiments will be described. It is possible to get home using only a GPS and compass. However, it is even more reassuring to prepare in advance one or more possible evacuation routes, as well as notes containing precautions and reminders. If you display the prepared information on a screen during a disaster, you can alleviate the anxiety of walking home. This section explains evacuation routes that users should anticipate in advance. As an example, we will consider an evacuation route from Tokyo to Utsunomiya. Of course, if you can use the train, you can get home the fastest. However, active faults have been identified in Hasuda City, Ina Town, and Saitama City. (Reference: AIST "Active Fault Database" https: / / gbank.gsj.jp / activefault / cgi / aist_activefault) If these active faults were to trigger a major earthquake directly beneath the capital, evacuation by rail would become impossible. However, there remains the possibility of limited-section train service being implemented. Therefore, it is necessary to consider both the possibility of using the rail and the possibility of train service being unavailable. Realistically, the following three routes are possible. Option A: Tokyo → Kurihashi → Koga → Utsunomiya (An option that hopes for the restoration of the railway line) Option B: Tokyo → Goka Town → Sakai Town → Utsunomiya (An option to walk the shortest route) Option C: Tokyo → Noda City → Bando City → Utsunomiya (An option to walk the shortest route) Figure 3(a) shows the route search results 41 for Plan A using a map application 40 such as Google Maps (trademark). Similarly, Figure 3(b) shows the routes for Plans B and C. The evacuation route memo 42, which extracts only the location information from these route search results 41, has the shape shown in Figure 3(c). This is an extremely simple and small amount of data. Displaying this evacuation route memo 42 on the location display area 20 makes the return route much clearer compared to using only GPS and a compass (Figure 3(d)).

[0025] In this way, by creating evacuation routes in advance, you can choose an evacuation route that suits the disaster situation no matter where you are in Tokyo. For example, if you are in Shibuya, you would join Route A. If you want to go home by train, you can continue straight. If train service is not available, you would cross the Tone River and then join Route B. If you are in Akihabara, join Route B. If you want to return by train, cross the Tone River and then join Route A. If train service is not available, continue straight. If you were in Asakusa, Route C carries a risk of flooding, so try to aim for Route B. As explained above, planning evacuation routes in advance increases the likelihood of being able to act calmly and without panic when a disaster strikes, and to return home safely.

[0026] (Handwritten memo) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, another example allows users to handwrite routes and comments in the location display area 20. Using handwritten notes in this way can serve as a reminder and can also be used to plan evacuation routes. Handwritten memo 43 can be selected to be shown or hidden. The content of handwritten memo 43 is entirely up to the user; they can create a "suggested evacuation route," or write down anything else, such as "sightseeing information," "evaluations of evacuation sites," or "recommended restaurants." In this way, one or more handwritten notes 43 of anticipated evacuation routes and precautions can be created in advance or afterward, preventing the forgetting of important information.

[0027] (Information sharing) Furthermore, as another embodiment, information can be shared between mobile terminals 10, as shown in Figure 5. The aforementioned evacuation route memo 42 can be downloaded from a server or sent via email. Furthermore, the "evacuation route plan" on mobile device A can be shared among family members, friends, and other users of this app. As mentioned above, users can create "handwritten notes." These can also be shared among other users of this app, similar to the above. Furthermore, to ensure records are kept, this data—including "evacuation route plans" and "handwritten notes"—can be sent to a server or PC for storage and modification. Thus, individual user data regarding destinations, travel history, and memo data can be input and output, created and processed on any device, and shared among multiple people. This configuration allows for the sharing of evacuation routes and disaster prevention information among family members and friends, thus serving as proactive preparation for disasters.

[0028] The data held by the "Assistance App for People Unable to Return Home" 1 includes, for example, the following: The system data includes target object data, which is data stored in this application from the initial stage, such as natural objects, public objects, and private property. Individual user data includes destination data and travel history data. Additionally, there is user memo data. This data contains information about destinations, landmarks, and proposed evacuation routes, and can be created by the user at will. Data can be created by hand, or using a server or PC. As a special feature, users can also set their own unique landmarks. For example, structures like the "ghost chimney" that once stood in Senju. Although it is a building familiar to local residents, it is not included as a landmark in this app. Users can register such buildings themselves, and they can be displayed as landmarks in this app. Furthermore, this individual user data can be created on any device—a server, a PC, or a mobile device—and can be shared among multiple users.

[0029] (How to use this app) The above describes the details of this application. Next, we will explain how to use this application, following Figure 6. Figure 6(a) illustrates the state when the mobile device is facing north. First, check the distance display 32 next to the home icon 30. It is 30km to home, which is a distance that cannot be covered in one day. Therefore, let's focus on the government office icon 60. Therefore, you should head towards the local government office in the direction of your home. Government offices are sometimes designated as evacuation centers, and you may be able to obtain information on transportation and road conditions, as well as emergency food and water. Next, hold the mobile device horizontally and rotate it approximately 40 degrees to the right. This app works in conjunction with the compass function, and the location display area 20 rotates according to the direction. Figure 6(b) shows the government office icon 60 facing the 12 o'clock direction (clock position). At this time, from the perspective of the mobile device, the 12 o'clock direction is the direction where the government office is located. However, humans do not have the ability to remember directions. Instead, something to serve as a landmark is needed. For this purpose, a landmark is desirable; in other words, a "conspicuous target." The Mount Fuji icon 61 allows you to determine the direction in which Mount Fuji is actually visible. In the state shown in Figure 6(b), Mount Fuji should be in the 6 o'clock or 7 o'clock direction. If you can see Mount Fuji, continue walking while keeping it in the 6 o'clock or 7 o'clock direction. Doing so will lead you to the government office. Alternatively, you can choose another building in your direction of travel as a landmark. Once you've found your landmark, turn off your mobile device to conserve power. After a disaster, roads are usually damaged, and you need to be careful of uneven surfaces and fallen objects. Turning off your device is also a safety precaution. If you're approaching the government office, observe your surroundings carefully. There are plenty of road signs and billboards around the office, so you should be able to find it without difficulty. If you absolutely cannot find the office, just ask the local residents. The office is a familiar place to the locals, and it's common knowledge among those who live in the area. Once you arrive at the government office, ask to charge your mobile device, request water and food, and confirm the location of your evacuation. If the government office also serves as an evacuation center, you can spend the night there. Alternatively, if a separate evacuation center has been designated, move there. And on the following days, they repeat the same procedure of "going from one government office to another" as they make their way home. Once you're nearing home, the scenery becomes familiar, so you can return home without even needing to use this app.

[0030] In paragraph 0020, we stated that "landmarks and destinations play a very important role in determining the route and maintaining the direction of travel, therefore, icon displays will continue." Paragraph 0029 provides a concrete example of this. In other words, the direction indicated by the home icon 30 is the general direction to head, and the aim of this app is to inform users that to get to the nearest government office from their current location, they should "walk while keeping Mount Fuji in the 6 or 7 o'clock direction." However, it is possible to determine the above positional relationship using other map applications, provided one is willing to put in the effort. However, determining the positional relationship between Mount Fuji and one's current location would likely involve repeatedly zooming in and out of the map, making it cumbersome and difficult to do on a small-screen mobile device. Moreover, the longer it takes, the greater the battery drain. However, it would be difficult for an average user to even conceive of this idea during a disaster. The fact that there are no disaster relief applications based on a similar technical concept to this invention is evidence that even those skilled in the art could not easily conceive of this invention. This invention focuses on allowing users to understand their location without relying on detailed maps. Following the above procedure, users can intuitively grasp their path, eliminating the need to look at their mobile device screen. Therefore, power can be saved by simply turning off the device. On the other hand, as long as users rely on conventional map and navigation apps, they are so afraid of deviating from their route that they cannot stop staring at the screen while walking—a practice known as "walking while using a smartphone." As a result, they waste battery power, often running out in half a day. Moreover, the roads will likely be littered with rubble, and uneven surfaces and cracks will be everywhere. It is probable that many people will trip and fall while using their smartphones, and this could even cause crowd crushes. It would be a complete reversal of purpose if an app that is supposed to guide users ends up causing accidents. Note that Mount Fuji was used as an example landmark above. If Mount Fuji is not visible due to rain, you can switch to another landmark. This app also supports other landmarks. For example, you can select Tokyo Skytree (registered trademark). However, from the perspective of evacuation strategy, this choice is meaningless. First of all, we should avoid getting chilled by forcing ourselves to evacuate in the rain. Of course, using a smartphone while evacuating is out of the question. We must not waste medical resources on illness or injury. All citizens should keep in mind that the medical system is the most strained during a disaster. In the opening paragraph 0002, it was stated that "6.4 million people will be unable to return home in the event of a major earthquake directly beneath the capital." In addition, according to the Central Disaster Management Council's projections (see Non-Patent Literature 2), the power supply capacity after a major earthquake directly beneath the capital will be 50%, and will not improve even after a week. Under these circumstances of reduced power supply, charging mobile devices for 6.4 million people will be difficult. Naturally, one should also be prepared for power outages at evacuation centers and convenience stores. In this difficult situation, the ability to minimize battery consumption of mobile devices becomes an essential technology. This invention provides precisely this means.

[0031] Furthermore, and this is a repetition, this invention is based on the premise of supporting walking home. Traveling on foot involves physical and mental difficulties and is overwhelmingly disadvantageous compared to cars and other forms of transportation. However, there are also advantages to walking. For example, even in situations where vehicles cannot pass due to road collapses, cracks, or rubble, it may still be possible to pass on foot. To put it in extreme terms, one can even traverse roads that are not shown on maps if one is walking. Furthermore, walking allows you to observe your surroundings in detail, easily strike up conversations with people around you to gather information, and also provides a sense of distraction. This invention is, so to speak, like a chessboard; the strategy to employ in a match is entirely up to the player (user). Users must use their imagination, consider what situations might arise, and prepare in advance. This way, even if faced with a disaster, one can mobilize all their abilities to return home.

[0032] (summary) Thus, the present invention provides information useful for walking home even when communications are disrupted, and can operate continuously for a long period of time with low power consumption. For this reason, it is useful as a disaster response application.

[0033] This invention does not employ conventional map-based guidance methods. This invention stores location information for landmarks used as reference points when walking, as well as location information for destinations such as one's home. Based on GPS and compass location information, the landmarks and destinations are displayed on the screen as icons. The screen has a set scale, and landmarks beyond a certain distance from the current location are not displayed, except for landmarks that can be seen from a distance, which are continuously displayed as icons. On the other hand, destinations are continuously displayed as icons regardless of the scale. This icon display makes it easy for users to understand their direction and prevents them from losing their way. Therefore, it prevents "walking while staring at a mobile device screen," which not only wastes battery power but also reduces the risk of falls during evacuations.

[0034] In addition, the present invention can prevent the vehicle from circling the same location (loitering) by displaying its movement history.

[0035] In addition, the present invention can reduce battery consumption by acquiring location information at set intervals or after a set number of steps.

[0036] In addition, the present invention allows for the display of diverse information on the screen by displaying user memo data, and enables disaster preparedness by sharing data among users.

[0037] Furthermore, this invention is designed for walking over several days and consumes extremely low power. Moreover, because it is a simple application, it does not waste memory on mobile devices. It also has the advantage of not requiring large-scale server equipment or other equipment costs, and eliminating the power costs associated with daily, unnecessary route calculations. This application can operate for extended periods, even under severe power supply conditions. [Industrial applicability]

[0038] The app for assisting people who have difficulty returning home according to the present invention can provide assistance for returning home over a long period of time even when communication is interrupted, and has great potential for industrial use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. App to support people who have difficulty returning home. 10 Mobile devices 11 screens 20 Location display area 21 circular 22 Directional Indicators 23 Scale display 24 Scale Selection Bar 25 Display Selector 26 Message Section 27 Settings button 28 Location acquisition button 29 Power saving settings screen 30 Home icon 31 Target Icons 32 Distance display 33 Movement History 40 Map apps 41 Route Search Results 42 Evacuation Route Memo 43 Handwritten notes 50 servers 60 Government Office Icons 61 Mount Fuji icon

Claims

1. An app for assisting people who are unable to return home, characterized by its ability to store location information of a destination such as home and landmarks to use as reference points during travel in advance, and when activated during a disaster, using GPS and compass functions, to display the destination as an icon on the screen according to the direction and distance from the current location to the destination, and to display the landmark as an icon on the screen according to the direction and distance from the current location to the landmark, the ability to change the scale on the screen, the display of the destination icon regardless of the scale, and the display of the icon of a distant landmark even if it is outside the range of the scale display.

2. The app for assisting people who have difficulty returning home, according to claim 1, characterized in that it displays the icons separately within and outside a circular area corresponding to the scale, and that the destination and the target object that can be zoomed in on are displayed on the edge of the circle even if they are outside the icon display area.

3. The aforementioned target object includes at least one of the following: natural objects such as mountains, evacuation sites such as government offices, schools, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, community centers, parks, public objects such as bridges, transportation hubs such as train stations and airports, and buildings with distinctive appearances, and the aforementioned destination includes at least one of the following: one's home, one's workplace, one of relatives' homes, one of friends' homes, one of acquaintances' homes, and one of business partners, as described in claim 1.

4. The app for assisting people who have difficulty returning home, as described in item 1, which displays the travel history.

5. The app for assisting people who have difficulty returning home, as described in claim 1, characterized in that it acquires location information at set intervals or set number of steps.

6. The return-home assistance application according to claim 1, characterized in that it pre-stores memo data containing one or more anticipated evacuation routes, user-specific landmarks, precautions, etc., and can display it on the screen, and individual user data relating to the destination, landmarks, movement history, and memo data can be input and output, can be created and processed on any device, and can be shared on other devices on which the return-home assistance application is installed.

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