Evacuation support server, evacuation support method, and evacuation support program

Abstract

This disclosure enables the provision of an evacuation support server, an evacuation support method, and an evacuation support program that facilitate rapid evacuation assistance. [Solution] The evacuation support server according to this disclosure includes: a storage unit that stores the care level of the person requiring support and one or more supporters who will support the person requiring support for each person requiring support; a travel route setting unit that sets a travel route for one or more means of transportation for supporters to move to the location of the person requiring support based on the location information of the person requiring support in the disaster area and the location information of the supporters; a priority setting unit that sets the priority of the supporters' movements based on the care level and the travel route for each means of transportation; and a decision unit that determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid means of transportation free of charge based on the priority.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evacuation support server, an evacuation support method, and an evacuation support program.

Background Art

[0002] Disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods occur frequently, and in particular, evacuation support for persons requiring support such as elderly people and persons with disabilities has become a social issue. There is a demand for the introduction of evacuation support systems to enable persons requiring support to evacuate quickly and safely when a disaster occurs.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that automatically matches persons requiring support and supporters when a disaster occurs, based on a list of persons requiring support created by a local government. In the system of Patent Document 1, supporters are assigned using pre-registered person-requiring-support information and supporter information from the local government, whereby support in the event of a disaster can be carried out smoothly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the event of a disaster, due to traffic disruptions and infrastructure damage, supporters may not be able to secure appropriate transportation means, making it difficult to travel to the location of the person requiring support. In addition, the vehicles and transportation means available for evacuation are limited, and it may be difficult for supporters to quickly reach the person requiring support. As described above, the difficulty in securing transportation means and constraints on movement resources are factors that hinder prompt evacuation support.

[0006] This disclosure is made to solve such problems and aims to provide an evacuation support server, an evacuation support method, and an evacuation support program that enable rapid evacuation assistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The evacuation support server relating to this disclosure includes: a storage unit that stores the care level of the person requiring support and one or more supporters who will support the person requiring support for each person requiring support; a travel route setting unit that sets a travel route for one or more means of transportation for the supporters to move to the location of the person requiring support based on the location information of the person requiring support in the disaster area and the location information of the supporters; a priority setting unit that sets the priority of the supporters' travel based on the care level and the travel route for each means of transportation; and a decision unit that determines which supporters will be allowed to use the paid means of transportation free of charge based on the priority.

[0008] The evacuation support method relating to this disclosure comprises the steps of: setting a travel route for each of one or more means of transportation for the supporter to move to the location of the person requiring assistance, based on the location information of the person requiring assistance in the disaster area and the location information of the supporter assisting the person requiring assistance; setting the priority of the supporter's movement based on the care level of the person requiring assistance and the travel route for each means of transportation; and determining which supporter will be allowed to use the paid means of transportation free of charge, based on the priority.

[0009] The evacuation support program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: setting a travel route for each of one or more means of transportation for the supporter to move to the location of the person requiring assistance, based on the location information of the person requiring assistance in the disaster area and the location information of the supporter assisting the person requiring assistance; setting the priority of the supporter's movement based on the care level of the person requiring assistance and the travel route for each means of transportation; and determining which supporter will be allowed to use the paid means of transportation free of charge, based on the priority. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure enables the provision of an evacuation support server, an evacuation support method, and an evacuation support program that facilitate rapid evacuation assistance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the evacuation support server related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the evacuation support system related to this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the content of the information on persons requiring support related to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the content of the information on cooperating businesses related to this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the contents of the voucher information related to this disclosure. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of an evacuation support method related to this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the content of payment method information related to this disclosure. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows another example of an evacuation support method related to this disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows another example of the configuration of the evacuation support system related to this disclosure. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows another example of an evacuation support method related to this disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing evacuation support in the evacuation support system related to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of the evacuation support server> Hereinafter, a configuration example of an evacuation support server will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the evacuation support server according to the present disclosure. The evacuation support server 10 according to the present disclosure is a server having a function for promptly directing a supporter to a person requiring support in the event of a disaster. The evacuation support server 10 is used by local governments such as municipalities. As shown in Figure 1, the evacuation support server 10 includes a storage unit 12, a movement route setting unit 13, a priority setting unit 14, and a determination unit 15.

[0013] The storage unit 12 stores, for each person requiring support, the care level of the person requiring support and the identification information of one or more supporters who support the person requiring support. The care level of a person requiring support is an index indicating the necessity of support and care for the person requiring support. The care level is classified into symbols or ranks such as "A", "B", "C" or "1", "2", "3" according to, for example, the physical and cognitive state of the person requiring support.

[0014] The movement route setting unit 13 sets a movement route for each of one or more movement means for the supporter to move to the position of the person requiring support, based on the position information of the person requiring support in the disaster-occurring area and the position information of the supporter. The movement route setting unit 13 sets a movement route for each movement means, such as a movement route only on foot, a movement route using a train, a movement route using a bus, and a movement route using a taxi.

[0015] The priority setting unit 14 sets the priority of the supporter's movement based on the care level and the movement route for each movement means determined by the movement route setting unit 13. Note that the movement of the supporter in the present disclosure refers to the supporter moving to the position of the person requiring support in order to evacuate the person requiring support. Further, the priority of the supporter's movement in the present disclosure indicates the movement priority when using the movement means provided by a cooperating business operator. That is, when the supporter can move using their own vehicle or on foot, the priority setting unit 14 sets the movement priority of the relevant supporter lower than that of other supporters.

[0016] The determination unit 15 determines a supporter who is allowed to use a paid transportation means free of charge, based on the priority set by the priority setting unit 14. The determination unit 15 determines the supporters allowed to use the paid transportation means free of charge in descending order of priority.

[0017] As described above, the evacuation support server 10 sets a movement route for each transportation means for a supporter to travel to a person requiring support when a disaster occurs, and then determines the priority of the supporter's movement in consideration of the movement route, the care level of the person requiring support, and the like. Then, the evacuation support server 10 determines a supporter who is allowed to use the paid transportation means free of charge based on the priority. As a result, the supporter does not need to pay a fee when using the paid transportation means, and can move to the person requiring support quickly and smoothly. In addition, by determining the supporters who are allowed to use the paid transportation means free of charge according to the priority, the evacuation support server 10 can optimally utilize the limited movement resources in the event of a disaster. Therefore, the evacuation support server 10 enables smooth movement of supporters and can support rapid evacuation of persons requiring support.

[0018] (Embodiment 2) <Configuration of Evacuation Support System> Hereinafter, an example of the evacuation support system will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the evacuation support system according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the evacuation support system 1 includes an evacuation support server 10 and one or more transportation means providing servers 20. The evacuation support server 10 and the one or more transportation means providing servers 20 are interconnected in a state capable of transmitting information via a network NW. The network NW includes wireless lines via base stations and the like, such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a WAN (Wide Area Network). The network NW may be wired or wireless as long as it is connected in a state capable of transmitting information.

[0019] The evacuation support server 10 is a server that has the function of quickly dispatching support personnel to those in need of assistance during a disaster. The evacuation support server 10 is used by local governments such as cities and towns. As shown in Figure 2, the evacuation support server 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a movement route setting unit 13, a priority setting unit 14, and a decision unit 15.

[0020] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface with the network NW. For example, in the event of a disaster, the communication unit 11 receives the current location information of the person requiring assistance from a terminal held by the person requiring assistance, and receives the current location information of the person providing assistance from a terminal held by the person providing assistance. The communication unit 11 may also receive information such as road conditions, traffic conditions, and weather conditions from servers that provide this information.

[0021] The memory unit 12 stores the care level of the person requiring support and the identification information of one or more supporters who support the person requiring support as person requiring support information for each person requiring support. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of person requiring support information related to this disclosure. In the example shown in Figure 3, person requiring support information includes the items of identification information of the person requiring support, the care level of the person requiring support, and the identification information of one or more supporters for the person requiring support. The identification information of the person requiring support is identification information assigned to each person requiring support. The care level of the person requiring support is an indicator of the degree of support and care needed by the person requiring support. The care level is classified into symbols or ranks such as "A," "B," "C" or "1," "2," "3," depending on the physical and cognitive state of the person requiring support. The identification information of the supporters is identification information assigned to each supporter. In addition to the above items, person requiring support information may also include items such as contact information, address, and family structure of the person requiring support and the supporters. As shown in Figure 3, one person requiring support has one or more supporters assigned to support that person. In the event of a disaster, support personnel will go to the location of the person designated as needing assistance and help that person evacuate.

[0022] Persons requiring assistance register their personal information, such as their care level, contact information, address, and family structure, with the evacuation support server 10 using any means necessary. For example, a person requiring assistance may access the evacuation support server 10 by operating a device they own. More specifically, a person requiring assistance may access a web page provided by the evacuation support server 10. In the case of persons requiring assistance who have difficulty registering their information themselves, a representative, such as a parent or child, may register the person's personal information with the evacuation support server 10. The storage unit 12 creates information about persons requiring assistance based on the personal information of the person requiring assistance obtained through this registration process.

[0023] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 links the identification information of a cooperating business operator having a transportation means provision server 20 (described later) with the transportation means provided by the cooperating business operator and stores it as cooperating business operator information. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the cooperating business operator information related to this disclosure. In the example shown in Figure 4, the cooperating business operator information includes the identification information of the cooperating business operator and the transportation means provided by the cooperating business operator. The identification information of the cooperating business operator is identification information assigned to each cooperating business operator. The transportation means are the means of transportation provided by the cooperating business operator, such as buses, taxis, and trains.

[0024] Furthermore, the memory unit 12 links the identification information of the supporter with the identification information of the voucher held by the supporter and stores it as voucher information. A voucher is an electronic or paper voucher that allows free use of a paid means of transportation. Vouchers are distributed to supporters in advance. For example, a voucher is distributed to a supporter when they are registered in the supporter information. Note that vouchers are normally invalidated so that supporters cannot use them. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the voucher information related to this disclosure. In the example shown in Figure 5, the voucher information includes the supporter's identification information and the voucher's identification information. The voucher's identification information is the identification information assigned to each voucher distributed to the supporter.

[0025] The travel route setting unit 13 sets travel routes for one or more means of transportation for the supporter to travel to the location of the person requiring assistance, based on the location information of the person requiring assistance and the location information of the supporter in the disaster area. The travel route setting unit 13 sets travel routes for each means of transportation, such as a travel route using only walking, a travel route using trains, a travel route using buses, and a travel route using taxis. The travel route setting unit 13 may also set a travel route that allows the supporter to travel safely, based on the location information of the person requiring assistance and the supporter, as well as road conditions, traffic conditions, weather conditions, etc. The location information of the person requiring assistance is either the current location information of the person requiring assistance obtained from a terminal carried by the person requiring assistance, or the address of the person requiring assistance stored in the storage unit 12. Similarly, the location information of the supporter is either the current location information of the supporter obtained from a terminal carried by the supporter, or the address of the supporter stored in the storage unit 12.

[0026] The priority setting unit 14 sets the priority of the support worker's movement based on the care level and the movement route for each mode of transport determined by the movement route setting unit 13. In this disclosure, the support worker's movement refers to the support worker moving to the location of the person requiring assistance in order to evacuate them. Furthermore, the priority of the support worker's movement in this disclosure indicates the priority of movement when the support worker uses the mode of transport provided by a cooperating service provider recorded in the memory unit 12. In other words, if the support worker can travel using their own car or can only travel on foot, the priority of that support worker's movement is set lower than that of other support workers.

[0027] Furthermore, the priority setting unit 14 sets a higher priority for the movement of supporters assisting individuals with a high level of care needs. In addition, the priority setting unit 14 obtains the travel distance from the travel route determined by the travel route setting unit 13 for each mode of transport, and sets a higher priority for the movement of supporters the greater the travel distance. Moreover, the priority setting unit 14 may also set priorities considering the physical condition of the person requiring support. For example, the priority setting unit 14 obtains information on the physical condition of the person requiring support from their terminal via the communication unit 11 and sets priorities based on that information. This allows for more rapid evacuation support to be provided to persons requiring support whose physical condition is deteriorating.

[0028] The decision unit 15 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid transportation free of charge, based on the priority set by the priority setting unit 14. The decision unit 15 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid transportation free of charge, in order of highest priority. The decision unit 15 refers to the usage ticket information stored in the storage unit 12 and activates the usage tickets of the determined supporters. The decision unit 15 then notifies the transportation provision server 20 that the usage tickets have been activated. More specifically, the decision unit 15 transmits the identification information of the activated usage tickets to the transportation provision server 20 via the communication unit 11. At this time, the decision unit 15 may also notify the supporters whose usage tickets have been activated that their tickets have been activated. For example, the decision unit 15 transmits a signal to the terminal held by the supporter via the communication unit 11 indicating that the usage tickets have been activated.

[0029] One or more transportation service providers 20 are servers operated by cooperating businesses to provide their own transportation services. Cooperating businesses include public transportation or alternative transportation providers such as bus companies, taxi companies, and railway companies. As shown in Figure 2, the transportation service provider 20 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an authentication unit 23.

[0030] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface with the network NW. The communication unit 21 receives identification information of the activated user ticket from the evacuation support server 10.

[0031] The storage unit 22 stores the identification information of the activated usage ticket. The storage unit 22 also stores the usage history when the transportation provided by the transportation provision server 20 is used with the usage ticket. Specifically, the storage unit 22 first stores the identification information of the activated usage ticket received from the evacuation support server 10. Then, when transportation is used with the usage ticket whose identification information is stored, the storage unit 22 stores the usage history for the identification information of the usage ticket, including information such as the date and time the usage ticket was used, the type of transportation used with the usage ticket, and the section traveled using the usage ticket. The usage history is transmitted to the evacuation support server 10. Based on the usage history, the evacuation support server 10 pays the usage fee for the transportation provided free of charge to the cooperating business operator.

[0032] The authentication unit 23 determines whether the identification information of the usage ticket read by the reading means (not shown) is valid. The reading means (not shown) includes, for example, terminals such as IC (Integrated Circuit) card readers and QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) scanners installed on the means of transport. The reading means (not shown) reads the usage ticket when a supporter uses the means of transport and obtains the identification information of the usage ticket. When the authentication unit 23 receives the identification information of the usage ticket read by the reading means (not shown) from the reading means (not shown), it compares the identification information of the usage ticket with the identification information of activated usage tickets stored in the storage unit 22. If the authentication unit 23 determines that the usage ticket read by the reading means (not shown) is valid as a result of the comparison, it sends an authentication result to the reading means (not shown) that permits the use of the usage ticket. As a result, the user can use the means of transport provided by the means of transport server 20 free of charge.

[0033] <Evacuation support method> Next, an example of an evacuation support method will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example of an evacuation support method related to this disclosure. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is started when the evacuation support server 10 receives, for example, some kind of command signal or a signal notifying the occurrence of a disaster.

[0034] First, the evacuation support server 10 obtains the current location information of the person in need of assistance and the current location information of the person providing assistance in the disaster-stricken area (step S101). For example, in the event of a disaster, the evacuation support server 10 obtains the location information of the person in need of assistance from a terminal held by the person in need of assistance and obtains the location information of the person providing assistance from a terminal held by the person providing assistance.

[0035] Next, the evacuation support server 10 sets a travel route for each of the one or more means of transportation that the supporter uses to get to the location of the person needing assistance, based on the location information of the person needing assistance and the location information of the supporter (step S102). The evacuation support server 10 may also set a travel route that allows the supporter to move safely, based on the location information of the person needing assistance and the supporter, as well as road conditions, traffic conditions, weather conditions, etc. If the evacuation support server 10 is unable to obtain the current location information of the person needing assistance in step S101, it uses the address of the person needing assistance stored in the storage unit 12 as the location information of the person needing assistance. Similarly, if the evacuation support server 10 is unable to obtain the current location information of the supporter in step S101, it uses the address of the supporter stored in the storage unit 12 as the location information of the supporter.

[0036] Next, the evacuation support server 10 sets the priority of the supporters' movements based on the care level of the person requiring support and the movement routes for each mode of transportation set in step S102 (step S103). The evacuation support server 10 sets a lower priority for the movement of supporters who can travel using their own car or who can travel only on foot compared to other supporters. Furthermore, the evacuation support server 10 sets a higher priority for the movement of supporters assisting the person requiring support the higher their care level. In addition, the evacuation support server 10 obtains the travel distance from the movement routes for each mode of transportation set in step S102, and sets a higher priority for the movement of supporters the greater the travel distance. Moreover, the evacuation support server 10 may obtain the health information of the person requiring support from their terminal and set priorities based on that information.

[0037] Next, the evacuation support server 10 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid transportation free of charge, based on the priority set in step S103 (step S104). The evacuation support server 10 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid transportation free of charge, in order of highest priority.

[0038] Finally, the evacuation support server 10 activates the user ticket of the supporter determined in step S104 (step S105). The evacuation support server 10 refers to the user ticket information previously stored in the storage unit 12 and activates the user ticket of the determined supporter. The evacuation support server 10 then notifies the transportation provision server 20 that the user ticket has been activated. More specifically, the evacuation support server 10 transmits the identification information of the activated user ticket to the transportation provision server 20. At this time, the evacuation support server 10 may also notify the supporter whose user ticket has been activated that the user ticket has been activated. For example, the evacuation support server 10 transmits a signal to the terminal held by the supporter indicating that the user ticket has been activated.

[0039] In summary, the Evacuation Support System 1 sets out travel routes for each mode of transportation for supporters to reach those in need of assistance in the event of a disaster. Then, considering these travel routes and the care level of those in need, the Evacuation Support System 1 determines the priority of supporters' movements. Next, based on the priority, the Evacuation Support System 1 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid modes of transportation free of charge. The Evacuation Support System 1 then activates the usage tickets of the determined supporters. As a result, supporters do not need to pay fees when using paid modes of transportation, and can move quickly and smoothly to those in need of assistance. Furthermore, by determining which supporters will be allowed to use paid modes of transportation free of charge according to priority, the Evacuation Support System 1 can optimally utilize limited transportation resources during a disaster. Therefore, the Evacuation Support System 1 enables the smooth movement of supporters and supports the rapid evacuation of those in need of assistance.

[0040] (Embodiment 3) <Configuration of the evacuation support system> The following describes another example of an evacuation support system. The evacuation support system 1 according to this embodiment 3 comprises an evacuation support server 10 and a means of transportation provision server 20, similar to embodiment 2.

[0041] The evacuation support system 1 according to this third embodiment differs from the evacuation support system 1 according to the second embodiment in how it allows supporters to use paid transportation free of charge. More specifically, in the evacuation support system 1 according to the second embodiment, a voucher for free use of paid transportation is distributed to supporters in advance. The evacuation support server 10 then activates the voucher, allowing supporters to use paid transportation free of charge. On the other hand, in the evacuation support system 1 according to this third embodiment, supporters register their payment methods with the evacuation support server 10 in advance. The evacuation support server 10 then instructs the transportation provision server 20 to invalidate the charge to the payment method when the supporter uses the transportation. As a result, supporters can use paid transportation free of charge. The evacuation support system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described below. Explanations that overlap with the evacuation support system 1 according to the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0042] The evacuation support server 10 is a server that has the function of quickly dispatching support personnel to those in need of assistance during a disaster. As shown in Figure 2, the evacuation support server 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a movement route setting unit 13, a priority setting unit 14, and a decision unit 15.

[0043] Similar to Embodiment 2, the storage unit 12 stores the care level of the person requiring support and the identification information of one or more supporters assisting the person requiring support as person requiring support information for each person requiring support. Also, similar to Embodiment 2, the storage unit 12 links the identification information of a cooperating business operator having a transportation provision server 20 with the transportation provided by the cooperating business operator and stores it as cooperating business operator information.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the storage unit 12 links the supporter's identification information with the identification information of the payment method that the supporter has registered in advance, and stores it as payment method information. The payment method is, for example, a cashless payment method such as a credit card or electronic money. The supporter registers one or more payment methods that they own with the evacuation support server 10 in advance. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the payment method information related to this disclosure. In the example shown in Figure 7, the payment method information includes the supporter's identification information, the type of payment method, the payment service provider that provides the payment method, and the identification information of the payment method.

[0045] Similar to Embodiment 2, the movement route setting unit 13 sets one or more movement routes for supporters to travel to the location of persons requiring assistance in the disaster area, based on the location information of persons requiring assistance and the location information of supporters. Similar to Embodiment 2, the priority setting unit 14 sets the priority of the caregiver's movement based on the care level and the movement route for each means of transport determined by the movement route setting unit 13.

[0046] Similar to Embodiment 2, the decision unit 15 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid transportation services free of charge based on the priority set by the priority setting unit 14. The decision unit 15 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid transportation services free of charge in order of priority. Then, in Embodiment 3, the decision unit 15 refers to the payment method information stored in the storage unit 12 and instructs the transportation service provider server 20 to invalidate the charge to the payment method of the determined supporter when the supporter uses the transportation service. More specifically, the decision unit 15 transmits a signal to the transportation service provider server 20 via the communication unit 11, along with information about the payment method, such as the identification information and type of the payment method of the determined supporter, and a command to invalidate the charge to the payment method. At this time, the decision unit 15 may also notify the determined supporter that the charge will be invalidated.

[0047] One or more transportation service providers 20 are servers operated by cooperating businesses to provide their own transportation services. As shown in Figure 2, each transportation service provider 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an authentication unit 23.

[0048] The storage unit 22 stores information about payment methods for which billing has been instructed to be invalidated. The storage unit 22 also stores the usage history when the transportation provided by the transportation service provider server 20 is used with the payment method in question. Specifically, the storage unit 22 first stores information about payment methods for which billing has been instructed to be invalidated, which it receives from the evacuation support server 10. Then, when transportation is used with the stored payment method, the storage unit 22 stores a usage history for that payment method, including information such as the date and time of use of the payment method, the type of transportation used with the payment method, and the section traveled using the payment method. The usage history is transmitted to the evacuation support server 10. Based on the usage history, the evacuation support server 10 pays the cooperating service provider the usage fee for the transportation, i.e., the amount of the invalidated billing.

[0049] The authentication unit 23 determines whether the payment method read by the reading means (not shown) is subject to invalidation of the charge. The reading means (not shown) reads the payment method when the supporter uses the means of transport and obtains information about the payment method. When the authentication unit 23 receives the information about the payment method read by the reading means (not shown), it compares the information about the payment method with the information about payment methods for which the charge has been instructed to be invalidated, which is stored in the storage unit 22. If the authentication unit 23 determines that the payment method is subject to invalidation of the charge as a result of the comparison, it sends an authentication result to the reading means (not shown) that permits the invalidation of the charge for that payment method. As a result, the supporter can use the means of transport provided by the transport server 20 free of charge.

[0050] <Evacuation support method> Next, another example of an evacuation support method will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of another example of an evacuation support method according to this disclosure. The flowchart shown in Figure 8 is started when the evacuation support server 10 receives, for example, some command signal or a signal notifying the occurrence of a disaster. The evacuation support method according to this embodiment 3 differs from the evacuation support method according to embodiment 2 in that step S105 is replaced by step S106. Steps S101 to S104 are the same as in the evacuation support method according to embodiment 2, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0051] After step S104, the evacuation support server 10 instructs the transportation provision server 20 to invalidate the charge to the payment method of the supporter determined in step S104 (step S106). More specifically, the evacuation support server 10 sends a signal to the transportation provision server 20, along with information about the payment method, such as the identification information and type of the payment method of the determined supporter, and a command to invalidate the charge to that payment method. At this time, the determination unit 15 may also notify the determined supporter that the charge will be invalidated.

[0052] In summary, Evacuation Support System 1 determines which supporters will be granted free use of paid transportation based on priority. Evacuation Support System 1 then invalidates any charges to the payment methods of the selected supporters. This allows supporters to move quickly and smoothly to those in need of assistance without having to pay for transportation.

[0053] (Embodiment 4) <Configuration of the evacuation support system> The following describes another example of an evacuation support system using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of an evacuation support system according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the evacuation support system 1 according to this embodiment 4 comprises an evacuation support server 10 and a means of transportation provision server 20.

[0054] The evacuation support system 1 according to this fourth embodiment differs from the evacuation support systems 1 according to embodiments 2 and 3 in that the transportation means provision server 20 includes a vehicle dispatch unit 24 and the function of the decision unit 15. Other configurations are the same as those described in embodiments 2 and 3, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0055] The evacuation support server 10 is a server that has the function of quickly dispatching support personnel to those in need of assistance during a disaster. As shown in Figure 9, the evacuation support server 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, a movement route setting unit 13, a priority setting unit 14, and a decision unit 15.

[0056] Similar to embodiments 2 and 3, the decision unit 15 determines which supporters will be allowed to use paid transportation free of charge based on the priority set by the priority setting unit 14. Furthermore, in embodiment 4, the decision unit 15 determines which supporters to dispatch a vehicle to based on the priority set by the priority setting unit 14. The decision unit 15 then instructs the transportation provision server 20 to dispatch a vehicle to the current location or travel route of the determined supporter. More specifically, the decision unit 15 transmits a signal to the transportation provision server 20 via the communication unit 11, along with the location information or travel route of the determined supporter, ordering the dispatch of a vehicle to that supporter. At this time, the decision unit 15 may also notify the determined supporter that a vehicle will be dispatched. For example, the decision unit 15 transmits a signal to the terminal held by the supporter via the communication unit 11 indicating that a vehicle will be dispatched.

[0057] One or more transportation service providers 20 are servers operated by cooperating businesses to provide their own transportation services. In this embodiment 4, cooperating businesses are public transportation or alternative transportation providers that can dispatch transportation services, such as bus companies and taxi companies. As shown in Figure 9, the transportation service provider 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an authentication unit 23, and a dispatch unit 24.

[0058] The dispatch unit 24 dispatches vehicles such as buses and taxis, which are means of transportation provided by cooperating businesses. Specifically, the dispatch unit 24 dispatches vehicles based on the location information or travel route of supporters received from the evacuation support server 10. This allows supporters to quickly move to those in need of assistance, even when transportation resources are limited during a disaster.

[0059] <Evacuation support method> Next, another example of an evacuation support method will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart of another example of an evacuation support method according to this disclosure. The flowchart shown in Figure 10 is started when the evacuation support server 10 receives, for example, some command signal or a signal notifying the occurrence of a disaster. The evacuation support method according to this embodiment 4 differs in that it has steps S107 and S108 after step S105 of the evacuation support method according to embodiment 2, or after step S106 of the evacuation support method according to embodiment 3. Steps S101 to S106 are the same as those in the evacuation support method according to embodiment 2 or 3, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0060] After step S105 or step S106, the evacuation support server 10 decides which support person to dispatch a vehicle to based on the priority set in step S103 (step S107). The evacuation support server 10 decides which support person to dispatch a vehicle to in order of highest priority.

[0061] Finally, the evacuation support server 10 instructs the transportation provision server 20 to dispatch a vehicle to the current location or travel route of the supporter determined in step S107 (step S108). More specifically, the evacuation support server 10 transmits a signal to the transportation provision server 20 ordering the dispatch of a vehicle to the determined supporter, along with the location information or travel route of the supporter. At this time, the evacuation support server 10 may also notify the determined supporter that a vehicle will be dispatched.

[0062] Steps S107 and S108 may be executed at any time after step S103. For example, steps S107 and S108 may be executed simultaneously with or before steps S104 through S106.

[0063] As described above, the evacuation support system 1 instructs the transportation provision server 20 to dispatch a vehicle to the supporter's current location or along their travel route, based on priority. By determining the destination supporter according to the priority of travel in this way, the evacuation support system 1 can optimally utilize limited transportation resources during a disaster. Therefore, the evacuation support system 1 can enable the smooth movement of supporters and support the rapid evacuation of those in need of assistance.

[0064] <Hardware configuration for implementing the evacuation support function of the evacuation support system> Some or all of the evacuation support provided by Evacuation Support System 1 can be implemented using a general-purpose computer system. This will be briefly explained below using Figure 11.

[0065] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing evacuation support in the evacuation support system according to this disclosure. The computer 40 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 which is a control device, RAM (Random Access Memory) 42 and ROM (Read Only Memory) 43. The computer 40 further includes an IF (Interface) 44 which is an interface to the outside and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 45 which is an example of a non-volatile storage device. Furthermore, the computer 40 may also include input devices such as a keyboard and mouse and display devices such as a display, as configurations not shown.

[0066] HDD45 stores an OS (Operating System) and a control program 46, which are not shown in the diagram. The control program 46 is a computer program (evacuation support program) that implements the evacuation support processing of the evacuation support system 1.

[0067] The CPU 41 controls various processes in the computer 40, including access to RAM 42, ROM 43, IF 44, and HDD 45. The computer 40 reads and executes the OS and control program 46 stored in HDD 45 by the CPU 41. In this way, the computer 40 realizes the evacuation support processing of the evacuation support system 1.

[0068] The program described above includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, causes the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in this disclosure. The program may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include RAM, ROM, flash memory, SSD (Solid-State Drive), or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray® disc, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically, or otherwise propagating signals.

[0069] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0070] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments rather than with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps shown in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0071] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0072] (Note 1) A storage unit that stores the care level of the person requiring support and the one or more supporters who support the person requiring support, for each person requiring support. A movement path setting unit sets a movement path for each of the one or more means of transportation by which the supporter moves to the location of the person requiring assistance in the disaster area, based on the location information of the person requiring assistance and the location information of the supporter. A priority setting unit sets the priority of the caregiver's movement based on the care level and the movement route for each means of transport, The system includes a decision unit that determines which supporters will allow to use the paid means of transportation free of charge, based on the aforementioned priority. Evacuation support server.

[0073] (Note 2) The aforementioned supporter has been given a voucher in advance that allows them to use the aforementioned paid means of transportation free of charge. The decision unit activates the user ticket of the selected supporter and notifies the transportation service provider server that the transportation service has been activated. The evacuation support server described in Appendix 1.

[0074] (Note 3) The decision unit instructs the transportation means provider server that provides the transportation means to invalidate the billing of the payment means of the determined supporter. The evacuation support server described in Appendix 1.

[0075] (Note 4) The decision unit further instructs the transportation provider server to dispatch a vehicle to the supporter's current location based on the priority. The evacuation support server described in Appendix 2 or 3.

[0076] (Note 5) The decision unit further instructs the transportation means provision server to dispatch a vehicle along the transportation route based on the priority. An evacuation support server as described in any one of the items in Appendix 2 to 4.

[0077] (Note 6) The priority setting unit sets the priority based on the care level, the travel route for each means of transport, and the physical condition information of the person requiring support. An evacuation support server as described in any one of the following items 1 to 5.

[0078] (Note 7) The priority setting unit sets the priority of the support worker lower than that of other support workers when the support worker can travel by car or on foot, in at least one of the cases. An evacuation support server as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 in the appendix.

[0079] (Note 8) The aforementioned transportation provision server is a server managed by a public transportation or alternative transportation provider. An evacuation support server as described in any one of the items 2 to 7 of the appendix.

[0080] (Note 9) A step of setting a travel route for each of the one or more means of transportation by which the supporters will move to the location of the person in need of assistance, based on the location information of the person in need of assistance in the disaster area and the location information of the supporters who will assist the person in need of assistance. A step of setting the priority of the supporter's movement based on the care level of the person requiring support and the movement route for each means of transportation, The process includes the step of determining the supporter who will allow the paid means of transportation to be used free of charge, based on the aforementioned priority. Evacuation support methods.

[0081] (Note 10) A process for setting a travel route for each of the one or more means of transportation by which the supporters move to the location of the person in need of assistance, based on the location information of the person in need of assistance in the disaster area and the location information of the supporters who support the person in need of assistance, A process for setting the priority of the supporter's movement based on the care level of the person requiring support and the movement route for each means of transportation, The computer is instructed to perform the following process based on the aforementioned priority: determining which supporters will allow to use the aforementioned paid means of transportation free of charge. Evacuation support program.

[0082] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 8 that are dependent on Appendice 1 may also be dependent on Appendices 9 and 10 in the same way as those described in Appendices 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applicable to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1. Evacuation Support System 10 Evacuation Support Server 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13. Movement path setting unit 14 Priority setting section 15. Decision Section 20 Transportation provider servers 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23. Authentication Department 24 Dispatch Department 40 Computers 41 CPU 42 RAM 43 ROM 44 IF 45 HDD 46 Control Program NW Network

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores the care level of the person requiring support and the one or more supporters who support the person requiring support, for each person requiring support. A movement path setting unit sets a movement path for each of the one or more means of transportation by which the supporter moves to the location of the person requiring assistance in the disaster area, based on the location information of the person requiring assistance and the location information of the supporter. A priority setting unit sets the priority of the caregiver's movement based on the care level and the movement route for each means of transport, The system includes a decision unit that determines which supporters will allow to use the paid means of transportation free of charge, based on the aforementioned priority. Evacuation support server.

2. The aforementioned supporter has been given a voucher in advance that allows them to use the aforementioned paid means of transportation free of charge. The decision unit activates the user ticket of the selected supporter and notifies the transportation service provider server that the transportation service has been activated. The evacuation support server according to claim 1.

3. The decision unit instructs the transportation means provider server that provides the transportation means to invalidate the billing of the payment means of the determined supporter. The evacuation support server according to claim 1.

4. The decision unit further instructs the transportation provider server to dispatch a vehicle to the supporter's current location based on the priority. The evacuation support server according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The decision unit further instructs the transportation means provision server to dispatch a vehicle along the transportation route based on the priority. The evacuation support server according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The priority setting unit sets the priority based on the care level, the travel route for each means of transport, and the physical condition information of the person requiring support. An evacuation support server according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The priority setting unit sets the priority of the support worker lower than that of other support workers when the support worker can travel by car or on foot, in at least one of the cases. An evacuation support server according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The aforementioned transportation provision server is a server managed by a public transportation or alternative transportation provider. The evacuation support server according to claim 2 or 3.

9. A step of setting a travel route for each of the one or more means of transportation by which the supporters will move to the location of the person in need of assistance, based on the location information of the person in need of assistance in the disaster area and the location information of the supporters who will assist the person in need of assistance. A step of setting the priority of the supporter's movement based on the care level of the person requiring support and the movement route for each means of transportation, The process includes the step of determining the supporter who will allow the paid means of transportation to be used free of charge, based on the aforementioned priority. Evacuation support methods.

10. A process for setting a travel route for each of the one or more means of transportation by which the supporters move to the location of the person in need of assistance, based on the location information of the person in need of assistance in the disaster area and the location information of the supporters who support the person in need of assistance. A process for setting the priority of the supporter's movement based on the care level of the person requiring support and the movement route for each means of transportation, The computer is instructed to perform the following process based on the aforementioned priority: determining which supporters will allow to use the aforementioned paid means of transportation free of charge. Evacuation support program.

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