Application support system, application support method, and program

Abstract

The present invention further improves authenticity. This application support system includes a first terminal that comprises: an evidence image acquisition unit that acquires image information including an evidence image captured at an image capture location and information about the evidence image; an application file creation unit that creates an application file by combining, with application information that is prepared in advance, information about application content, and application image information that is generated by converting the evidence image included in the acquired image information by a preset conversion means; and a transmission processing unit that causes the created application file to be transmitted to an application destination.

Description

Application Support System, Application Support Method, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an application support system, an application support method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires contract information indicating contents of an insurance contract related to a compensation target object and disaster information related to an occurred disaster; and an authenticity determination unit that acquires an insurance payout application including a captured image obtained by capturing an image of a damaged target object and date-time and position information including the date and time when the captured image was captured and the location where the captured image was captured, and determines whether or not the captured image is an image corresponding to a disaster estimated from the disaster information based on the captured image, the date-time and position information, and the disaster information.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 214929

[0004] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that, for example, after a third party or the like replaces a captured image or the like stored in a server after transmitting an insurance payout application including the captured image and date-time and position information, there is a possibility that the authenticity of the application cannot be ensured.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and an object thereof is to provide an application support system, an application support method, and a program that can further improve authenticity.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the application support system according to the present disclosure includes a first terminal including: an evidence image acquisition unit that acquires image information including an evidence image captured at an imaging location and information related to the evidence image; an application file creation unit that creates an application file by combining information related to application contents with application image information generated by converting the evidence image included in the acquired image information with preset conversion means, to pre-prepared application form information; and a transmission processing unit that causes the created application file to be transmitted to an application recipient.

[0007] The application support method relating to this disclosure includes the steps of: acquiring image information including evidence images taken at the shooting location and information related to said evidence images; creating an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information related to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and sending the created application file to the application recipient.

[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform a process that includes the steps of: acquiring image information including evidence images taken at a shooting location and information related to said evidence images; creating an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information related to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and sending the created application file to the recipient.

[0009] The application support system, application support methods, and programs described in this disclosure can further enhance authenticity.

[0010] This diagram shows the configuration of the application support system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of application information displayed on the application web page. This diagram shows an example of a login web page displayed on the user terminal. This flowchart shows the flow of the application support method according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of application information with the necessary information entered. This diagram shows an example of a web page for taking photographs. This diagram shows an example of data indicating application information, including string data of evidence images. This diagram shows an example of a web page for submitting an application using an application file. This flowchart shows the flow of the application acceptance process executed on the second terminal. This diagram shows an example of a list of application files. This diagram shows an example of a screen displayed when accepting an application. This diagram shows an example of evidence images used in the application support system according to the first modified example of the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows the configuration of the application support system according to the second modified example of the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows the configuration of the application support system according to the third modified example of the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows the configuration of the application support system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This flowchart shows the flow of the application support method according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] <First Embodiment> The following describes the forms for implementing the application support system, application support method, and program according to this disclosure with reference to the attached drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. (Configuration of the Application Support System) As shown in Figure 1, the application support system 1A mainly comprises a first terminal 2A, a storage device 3, and a second terminal 4. The application support system 1A is used, for example, when the owner or manager of a building damaged by a disaster such as flood, earthquake, windstorm, hailstorm, or snowstorm (hereinafter referred to as the applicant) applies for insurance money or subsidies. The operation of the application support system 1A is managed, for example, by an insurance company or local government that is the recipient of the insurance money or subsidy application, or by a contracted company commissioned by the insurance company or local government.

[0012] The first terminal 2A is a personal computer, server equipment, etc. The first terminal 2A is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0013] The first terminal 2A functionally includes a format storage unit 20, an information receiving unit 21, an evidence image acquisition unit 22, an application form file creation unit 23, an authentication information acquisition unit 24, and a transmission processing unit 25.

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of application information displayed on the application webpage. The format storage unit 20 stores application information 500 for applicants to apply for insurance or subsidies, such as shown in Figure 2. When the format storage unit 20 receives access from a user terminal 200 via a network such as the Internet, Wi-Fi, or a public wireless communication network (not shown), it displays the application webpage P1 for the application on the user terminal 200. Examples of user terminals 200 include smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers used by applicants.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the application webpage P1 displayed on the user terminal 200 contains pre-prepared application information 500 for the purpose of application. The application information 500 includes input fields such as contract insurance information 501, applicant information 502, account information 503, other insurance contract information 504, and damaged property information 505.

[0016] Contract insurance information 501 is information used to identify the insurance policy the applicant has. Examples of contract insurance information 501 include the policy number, policyholder, and insured. Applicant information 502 is information about the applicant. Examples of applicant information 502 include the applicant's property address, name, telephone number, and electronic signature.

[0017] Account information 503 is information regarding the bank account to which insurance benefits or subsidies will be paid upon application. Examples of account information 503 include the name of the financial institution, branch / office name, branch number, purpose of deposit, account number, account holder name, etc.

[0018] Other insurance contract information 504 is information regarding other insurance contracts relating to the property subject to the application. Examples of other insurance contract information 504 include whether or not there are other insurance contracts, the name of the insurance company if there are other insurance contracts, the type of insurance, the policy number, the insured, and whether or not there is a claim for insurance amount.

[0019] Damaged property information 505 is information regarding images of the damage to the property, as described later. Examples of damaged property information 505 include image encoding information of the evidence images and location information where the images were taken.

[0020] The information receiving unit 21 shown in Figure 1 receives input of information related to the application content from an external source via a network (not shown). In this embodiment, the information receiving unit 21 receives input of information regarding the contract insurance information 501, applicant information 502, account information 503, other insurance contract information 504, and damaged property information 505 of the application form information 500 on the application web page P1 displayed on the user terminal 200.

[0021] The evidence image acquisition unit 22 acquires image information, including evidence images taken at the shooting location and information related to the evidence images. The evidence image acquisition unit 22 causes the applicant to take an image (which may also be video) with the camera installed in the user terminal 200 when the applicant performs a predetermined operation on the application web page P1 displayed on the user terminal 200, and acquires it as evidence image. When the user terminal 200 takes an image at the shooting location using the camera installed in the user terminal 200, it acquires location information of the shooting location (latitude and longitude), shooting direction information, and shooting time information as location information of the user terminal 200. The evidence image acquisition unit 22 causes the user terminal 200 to take evidence images with the camera installed in the user terminal 200, acquire location information, acquire shooting direction information, and acquire date and time information, as will be described in detail later, on the application web page P1 displayed on the user terminal 200.

[0022] The application file creation unit 23 creates an application file for applying for insurance or subsidies. The application file creation unit 23 creates an application file F by combining the application information 500 on the application web page P1 displayed on the user terminal 200 with information about the application content received by the information reception unit 21 and image information including evidence images and information about the evidence images acquired by the evidence image acquisition unit 22. The application file creation unit 23 converts the data of the evidence images included in the image information using a pre-configured conversion means. In this embodiment, for example, Base 64 is used as the conversion means to encode the data of the evidence images included in the image information on the user terminal 200 and convert it into string data. The application file creation unit 23 combines the converted string data of the evidence images with the application information 500 as application image information. For example, the application file creation unit 23 incorporates the converted string data of the evidence images as application image information into data in a predetermined format (for example, XML format data) that represents the application information 500. Here, the encoding method used when converting to string data may be either a reversible or an irreversible method.

[0023] The authentication information acquisition unit 24 acquires predetermined authentication information from an external source. The authentication information acquisition unit 24 acquires authentication information such as a time stamp, e-seal, etc., from an external authentication information management unit 300 via a network (not shown). The application file creation unit 23 associates the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 24 with the application file F.

[0024] The transmission processing unit 25 transmits the application file F created by the application file creation unit 23, along with the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 24, to the storage device 3.

[0025] The storage device 3 stores various information necessary for submitting an application in the application support system 1A. The storage device 3 may be installed together with the first terminal 2A and the second terminal 4, or it may be installed in a data center or other location different from the first terminal 2A and the second terminal 4. The storage device 3 may also be a so-called cloud server. The storage device 3 has an applicant information storage unit 31 and a file storage unit 32. The applicant information storage unit 31 and the file storage unit 32 may be installed in different locations.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an example of a login web page displayed on a user terminal. The applicant information storage unit 31 stores applicant information about the applicant making the application. Examples of applicant information include identification information (account name) to identify the applicant (in the case of insurance, the insurance policyholder), a password, the applicant's address, name, telephone number, and the policy number of the insurance contract the applicant has. When the applicant uses the user terminal 200 and enters the correct identification information (account name) and password into the login web page P0, for example, as shown in Figure 3, the applicant information storage unit 31 becomes accessible. Alternatively, instead of entering the above identification information and password, login may be performed using biometric authentication such as fingerprints or facial recognition. When the applicant enters the correct identification information and password, the application file creation unit 23 refers to the applicant information storage unit 31 and obtains information related to the application content, such as the applicant's address, name, telephone number, policy number of the insurance contract the applicant has, the insurance policyholder, and the insured, which are associated with the entered identification information. The application file creation unit 23 inputs the acquired information regarding the application into the application information 500 and creates the application file F.

[0027] The file storage unit 32 stores the application form file F sent from the transmission processing unit 25. When the file storage unit 32 receives access from the second terminal 4 (described later), it becomes accessible from the second terminal 4. The second terminal 4 retrieves the application form file F specified by the staff member at the application receiving office from the file storage unit 32.

[0028] The second terminal 4 is a computer such as a personal computer or tablet terminal equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The second terminal 4 is used by the staff of the application receiving office. The second terminal 4 is functionally equipped with an operation reception unit 41, a file acquisition unit 42, an image acquisition unit 43, a determination unit 44, and a display unit (not shown).

[0029] The operation reception unit 41 consists of a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, etc., and receives operation input from the staff member at the application site. The second terminal 4 executes the functions of each part according to the operation input received by the operation reception unit 41.

[0030] The file acquisition unit 42 acquires the applicant's application form file F from the file storage unit 32 based on the operation input received by the staff member of the application destination, which is received by the operation reception unit 41.

[0031] The image acquisition unit 43 acquires application image information from the applicant's application file F acquired by the file acquisition unit 42. The image acquisition unit 43 decodes the application image information using a pre-configured restoration means. In this embodiment, the restoration means, for example, uses Base 64 to restore (decode) the original evidence image V1 from the string data contained in the application image information. In this way, the image acquisition unit 43 acquires the evidence image V1 by restoring the application image information contained in the application file F using the restoration means.

[0032] The determination unit 44 determines the authenticity of the information contained in the application file. The determination unit 44 determines the authenticity of the information contained in the application file based on the authentication information contained in the application file F. In other words, the determination unit 44 confirms the authenticity of the information contained in the application file by determining the authenticity of the application file itself stored in the file storage unit 32 based on the authentication information.

[0033] Furthermore, the determination unit 44 may determine the authenticity of the evidence image V1 obtained from the application image information included in the application form file. In this case, the determination unit 44 may obtain information related to the evidence image V1, such as the location coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the shooting location, the shooting direction information, and the shooting time information, and determine whether or not it matches the photographed property. Specifically, the determination unit 44 determines, based on the location coordinates (latitude and longitude) information of the shooting location, whether or not it matches the address of the applicant's property registered in the applicant information 502. The determination unit 44 also determines, based on the shooting direction information, whether or not the evidence image V1 is a photograph of the applicant's property and not a photograph of another property adjacent to the applicant's property. The determination unit 44 obtains the shooting time information and determines whether or not the date and time of the photograph were taken after the date and time of the disaster that occurred at the property address. In this way, the determination unit 44 may determine the authenticity of the evidence image V1. Furthermore, the determination of the authenticity of the evidence image V1 based on the above location information may be performed by an official at the application destination, rather than by the determination unit 44.

[0034] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of an application support method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the application support method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step S11 for inputting information, a step S12 for acquiring image information, a step S13 for creating an application form file, and a step S14 for sending the application form file.

[0035] In step S11, where information is entered, when the first terminal 2A receives access from the user terminal 200, it displays a login web page on the user terminal 200, for example, as shown in Figure 3. When the applicant enters identification information and a password on the login web page P0 displayed on the user terminal 200, the first terminal 2A refers to the applicant information storage unit 31 of the storage device 3. From the applicant information storage unit 31, the first terminal 2A obtains information related to the application, such as the applicant's property address, name, telephone number, policy number of the insurance contract the applicant has, the insurance policyholder, and the insured, all associated with the entered identification information.

[0036] The first terminal 2A displays the application webpage P1 on the user terminal 200. The application webpage P1 displayed on the user terminal 200 displays pre-prepared application information 500, as shown in Figure 2. The first terminal 2A displays the application information 500 with information about the application content, such as the property address, name, telephone number, policy number, insurance policyholder, insured person, etc., obtained from the applicant information storage unit 31. Alternatively, the applicant may directly enter the property address, name, telephone number, policy number, insurance policyholder, insured person, etc., on the application webpage P1 displayed on the user terminal 200 without logging in.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of application form information with the necessary information entered. In step S11, where information is entered, the applicant uses the user terminal 200 to enter any missing information from the input items of the application form information 500, such as contract insurance information 501, applicant information 502, account information 503, other insurance contract information 504, and damaged property information 505. The information receiving unit 21 of the first terminal 2A then receives the information from the user terminal 200. The information receiving unit 21 receives information about the application content entered by the applicant for the application form information 500 and displays the information entered by the applicant in the contract insurance information 501, applicant information 502, account information 503, other insurance contract information 504, and damaged property information 505, as shown in Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example of a web page for photography. Once the input of each input field in the application information 500 is complete, and the applicant operates, for example, the "Next" button 507 on the user terminal 200, the first terminal 2A displays the web page P2 for photography on the user terminal 200, as shown in Figure 6.

[0039] In step S12, where image information is acquired, the applicant uses the camera installed in the user terminal 200 to take evidence images V1 showing the damage status of the property subject to the application. At this time, the applicant takes the evidence images V1 with the camera by operating, for example, the "Capture" button 511 on the shooting web page P2 displayed on the user terminal 200. In this case, the user terminal 200 may also launch the shooting application software installed in the user terminal 200 by performing a predetermined operation on the shooting web page P2. In this way, by taking the evidence images V1 on the shooting web page P2 displayed on the user terminal 200, it becomes difficult to input external image data as evidence images V1.

[0040] When the applicant points the camera of the user terminal 200 at the property and takes a photograph, the captured image is registered as evidence image V1 on the shooting web page P2. At this time, when taking evidence image V1, the user terminal 200 acquires information related to evidence image V1, including the location coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the shooting location, the shooting direction information, and the shooting time information. The location coordinate information of the shooting location is acquired, for example, by a GPS (Global Positioning System) installed in the user terminal 200. The shooting direction information is acquired, for example, by a gyro sensor installed in the user terminal 200. The shooting time information is acquired by the built-in clock installed in the user terminal 200 or by an external time information notification organization.

[0041] In step S12, where image information is acquired, the applicant can take multiple evidence images V1. Once the evidence images V1 have been taken and registered, and the applicant operates, for example, the "Next" button on the shooting web page P2 of the user terminal 200, the process proceeds to step S13, where the application file is created.

[0042] In step S13 of creating an application form file, when an operation on the "Next" button 512 on the photographing web page P2 is input from the user terminal 200, the application form file creating unit 23 of the first terminal 2A causes the user terminal 200 to create one application form file F. One application form file F is created by combining the information related to the application content input in step S11, and the image information that includes the evidence image V1 and information related to the evidence image V1 acquired by the evidence image acquisition unit 22 in step S12.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of data indicating application form information including character string data of an evidence image. At this time, the application form file creating unit 23 causes the user terminal 200 to convert (encode) the data of the evidence image V1 included in the image information by using preset conversion means, for example, Base64. Thereby, the data of the evidence image V1 included in the image information is converted into character string data. As shown in FIG. 7, the application form file creating unit 23 causes the user terminal 200 to incorporate the character string data Dc of the converted evidence image V1 as application image information into data D of a predetermined format indicating application form information 500 (for example, data in XML format).

[0044] In addition, in step S13 of creating the application form file, when creating the application form file F, the authentication information acquisition unit 24 is caused to acquire predetermined authentication information such as a time stamp and an e-seal. The acquired authentication information is associated with the application form file F.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a web page for filing an application using an application form file. In this way, the application form file F including the information related to the application content, the image information, and the authentication information is generated. When the application form file F is generated, as shown in FIG. 8, an "Apply" button 521 for executing the application is displayed on the web page P3 for application that is displayed on the user terminal 200. When the applicant operates the "Apply" button 521 on the user terminal 200, the process proceeds to step S14 of transmitting the application form file.

[0046] In step S14 of transmitting the application form file, the transmission processing unit 25 of the first terminal 2A causes the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 24, together with the application form file F created by the application form file creation unit 23, to be transmitted from the user terminal 200 to the storage device 3. The storage device 3 causes the application form file F and the authentication information received from the user terminal 200 to be stored in the file storage unit 32.

[0047] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of application acceptance processing executed by the second terminal. As shown in Figure 9, the application acceptance processing executed by the second terminal 4 includes step S21 of checking the application form file and step S22 of accepting the application.

[0048] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a list of application form files. In step S21 of checking the application form file, when the operation reception unit 41 receives a predetermined operation input performed by a staff member of the application destination with respect to the second terminal 4, the file acquisition unit 42 acquires the application form file F stored in the file storage unit 32. As shown in Figure 10, the second terminal 4 causes a list of the acquired application form files F to be displayed on a display unit (not shown). On the display unit (not shown), among the plurality of application form files F stored in the file storage unit 32, a list L of application form files F for which application acceptance has not been completed is displayed. Furthermore, the second terminal 4 may be configured to perform a search based on search conditions input by the staff member using, for example, an applicant's name as a keyword, and cause only application form files F matching the search conditions to be displayed in the list L.

[0049] When the second terminal 4 reads the application form file F from the file storage unit 32, the image acquisition unit 43 acquires application image information from the applicant's application form file F. The image acquisition unit 43 decodes the character string data included in the application image information using, for example, Base64 by a preset restoration means, and restores the original evidence image V1. The image acquisition unit 43 acquires the evidence image V1 by restoring the application image information included in the application form file F with the restoration means.

[0050] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed when an application is received. The staff member at the receiving end of the application selects the application file to be received from the list L of application file F using a mouse, touchpad, etc. When the operation reception unit 41 receives the operation input from the staff member, the second terminal 4 displays the application information 500 and evidence image V1 contained in the selected application file F on the display unit (not shown), as shown in Figure 11.

[0051] In step S22, where the application is accepted, the staff member checks the application information 500 and evidence image V1 displayed on the display unit (not shown) and decides whether or not to accept the application. At this time, the determination unit 44 may determine the authenticity of the information contained in the application file and display the determination result on the display unit (not shown). In this case, the determination unit 44 determines the authenticity of the information contained in the application file based on the authentication information contained in the application file F. The determination unit 44 also determines the authenticity of the evidence image V1 obtained from the application image information contained in the application file. Note that the determination of authenticity based on the above authentication information and location information may not be performed by the determination unit 44, but may be made at the discretion of the staff member receiving the application. In step S22, where the application is accepted, when the staff member selects whether or not to accept the application using the selection buttons 541, 542 such as "Application Accepted" or "Application Not Accepted" displayed on the display unit (not shown), the second terminal 4 stores the selection result in the storage device 3 in association with the application file F. Subsequently, for applications that are deemed acceptable, the receiving institution will proceed with the payment process for insurance benefits or subsidies.

[0052] (Effects) In the application support system 1A and application support method configured above, when sending the application file F containing the evidence image V1 to the recipient, the application file F is created using application image information generated by converting the evidence image V1 using a conversion means. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the replacement of the evidence image V1 by a third party after the application file F has been sent. As a result, the authenticity of the application can be further enhanced.

[0053] (First Modification of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the application file creation unit 23 converts the data of the evidence image V1 included in the image information into string data using Base 64 via a conversion means to generate application image information, but is not limited to this. Figure 12 shows an example of an evidence image used in an application support system according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the application file creation unit 23 may generate application image information by writing predetermined image identification information K to the evidence image V1 included in the image information using a conversion means. Here, the image identification information K to be written to the evidence image may be, for example, part or all of the information entered in the application information 500, such as the applicant's account name or name, the address of the applicant's property, the security number, etc.

[0054] This allows the receiving staff member to easily verify the authenticity of the evidence image V1 by confirming that the information described in the application information 500 matches the image identification information K written on the evidence image V1 when checking the contents of the application form file F on the second terminal 4.

[0055] In this case, the application image information generated by writing predetermined image identification information K to the evidence image V1 may be attached directly to the application file F without being converted into a string using Base64.

[0056] Furthermore, the application file creation unit 23 converts the data of the evidence image V1 included in the image information into string data using Base 64, but is not limited to this. As a means of converting the data of the evidence image V1, other string conversion means such as Base 85, other than Base 64 may be used.

[0057] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment) Furthermore, in the configuration shown in the first embodiment above, the application image information generated by converting the evidence image V1 into string data is included in the application form file F and transmitted to the storage device 3 of the application destination, but the system is not limited to this. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an application support system according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in Figure 13, in the application support system 1B of this modification, in addition to including the application image information generated by converting the evidence image V1 into string data in the application form file F and transmitting it to the storage device 3 of the application destination, the evidence image V1 taken by the user terminal 200 may also be transmitted from the first terminal 2B to the storage device 3 separately from the application form file F. To transmit the evidence image V1 from the first terminal 2B to the storage device 3 separately from the application form file F, for example, the evidence image V1 may be transmitted separately at a different timing from the application form file F.

[0058] In this configuration, the staff member at the receiving end of the application verifies whether the evidence image V1 obtained by decoding the application image information contained in the application form file F on the second terminal 4 matches the evidence image V1 that has been directly transmitted to and stored in the storage device 3. This further enhances the authenticity of the evidence image V1.

[0059] (Third Modification of the First Embodiment) In addition, in the application support system 1B of the second modification of the first embodiment described above, the evidence image V1 taken by the user terminal 200 is transmitted from the first terminal 2B to the storage device 3 separately from the application form file F, but the system is not limited to this. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the application support system according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in Figure 14, in the application support system 1C of this modification, the evidence image V1 taken by the user terminal 200 may be transmitted from the first terminal 2C to another storage device 3B provided separately from the storage device 3.

[0060] In this configuration, the staff member at the receiving end of the application verifies whether the evidence image V1 obtained by decoding the application image information contained in the application file F on the second terminal 4 matches the evidence image V1 that has been directly transmitted to and stored in another storage device 3B. This further enhances the authenticity of the evidence image V1.

[0061] In this third modification, the evidence image V1 is transmitted from the first terminal 2C to another storage device 3B, which is provided separately from the storage device 3, but the system is not limited to this. For example, the application image information generated by converting the evidence image V1 into string data may be transmitted from the first terminal 2C to another storage device 3B, which is provided separately from the storage device 3.

[0062] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the application support system related to this disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment described below, components common to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures and their descriptions are omitted.

[0063] Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an application support system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 15, the application support system 1D includes a first terminal 2D. The first terminal 2D comprises an evidence image acquisition unit 22, an application form file creation unit 23, and a transmission processing unit 25.

[0064] The evidence image acquisition unit 22 acquires image information. The image information includes the evidence image V1 taken at the shooting location, and information related to the evidence image V1.

[0065] The application file creation unit 23 creates the application file F. The application file F is created by combining pre-prepared application information with information related to the application content and application image information. The application image information is generated by converting the evidence image V1 included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means.

[0066] The transmission processing unit 25 sends the created application form file F to the recipient.

[0067] According to the application support system 1D described above, it is possible to prevent third parties from replacing evidence images V1 after the application file F has been submitted. As a result, the authenticity of the application can be further enhanced.

[0068] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the application support method relating to this disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment described below, components common to the first and second embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0069] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of an application support method according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 16, the application support method includes a step S31 of acquiring image information, a step S32 of creating an application form file, and a step S33 of having the application form file sent to the application recipient.

[0070] Step S31, which involves acquiring image information, acquires image information including evidence images taken at the shooting location and information related to the evidence images.

[0071] Step S32, which involves creating an application file, combines pre-prepared application information with information regarding the application content and application image information to create the application file. The application image information is generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means.

[0072] Step S33, which involves sending the application to the recipient, involves sending the created application form file to the recipient.

[0073] The application support method described above helps to prevent third parties from replacing evidence images after the application file has been submitted. As a result, the authenticity of the application can be further enhanced.

[0074] (Other Embodiments) Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and may include design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0075] In the above embodiment, when an applicant applies for insurance benefits or subsidies, the applicant displays the application web page P1 on the user terminal 200 and performs various operations and inputs. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the applicant may use application software pre-installed on the user terminal 200, such as a smartphone or tablet, to make the application. In that case, a user interface (display screen) similar to the application web page P1 will be displayed on the application software. Alternatively, a separate display screen may be prepared for the screen of a smartphone or the like.

[0076] In the above embodiment, when determining the authenticity of the evidence image V1, information related to the evidence image V1, such as the location coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the shooting location, the shooting direction, and the shooting time, is obtained, and it is determined whether or not it matches the object that was photographed. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, by analyzing the evidence image V1 itself, information about the shooting location may be estimated from the buildings, etc., depicted in the evidence image V1, and based on the estimated shooting location information, it may be determined whether or not the image shows the address of the object that was photographed.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, location coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the shooting location, shooting direction information, and shooting time information were used as information regarding the evidence image V1. However, if the authenticity of the evidence image V1 can be determined, at least some of these may be used, or other information may be used.

[0078] Furthermore, a program to implement all or part of the functions of application support systems 1A to 1D may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform processing by each functional unit. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Also, if a WWW system is used, "computer system" also includes the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as CDs, DVDs, USBs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. In addition, if this program is distributed to application support systems 1A to 1D via a communication line, the application support systems 1A to 1D that receive the distribution may load the program into storage and execute the above processing. Furthermore, the above program may be for implementing only a part of the functions described above, and may also be able to implement the above functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0079] The following demonstrates how the matters described in each embodiment contribute to improvements in computer functions and other technological fields.

[0080] The application file creation unit 23 generates the application file F as a self-contained data structure that combines the evidence image V1 at the time of submission and image information including information related to said evidence image V1 (e.g., location coordinate information, shooting direction information, shooting time information, etc.) with information related to the application content (for example, it is incorporated as application image information into data D in a predetermined format that indicates the application information 500). Therefore, even if a third party intervenes in the stored data after the transmission of the application file F and attempts to replace the evidence image, the receiving party can obtain the application image information from the application file F (image acquisition unit 43), restore (decode) the evidence image V1 using the restoration means, and then confirm the consistency with the information related to the application content and the information related to the evidence image V1 contained in the application file F (determination unit 44, or confirmation by an officer), thereby detecting whether or not it has been tampered with or replaced. As a result, it becomes possible to confirm the integrity and authenticity of the evidence in digital applications, further enhancing the authenticity of the application.

[0081] Furthermore, in other aspects, when creating the application file F, predetermined authentication information such as a timestamp and e-seal is obtained from an external authentication information management unit 300 (authentication information acquisition unit 24), and the application file F is generated by associating this authentication information with the application file F (application file creation unit 23). In addition, the created application file F and authentication information are transmitted to the storage device 3 (transmission processing unit 25), and stored together with the application file F at the receiving end (file storage unit 32). The receiving end can determine the authenticity of the application file F itself (such as whether it has not been altered after submission) based on the authentication information contained in the application file F (determination unit 44). This makes it possible to mechanically verify "when the application information and evidence images were finalized" and "whether they have been altered after submission" based on the authentication information of a third-party organization, thereby improving the reliability of the authenticity verification process (authentication process) in the application support system.

[0082] Furthermore, in addition to the process of incorporating the evidence image V1 into the application file F (application file creation unit 23), the system may also be configured to transmit the evidence image V1, captured by the user terminal 200, at a different timing than the application file F, or to a different destination than the application file F (for example, the transmission process of the first terminals 2B and 2C). In this case, the employee of the application recipient can compare the evidence image V1 restored by acquiring application image information from the application file F (image acquisition unit 43) with the evidence image V1 that was transmitted directly via a different route and stored (stored in the file storage unit 32 or other storage device 3B), and confirm whether the two match. This makes it more difficult for replacement to occur with only an infringement of a single storage area or a single transmission route, further improving tamper-resistance against replacement or modification. As a result, the authenticity of the application can be further enhanced.

[0083] Furthermore, in other respects, the system is configured so that the applicant takes and acquires evidence image V1 using the camera installed in the user terminal 200 by performing a predetermined operation on the application web page P1 / photography web page P2 (or application) (evidence image acquisition unit 22). By acquiring evidence image V1 in conjunction with the photography web page P2 in this way, it becomes difficult to input arbitrary image data from an external source and mix it in as evidence image. In addition, when evidence image V1 is taken, location coordinate information, shooting direction information, shooting time information, etc. are acquired and stored as information related to evidence image V1 (evidence image acquisition unit 22), and the receiving party can use this information to determine consistency with applicant information (e.g., property address) and the date and time of disaster occurrence (determination unit 44, or confirmation by an officer). As a result, it is possible to verify that evidence image V1 was acquired by camera shooting and the consistency of the shooting conditions, thereby reducing the risk of fraudulent applications and further enhancing the authenticity of the application.

[0084] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0085] (Note 1) An application support system including a first terminal comprising: an evidence image acquisition unit that acquires evidence images taken at a shooting location and image information including information relating to the evidence images (e.g., location information); an application file creation unit that creates an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information relating to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and a transmission processing unit that causes the created application file to be sent to the application recipient.

[0086] (Note 2) The conversion means is the application support system described in Note 1, which generates the application image information by converting the data of the evidence image into a string of a predetermined format.

[0087] (Note 3) The conversion means is an application support system according to Note 1 or 2 that generates the application image information by writing predetermined image identification information onto the evidence image.

[0088] (Note 4) The application support system described in any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the transmission processing unit causes the evidence image to be transmitted at a different timing than the application form file, or to a different destination than the application form file.

[0089] (Note 5) The first terminal further comprises an authentication information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined authentication information from an external source, and the application form file creation unit creates the application form file by associating the acquired authentication information, an application support system according to any one of Notes 1 to 4.

[0090] (Note 6) The application support system described in any one of Notes 1 to 5, which includes at least one of the following: location coordinate information of the shooting location, shooting direction information of the evidence image, and shooting time information of the evidence image.

[0091] (Note 7) The application support system according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, further comprising an information receiving unit that receives input of at least a portion of the information relating to the application from an external source, the first terminal.

[0092] (Appendix 8) An application support system according to any one of Appendix 1 to 7, further comprising a user information storage unit in which user information relating to the user is stored in advance, wherein the application file creation unit generates information relating to the application using the user information obtained from the user information storage unit.

[0093] (Note 9) An application support system according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, further comprising: a file storage unit for storing the application form file transmitted from the transmission processing unit; and a second terminal provided at the application destination, wherein the second terminal comprises: a file acquisition unit for acquiring the application form file from the file storage unit; and a display unit for displaying the application form file.

[0094] (Note 10) The second terminal further comprises an image acquisition unit which acquires the evidence image by restoring the application image information contained in the application form file using a restoration means, and the display unit which displays the acquired evidence image. This is the application support system described in Note 9.

[0095] (Note 11) An application support method comprising the steps of: acquiring image information including evidence images taken at a shooting location and information relating to said evidence images; creating an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information relating to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and sending the created application file to the application recipient.

[0096] (Note 12) The conversion means is the application support method described in Note 11, which generates the application image information by converting the data of the evidence image into a string of characters in a predetermined format.

[0097] (Note 13) A program that causes a computer to perform a process including the steps of: acquiring image information including evidence images taken at a shooting location and information related to said evidence images; creating an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information related to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and sending the created application file to the recipient.

[0098] (Note 14) The conversion means is the program described in Note 13 that generates the application image information by converting the data of the evidence image into a string of a predetermined format.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made within the scope of the present invention as can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0100] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-040161, filed on 13 March 2025, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0101] 1A-1D...Application support system 2A-2D...First terminal 4...Second terminal 22...Evidence image acquisition unit 23...Application form file creation unit 24...Authentication information acquisition unit 25...Transmission processing unit 32...File storage unit 42...File acquisition unit 43...Image acquisition unit 500...Application information F...Application file K...Image identification information V1...Evidence image

Claims

1. An application support system including a first terminal comprising: an evidence image acquisition unit that acquires image information including evidence images taken at a shooting location and information related to said evidence images; an application file creation unit that creates an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information related to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and a transmission processing unit that causes the created application file to be sent to the application recipient.

2. The application support system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion means generates the application image information by converting the data of the evidence image into a string of a predetermined format.

3. The application support system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion means generates the application image information by writing predetermined image identification information onto the evidence image.

4. The application support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission processing unit causes the evidence image to be transmitted at a different timing from the application form file or to a different destination from the application form file.

5. The application support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first terminal further comprises an authentication information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined authentication information from an external source, and the application file creation unit creates the application file by associating the acquired authentication information.

6. The application support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information relating to the evidence image includes at least one of the location coordinate information of the shooting location, the shooting direction information of the evidence image, and the shooting time information of the evidence image.

7. The application support system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an information receiving unit that receives input of at least a portion of the information relating to the application from an external source, the first terminal.

8. The application support system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a user information storage unit in which user information relating to a user is stored in advance, wherein the application file creation unit generates information relating to the application content using the user information obtained from the user information storage unit.

9. The application support system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a file storage unit for storing the application form file transmitted from the transmission processing unit; and a second terminal provided at the application destination, wherein the second terminal comprises: a file acquisition unit for acquiring the application form file from the file storage unit; and a display unit for displaying the application form file.

10. The application support system according to claim 9, wherein the second terminal further comprises an image acquisition unit that acquires the evidence image by restoring the application image information contained in the application form file using a restoration means, and the display unit displays the acquired evidence image.

11. An application support method comprising the steps of: acquiring image information including evidence images taken at a shooting location and information relating to said evidence images; creating an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information relating to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and sending the created application file to the application recipient.

12. The application support method according to claim 11, wherein the conversion means generates the application image information by converting the data of the evidence image into a string of characters in a predetermined format.

13. A program that causes a computer to perform a process including the steps of: acquiring image information including evidence images taken at a shooting location and information related to said evidence images; creating an application file by combining pre-prepared application information with information related to the application content and application image information generated by converting the evidence images included in the acquired image information using a pre-configured conversion means; and sending the created application file to the recipient.

14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the conversion means generates the application image information by converting the data of the evidence image into a string of a predetermined format.

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