System and communication terminal

Abstract

Provided is a system or the like that makes it possible to issue evacuation information close to a communication terminal.　The communication terminal comprises: a communication unit that communicates with an information server in which there is recorded an evacuation site database including the names and the position information of evacuation sites at the time of a disaster; a recording unit that records a portion of the evacuation site database as evacuation site information; and a display unit that displays an evacuation site list display screen based on the evacuation site information. The evacuation site information is the names and the position information of evacuation sites that are within a prescribed range including the current position of the communication terminal among the evacuation sites included in the evacuation site database. The evacuation site list display screen includes the names of evacuation sites close to the communication terminal and the distances to the evacuation sites. For each movement by a first distance, the recording unit records the evacuation site information received from the information server via the communication unit. In cases in which communication with the information server is not possible when a first operation for displaying the evacuation site list display screen is performed, the display unit displays the evacuation site list display screen on the basis of the evacuation site information recorded in the recording unit.

Description

System, communication terminal

[0001] This invention relates to a communication terminal that displays information about evacuation shelters, etc.

[0002] Patent document 1 and others propose a system for displaying information about evacuation shelters.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-195966

[0004] However, in situations where the communication environment is poor, it may not be possible to display information such as evacuation shelters.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a system that can provide evacuation information even when the communication environment is degraded.

[0006] The system according to the present invention comprises an information server that records a database of evacuation shelters including the names and location information of evacuation shelters during disasters; a communication unit that communicates with the information server; a recording unit that records a portion of the evacuation shelter database as evacuation shelter information; and a display unit that displays an evacuation shelter list display screen based on the evacuation shelter information. The evacuation shelter information is the names and location information of evacuation shelters included in the evacuation shelter database that are within a predetermined range including the current location of the communication terminal. The evacuation shelter list display screen includes the names of evacuation shelters close to the communication terminal and the distance to those evacuation shelters. After each movement of a first distance, or after each elapsed time, the recording unit records the evacuation shelter information received from the information server via the communication unit. If communication with the information server is not possible when the first operation to display the evacuation shelter list display screen is performed, the display unit displays the evacuation shelter list display screen based on the evacuation shelter information recorded in the recording unit. When the first operation is performed, if communication with the information server is possible, the display unit displays the shelter list display screen based on the shelter information newly received from the information server through the communication.

[0007] In advance, shelter information within a predetermined range, including the location of the communication terminal, is recorded in the recording unit for each first distance traveled or each first hour elapsed. Therefore, even if a disaster occurs, the communication environment deteriorates, and shelter information is needed, and the communication terminal cannot communicate with the information server, it is possible to use the pre-recorded shelter information to inform the communication terminal of a shelter close to it. Because shelter information is acquired only within the area including the location of the communication terminal, the amount of communication between the information server and the communication terminal, and the capacity required to record shelter information in the communication terminal's recording unit 13, can be minimized.

[0008] The system according to the present invention comprises an information server that records a hazard map database containing information about areas expected to be affected by disasters, a communication unit that communicates with the information server, a recording unit that records a portion of the hazard map database as hazard map information, and a communication terminal that displays a map screen with a hazard map superimposed based on the hazard map information. The hazard map information is included in a predetermined range, including the current location of the communication terminal, among the areas expected to be affected by disasters included in the hazard map database. For every first distance traveled, or every first hour elapsed, the recording unit records the hazard map information received from the information server via the communication unit. If communication with the information server is not possible when a second operation to display a map screen with a hazard map superimposed is performed, the display unit displays a map screen with a hazard map superimposed based on the hazard map information recorded in the recording unit. When the second operation is performed, if communication with the information server is possible, the display unit displays a map screen with the hazard map superimposed on it, based on the hazard map information newly received from the information server through the communication.

[0009] Hazard map information for a predetermined range, including the location of the communication terminal, is pre-recorded in the recording unit for each distance traveled or each hour elapsed. Therefore, even if a disaster occurs, the communication environment deteriorates, and the communication terminal is unable to communicate with the information server when hazard map information is needed, it is possible to use the pre-recorded hazard map information to inform the communication terminal of the area expected to be affected by the disaster. Because hazard map information is acquired only for the area including the location of the communication terminal, the amount of communication between the information server and the communication terminal, and the capacity required to record the hazard map information in the communication terminal's recording unit, can be minimized.

[0010] Preferably, the display unit displays a location information display screen. The location information display screen includes location information of a communication terminal other than the communication terminal, obtained via the information server. The first time is longer than the time interval for acquiring the location information of the other communication terminal.

[0011] Preferably, the predetermined range includes a circle with a radius of the second distance, centered at the position of the communication terminal or at a position a third distance from the position of the communication terminal along the direction of movement of the communication terminal. The first distance is shorter than the second distance. The third distance is shorter than the first distance.

[0012] The designated area is highly likely to include the area where the communication terminal moves, making it possible to inform the user of nearby evacuation shelters or areas expected to be affected by the disaster based on the terminal's location after it moves. By setting the forward area wider than the backward area, the likelihood of the designated area including the area where the communication terminal moves can be increased.

[0013] Preferably, the predetermined range is a circle with a radius of the second distance, centered at the position of the communication terminal or at a position a third distance from the position of the communication terminal along the direction of movement of the communication terminal. The first distance is half of the second distance. The third distance is shorter than the first distance.

[0014] Preferably, the predetermined range includes a circle with a radius of the second distance, centered at a position a third distance from the position of the communication terminal along the direction of movement of the communication terminal. The first distance is shorter than the second distance. The third distance is shorter than the first distance and varies depending on the speed of movement of the communication terminal.

[0015] Even if the distance traveled by the communication terminal is long, it will still be possible to inform the nearest evacuation center or the area expected to be affected by the disaster based on the terminal's location after relocation.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the predetermined range is wider in front of the position of the communication terminal than behind the position of the communication terminal, along the direction of movement of the communication terminal.

[0017] This increases the likelihood that the area in which the communication terminal moves will be included within the specified range.

[0018] Preferably, the size of the predetermined range varies according to the movement speed of the communication terminal.

[0019] By expanding the area covered by evacuation shelter information or hazard map information, it becomes possible to inform users of nearby evacuation shelters or areas expected to be affected by disasters, even if the communication terminal may move to a distant location. When the likelihood of the communication terminal moving to a distant location is low, the area covered by evacuation shelter information or hazard map information can be narrowed, minimizing the amount of communication between the information server and the communication terminal, as well as the capacity required to record evacuation shelter information or hazard map information in the communication terminal's recording unit.

[0020] Preferably, when the first operation is performed, the display unit displays the shelter list screen based on the shelter information recorded in the recording unit. If communication with the information server is established, the display unit updates the display of the shelter list screen based on the shelter information newly received from the information server during the communication.

[0021] Using the evacuation shelter information recorded in the recording unit, a list of evacuation shelters can be immediately displayed, making it possible to inform users of the nearest evacuation shelter based on the location of their communication terminal after moving.

[0022] Preferably, when the second operation is performed, the display unit displays a map screen in which the hazard map and information regarding the acquisition time of the hazard map information are superimposed, based on the hazard map information recorded in the recording unit. If communication with the information server is established, the display unit updates the display of the map screen in which the hazard map is superimposed, based on the hazard map information newly received from the information server through the communication.

[0023] By using hazard map information recorded in the recording unit, a map screen with the hazard map superimposed can be immediately displayed, making it possible to inform users of the area of ​​potential damage near the location of the communication terminal after it has moved. The content of the hazard map after a disaster may have changed significantly from the content of the hazard map before the disaster (hazard map information recorded in the recording unit), but by indicating that it is a hazard map from before the disaster, it is possible to alert users that there may be discrepancies with the actual affected area.

[0024] The communication terminal according to the present invention comprises a communication unit that communicates with an information server that records a database of evacuation shelters including the names and location information of evacuation shelters in the event of a disaster; a recording unit that records a portion of the evacuation shelter database as evacuation shelter information; and a display unit that displays a first screen and an evacuation shelter list display screen based on the evacuation shelter information. The evacuation shelter information is the names and location information of evacuation shelters included in the evacuation shelter database that are within a predetermined range including the current location of the communication terminal. The evacuation shelter list display screen includes the names of evacuation shelters close to the communication terminal and the distance to those evacuation shelters. After each movement of a first distance or after each elapsed time, the recording unit records the evacuation shelter information received from the information server via the communication unit. If communication with the information server is not possible when the first operation to display the evacuation shelter list display screen is performed, the display unit displays the evacuation shelter list display screen based on the evacuation shelter information recorded in the recording unit. When the first operation is performed, if communication with the information server is possible, the display unit displays the shelter list display screen based on the shelter information newly received from the information server through the communication.

[0025] A communication terminal according to the present invention comprises: a communication unit that communicates with an information server storing a hazard map database including information on disaster assumed areas; a storage unit that stores a part of the hazard map database as hazard map information; and a display unit that displays a first screen and a map screen on which a hazard map based on the hazard map information is superimposed. The hazard map information is included in a predetermined range containing the current position of the communication terminal, among the disaster assumed areas contained in the hazard map database. Each time a movement of a first distance is made, or each time a first period of time elapses, the storage unit records the hazard map information received from the information server via the communication unit. When a second operation for displaying the map screen on which the hazard map is superimposed is performed, if communication with the information server is not possible, the display unit displays the map screen on which the hazard map is superimposed, based on the hazard map information recorded in the storage unit. When the second operation is performed, if communication with the information server is possible, the display unit displays the map screen on which the hazard map is superimposed, based on the hazard map information newly received from the information server via the communication.

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system or the like capable of notifying evacuation information in a state where the communication environment has deteriorated.

[0027] This is a diagram of the information transmission system in the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the content of the location information database. This is a diagram showing an example of the content of the group information database. This is a diagram showing an example of the content of the evacuation shelter database. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the current location and a predetermined range when evacuation shelter information is acquired for the nth, (n+1)th, and (n+2)th times. This is an example showing a list of evacuation shelter information acquired for the nth time. This is an example showing a list of evacuation shelter information acquired for the (n+1)th time. This is an example showing a list of evacuation shelter information acquired for the (n+2)th time. This is a diagram showing an example of the content of the hazard map database. This is an example of the display of the first screen of the first communication terminal, showing the upper area of ​​the user location information display area. This is an example of the display of the first screen of the first communication terminal, showing the lower area of ​​the user location information display area. This is an example of the display of the second screen of the first communication terminal, showing a state where no group members have been selected. This is an example of the display of the second screen of the first communication terminal, showing a state where group members have been selected. This is an example of the display of the third screen of the first communication terminal. This is an example of the display of the fourth screen of the first communication terminal. This figure shows the relationship between the position obtained by moving a third distance along the direction of movement from the current position when shelter information is acquired for the nth, (n+1), and (n+2)th time in the second embodiment, and a predetermined range. This figure shows the relationship between the current position obtained for the nth, (n+1), and (n+2)th time shelter information is acquired, and a predetermined range that changes depending on the speed of movement in the third embodiment.

[0028] The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the figures. However, the embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments. In principle, the contents described in one embodiment will also apply to other embodiments. Each embodiment and each modification can be combined as appropriate.

[0029] The information transmission system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an information source transmitting unit 20, an information server 30 (a server communication unit 31, a server recording unit 33, a server control unit 35), and communication terminals (a 51st communication terminal M51 to a 55th communication terminal M55) (see Figure 1). In the first embodiment, a mode is described in which five communication terminals are used to notify each other of mutual position information and safety information, but the number of communication terminals is not limited to five. Note that the relationship between the latitude and longitude information shown in Figure 2 and the like, and the area name or shelter name may not match the actual existing ones.

[0030] (Configuration of Communication Terminals) Each of the communication terminals (the 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55) has a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, a recording unit 13, a control unit 15, and a position information acquisition unit 16. The communication terminal is preferably a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, but may be a device fixed to a predetermined mobile apparatus.

[0031] (Communication Unit 11) The communication unit 11 communicates with the server communication unit 31, and communicates with a base station that forms a wireless link with the communication terminal. Through communication between the communication unit 11 and the server communication unit 31, the communication terminal receives shelter information Inf1 from the shelter database D3 of the server communication unit 31. Details of acquiring the shelter information Inf1 will be described later. Through communication between the communication unit 11 and the server communication unit 31, the communication terminal receives hazard map information Inf2 from the hazard map database D5 of the server communication unit 31. Details of acquiring the hazard map information Inf2 will be described later.

[0032] (Display Unit 12, Recording Unit 13, Control Unit 15) The display unit 12 displays a first screen P1 (see Figure 10 and Figure 11), a second screen P2 (see Figure 12 and Figure 13), a third screen P3 (see Figure 14), and a fourth screen P4 (see Figure 15). The recording unit 13 is installed with a position information program (information transmission program) according to the first embodiment. The recording unit 13 records the shelter information Inf1 and hazard map information Inf2 received from the information server 30, and the time information at which these pieces of information are received. The control unit 15 executes the position information program to control each unit of the communication terminal (the communication unit 11, the display unit 12, the recording unit 13, and the position information acquisition unit 16).

[0033] (Location Information Acquisition Unit 16) The location information acquisition unit 16 has a positioning device such as GPS and an acceleration sensor, and detects the location information and acceleration of the communication terminal.

[0034] Location information is acquired by the location information acquisition unit 16 at regular intervals (for example, the second time period T2 described later). The location information obtained by the location information acquisition unit 16 is transmitted to the information server 30 via the communication unit 11.

[0035] (Location Information Program) In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which user ID: 11 (user name: Papa, Taro) logs in with user ID: 11 to the location information program (information transmission program) installed on the 51st communication terminal M51, user ID: 12 (user name: Hanako) logs in with user ID: 12 to the location information program installed on the 52nd communication terminal M52, user ID: 13 (user name: Susumu) logs in with user ID: 13 to the location information program installed on the 53rd communication terminal M53, user ID: 23 (user name: Grandpa) logs in with user ID: 23 to the location information program installed on the 54th communication terminal M54, and user ID: 24 (user name: Grandma) logs in with user ID: 24 to the location information program installed on the 55th communication terminal M55. Furthermore, the screen display examples in Figures 10 to 15 are what is displayed after a user with user ID: 11 (user names: Papa, Taro) logs in to the location information program installed on the 51st communication terminal M51 using user ID: 11.

[0036] Furthermore, while the "communication terminal" described in the claims is explained as corresponding to the 51st communication terminal M51, it is not limited to the 51st communication terminal M51. Also, while the "another communication terminal" described in the claims is explained as corresponding to the 52nd communication terminal M52 to the 55th communication terminal M55, it is not limited to the 52nd communication terminal M52 to the 55th communication terminal M55.

[0037] Information is transmitted and received between the information server 30 and the communication terminals via a location information program. In the first embodiment, a configuration in which a location information program installed on each communication terminal is used is described, but it is also possible for each communication terminal to access an ASP (Application Service Provider) server via the network and use a location information program stored on the ASP server.

[0038] (Information Source Dissemination Unit 20) The information source dissemination unit 20 outputs disaster information to the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30. The disaster information includes at least information about the location of the disaster, and in the first embodiment, it includes information about the type of disaster, location, and date and time. In the first embodiment, the disaster information is described as earthquake-related disaster information, but it may also be other disaster information such as floods. Furthermore, it may include not only information that has occurred in the past, such as earthquake occurrence reports, but also information that is predicted to occur in the future, such as thunderstorm warnings and earthquake predictions.

[0039] The information source transmission unit 20 is installed in a location capable of transmitting disaster information, such as the Japan Meteorological Agency, and is connected to the information server 30 via a network. However, it is also possible to install no information source transmission unit 20, and instead have a user who receives information related to disaster information input the disaster information to the information server 30 via an input / output terminal 70, and based on this, the information server 30 transmits the disaster information to a communication terminal.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the information server 30 receives disaster information from the information source transmission unit 20 with the following details: "Type of disaster: Earthquake (maximum predicted seismic intensity 6- and magnitude 7.1 in the Shikoku region), Location: Shikoku region, Date and time: August 3, 2016, 8:30 AM". The 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55 transmit their own location information and other data to the information server 30 under the conditions shown below.

[0041] Communication terminal M51, the 51st, transmitted location information and safety confirmation information acquired at 8:50 on August 3, 2016, to the information server 30. Communication terminal M52, the 52nd, transmitted location information and safety confirmation information acquired at 8:46 on August 3, 2016, to the information server 30. Communication terminal M53, the 53rd, transmitted location information and safety confirmation information acquired at 8:45 on August 3, 2016, to the information server 30. Communication terminal M54, the 54th, transmitted location information acquired at 8:12 on August 3, 2016, to the information server 30, but did not transmit safety confirmation information to the information server 30. Communication terminal M55, the 55th, transmitted location information acquired at 8:27 on August 3, 2016, to the information server 30, but did not transmit safety confirmation information to the information server 30.

[0042] (Information Server 30) Next, we will explain each part of the information server 30 (server communication unit 31, server recording unit 33, and server control unit 35).

[0043] (Server communication unit 31 of information server 30) The server communication unit 31 of information server 30 communicates with each of the communication terminals (51st communication terminal M51 to 55th communication terminal M55) registered in the location information database D1, and acquires the location information of each communication terminal and the location information of the user of each communication terminal every second time interval T2 (for example, T2 = 30 minutes) before transmitting disaster information to these communication terminals.

[0044] For example, one possible configuration is that each communication terminal uses a location information program installed on it to transmit location information to the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30 every second time interval T2.

[0045] Furthermore, regarding location information, instead of acquiring it from each communication terminal, it is conceivable that the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30 communicates with one of the following at the communication carrier: a base station that forms a wireless link with the communication terminal; a mobile switching center (MSC) that performs routing (selection of communication routes), call setting / disconnection, billing, etc. for the communication terminal; a Visitor Location Register (VLR), which is a location registration database for each area covered by the mobile switching center; a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC); or a Home Location Register (HLR), which is a database that manages user information such as mobile phone numbers, identification information of the communication terminal (such as IMEI, identification number of the SIM card, etc.) and location information, in order to acquire the location information of each communication terminal.

[0046] When the location of the communication terminal can be determined by GPS positioning or other means and this is transmitted to the information server 30, the ICCID corresponding to the identification number of the SIM card contained in the communication terminal, the latitude and longitude information of the communication terminal, the date and time of acquisition of the latitude and longitude information, and positioning accuracy information: 1 (high accuracy) are considered as the location information of the communication terminal.

[0047] Otherwise, the location information of the communication terminal is determined to be: the ICCID corresponding to the identification number of the SIM card contained in the communication terminal, the latitude and longitude information of the base station that became able to communicate with the communication terminal, the date and time when the communication terminal and the base station became able to communicate (the latitude and longitude information), positioning accuracy information: 2 (medium accuracy), or the ICCID corresponding to the identification number of the SIM card contained in the communication terminal, the latitude and longitude information of the base station area including the base station that became able to communicate with the communication terminal, the date and time when the communication terminal and the base station became able to communicate (the date and time when the latitude and longitude information was acquired), positioning accuracy information: 3 (low accuracy).

[0048] In addition to GPS positioning, the location can be determined in more detail based on the results of communication with external devices. When this is transmitted to the information server 30, the ICCID corresponding to the identification number of the SIM card contained in the communication terminal, the latitude and longitude information of the communication terminal, the date and time the latitude and longitude information was acquired, and positioning accuracy information: 0 (very high accuracy) are used as the location information of the communication terminal.

[0049] The external devices referred to here could include devices that transmit radio waves to nearby communication terminals, such as beacons.

[0050] Therefore, if the information server 30 can receive, at a minimum, identification information of the base station that communicated with the communication terminal or the base station area including said base station as location information, it will be possible to acquire location information (latitude and longitude information) for each communication terminal.

[0051] Furthermore, location information includes information regarding the direction of movement of the communication terminal. This direction of movement is calculated based on the current location information of the communication terminal and the past location information of the communication terminal.

[0052] When acquiring location information for each communication terminal, there are no restrictions on the level of detail of the location information; the most detailed level of location information that can be acquired is obtained and recorded in the location information database D1. However, when disclosing the location information of a communication terminal (first communication terminal) and other communication terminals (second communication terminals) to a communication terminal (first communication terminal), the level of detail of the location information is adjusted based on the "level of detail of location information to be disclosed (first level of detail parameter dp1, second level of detail parameter dp2)" set by the user of the communication terminal.

[0053] Furthermore, the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30 receives disaster information from the information source transmission unit 20, and after receiving the disaster information (or after inputting the disaster information by the input / output terminal 70), transmits the disaster information and other data to the communication terminals (communication terminal 51 M51 to communication terminal 55 M55) based on the location information database D1 and the group information database D2, and receives safety confirmation information from the communication terminals.

[0054] (Server recording unit 33 of information server 30) The server recording unit 33 of information server 30 records location information database D1, group information database D2, evacuation shelter database D3, map information database D4, and hazard map database D5. In addition, the server recording unit 33 has a program installed that communicates with the communication terminal in response to the location information program (information transmission program) installed on the communication terminal, and performs the sending and receiving of disaster information and the like.

[0055] (Location Information Database D1) Location Information Database D1 shows the relationship between information about the user of a communication terminal, the communication terminal (communication terminal name), information about the location of the communication terminal, and information about safety transmitted from the communication terminal (see Figure 2). The information about the user of a communication terminal in Location Information Database D1 is information entered by the user through each communication terminal (information set in the user setting operation), and each communication terminal has a corresponding user name, user ID (an identification number for logging into the location information program), and user mark (which may be a photograph). The user name may be in a form where different names are used for each group, such as user name corresponding to user ID: 11: Papa, Taro.

[0056] Information regarding the location of a communication terminal includes latitude and longitude information corresponding to each communication terminal, the name of the region corresponding to that latitude and longitude information, the date and time of positioning, and the positioning accuracy.

[0057] The latitude and longitude information and positioning date and time in the location information database D1 are obtained every second hour T2 by the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30 communicating with the communication terminals (51st communication terminal M51 to 55th communication terminal M55) registered in the location information database D1, or by the server communication unit 31 communicating with base stations of the communication carrier.

[0058] The regional names corresponding to the latitude and longitude information in the location information database D1 are obtained by converting the latitude and longitude information of the communication terminal into regional names using a table (not shown) that converts latitude and longitude information into regional names.

[0059] In the location information database D1, it is desirable that latitude and longitude information be recorded not only for the current time but also for a certain period in the past (for example, one hour). Based on the current latitude and longitude information and the latitude and longitude information for a certain period in the past, the direction of movement of the corresponding communication terminal ("northward," etc.) is calculated.

[0060] If the distance traveled during that period is within the first distance threshold Thrd1 (for example, Thrd1 ≤ 1m), it is determined that there is no movement of the communication terminal ("no movement").

[0061] The information regarding safety status in the location information database D1 indicates whether or not a safety response operation has been received from the communication terminals (communication terminals 51 to 55, M55) registered in the location information database D1, as reported by the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30. This information is initialized when disaster information is transmitted, and the parameter in the safety status type column (safety status type parameter sp) is set to an initial value (sp = 1) indicating that the safety status of all communication terminal users is unknown (no safety response operation has been performed).

[0062] After initialization, the safety information in the location information database D1 is updated when safety confirmation information is received from the communication terminal.

[0063] When a specific operation for confirming safety (safety confirmation operation) is performed by the user of the communication terminal on the location information program installed on the communication terminal, the value of the parameter in the safety type field is changed to 0 (safety type parameter sp = 0, indicating that a response has been received). In other words, if the specific operation for confirming safety (safety confirmation operation) is not performed, the initial value of 1 is maintained.

[0064] (Group Information Database D2) The Group Information Database D2 shows the relationship between information about groups used in group chats (group messages) within the location information program and information about users belonging to those groups (see Figure 3). Information about groups is information entered by the user via a communication terminal (information set in the group setting operation) and includes the group name, group ID (group identification number), and group mark (which may be a photograph). Information about users belonging to a group is information entered by the user via a communication terminal (information set in the location information disclosure specification operation) and includes the name of the user belonging to the group, the user ID belonging to the group, the level of detail of location information to be disclosed during normal times (while the safety type parameter sp is 0) (first level of detail parameter dp1), and the level of detail of location information to be disclosed during disasters (while the safety type parameter sp is 1) (second level of detail parameter dp2).

[0065] In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which the first level of detail parameter dp1 and the second level of detail parameter dp2 have three levels (1: disclosing coarse location information (e.g., prefecture level), 2: disclosing location information of moderate coarseness (e.g., city / town level), and 3: disclosing fine location information (e.g., street address level)), but a configuration with two or four or more levels is also possible.

[0066] Furthermore, it is desirable that the second level of detail parameter dp2 be set to the same or a higher level of detail as the first level of detail parameter dp1. For example, the first level of detail parameter dp1 can be adjusted by the user in three stages, while the second level of detail parameter dp2 can be fixed at the finest level of detail.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the group name: Tanaka family (group ID: G001) includes the user with user ID: 11 (user name: Papa, first level of detail parameter dp1: 2, second level of detail parameter dp2: 3), the user with user ID: 12 (user name: Hanako, first level of detail parameter dp1: 3, second level of detail parameter dp2: 3), and the user with user ID: 13 (user name: Susumu, first level of detail parameter dp1: 1, second level of detail parameter dp2: 3). Additionally, the group named "My Family Home" (Group ID: G002) includes user ID: 23 (user name: Grandpa, first level of detail parameter dp1: 3, second level of detail parameter dp2: 3), user ID: 24 (user name: Grandma, first level of detail parameter dp1: 3, second level of detail parameter dp2: 3), and user ID: 11 (user name: Taro, first level of detail parameter dp1: 1, second level of detail parameter dp2: 3).

[0068] (Evacuation Shelter Database D3) Evacuation Shelter Database D3 shows the relationship between the names and location information of evacuation shelters nationwide (see Figure 4).

[0069] Each communication terminal (communication terminal 51 M51 to communication terminal 55 M55) acquires shelter information Inf1, which includes the name and location information of shelters located within a predetermined range A including the current location PP, and is included in the shelter database D3, at a predetermined timing TA (shelter information reception step described later). The predetermined timing TA is when the communication terminal has moved a first distance dd1 (for example, dd1 = 15 km) since the time it previously acquired shelter information Inf1, or when a first time T1 (T1 > T2, for example, T1 = 1 day) has elapsed, and the communication terminal acquires shelter information Inf1 again. That is, each time the first distance dd1 is moved, or each time a first time T1 has elapsed, the recording unit 13 records the shelter information Inf1 received from the information server 30 via the communication unit 11. The predetermined range A is, for example, a circle centered at the current position PP with radius dd2 (for example, dd2 = 30 km, dd2 > dd1) (see Figure 5). In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the first distance dd1 is half of the second distance dd2.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows the current position PP at the n-th time (n is a natural number) when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ A predetermined range A corresponding to ｎ , the current position PP ｎ when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired at the (n+1)-th time after moving by a first distance dd1 from ｎ＋１ A predetermined range A corresponding to ｎ＋１ , the current position PP ｎ＋１ when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired at the (n+2)-th time after moving by the first distance dd1 from ｎ＋２ A predetermined range A corresponding to ｎ＋２ The positional relationship of

[0071] In the first embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the current position PP at the n-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ is Shinjuku Station (3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 35.6900846 degrees north latitude, 139.6974857 degrees east longitude). It is also assumed that the current position PP at the (n+1)-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ＋１ is Musashi-Koganei Station (6-14 Honmachi, Koganei-shi, Tokyo, 35.7011275 degrees north latitude, 139.5020511 degrees east longitude), which is separated by the first distance dd1 from the current position PP at the n-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ . It is also assumed that the current position PP at the (n+2)-th time when the shelter information is acquired ｎ＋２ is Hachioji Station (1-1 Asahimachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo), which is separated by the first distance dd1 from the current position PP at the (n+1)-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ＋１ .

[0072] Note that the distance between the current position P (Shinjuku Station) at the n-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ and the current position P (Musashi-Koganei Station) at the (n+1)-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ＋１ , and the distance between the current position P (Musashi-Koganei Station) at the (n+1)-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ＋１ and the current position P (Hachioji Station) at the (n+2)-th time when the shelter information Inf1 is acquired ｎ＋２ are actually longer than the first distance dd1, but the description is given here on the assumption that these distances are the first distance dd1.

[0073] The shelter information Inf1 obtained on the nth attempt is the current location PP ｎ This includes a list of evacuation shelters within a distance of dd2 from Shinjuku Station (such as the Yoyogi Community Center and Koganei First Elementary School) (see Figure 6). The evacuation shelter information Inf1 obtained on the (n+1)th attempt is based on the current location PP. ｎ＋１ This includes a list of evacuation shelters within a distance of dd2 from Musashi-Koganei Station (including Koganei First Elementary School and Izumi-no-Mori School) (see Figure 7). The evacuation shelter information Inf1 obtained on the (n+2)th attempt is based on the current location PP. ｎ＋２ This includes a list of evacuation shelters within a distance of dd2 from Hachioji Station (such as Izumi-no-Mori School) (see Figure 8).

[0074] Furthermore, as a first operation, when the user taps the evacuation shelter button 105d on the first screen P1 to switch to the display of the third screen P3, or when the user taps the second update button display area 302 on the third screen P3, the communication terminal also acquires the evacuation shelter information Inf1.

[0075] (Map Information Database D4) Map Information Database D4 is map information including latitude and longitude information (not shown). A planar map is displayed based on Map Information Database D4.

[0076] (Hazard Map Database D5) Hazard Map Database D5 contains information about areas expected to be affected by disasters (see Figure 9).

[0077] Hazard map database D5 shows the relationship between location information and information on whether or not a given type of disaster-prone area corresponds to a mesh area, which is created by dividing a map of an area where location information is displayed (for example, all of Japan) into elements of a simple shape. Figure 9 shows examples of information regarding the presence or absence of landslides, floods / inland flooding, and tsunamis for the m-th mesh area (a mesh area including the point at 35.700840 N, 139.506495 E, mesh code: 5339-44-30) and the (m+1)th mesh area (a mesh area including the point at 35.697918 N, 139.521604 E). The information regarding the disaster-prone area is superimposed on a planar map based on the map information database D4 (see Figures 12, 13, and 15).

[0078] Each of the communication terminals (51st communication terminal M51 to 55th communication terminal M55) acquires hazard map information Inf2, which is included in a predetermined range A including the current location PP, and is contained in the hazard map database D5, at a predetermined timing TA (hazard map reception step described later). That is, for each movement of the first distance dd1, or for each elapsed time T1, the recording unit 13 records the hazard map information Inf2 received from the information server 30 via the communication unit 11. However, the acquisition of hazard map information Inf2 may be performed at intervals shorter than the first time T1 (for example, every hour).

[0079] The hazard map information Inf2 obtained on the nth attempt is the current location PP ｎ This includes information on the area expected to be affected by disaster within a distance of dd2 from Shinjuku Station. The evacuation shelter information Inf obtained on the (n+1)th attempt is based on the current location PP. ｎ＋１ This includes information on the area expected to be affected by disaster within a distance of dd2 from Musashi-Koganei Station. The evacuation shelter information Inf obtained on the (n+2)th attempt is based on the current location PP. ｎ＋２ This includes information regarding the area expected to be affected by disaster within a distance of dd2 from Hachioji Station.

[0080] Furthermore, as a second operation, when the user taps the group member location information display switching button 103a on the first screen P1 to switch to the display of the second screen P2, or when the user taps the first update button display area 202 on the second screen P2, the communication terminal also acquires hazard update information Inf2.

[0081] (Server control unit 35 of the information server 30) The server control unit 35 of the information server 30 executes the program installed in the server recording unit 33 and controls the server communication unit 31 and the server recording unit 33.

[0082] Specifically, when the information server 30 receives disaster information from the information source transmission unit 20, the server control unit 35 transmits the disaster information to the communication terminals (communication terminals 51 to 55) registered in the location information database D1 via the server communication unit 31.

[0083] Furthermore, when the information server 30 receives information about users, information about the groups they belong to, and information about the level of detail of location information to be disclosed from the 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55, such as through user setting operations, group setting operations, or location information disclosure specification operations, the server control unit 35 updates the location information database D1 and group information database D2 recorded in the server recording unit 33.

[0084] Furthermore, when the information server 30 receives location information from the 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55, the server control unit 35 updates the location information in the location information database D1 recorded in the server recording unit 33.

[0085] Furthermore, the server control unit 35 updates the safety type parameter sp in the location information database D1 recorded in the server recording unit 33 when the information server 30 receives safety confirmation information from the 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55 based on the safety confirmation operation by the user of the communication terminal. When the 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55 transmit safety confirmation information to the information server 30 based on the safety confirmation operation, they also transmit location information after positioning. Based on the transmitted location information, the location information in the location information database D1 is updated. Note that location information may not be transmitted when safety confirmation information is transmitted based on the safety confirmation operation.

[0086] Furthermore, the server control unit 35 transmits location information and safety information of other users (others) belonging to the group to which the logged-in user (the user) belongs, to the communication terminal of the user (the user) who logged into the location information program, via the server communication unit 31, based on the location information database D1 and the group information database D2. For example, user ID: 11 (user name: Papa, Taro) belongs to the group name: Tanaka Family (group ID: G001) and the group name: Parents' Home (group ID: G002). Therefore, the location information and safety information of users belonging to these groups (user ID: 12 and user ID: 13 belonging to the group name: Tanaka Family (group ID: G001), and user ID: 23 and user ID: 24 belonging to the group name: Parents' Home (group ID: G002)) are transmitted to the 51st communication terminal M51 corresponding to user ID: 11.

[0087] The location information transmitted from the information server 30 to the communication terminal uses the most detailed location information available, and the level of detail of the location information displayed on the display unit 12 of the communication terminal is adjusted based on the safety status information (safety status type parameter sp). Specifically, for users with a safety status type parameter sp of 0, the location information is displayed with the level of detail of location information disclosed under normal circumstances (first level of detail parameter dp1), and for users with a safety status type parameter sp of 1, the location information is displayed with the level of detail of location information disclosed during a disaster (second level of detail parameter dp2). However, at the stage of transmitting location information from the information server 30 to each communication terminal, the level of detail may be changed for each communication terminal and for each user to whom location information is disclosed, based on the safety status information (safety status type parameter sp) recorded in the location information database D1.

[0088] (Location Information Program) Next, the location information program will be described in detail. The location information program executes a location information reception step, an evacuation shelter information reception step, a hazard map reception step, and a first to fourth display step. In the location information reception step, it receives location information of other communication terminals from the information server 30. In the evacuation shelter information reception step, it receives evacuation shelter information Inf1 of evacuation shelters located in a predetermined area including the current location, which is included in the evacuation shelter database D3, from the information server 30. In the hazard map reception step, it receives hazard map information Inf2 related to a predetermined area including the current location, which is included in the hazard map database D5, from the information server 30. In the first display step, it displays the first screen P1 (disaster information, location information display screen for each user, see Figures 10 and 11) on the display unit 12 of the communication terminal on which the location information program is installed. In the second display step, it displays the second screen P2 (user location information map display screen, see Figures 12 and 13) on the display unit 12 of the communication terminal. In the third display step, the third screen P3 (shelter list display screen, see Figure 14) is displayed on the display unit 12 of the communication terminal. In the fourth display step, the fourth screen P4 (specific shelter display screen, see Figure 15) is displayed on the display unit 12 of the communication terminal.

[0089] The display unit 12 of the communication terminal will display one of the first screen P1 to the fourth screen P4, depending on the user's operation.

[0090] (First screen P1) The first screen P1 has a disaster information display area 101, a user location information display area 103, and a screen switching button display area 105 (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0091] The disaster information display area 101 displays information about the earthquake that occurred immediately before (region, date and time, maximum seismic intensity, magnitude), and a map centered on the region included in the information about the earthquake is displayed in the background. For the first and second disaster information, the disaster information display area 101 is provided with a disaster level mark ma1 indicating the scale of the disaster (the numerical value of the maximum predicted seismic intensity). In the first embodiment, the disaster level mark ma1 is displayed in white letters.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the disaster level mark ma1 is shown enclosed in a roughly rectangular frame, but the frame may be omitted, and only the numerical value of the scale of the disaster may be displayed on the disaster information display area 101.

[0093] If no earthquake has occurred within a certain period of time in the past, the disaster information display area 101 will display a message indicating that "no earthquake has occurred" along with detailed location information of the communication terminal. Alternatively, the disaster information display area 101 may only display a message indicating that "no earthquake has occurred," without displaying detailed location information of the communication terminal.

[0094] The user location information display area 103 includes a group mark, group name, user mark for each user belonging to the group, user name, location information including direction of movement, and date and time of acquisition of the location information. Figures 10 and 11 show examples where location information of users belonging to each of the two groups to which user ID: 11 belongs (first group name: Tanaka Family, group ID: G001; second group name: Parents' Home, group ID: G002) is displayed.

[0095] The user location information display area 103 has a group member location information display switching button 103a. When the group member location information display switching button 103a is tapped, the screen switches to the second screen P2 (user location information map display, see Figures 12 and 13). The second screen P2 includes the location information of the user of the communication terminal and the group users corresponding to the tap operation.

[0096] If only the user of the communication terminal in question is set in the group, and users of other communication terminals are not set, only information about the user of that communication terminal (user mark, user name, location information, date and time of location information acquisition) will be displayed. In this case, information about the group (group mark, group name, etc.) may be omitted.

[0097] If the amount of information displayed in the user location information display area 103 is large, it will be displayed in a way that allows for vertical scrolling. Figure 10 shows the upper area of ​​the user location information display area 103 displayed, and Figure 11 shows the lower area of ​​the user location information display area 103 displayed.

[0098] The level of detail of the location information displayed in the user location information display area 103 is determined based on the safety information (safety type parameter sp) in the location information database D1 and the level of detail of the location information disclosed in the group information database D2 (first level of detail parameter dp1, second level of detail parameter dp2). For users whose safety type parameter sp is 0, i.e., users who have received a safety response, the location information of those users is displayed at the level of detail of the location information disclosed under normal circumstances, based on the first level of detail parameter dp1. Figure 10 shows an example where the safety type parameter sp for user name: Hanako, belonging to the group name: Tanaka family, is 0, and the location information is displayed at the level of detail of location information disclosed under normal circumstances (first level of detail parameter dp1:3 (fine location information level)). Figure 10 also shows an example where the safety type parameter sp for user name: Susumu, belonging to the group name: Tanaka family, is 0, and the location information is displayed at the level of detail of location information disclosed under normal circumstances (first level of detail parameter dp1:1 (coarse location information level)).

[0099] Furthermore, even if the user ID is the same, the level of detail of the location information disclosed can be different for each group. Figures 10 and 11 show an example in which, within the group named "Tanaka Family," the user's name is "Papa," and based on the first level of detail parameter dp1, medium-level location information (Hachioji City, Tokyo) is displayed under normal circumstances, and within the group named "My Parents' House," the user's name is "Taro," and based on the first level of detail parameter dp1, coarse location information (Tokyo) is displayed under normal circumstances.

[0100] For users whose safety status type parameter sp1 is 1, i.e., users who have not performed the safety status response operation, the location information of such users will be displayed at the level of detail of location information to be disclosed in the event of a disaster, based on the second level of detail parameter dp2. Figures 10 and 11 show an example where the safety status type parameter sp for a user named "Grandpa" belonging to the group name "Parents' Home" is 1, and the location information is displayed at the level of detail of location information to be disclosed in the event of a disaster (second level of detail parameter dp2: 3 (fine location information level)). Figure 11 also shows an example where the safety status type parameter sp for a user named "Grandma" belonging to the group name "Parents' Home" is 1, and the location information is displayed at the level of detail of location information to be disclosed in the event of a disaster (second level of detail parameter dp2: 3 (fine location information level)).

[0101] Furthermore, a safety status unconfirmed mark ma2 is provided near either the user mark, user name, or location information. This mark lights up when either the safety status type parameter sp is 1 (no safety status response has been given) or the safety status type parameter sp is 0 (a safety status response has been given), and turns off in the other case. In the first embodiment, a mark (a diamond with an exclamation mark inside) is provided to the upper right of the user mark as the safety status unconfirmed mark ma2. This mark lights up when the safety status type parameter is 1 (no safety status response has been given) and turns off when the safety status type parameter is 0 (a safety status response has been given). However, the shape of the safety status unconfirmed mark ma2 is not limited to this, and may be other shapes, such as a circular frame surrounding the user mark.

[0102] The screen switching button display area 105 includes a home button 105a, a weather button 105b, a disaster information button 105c, an evacuation shelter button 105d, and a settings button 105e. When the home button 105a is tapped, the display switches to the first screen P1. If the home button 105a is tapped while the first screen P1 is displayed, the screen does not switch. When the weather button 105b is tapped, the display switches to the weather forecast screen (not shown). When the disaster information button 105c is tapped, the display switches to a time-series list of disaster information (not shown).

[0103] When the settings button 105e is tapped, the display switches to an operation screen (not shown) showing settings for group users, etc.

[0104] By displaying the first screen P1, it becomes possible to output location information and other data from a communication terminal other than the one displaying the first screen P1.

[0105] (Details of the first operation) When the evacuation shelter button 105d is tapped, that is, when the first operation is performed, the communication terminal communicates with the information server 30 to obtain evacuation shelter information Inf1, and switches to the third screen P3 (display of evacuation shelter list, see Figure 14). If new evacuation shelter information Inf1 can be obtained from the information server 30, the old evacuation shelter information Inf1 in the recording unit 13 is updated with the new evacuation shelter information Inf1, and the third screen P3 is displayed using the new evacuation shelter information Inf1. If the new evacuation shelter information Inf1 cannot be obtained, for example, if the communication unit 11 of the communication terminal cannot communicate with the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30, the third screen P3 is displayed using the old evacuation shelter information Inf1 in the recording unit 13.

[0106] Specifically, when the first operation is performed, the display unit 12 displays the third screen P3 based on the evacuation shelter information Inf1 recorded in the recording unit 13. If the communication unit 11 is able to communicate with the information server 30 between the time the first operation is performed and the third time T3 (for example, T3 = 3 minutes) has elapsed, the display unit 12 updates the display of the third screen P3 based on the evacuation shelter information Inf1 newly received from the information server 30 in that communication. However, even after the third time T3 (for example, T3 = 3 minutes) has elapsed since the first operation was performed, if the communication unit 11 is able to communicate with the information server 30, the display unit 12 may update the display of the third screen P3 based on the evacuation shelter information Inf1 newly received from the information server 30 in that communication.

[0107] (Details of the second operation) When the group member location information display switching button 103a is tapped, that is, when the second operation is performed, the communication terminal communicates with the information server 30 to obtain hazard map information Inf2 and switches to the second screen P2 (user location information map display, see Figure 12). If new hazard map information Inf2 can be obtained from the information server 30, the old hazard map information Inf2 in the recording unit 13 is updated with the new hazard map information Inf2, and the second screen P2 is displayed using the new hazard map information Inf2. If the new hazard map information Inf2 cannot be obtained, for example, if the communication unit 11 of the communication terminal cannot communicate with the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30, the second screen P2 is displayed using the old hazard map information Inf2 in the recording unit 13.

[0108] Specifically, when the second operation is performed, the display unit 12 displays the second screen P2 based on the hazard map information Inf2 recorded in the recording unit 13. If the communication unit 11 is able to communicate with the information server 30 between the time the second operation is performed and the third time T3 (for example, T3 = 3 minutes) has elapsed, the display unit 12 updates the display of the second screen P2 based on the hazard map information Inf2 newly received from the information server 30 in that communication. However, even after the third time T3 (for example, T3 = 3 minutes) has elapsed since the second operation was performed, if the communication unit 11 is able to communicate with the information server 30, the display unit 12 may update the display of the second screen P2 based on the hazard map information Inf2 newly received from the information server 30 in that communication.

[0109] (Second screen P2) The second screen P2 has a first back button 201, a first update button display area 202, a first name display area 203, a group member terminal location information display area 204, and a first map display area 205 (see Figures 12 and 13). When the first back button 201 is tapped, the display switches to the first screen P1. When the first update button display area 202 is tapped, that is, when the second operation is performed, the communication terminal communicates with the information server 30 to obtain hazard map information Inf2. The first name display area 203 displays the name of the group. Figures 12 and 13 show an example in which "My Home" is displayed as the group name in the first name display area 203.

[0110] The group member terminal location information display area 204 displays the location information of the communication terminal (group member terminal) of the user selected via the communication terminal (user terminal) displaying the second screen P2, from among the users belonging to the group. If no group member has been selected, a message prompting selection (e.g., "Please tap the member's icon") will be displayed in the group member terminal location information display area 204. Figure 12 shows an example where no group member has been selected, and the message prompting selection is displayed in the group member terminal location information display area 204. Figure 13 shows an example where a group member has been selected, and the location information of the communication terminal of user name: Grandma is displayed in the group member terminal location information display area 204.

[0111] The first map display area 205 displays a map that includes the locations of the communication terminals of all users belonging to the group. The map display in the first map display area 205 is performed at the largest possible scale that can display the locations of the communication terminals of all users belonging to the group on the map. In the map display in the first map display area 205, a user mark corresponding to each user is shown at the location of the communication terminal of each user belonging to the group. However, in addition to the user mark, the user's name may also be shown.

[0112] Figures 12 and 13 show an example where the location information of communication terminals belonging to users in the group named "Parents' Home" is displayed on a map using user markers. This includes the location information of the 51st communication terminal M51 of user ID: 11 (user name: Dad, Taro), the 54th communication terminal M54 of user ID: 23 (user name: Grandpa), and the 55th communication terminal M55 of user ID: 24 (user name: Grandma). The second screen P2 makes it possible to view the location information of all users belonging to the group on the map.

[0113] The first map display area 205 includes a disaster type selection area 205a, a damage prediction display area 205b, and an information acquisition time display area 205c, in order to overlay a hazard map on a planar map. The disaster type selection area 205a is used to select the type of disaster to display as a hazard map. The damage prediction display area 205b shows the damage prediction area as a hazard map for the type of disaster selected in the disaster type selection area 205a. Figures 12 and 13 show an example in which two damage prediction display areas 205b are overlaid on the map. The information acquisition time display area 205c displays the time when the most recent hazard map information Inf2 was acquired. The information acquisition time display area 205c is displayed when the time when the most recent hazard map information Inf2 was acquired is earlier than the date and time information for the immediately preceding earthquake included in the disaster information display area 101.

[0114] The hazard map superimposed on the map in the first map display area 205 is updated every first time interval T1 and is limited to a predetermined range A including the location of the communication terminal. However, the hazard map may also include the locations of other communication terminals or may include information for the entire country.

[0115] (Third screen P3) The third screen P3 has a shelter display area 301, a second update button display area 302, and a screen switching button display area 105 (see Figure 14). The shelter display area 301 displays the names of shelters and their straight-line distances in order of proximity to the communication terminal displaying the third screen P3. When the second update button display area 302 is tapped, that is, when the first operation is performed, the communication terminal communicates with the information server 30 to obtain shelter information Inf1. If new shelter information Inf1 can be obtained from the information server 30, the old shelter information Inf1 in the recording unit 13 is updated with the new shelter information Inf1, and the third screen P3 is displayed using the new shelter information Inf1. If the new shelter information Inf1 cannot be obtained, for example, if the communication unit 11 of the communication terminal cannot communicate with the server communication unit 31 of the information server 30, the display of the third screen P3 based on the old shelter information Inf1 is maintained. The screen switching button display area 105 is the same as the screen switching button display area 105 of the first screen P1.

[0116] When the area in the shelter display area 301 that displays the shelter name and the distance to the shelter is tapped, that is, when the third operation is performed, the screen switches to the fourth screen P4 (specific shelter location plan view).

[0117] (Fourth screen P4) The fourth screen P4 has a second back button 401, a second name display area 402, a numerical information display area 403, and a second map display area 404 (see Figure 15). When the second back button 401 is tapped, the display switches to the third screen P3.

[0118] The second name display area 402 displays the user name of the communication terminal (user terminal) displaying the fourth screen P4 and the name of the evacuation shelter selected in the evacuation shelter display area 301 of the third screen P3. Figure 15 shows an example in which "Papa" is displayed as the user name of the user terminal and "Izumi no Mori School" is displayed as the selected evacuation shelter name in the second name display area 402.

[0119] The numerical information display area 403 displays the straight-line distance between the user terminal and the evacuation center corresponding to the selected evacuation center name. Figure 15 shows an example where the straight-line distance between the user terminal (communication terminal 51 M51) and the evacuation center (Izumi no Mori School) is 624m.

[0120] The second map display area 404 displays a map including the location of the user terminal (first area Po1) and the location of the evacuation shelter (second area Po2). The map display in the second map display area 404 is performed at the largest possible scale that can be displayed on the map for both the first area Po1 and the second area Po2. In the map display of the second map display area 404, the user mark of the user terminal corresponding to the first area Po1 is shown in the first area Po1, and the evacuation shelter mark corresponding to the second area Po2 is shown in the second area Po2. However, in addition to the user mark, the user name may also be shown. Also, in addition to the evacuation shelter mark, the name of the evacuation shelter may also be shown.

[0121] Furthermore, in the map display of the second map display area 404, an arrow 404a is shown from the first area Po1 to the second area Po2.

[0122] The second map display area 404 includes a disaster type selection area 205a, a damage prediction display area 205b, and an information acquisition time display area 205c, in order to overlay a hazard map on top of a planar map. Figure 15 shows an example in which three damage prediction display areas 205b are overlaid on the map.

[0123] (Application examples regarding adjustment of the level of detail of location information) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the level of detail of location information is determined based on the safety type parameter sp, the first level of detail parameter dp1, the second level of detail parameter dp2, etc. However, the level of detail of location information may also be determined based on the safety type parameter sp, the first level of detail parameter dp1, the second level of detail parameter dp2, and / or the positioning accuracy information.

[0124] (Effects of pre-recording evacuation shelter information Inf1) In advance, evacuation shelter information Inf1 for a predetermined range A including the location of the communication terminal is recorded in the recording unit 13 for each movement of a first distance dd1 or for each passage of a first time T1. Therefore, even if a disaster occurs, the communication environment deteriorates, and the communication terminal is unable to communicate with the information server 30 when evacuation shelter information Inf1 is needed, it becomes possible to inform the communication terminal of an evacuation shelter close to it using the pre-recorded evacuation shelter information Inf1. Because evacuation shelter information Inf1 is acquired only in the area including the location of the communication terminal, the amount of communication between the information server 30 and the communication terminal, and the capacity required to record evacuation shelter information Inf1 in the recording unit 13 of the communication terminal can be minimized.

[0125] (Effects of pre-recording hazard map information Inf2) Hazard map information Inf2 for a predetermined range A including the location of the communication terminal is pre-recorded in the recording unit 13 for each movement of a first distance dd1 or for each passage of a first time T1. Therefore, even if a disaster occurs, the communication environment deteriorates, and the communication terminal is unable to communicate with the information server 30 when hazard map information Inf2 is needed, it becomes possible to inform the communication terminal of the area expected to be affected by the disaster using the pre-recorded hazard map information Inf2. Because hazard map information Inf2 is acquired only for the area including the location of the communication terminal, the amount of communication between the information server 30 and the communication terminal, and the capacity required to record hazard map information Inf2 in the recording unit 13 of the communication terminal can be minimized.

[0126] (Effect of making the first distance dd1 shorter than the second distance dd2) The predetermined range A is likely to include the range in which the communication terminal moves, making it possible to notify the nearest evacuation shelter from the location of the communication terminal after it has moved.

[0127] (Effect of displaying the list of evacuation shelters based on the evacuation shelter information Inf1 recorded in the recording unit 13, and then updating the display based on the newly received evacuation shelter information Inf1 when communication with the information server 30 is successful) The third screen P3 (list of evacuation shelters screen) can be immediately displayed using the evacuation shelter information Inf1 recorded in the recording unit 13, making it possible to inform the user of the nearest evacuation shelter from the location of the communication terminal after moving.

[0128] (Effects of displaying a map screen with the hazard map overlaid based on the hazard map information Inf2 recorded in the recording unit 13, and then updating the display based on the newly received hazard map information Inf2 when communication with the information server 30 is successful) Using the hazard map information Inf2 recorded in the recording unit 13, the second screen P2 (user location information map display screen) can be displayed immediately, making it possible to inform the user of the area of ​​concern that is close to the location of the communication terminal after it has moved.

[0129] (Effect of displaying the information acquisition time display area 205c) The contents of the hazard map after a disaster may have changed significantly from the contents of the hazard map before the disaster (hazard map information Inf2 recorded in the recording unit 13). By indicating that it is a hazard map from before the disaster, it is possible to alert the user that there may be discrepancies with the actual affected area.

[0130] (Application example of acquiring evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which each of the communication terminals (the 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55) determines whether it has moved a first distance dd1 and whether a first time T1 has elapsed since it acquired evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2. However, the information server 30 may also determine for each of the communication terminals (the 51st communication terminal M51 to the 55th communication terminal M55) whether it has moved a first distance dd1 and whether a first time T1 has elapsed since it acquired evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2.

[0131] (Application Example 1 of the Predetermined Range A) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the predetermined range A is a circle with a radius of a second distance dd2 centered at the current position PP. However, the center of the circle may be a position PF that is moved a third distance dd3 (for example, dd3 = 3 km) further along the direction of movement of the communication terminal than the current position PP (see the second embodiment, Figure 16). That is, the predetermined range A is set such that the area in front of the current position PP is wider than the area behind the current position PP, along the direction of movement of the communication terminal.

[0132] (Effect of shifting forward by the third distance dd3) By setting the forward area wider than the rear area, the likelihood that the range in which the communication terminal moves is included in the predetermined range A can be increased.

[0133] (Examples of applications of the third distance dd3) The third distance dd3 may be a fixed value, but it may also be varied according to the speed of movement of the communication terminal. Specifically, if the speed of movement of the communication terminal is slow, the third distance dd3 is shortened, and if the speed of movement of the communication terminal is fast, the third distance dd3 is lengthened.

[0134] (Effect of varying the third distance dd3 according to the speed of movement of the communication terminal) Even if the distance traveled by the communication terminal is long, it becomes possible to inform the nearest evacuation center or disaster area from the location of the communication terminal after it has moved.

[0135] (Application Example 2 of the predetermined range A) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the radius of the circle forming the predetermined range A is constant at the second distance dd2, that is, the size of the predetermined range A is constant. However, the size of the predetermined range A may be varied according to the movement speed of the communication terminal (see the third embodiment, Figure 17).

[0136] Specifically, if the communication terminal's movement speed is slow, the predetermined range A is reduced (the radius of the circle forming the predetermined range A is reduced), and if the communication terminal's movement speed is fast, the predetermined range A is increased (the radius of the circle forming the predetermined range A is increased). Figure 17 shows that when the communication terminal's movement speed when it acquires evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2 on the (n+2)th attempt is slower than when it acquires evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2 on the (n+1)th attempt, the current position PP when it acquires evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2 on the (n+2)th attempt. ｎ＋２ The corresponding predetermined range A ｎ＋２ However, the current location PP when the shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2 is obtained on the (n+1)th attempt. ｎ＋１ The corresponding predetermined range A ｎ＋１ This indicates a state smaller than [a certain value].

[0137] (Effects of varying the size of a predetermined range A according to the speed of movement) By expanding the area covered by the shelter information Inf1 or the area covered by the hazard map information Inf2, even if the communication terminal may move to a distant location, it becomes possible to inform the user of a nearby shelter or area expected to be affected by the disaster, based on the location of the communication terminal after it has moved. When the possibility of the communication terminal moving to a distant location is low, by narrowing the area covered by the shelter information Inf1 or the area covered by the hazard map information Inf2, the amount of communication between the information server 30 and the communication terminal, and the capacity required to record the shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2 in the recording unit 13 of the communication terminal can be minimized.

[0138] (Application Example 3 of the Predetermined Range A) In the first to third embodiments, the predetermined range A was described as a circle. However, the predetermined range A is not limited to a circle, and may be a shape other than a circle that includes a circle with a radius of the second distance dd2. Also, the predetermined range A may be an administrative division such as a prefecture, and the current position P at the nth time when evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2 is acquired as a predetermined timing. ｎWhen the communication terminal moves a predetermined distance away from an administrative district that includes a certain area, it is conceivable that the terminal will acquire the (n+1)th evacuation shelter information Inf1 or hazard map information Inf2.

[0139] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0140] 1 Information Transmission System 11 Communication Unit 12 Display Unit 13 Recording Unit 15 Control Unit 16 Location Information Acquisition Unit 20 Information Source Transmission Unit 30 Information Server 31 Server Communication Unit 33 Server Recording Unit 35 Server Control Unit 70 Input / Output Terminal 101 Disaster Information Display Area 103 User Location Information Display Area 103a Group Member Location Information Display Switching Button 105 Screen Switching Button Display Area 105a Home Button 105b Weather Button 105c Disaster Information Button 105d Evacuation Shelter Button 105e Settings Button 201 First Back Button 202 First Update Button Display Area 203 First Name Display Area 204 Group Member Terminal Location Information Display Area 205 First Map Display Area 205a Disaster Type Selection Area 205b Damage Assumption Display Area 205c Information Acquisition Time Display Area 301 Evacuation Shelter Display Area 302 Second update button display area 401 Second back button 402 Second name display area 403 Numerical information display area 404 Second map display area 404a Arrow from first area to second area A ｎ A ｎ＋１ A ｎ＋２Predetermined range D1 Location information database D2 Group information database D3 Evacuation shelter database D4 Map information database D5 Hazard map database dd1 First distance dd2 Second distance dd3 Third distance dp1 First level of detail parameter dp2 Second level of detail parameter Evacuation shelter information Inf1 Hazard map information Inf2 M51 51st communication terminal M52 52nd communication terminal M53 53rd communication terminal M54 54th communication terminal M55 55th communication terminal ma1 Disaster level mark ma2 Safety status unconfirmed mark PP ｎ PP ｎ＋１ PP ｎ＋２ Current position PF ｎ , PF ｎ＋１ , PF ｎ＋２ Location three distances away from current location P1 First screen (location information display screen) P2 Second screen (user location information map display screen) P3 Third screen (shelter list display screen) P4 Fourth screen (specific shelter location display screen) Po1 First area Po2 Second area sp Safety status type parameter T1 First time (time interval for acquiring shelter information) T2 Second time (interval for transmitting location information) T3 Third time (time for determining whether communication with the information server is possible) TA Predetermined timing (timing for acquiring shelter information and hazard map information) Thrd1 First distance threshold (threshold for determining whether there is no movement or not)

Claims

1. A communication terminal comprising: an information server that records a database of evacuation shelters including the names and location information of evacuation shelters during a disaster; a communication unit that communicates with the information server; a recording unit that records a portion of the evacuation shelter database as evacuation shelter information; and a display unit that displays an evacuation shelter list screen based on the evacuation shelter information, wherein the evacuation shelter information is the names and location information of evacuation shelters included in the evacuation shelter database that are within a predetermined range including the current location of the communication terminal; the evacuation shelter list screen includes the names of evacuation shelters close to the communication terminal and the distance to the evacuation shelters; the recording unit records the evacuation shelter information received from the information server via the communication unit after each movement of a first distance or after the passage of a first hour; and if communication with the information server is not possible when a first operation to display the evacuation shelter list screen is performed, the display unit displays the evacuation shelter list screen based on the evacuation shelter information recorded in the recording unit. If communication with the information server is possible when the first operation is performed, the display unit displays the evacuation shelter list screen based on the evacuation shelter information newly received from the information server through the communication.

2. A communication terminal comprising: an information server that records a hazard map database containing information on areas expected to be affected by disaster; a communication unit that communicates with the information server; a recording unit that records a portion of the hazard map database as hazard map information; and a display unit that displays a map screen with a hazard map superimposed based on the hazard map information, wherein the hazard map information is included in the hazard map database within a predetermined range that includes the current location of the communication terminal, and the recording unit records the hazard map information received from the information server via the communication unit after each movement of a first distance or after each elapsed time of a first hour, and if communication with the information server is not possible when a second operation to display a map screen with a hazard map superimposed is performed, the display unit displays a map screen with a hazard map superimposed based on the hazard map information recorded in the recording unit. When the second operation described above is performed, if communication with the information server is possible, the display unit displays a map screen with the hazard map superimposed on it, based on the hazard map information newly received from the information server through the communication.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit displays a location information display screen, the location information display screen includes location information of a communication terminal other than the communication terminal obtained via the information server, and the first time is longer than the time interval for acquiring the location information of the other communication terminal.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range includes a circle with a radius of a second distance centered at the position of the communication terminal or a position a third distance from the position of the communication terminal along the direction of movement of the communication terminal, the first distance is shorter than the second distance, and the third distance is shorter than the first distance.

5. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range is a circle with a radius of a second distance centered at the position of the communication terminal or a position a third distance from the position of the communication terminal along the direction of movement of the communication terminal, the first distance is half of the second distance, and the third distance is shorter than the first distance.

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range includes a circle with a radius of a second distance centered at a position a third distance from the position of the communication terminal along the direction of movement of the communication terminal, the first distance is shorter than the second distance, and the third distance is shorter than the first distance and varies according to the speed of movement of the communication terminal.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range is wider in front of the position of the communication terminal than behind the position of the communication terminal, along the direction of movement of the communication terminal.

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the size of the predetermined range varies according to the movement speed of the communication terminal.

9. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the first operation is performed, the display unit displays the shelter list display screen based on the shelter information recorded in the recording unit, and if communication with the information server is established, the display unit updates the display of the shelter list display screen based on the shelter information newly received from the information server in the communication.

10. The communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein when the second operation described above is performed, the display unit displays a map screen in which the hazard map and information regarding the acquisition time of the hazard map information are superimposed, based on the hazard map information recorded in the recording unit, and if communication with the information server is established, the display unit updates the display of the map screen in which the hazard map is superimposed, based on the hazard map information newly received from the information server in the communication.

11. A communication terminal comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an information server that records a database of evacuation shelters including the names and location information of evacuation shelters during disasters; a recording unit that records a portion of the evacuation shelter database as evacuation shelter information; and a display unit that displays a first screen and an evacuation shelter list display screen based on the evacuation shelter information, wherein the evacuation shelter information is the names and location information of evacuation shelters included in the evacuation shelter database that are within a predetermined range including the current location of the communication terminal; the evacuation shelter list display screen includes the names of evacuation shelters close to the communication terminal and the distance to the evacuation shelters; the recording unit records the evacuation shelter information received from the information server via the communication unit after each movement of a first distance or after the passage of a first hour; and if communication with the information server is not possible when a first operation to display the evacuation shelter list display screen is performed, the display unit displays the evacuation shelter list display screen based on the evacuation shelter information recorded in the recording unit. When the first operation is performed, if communication with the information server is possible, the display unit displays the shelter list screen based on the shelter information newly received from the information server during the communication, as a communication terminal.

12. A communication terminal comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an information server that records a hazard map database containing information on areas expected to be affected by disaster; a recording unit that records a portion of the hazard map database as hazard map information; and a display unit that displays a first screen and a map screen with a hazard map superimposed based on the hazard map information, wherein the hazard map information is included in a predetermined range within the areas expected to be affected by disaster included in the hazard map database, including the current location of the communication terminal; the recording unit records the hazard map information received from the information server via the communication unit at each time a first distance is moved or at each time a first hour has elapsed; and if communication with the information server is not possible when a second operation to display a map screen with a hazard map superimposed is performed, the display unit displays a map screen with a hazard map superimposed based on the hazard map information recorded in the recording unit. When the second operation described above is performed, if communication with the information server is possible, the display unit displays a map screen with the hazard map superimposed on it, based on the hazard map information newly received from the information server during the communication, in a communication terminal.

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