Wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and computer readable medium

Abstract

This invention relates to a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a computer-readable medium containing a program. The wireless communication system includes: a memory; a wireless communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with an external communication device located outside the vehicle and disposed in the vehicle; and a processor combined with the memory and disposed in the vehicle, the processor being configured to control the wireless communication device to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from occupants of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device from the external communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, wireless communication methods, and computer-readable media containing programs. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-69516 discloses an invention that uses multiple vehicle-mounted terminals and multiple portable terminals to construct a security information transmission system (communication network) in the event of a failure in the communication infrastructure in the area where the vehicle is located.

[0003] In the case of the vehicle described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-69516, where the occupant does not possess a portable terminal, the occupant is unable to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle of their safety status. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a computer-readable medium containing a program that enables occupants of a vehicle who do not possess a portable terminal to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure is a wireless communication system comprising: a wireless communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with an external communication device located outside the vehicle and disposed in the vehicle; and a processor disposed in the vehicle, the processor controlling the wireless communication device to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from occupants of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device from the external communication device.

[0006] The processor of the wireless communication system involved in the first method controls the wireless communication device to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from the occupant or disaster information received by the wireless communication device from an external communication device. Therefore, in the event of a disaster, the vehicle's wireless communication device notifies the communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from the occupant or disaster information received by the wireless communication device. Thus, according to the wireless communication system described in technical solution 1, occupants of a vehicle who do not possess a portable terminal can notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle.

[0007] The second aspect of this disclosure is based on the first aspect described above, and includes a detection device capable of detecting the occupants located inside the vehicle. The processor is configured to control the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when, based on the detection result of the detection device, it is determined that all the occupants have left the vehicle and come outside the vehicle, and the wireless communication device receives the disaster information from the external communication device.

[0008] In the second embodiment of this disclosure, when the processor determines, based on the detection results of the detection device, that all occupants have left the vehicle and moved outside, and the wireless communicator receives disaster information from an external communication device, the wireless communicator notifies the communication terminal. Therefore, even if an occupant loses their composure during a disaster and fails to follow the processor's instructions, the wireless communicator still notifies the communication terminal when all occupants have moved outside. Thus, concerns about not notifying the communication terminal from the vehicle are reduced.

[0009] The third method of this disclosure is based on the second method described above. When the disaster level indicated by the disaster information sent by the external communication device to the wireless communication device is above a predetermined level, the processor controls the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal.

[0010] In the third method of this disclosure, when the disaster information sent by the external communication device to the wireless communication device indicates a disaster level of at least a predetermined level, the wireless communication device notifies the communication terminal. Therefore, in the event of a disaster of less than the predetermined level, the wireless communication device does not notify the communication terminal.

[0011] The fourth aspect of this disclosure is based on the above-described aspect, and includes at least one sensor installed in the vehicle. When notifying the communication terminal, the processor controls the wireless communication device to send the sensor information acquired by the sensor to the communication terminal.

[0012] In the fourth aspect of this disclosure, when the wireless communicator notifies the communication terminal, the wireless communicator sends sensor information acquired by sensors installed in the vehicle to the communication terminal. Therefore, the user of the communication terminal can identify the vehicle's sensor information.

[0013] The fifth aspect of this disclosure is based on the fourth aspect described above, wherein the sensor includes an air pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure of the tires of the vehicle.

[0014] In the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the sensor information includes information related to the air pressure of the vehicle's tires. Therefore, the user of the communication terminal can identify the condition of the vehicle's tires.

[0015] The sixth aspect of this disclosure is based on the fourth or fifth aspect described above, wherein the sensor includes a camera capable of photographing at least one of a subject located inside the vehicle and a subject located outside the vehicle.

[0016] In the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the sensor information includes at least one of image information of a subject located inside the vehicle and image information of a subject located outside the vehicle, both acquired by a camera. Therefore, a user of the communication terminal can identify at least one of the image information inside the vehicle and the image information outside the vehicle.

[0017] The seventh aspect of this disclosure is based on the above-described aspect, wherein the vehicle is equipped with an operating device that allows the occupant to input information representing the above-described instructions.

[0018] In the seventh method of this disclosure, the occupant can notify the communication terminal by giving instructions to the processor via an operating device provided in the vehicle, using a wireless communication device.

[0019] The eighth aspect of this disclosure is based on the seventh aspect described above. The operating device is a switch installed on the steering wheel of the vehicle. When the switch is operated, the processor controls the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal.

[0020] In the eighth method of this disclosure, when the occupant operates a switch located on the steering wheel, a notification is sent from the wireless communication device to the communication terminal. Therefore, the occupant can easily perform the operation to cause the wireless communication device to notify the communication terminal while the vehicle is being driven.

[0021] The ninth aspect of this disclosure is a wireless communication method in which a processor installed in a vehicle controls a wireless communication device to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from the occupants of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device installed in the vehicle from an external communication device located outside the vehicle.

[0022] The tenth aspect of this disclosure is a computer-readable medium containing a program that causes a computer to perform processing, the program causing a processor installed in a vehicle to perform the following processing: controlling the wireless communication device to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from the occupants of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device installed in the vehicle from an external communication device located outside the vehicle.

[0023] According to the above method, the wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and computer-readable medium containing a program disclosed herein enable occupants of a vehicle who do not possess a portable terminal to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The exemplary embodiment will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an illustrative implementation.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the control block diagram of the vehicle's ECU and external server.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the functional block diagram of the ECU.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the functional block diagram of the external server.

[0029] Figure 5 This indicates that it is set in Figure 1 The image shown is a diagram of the main image displayed on the vehicle's monitor.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram representing the display when a notification application is launched.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram of the display when the message editing button is touched.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the display when the message append button is touched.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a diagram of the display when the "OK" button is touched.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a diagram of the display when the send target edit button is touched.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a diagram of the display when the "Add Target" button is touched.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a diagram of the display when the "OK" button is touched.

[0037] Figure 13 It is a graph representing the rank determination map.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the display when a vehicle receives disaster information from an external server, along with information indicating the disaster level.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a flowchart representing the processing performed by an external server.

[0040] Figure 16It is a flowchart representing the processing performed by the ECU.

[0041] Figure 17 It is a flowchart representing the processing performed by the ECU.

[0042] Figure 18 It is a flowchart representing the processing performed by the ECU.

[0043] Figure 19 It is a flowchart representing the processing performed by the ECU.

[0044] Figure 20 It is a flowchart representing the processing performed by the ECU. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program involved in this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system 10 of this exemplary embodiment includes a vehicle 20, an external server (external communication device) 30, and multiple communication terminals 50 located outside the vehicle 20. For convenience, in... Figure 1 Only one communication terminal 50 is shown. Furthermore, it is assumed that there are multiple occupants inside the vehicle 20 (illustrations omitted).

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 20, which is capable of communicating with an external server 30 via a network (e.g., the Internet), includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 21, a display (operating device) 22 with a touch panel, a speaker 23, a first camera (detection device) (sensor) 24, a second camera (sensor) 25, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 26, four wheels 27, an air pressure sensor (sensor) 28, and a steering wheel 29.

[0048] The display 22, located on the dashboard (illustration omitted), can display various images. The speaker 23 can output various sounds.

[0049] The first camera 24 is capable of photographing subjects located inside the vehicle 20. That is, the first camera 24 is capable of photographing occupants located inside the vehicle 20. Hereinafter, the image data acquired by the first camera 24 is referred to as "in-vehicle image data". The second camera 25 is capable of photographing subjects located outside (around) the vehicle 20. Hereinafter, the image data acquired by the second camera 25 is referred to as "exterior image data". The GPS receiver 26 obtains information related to the position of the vehicle 20 as it is moving (hereinafter referred to as "position information") by receiving GPS signals transmitted from GPS satellites. Every predetermined time interval, the first camera 24 transmits the acquired in-vehicle image data to the ECU 21. Every predetermined time interval, the second camera 25 transmits the acquired exterior image data to the ECU 21. Every predetermined time interval, the GPS receiver 26 transmits the acquired position information to the ECU 21. The in-vehicle image data and exterior image data transmitted to the ECU 21 are associated with the position information and time information, and are sequentially recorded in the storage 21D of the ECU 21 (described later).

[0050] Each of the four wheels 27 has a tire 27A. Each tire 27A is a hollow, annular component made of elastic material, with its internal space filled with air. The two front wheels 27, forming the left and right sides, are steering wheels. Air pressure sensors 28, installed on each wheel 27, repeatedly measure the air pressure of the corresponding tire 27A at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, each air pressure sensor 28 has wireless communication capabilities. At predetermined intervals, each air pressure sensor 28 repeatedly transmits information related to the acquired air pressure, along with the wheel 27's ID information, to the ECU 21 (Wireless Communication I / F 21E).

[0051] The steering wheel 29 is supported by the instrument panel and is rotatable. When the steering wheel 29 is rotated, the steering angle of the left and right steering wheels 27 changes. A push-button switch 29a is provided on the steering wheel 29. The switch 29a can... Figure 1 The switch moves between the initial position and the operating position (illustration omitted). When no external force is applied to switch 29a, switch 29a is in the initial position.

[0052] like Figure 2As shown, ECU21 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21C, a storage device 21D, a wireless communication I / F (Interface) 21E, an internal communication I / F 21F, and an input / output I / F 21G. The CPU 21A, ROM 21B, RAM 21C, storage device 21D, wireless communication I / F 21E, internal communication I / F 21F, and input / output I / F 21G are connected to each other via an internal bus 21Z and are capable of communicating with each other. ECU21 can obtain time-related information from a timer. A display 22, a speaker 23, a first camera 24, a second camera 25, a GPS receiver 26, and a switch 29a are connected to ECU21 (input / output I / F 21G).

[0053] CPU 21A is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. CPU 21A reads programs from ROM 21B or memory 21D and uses RAM 21C as its working area to execute the programs. CPU 21A performs control of various components and various arithmetic operations according to the programs recorded in ROM 21B or memory 21D.

[0054] ROM 21B stores various programs and data. For example, multiple applications (programs) are installed in ROM 21B. For example, a notification application described later is installed in ROM 21B. RAM 21C serves as a working area to temporarily store programs or data. Storage 21D is composed of storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs and data. For example, storage 21D records map data of the entire country where vehicle 20 is located.

[0055] The Wireless Communication I / F21E is an interface for wireless communication with various devices. For example, the Wireless Communication I / F21E can communicate wirelessly with an external server 30. Furthermore, the Wireless Communication I / F21E receives information related to the air pressure of each tire 27A wirelessly transmitted by each air pressure sensor 28. The Wireless Communication I / F21E can use communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The Wireless Communication I / F21E can send and receive emails.

[0056] Internal communication I / F21F is an interface used to connect to different ECUs, such as ECU21, located in vehicle 20, via an external bus.

[0057] The input / output I / F21G is an interface for communicating with various devices. For example, the input / output I / F21G can communicate with the display 22, the speaker 23, the first camera 24, the second camera 25, the GPS receiver 26, and the switch 29a.

[0058] Figure 3 The block diagram illustrates an example of the functional structure of ECU 21. ECU 21 has a display control unit 211, a speaker control unit 212, an in-vehicle status determination unit 213, a tire status determination unit 214, an information recognition unit 215, and a notification processing unit 216 as its functional structure. The display control unit 211, speaker control unit 212, in-vehicle status determination unit 213, tire status determination unit 214, information recognition unit 215, and notification processing unit 216 are implemented by CPU 21A reading and executing a program stored in ROM 21B.

[0059] The display control unit 211 controls the display 22. Multiple applications (programs) are installed in the ECU 21. Therefore, such as... Figure 5 As shown, when the display 22 is turned on, the display control unit 211 can cause the display 22 to display a main image (initial image) 22MD, which includes application images (hereinafter referred to as AP images) 22AP1, 22AP2, 22AP3...22AP8 representing eight applications. AP image 22AP1 is an image representing a notification application.

[0060] The speaker control unit 212 controls the speaker 23.

[0061] The vehicle interior status determination unit 213 determines whether there are occupants inside the vehicle 20 based on the image data obtained by the first camera 24.

[0062] The tire condition determination unit 214 determines whether the vehicle 20 is in a drivable state based on information related to the air pressure of each tire 27A received from each air pressure sensor 28. For example, if it is determined that the air pressure of two or more tires 27A is below a predetermined threshold, the tire condition determination unit 214 determines that "the vehicle 20 is in a non-drivable state". Hereinafter, the information related to the drivability of the vehicle 20 based on the air pressure of the tires 27A will be referred to as "drivability information". The drivability information is associated with location information and time information and is recorded in the storage device 21D.

[0063] When the wireless communication I / F21E receives disaster information about the area where the vehicle 20 is located, as well as information related to the disaster level indicating the magnitude of the disaster, from the external server 30, the information identification unit 215 identifies this information. The information identified by the information identification unit 215 is displayed on the display 22.

[0064] When a specified touch operation is performed on the display 22 while the notification application is active, the notification processing unit 216 performs the functions of the notification application. Furthermore, when the switch 29a is moved to the operating position, the notification processing unit 216 performs the notification processing described later.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 The external server 30 shown is configured with a hardware structure including a CPU (processor) 30A, ROM 30B, RAM 30C, memory 30D, wireless communication I / F 30E, internal communication I / F 30F, and input / output I / F 30G. The CPU 30A, ROM 30B, RAM 30C, memory 30D, wireless communication I / F 30E, internal communication I / F 30F, and input / output I / F 30G are connected via an internal bus 30Z and can communicate with each other. The ECU 30 can obtain time-related information from the timer.

[0066] Figure 4 The block diagram illustrates an example of the functional structure of the external server 30 hardware. The external server 30 hardware has a transceiver control unit 301 and a level determination unit 302 as its functional structure. The transceiver control unit 301 and the level determination unit 302 are implemented by the CPU 30A reading and executing the program stored in the ROM 30B.

[0067] The transceiver control unit 301 controls the wireless communication I / F 30E and the internal communication I / F 30F. The wireless communication I / F 30E receives disaster information generated in the region from an autonomous region server (not shown) managed by the autonomous region where the vehicle 20 is located. Disasters in this example embodiment include, for example, earthquakes, rain, tornadoes, and tsunamis.

[0068] The transceiver control unit 301 receives disaster information from the autonomous community server based on the wireless communication I / F 30E and the level determination mapping 31 stored in the ROM 30B (see reference). Figure 13 The system uses this information to determine the severity level of the disaster represented by the received disaster information. Disaster severity levels related to earthquakes and rainfall are specified in severity level mapping 31. Furthermore, severity level mapping 31 also specifies disaster severity levels related to tornadoes and tsunamis, but... Figure 13 For convenience, their descriptions have been omitted. The larger the scale of the disaster, the higher the number indicating the disaster level.

[0069] Figure 1The communication terminal 50 shown is, for example, a smartphone. The communication terminal 50 is equipped with a display 51 having a touch panel. The communication terminal 50 has a hardware structure including a CPU, ROM, RAM, memory, wireless communication I / F, internal communication I / F, input / output I / F, and an internal bus. The communication terminal 50 is capable of sending and receiving emails.

[0070] (Functions and effects)

[0071] Next, the function and effects of this exemplary implementation method will be explained.

[0072] First, use Figure 15 The flowchart illustrates the processing flow performed by the external server 30. The external server 30 repeatedly executes the process after a specified time interval. Figure 15 The processing of flowcharts.

[0073] First, in step S10, the transceiver control unit 301 of the external server 30 determines whether the wireless communication I / F 30E has received disaster information related to the region where the vehicle 20 is located from the aforementioned autonomous community server.

[0074] If the external server 30 determines "yes" in step S10, the process proceeds to step S11. The level determination unit 302 determines the disaster level of the disaster represented by the received disaster information based on the received disaster information and the level determination mapping 31. For example, if the external server 30 receives the disaster information "an earthquake of intensity 4 has occurred" in step S10, the level determination unit 302 determines that the disaster level represented by the disaster information is "4".

[0075] After the external server 30 finishes processing in step S11, it proceeds to step S12. The transceiver control unit 301 enables the wireless communication I / F 30E to wirelessly transmit the received disaster information and information related to the disaster level to the vehicle 20.

[0076] When the process in step S12 is completed or when the result in step S10 is "no", the external server 30 temporarily terminates. Figure 15 The processing of flowcharts.

[0077] Next, use Figures 16-20 The flowchart illustrates the processing flow of ECU 21 in vehicle 20. First, regarding... Figure 16 The flowchart is used for illustration. ECU21 repeatedly executes this process after a specified time interval. Figure 16 The processing of flowcharts.

[0078] In step S20, the information identification unit 215 of ECU21 determines whether the wireless communication I / F21E has received disaster information and disaster level-related information about the area where the vehicle 20 is located from the external server 30.

[0079] ECU21 that is determined to be "yes" in step S20 proceeds to step S21, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display disaster information and information related to the disaster level. Specifically, if the occupants... Figure 14 If the main image display button 22R shown is touched, then the image displayed on the monitor 22 will be... Figure 5 The main image shown is 22MD.

[0080] When the process in step S21 is completed or when the result in step S20 is "no", ECU21 temporarily stops. Figure 16 The processing of flowcharts.

[0081] Furthermore, ECU21 repeatedly executes this command after a specified period of time. Figure 17 The processing of flowcharts.

[0082] In step S30, the notification processing unit 216 of ECU21 determines whether the application has been notified to start and whether it is displayed on the display 22. Figure 6 The application initial image 22MI is shown. That is, the notification processing unit 216 determines whether to... Figure 5 The AP image 22AP1 included in the main image 22MD shown has been touched. The application initial image 22MI includes a message sending button 22-1MI, a message editing button 22-2MI, a sending target editing button 22-3MI, and a main image display button 22R.

[0083] If the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S30, it proceeds to step S31 and notifies the processing unit 216 to determine whether the occupant of the vehicle 20 has touched the message sending button 22-1MI.

[0084] For example, if an occupant touches the message sending button 22-1MI after seeing the disaster information and disaster level-related information displayed on the display 22 as processed in step S21, the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S31 and proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the wireless communication I / F 21E controlled by the notification processing unit 216 wirelessly sends an email to the communication terminal 50. This email includes a message, the vehicle 20's location information, drivability information recorded in the storage 21D, in-vehicle image data, and external image data. The in-vehicle image data and external image data sent can also be data acquired between a predetermined time before the processing time of step S32 and the processing time. For example, in-vehicle image data and external image data acquired between one minute before the processing time and the processing time can be sent together with the message. The communication terminal 50, which receives the email from the vehicle 20, displays the received message, the vehicle 20's location information, drivability information, the image represented by the in-vehicle image data, and the image represented by the external image data on its display 51.

[0085] Among them, such as Figure 7 As shown, the storage 21D of the ECU 21 records multiple messages that the vehicle 20 can send to each communication terminal 50. That is, the vehicle 20 can send messages to each communication terminal 50. Figure 7 The message editing image 22MR shown includes message 22MS-1, message 22MS-2, or message 22MS-3. Message 22MS-1, message 22MS-2, and message 22MS-3 contain the following content.

[0086] First message: All is well.

[0087] Message 2: Here

[0088] Message #3: Heading to the shelter

[0089] And, as Figure 10 As shown, the storage 21D of ECU21 records transmission target information corresponding to the three communication terminals 50. That is, the first transmission target information 22DR-1, the second transmission target information 22DR-2, and the third transmission target information 22DR-3 respectively represent information related to the holder (name) and email address of the three communication terminals 50.

[0090] When the notification application is in its initial setup state, the first message 22MS-1 is selected (registered) as the recipient message, and the first sending target information 22DR-1 is selected (registered) as the recipient sending target information. Therefore, when the notification application is in its initial setup state, if step S32 is executed, the wireless communication I / F21E sends the message "All is well" to the communication terminal 50 corresponding to the first sending target information 22DR-1 via email. Alternatively, multiple sending target information messages can be selected as recipient sending target information.

[0091] Additionally, when the determination is "no" in steps S30 and 31, or when the processing of step S2 is completed, ECU21 proceeds to step S33 and notifies the processing unit 216 to determine whether switch 29a has been moved from the initial position to the operating position.

[0092] If ECU21 is determined to be "yes" in step S33, it proceeds to step S34 and performs the same process as in step S32.

[0093] After completing step S34, ECU21 proceeds to step S35 to determine whether the process is correct. Figure 6 The main image display button 22R shown was touched.

[0094] If ECU21 determines "yes" in step S35, it proceeds to step S36, and the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to show... Figure 5 The main image shown is 22MD.

[0095] When the process in step S36 is completed, or when the result in step S35 is "no", ECU21 temporarily terminates. Figure 17 The processing of flowcharts.

[0096] Furthermore, ECU21 repeatedly executes this command after a specified period of time. Figure 18 The processing of flowcharts.

[0097] In step S40, the information recognition unit 215 of ECU21 performs the same process as in step S20.

[0098] If the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S40, it proceeds to step S41, where the information identification unit 215 determines whether the received disaster level is above a specified level. This specified level is, for example, level 3. However, the specified level can be any level above level 2.

[0099] If ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S41, it proceeds to step S42 and notifies the processing unit 216 to determine whether the processing steps S32 and 34 have been performed within a specified time. This specified time is, for example, 5 minutes.

[0100] If the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S42, it proceeds to step S43 and notifies the processing unit 216 to determine whether there are no occupants inside the vehicle 20 based on the in-vehicle image data received from the first camera 24. In other words, it notifies the processing unit 216 to determine whether all occupants have moved from inside the vehicle to outside.

[0101] If the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S43, it proceeds to step S44 and notifies the processing unit 216 to perform the same processing as in step S32. That is, regardless of the occupants' intentions, the vehicle 20's wireless communication I / F 21E wirelessly sends an email to the communication terminal 50.

[0102] When the processing of step S44 is completed, when the result in steps S40, 41, and 43 is "no", or when the result in step S42 is "yes", ECU21 temporarily stops. Figure 18 The processing of flowcharts.

[0103] Furthermore, ECU21 repeatedly executes this command after a specified period of time. Figure 19 The processing of flowcharts.

[0104] In step S50, the notification processing unit 216 of ECU21 determines whether the application has been notified to start and whether it is displayed on the display 22. Figure 6 The application's initial image is shown as 22MI.

[0105] If the ECU21 determines "yes" in step S50, it proceeds to step S51 and notifies the processing unit 216 to determine whether the message editing button 22-2MI has been touched.

[0106] If the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S51, it proceeds to step S52, and the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to show... Figure 7 The message editing image 22MR shown is shown. The message editing image 22MR includes message 1 22MS-1, message 22MS-2, message 3 22MS-3, 3 selection buttons 22SL, 3 delete buttons 22DT, and message append button 22AD.

[0107] After completing step S52, ECU21 proceeds to step S53 and notifies processing unit 216 to determine whether the message append button 22AD has been touched.

[0108] If the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S53, it proceeds to step S54, and the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to show... Figure 8 The message creation image 22MM shown includes a keyboard 22KY, a message display area 22DS, and an OK button 22MK.

[0109] After completing step S54, ECU 21 proceeds to step S55, notifying processing unit 216 to determine whether at least one of the multiple character images (not shown) included in keyboard 22KY has been touched. These character images include, for example, letters. That is, notifying processing unit 216 to determine whether the occupant is creating a new message using keyboard 22KY.

[0110] If the ECU21 determines "yes" in step S55, it proceeds to step S56, and the display control unit 211 causes the message display area 22DS to display the character entered using the keyboard 22KY.

[0111] After completing step S56, ECU 21 proceeds to step S57, instructing processing unit 216 to determine whether the confirm button 22MK has been touched. If the determination in step S57 is "no", ECU 21 performs step S55 again.

[0112] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the message "Returning home within 3 hours" is entered using the keyboard 22KY, and the result is "Yes" in step S57, the processing unit 216 is notified to record the newly created message in the storage 21D. Then, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S58.

[0113] In step S58, the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display... Figure 9 The message editing image 22MR shown includes message 4 22MS-4, representing the message created in step S55, and selection button 22SL and delete button 22DT corresponding to message 4 22MS-4.

[0114] After completing step S58, ECU21 proceeds to step S59 and notifies processing unit 216 to determine whether any selection button 22SL has been touched.

[0115] For example, if the selection button 22SL corresponding to message 4 22MS-4 is touched, ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S59 and proceeds to step S60. In this case, notification processing unit 216 selects (registers) message 4 as the message to be sent instead of message 1.

[0116] After completing step S60, ECU21 proceeds to step S61 and notifies processing unit 216 to determine whether any delete button 22DT has been touched.

[0117] If the ECU21 determines "yes" in step S61, it proceeds to step S62 and notifies the processing unit 216 to delete the messages (1st message 22MS-1, 2nd message 22MS-2, 3rd message 22MS-3, 4th message 22MS-4) corresponding to the deleted button 22DT that was touched from the storage 21D.

[0118] When the processing in step S62 is completed, or when the result in steps S50 and S51 is "no", ECU21 temporarily stops. Figure 19 The processing of flowcharts.

[0119] Therefore, for example, after the fourth message is selected as the recipient message, if the processing of step S32 or step S44 is performed, the wireless communication I / F21E will wirelessly send the email along with the fourth message to the communication terminal 50.

[0120] Furthermore, ECU21 repeatedly executes this command after a specified period of time. Figure 20 The processing of flowcharts.

[0121] In step S70, the information recognition unit 215 of ECU21 performs the same processing as in step S50.

[0122] If ECU21 is determined to be "yes" in step S70, it proceeds to step S71 and notifies the processing unit 216 to determine whether it is correct. Figure 6 The send target editing button 22-3MI shown is touch operated.

[0123] If the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S71, it proceeds to step S72, and the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to show... Figure 10 The image shown is a target editing image 22SD. The target editing image 22SD includes first target information 22DR-1, second target information 22DR-2, third target information 22DR-3, three selection buttons 22SL, three delete buttons 22DT, and a target append button 22AS. The first target information 22DR-1, second target information 22DR-2, and third target information 22DR-3 respectively include information related to the name and email address.

[0124] After completing step S72, ECU21 proceeds to step S73 and notifies processing unit 216 to determine whether the target addition button 22AS has been touched.

[0125] If ECU21 determines "yes" in step S73, it proceeds to step S74, and the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to show... Figure 11The target creation image 22SM is shown. The target creation image 22SM includes a keyboard 22KY, a target display area 22DD, and an OK button 22MK.

[0126] After completing step S74, ECU 21 proceeds to step S75, notifying processing unit 216 to determine whether at least one of the multiple character images included in keyboard 22KY has been touched. That is, notifying processing unit 216 to determine whether the occupant is using keyboard 22KY to create new transmission target information.

[0127] If the ECU21 determines "yes" in step S75, it proceeds to step S76, and the display control unit 211 causes the target display area 22DD to display the character entered using the keyboard 22KY.

[0128] After completing step S76, ECU 21 proceeds to step S77, instructing processing unit 216 to determine whether the confirm button 22MK has been touched. If the determination in step S77 is "no", ECU 21 performs step S75 again.

[0129] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, when new transmission target information is input using keyboard 22KY and the result is "yes" in step S77, the processing unit 216 is notified to record the newly created transmission target information in memory 21D. Then, ECU 21 proceeds to step S78.

[0130] In step S78, the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display... Figure 12 The transmission target editing image 22SD is shown. This transmission target editing image 22SD includes the fourth transmission target information 22DR-4, which represents the transmission target information created in step S75, and a selection button 22SL and a delete button 22DT, which correspond to the fourth transmission target information 22DR-4.

[0131] After completing step S78, ECU21 proceeds to step S79 and notifies processing unit 216 to determine whether any selection button 22SL has been touched.

[0132] For example, if the selection button 22SL corresponding to the fourth target information 22DR-4 is touched, the ECU 21 determines "yes" in step S79 and proceeds to step S80. In this case, in addition to the first target information 22DR-1, the notification processing unit 216 also selects (registers) the fourth target information 22DR-4 as the target information to be sent.

[0133] After completing step S80, ECU21 proceeds to step S81 and notifies processing unit 216 to determine whether any delete button 22DT has been touched.

[0134] If the ECU21 determines "yes" in step S81, it proceeds to step S82 and notifies the processing unit 216 to delete the transmission target information (first transmission target information 22DR-1, second transmission target information 22DR-2, third transmission target information 22DR-3, and fourth transmission target information 22DR-4) corresponding to the deleted button 22DT that was touched from the storage 21D.

[0135] When the processing of step S82 is completed, or when the result in steps S70 and 71 is "no", ECU21 temporarily stops. Figure 20 The processing of flowcharts.

[0136] Therefore, for example, after selecting the fourth target information 22DR-4 as the target information to be sent in addition to the first target information 22DR-1, if the processing of step S32 or step S44 is performed, the wireless communication I / F21E controlled by the notification processing unit 216 will wirelessly send the email and the message together to the two communication terminals 50 corresponding to the first target information 22DR-1 and the fourth target information 22DR-4.

[0137] As explained above, in this exemplary embodiment, the ECU 21 controls the wireless communication I / F 21E to notify the communication terminal 50 based on instructions given to the ECU 21 by the occupant via the display 22 (message sending button 22-1MI) or disaster information received by the wireless communication I / F 21E from the external server 30. Therefore, even if the occupant of the vehicle 20 does not possess a portable terminal, the occupant can still notify the communication terminal 50 of their safety status using the vehicle 20's wireless communication I / F 21E. Thus, a person viewing the communication terminal 50 can identify the safety status of the occupants of the vehicle 20.

[0138] Furthermore, the occupants of vehicle 20 can send messages via wireless communication I / F 21E simply by touching the message sending button 22-1MI displayed on the display 22 after activating the notification application. In other words, the occupants can send messages via wireless communication I / F 21E with a simple operation.

[0139] Furthermore, the occupants of vehicle 20 can send messages via wireless communication I / F 21E by moving the switch 29a provided on the steering wheel 29 from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, the occupants can send messages via wireless communication I / F 21E with a simple operation while driving vehicle 20. Moreover, even when the notification application is not activated, the occupants can still send messages via wireless communication I / F 21E by moving the switch 29a to the operating position.

[0140] Furthermore, the location information of vehicle 20 is sent from vehicle 20 to communication terminal 50 along with a notification message. Therefore, a person viewing communication terminal 50 can identify the current location of vehicle 20.

[0141] Furthermore, the drivability information is sent from vehicle 20 to communication terminal 50 along with a notification message. Therefore, a person viewing the communication terminal 50 can identify whether vehicle 20 (tire 27A) is drivable.

[0142] Furthermore, in-vehicle image data and external image data are transmitted from vehicle 20 to communication terminal 50 along with a notification message. Therefore, a person viewing the communication terminal 50 can identify the appearance of the occupants of vehicle 20. Also, a person viewing the communication terminal 50 can identify the appearance outside the vehicle. For example, the person can identify the weather outside vehicle 20 and the road surface conditions of the road where vehicle 20 is located.

[0143] Furthermore, when the ECU 21 determines, based on the detection results of the first camera 24, that all occupants have left the vehicle and moved outside, and the wireless communication I / F 21E receives disaster information from the external server 30 indicating a disaster level of 3 or higher, the wireless communication I / F 21E notifies the communication terminal 50 regardless of the occupants' intentions. Therefore, even if occupants who have lost their composure during a disaster do not operate the display 22 or switch 29a, the wireless communication I / F 21E still notifies the communication terminal 50 when all occupants have moved outside. Thus, even if occupants have lost their composure, the likelihood of notification from the vehicle 20 to the communication terminal 50 is high.

[0144] Furthermore, the wireless communication I / F21E only notifies the communication terminal 50 when it receives disaster information from the external server 30 indicating a disaster level of 3 or higher. In other words, if the wireless communication I / F21E receives disaster information from the external server 30 indicating a disaster level lower than 3, it does not notify the communication terminal 50. Therefore, in the event of a minor disaster with little necessity for notification, the wireless communication I / F21E does not notify the communication terminal 50 regardless of the occupants' wishes.

[0145] The wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program involved in the illustrated embodiments have been described above. However, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, the wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program can be appropriately modified in design.

[0146] The communication terminal 50 can be any structure capable of wireless communication with the vehicle 20. For example, the communication terminal 50 can be a tablet computer or a personal computer.

[0147] Vehicle 20 can use communication methods different from email to notify communication terminal 50. For example, vehicle 20 can use SNS (Social Networking Service) or SMS (Short Message Service) to notify communication terminal 50.

[0148] The information included in the notification from vehicle 20 to communication terminal 50 may include only the aforementioned message, vehicle 20's location information, drivability information, in-vehicle image data, and a portion of the external image data. Alternatively, the notification may include information different from the aforementioned message, vehicle 20's location information, drivability information, in-vehicle image data, and external image data.

[0149] The sensor installed on vehicle 20 may be at least one of the first camera 24, the second camera 25, and the air pressure sensor 28. For example, vehicle 20 may only have one of the first camera 24 and the second camera 25. Alternatively, vehicle 20 may also have a sensor different from the first camera 24, the second camera 25, and the air pressure sensor 28.

[0150] ECU21 can determine whether there are occupants in the vehicle based on the detection results of the human body sensing sensor (detection device) installed in vehicle 20.

[0151] Figure 16 The processing of step S21 in the flowchart can also be the processing of the speaker control unit 212 causing the speaker 23 to output disaster information and disaster level through sound.

[0152] Furthermore, vehicle 20 may be equipped with a voice recognition device (operating device). In this case, the occupant gives instructions via voice to enable wireless communication I / F21E for notification. In this case, the voice recognition device recognizes the voice-based instructions and sends the recognized instructions from the voice recognition device to ECU 21.

[0153] The ECU 21 of vehicle 20 may have the same function as the level determination unit 302. In this case, the ECU 21 determines the level of disaster based on the disaster information received from the external server 30 and the level determination mapping 31 recorded in the ROM 21B or storage 21D of the ECU 21.

[0154] Vehicle 20 may be without a notification application and switch 29a.

[0155] The switch 29a can also be installed in a location on the vehicle 20 that is different from the steering wheel 29. For example, the switch 29a can be installed on the dashboard.

[0156] Vehicle 20 can replace GPS receiver 26 with a receiver capable of receiving information from satellites of global navigation satellite systems other than GPS (such as Galileo).

Claims

1. A wireless communication system, wherein, have: Memory; A wireless communication device, capable of wirelessly communicating with an external communication device located outside the vehicle, and installed in the vehicle; A detection device is installed in the vehicle and is capable of detecting whether there are occupants inside the vehicle; as well as A processor, integrated with the memory and the detection device, is disposed in the vehicle. The processor is configured to control the wireless communication device based on instructions received from the occupants of the vehicle in order to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle. The processor is configured to control the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when, based on the detection result of the detection device, all the occupants have left the vehicle and come outside, and the wireless communication device receives disaster information from the external communication device.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to control the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when the disaster information sent by the external communication device to the wireless communication device indicates a disaster level of a predetermined level or higher.

3. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It has at least one sensor installed in the vehicle. The processor is configured to control the wireless communication device to send the sensor information acquired by the sensor to the communication terminal when notifying the communication terminal.

4. The wireless communication system according to claim 3, wherein, The sensor includes an air pressure sensor that detects the air pressure in the vehicle's tires.

5. The wireless communication system according to claim 3, wherein, The sensor includes a camera capable of photographing at least one of a subject located inside the vehicle and a subject located outside the vehicle.

6. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vehicle is equipped with an operating device that allows the occupants to input information representing the instructions.

7. The wireless communication system according to claim 6, wherein, The operating device is a switch located on the steering wheel of the vehicle. The processor is configured to control the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when the switch is operated.

8. A wireless communication method, wherein, The processor installed in the vehicle is configured to control a wireless communication device installed in the vehicle to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from the occupants of the vehicle. It is configured such that when, based on the detection result of a detection device installed in the vehicle and capable of detecting whether there are occupants inside the vehicle, it is determined that all the occupants have left the vehicle and come outside, and the wireless communication device receives disaster information from an external communication device located outside the vehicle, the wireless communication device is controlled to send the notification to the communication terminal.

9. A computer-readable medium, wherein, The system stores a program that causes a processor installed in the vehicle to perform the following process: controlling a wireless communication device installed in the vehicle to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on instructions received from the occupants of the vehicle. When, based on the detection results of a detection device installed in the vehicle that can detect whether there are occupants inside the vehicle, it is determined that all the occupants have left the vehicle and come outside, and the wireless communication device receives disaster information from an external communication device located outside the vehicle, the wireless communication device is controlled to send the notification to the communication terminal.

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