Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle equipped with a communication unit also has a control unit that can determine the distance between the communication unit and the portable communication unit registered with the communication unit based on the radio wave intensity in wireless communication between the communication unit and the portable communication unit. After detecting an emergency situation in the vehicle where a predetermined tilt angle has been maintained based on a detection signal from the detection unit, the control unit determines whether there is a time-varying distance. If it determines that there is no time-varying distance, it determines the severity of the emergency situation based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication unit, and outputs determination information indicating the severity of the emergency situation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicles equipped with a communications unit. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for determining that an emergency has occurred in a motorized two-wheeled vehicle and reporting it when communication between the communication device carried by the driver and the vehicle-mounted wireless communication device is impossible for a certain period of time.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-110385 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the case of an emergency report, because the severity of the emergency is unclear, the receiving party does not know what response to take when going to the scene, which may result in an inability to respond appropriately.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a technology capable of outputting a determination result of the severity of an emergency based on the positional relationship between a vehicle and a portable communication device.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a communication unit, wherein,

[0011] The vehicle has a control unit that can determine the distance between the communication unit and the portable communication device based on the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication unit and the portable communication device registered with the communication unit.

[0012] After the control unit detects an emergency state in which the vehicle has maintained a predetermined tilt angle based on the detection signal from the detection unit, it determines whether there is a time change in the distance. If it determines that there is no time change in the distance, it determines the severity of the emergency state based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication device, and outputs determination information indicating the determination result of the severity of the emergency state.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, a vehicle is capable of providing a determination result of the severity of an emergency based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of the reporting system involved in the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a detection unit in a vehicle.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle's emergency situation.

[0018] Figure 4A This is a diagram illustrating the process involved in determining the severity of a condition.

[0019] Figure 4B This is an explanation Figure 4A A flowchart of the S401 processing flow.

[0020] Figure 4C This is an explanation Figure 4A A flowchart of the S409 processing flow.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the display unit in a mobile device.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating the positional relationships between vehicles, mobile devices, and portable communication devices before an emergency occurs.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a diagram illustrating the positional relationships between vehicles, mobile devices, and portable communication devices after an emergency occurs (a state where distances change over time).

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the relative distances between mobile devices and portable communication devices after an emergency occurs.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the relative distances between mobile devices and portable communication devices after an emergency occurs.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationships between vehicles, mobile devices, and portable communication devices after an emergency occurs.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationships between vehicles, mobile devices, and portable communication devices after an emergency occurs.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationships between vehicles, mobile devices, and portable communication devices after an emergency occurs. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Additionally, the same or identical structures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 The functional structure of the reporting system 150 for reporting the occurrence of an emergency, as described in the embodiment, is explained. The reporting system 150 includes a vehicle 100, a mobile device 110, and a portable communication device 120 (headset). Here, the portable communication device 120 is configured to be fitted inside the driver's helmet 130. In addition, the portable communication device 120 is configured to be detachable from the helmet 130 for carrying.

[0031] (Structure of vehicle 100)

[0032] Vehicle 100 is, for example, a straddle-type motorized two-wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, this embodiment can also be applied to other vehicles, such as four-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and other mobile bodies. Vehicle 100 includes a control unit 101, a display unit 104, a detection unit 105, a communication unit 106, an output unit 107, and a drive unit 108. The control unit 101 performs overall control of vehicle 100. The control unit 101 is, for example, composed of a processor 102 and a memory 103. In this case, the operation of the control unit 101 is implemented by the processor 102 executing a program stored in the memory 103. Part or all of the operation of the control unit 101 can also be implemented using dedicated circuits such as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0033] Display unit 104 displays information for the driver. Display unit 104 is implemented, for example, by a display device. Display unit 104 may be a dot-matrix display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display, or it may be a collection of indicators that provide notification by turning off or on (or flashing) pre-defined marks.

[0034] The detection unit 105 is composed of various sensors that detect vehicle information indicating the state of the vehicle 100. The detection unit 105 inputs the detected vehicle information to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 can determine the state of the vehicle 100 based on the information obtained from the detection unit 105.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the detection unit 105 in vehicle 100. Figure 3This diagram illustrates the emergency state of vehicle 100. The detection unit 105 includes sensors for detecting vehicle information, such as a tilt angle sensor 151, a G-sensor 152 (accelerometer), a speed sensor 153, an engine speed sensor 154, and a GPS sensor 155.

[0036] Tilt angle sensor 151 detects the tilt angle (tilt angle α) of vehicle 100 relative to ground plane GND. Figure 3 The sensor 152 (accelerometer) is a sensor that measures the acceleration (rate of change of velocity) of the vehicle 100, and can measure acceleration in three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis). For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the tilt angle (α) of the vehicle 100 relative to the ground plane GND can be detected based on the values ​​measured by the tilt angle sensor 151 or the G sensor 152. Figure 3 ).

[0037] Speed ​​sensor 153 is a sensor that detects the driving speed of vehicle 100, for example, detecting the speed (vehicle speed) corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheels of vehicle 100. In addition, rotational speed sensor 154 detects the rotational speed (rotational speed) of the output shaft of the engine that is the driving source of vehicle 100. GPS sensor 155 detects the position information of vehicle 100.

[0038] Based on the tilt angle information obtained from the detection unit 105, the control unit 101 determines whether the vehicle 100 has overturned or is in an emergency. Based on the tilt angle information of the vehicle 100 obtained from the tilt angle sensor 151 or the G sensor 152 (accelerometer), if the tilt angle (α) of the vehicle 100 relative to the ground contact GND is smaller than a threshold angle (αth) and the tilt state continues for more than the threshold time, the control unit 101 determines that the vehicle 100 is in an emergency.

[0039] Specifically, the control unit 101 compares the tilt angle information (α) with a threshold angle (αth). When the tilt state (α < αth) is such that the tilt angle (α) is less than the threshold angle (αth), the control unit 101 controls the internal timer to start measuring the time (Tm). If the tilt state time (Tm) continues to exceed the threshold time (Tth) (Tm > Tth), the control unit 101 determines that the vehicle 100 is in an emergency state.

[0040] The communication unit 106 provides functionality for communication between the vehicle 100 and the outside world. The communication unit 106 can also support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the communication unit 106 can also support cellular communication, inter-vehicle communication, etc.

[0041] The output unit 107 has a built-in speaker and can generate report tones under the control of the control unit 101. The drive unit 108 is a device that generates driving force to move the vehicle 100, and can be composed of an engine, motor, battery, transmission, etc. The output of the drive unit 108 is controlled by the control unit 101.

[0042] In order to start the drive unit 108 of the vehicle 100, firstly, wireless communication is performed between the communication unit of the electronic key and the communication unit 106 of the vehicle 100. If the authentication information of the electronic key is consistent with the authentication information pre-registered in the memory 103 (storage unit) of the vehicle 100, the control unit 101 unlocks the drive unit 108 and sets the ignition switch to the on, thereby starting the drive unit 108 of the vehicle 100.

[0043] Furthermore, by setting the ignition switch to OFF, the starting of the drive unit 108 is stopped. The control unit 101 determines that the drive unit 108 has started upon receiving a signal that turns the ignition switch on (IGN_ON signal). Conversely, the control unit 101 determines that the drive unit 108 has stopped upon receiving a signal that turns the ignition switch off (IGN_OFF signal).

[0044] The control unit 101 can measure the distance and direction between the communication unit 106 of the vehicle 100 and the communication unit 123 of the portable communication device 120 (headset) registered in the communication unit 106 via short-range wireless communication, based on the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication unit 106 and the communication unit 123 of the portable communication device 120 (headset). In the detection of an emergency state based on information from the detection unit 105, if the speed of the preceding vehicle 100 is above a threshold speed (as a reference), the control unit 101 switches to a process for determining the severity of the emergency state (severity determination mode). In the severity determination mode, the control unit 101 determines whether there has been a time change in the distance between the communication unit 106 and the portable communication units (mobile device 110, portable communication device 120). If it determines that there has been no time change in the distance, it performs a severity determination based on the positional relationship between the vehicle 100 and the portable communication units (110, 120), and outputs determination information indicating the severity determination result of the emergency state. In the following description, mobile device 110 will also be referred to as a first portable communication device, and will also be described as mobile device 110 (first portable communication device). Additionally, portable communication device 120 (headset) will also be referred to as a second portable communication device, and will also be described as portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device). See reference... Figures 4A to 12 The specific processing of the control unit 101 will be explained.

[0045] (Structure of mobile device 110)

[0046] Mobile device 110 includes a control unit 111, a display unit 114, an input unit 115, a communication unit 116, and an output unit 117. Mobile device 110 can be a mobile phone device such as a smartphone. The user of mobile device 110 can also be the same as the driver P. The following describes the scenario where driver P uses mobile device 110. Mobile device 110 is configured to be carried by driver P; for example, it can be kept in driver P's pocket or bag.

[0047] The control unit 111 controls the entire mobile device 110. The control unit 111 may consist of, for example, a processor 112 and a memory 113. In this case, the processor 112 executes a program stored in the memory 113 to implement the operation of the control unit 111. The program may include an operating system and application programs. Part or all of the operation of the control unit 111 may also be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0048] Display unit 114 displays information for driver P. Display unit 114 may be implemented using a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. Input unit 115 receives input from driver P. Input unit 115 may be implemented using an input device such as a touch panel or buttons. Communication unit 116 provides functionality for communication between mobile device 110 and external devices. Communication unit 116 may also support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Furthermore, communication unit 116 may support cellular communication, WiFi communication, etc.

[0049] The communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 can communicate with the communication unit 106 of the vehicle 100. The control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 can determine the distance and direction between the communication unit 106 of the vehicle 100 and the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110, which is registered with the communication unit 106 via short-range wireless communication, based on the radio wave strength in the wireless communication. Furthermore, the control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 outputs judgment information indicating the severity of the emergency situation to the mobile device 110 registered with the communication unit 106.

[0050] When the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 receives the determination information, it can send an emergency notification to a destination corresponding to the severity of the emergency. For example, in the first emergency state, which has the highest urgency, it can send an emergency notification to call an ambulance or other emergency vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the first emergency notification). In addition, in the second emergency state, which has a lower urgency than the first emergency state, it can send an emergency notification to a pre-registered destination such as a family member (hereinafter referred to as the second emergency notification).

[0051] Here, the determination information indicating the severity of the emergency includes additional information related to the state of vehicle 100 and the state of driver P. For example, the additional information includes at least one of the following: vehicle 100 speed information at the time the first emergency occurred; information indicating the positional relationship between driver P and vehicle 100, such as whether driver P is above or below vehicle 100; vehicle state information indicating whether drive unit 108 has stopped; and at least one of the following: time elapsed since the occurrence of the first emergency. When issuing an emergency notification during the first emergency, communication unit 116 can automatically read out the additional information to issue the emergency notification.

[0052] When the control unit 111 of the mobile device 110 receives determination information from the vehicle 100, it displays the determination result on the display unit 114. In addition, the output unit 117 is equipped with a speaker, and when the control unit 111 of the mobile device 110 receives determination information from the vehicle 100, it reports the receipt of determination information by sound from the output unit 117.

[0053] (Structure of portable communication device 120 (headphone))

[0054] The portable communication device 120 (headset) is configured to be fitted inside the helmet 130 of the driver P, and includes a microphone 121, a speaker 122, and a communication unit 123. The helmet 130 is worn on the driver's head. The microphone 121 of the portable communication device 120, fitted inside the helmet 130, receives audio input from the driver P. The speaker 122 of the portable communication device 120 outputs audio toward the driver P.

[0055] Mobile device 110 transmits the voice output intended for driver P to portable communication device 120. Portable communication device 120 outputs the received voice output from speaker 122. Portable communication device 120 transmits the voice input from driver P acquired by microphone 121 to mobile device 110.

[0056] Communication unit 123 can also support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Communication unit 123 can communicate with communication unit 106 of vehicle 100 via wireless communication. Control unit 101 of vehicle 100 can determine the distance and direction between communication unit 106 of vehicle 100 and communication unit 123 of portable communication device 120 (headset) registered with communication unit 106 via short-range wireless communication pairing.

[0057] In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle 100, the mobile device 110, and the portable communication device 120 cooperate with each other. Specifically, a communication link based on short-range wireless communication is established between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 110, for example. The vehicle 100 and the mobile device 110 exchange data via this communication link. Additionally, a communication link based on short-range wireless communication is established between the vehicle 100 and the portable communication device 120, for example. The vehicle 100 and the portable communication device 120 exchange data via this communication link. Furthermore, a communication link based on short-range wireless communication is established between the mobile device 110 and the portable communication device 120, for example. The mobile device 110 and the portable communication device 120 exchange data via this communication link.

[0058] (Determining the severity of an emergency)

[0059] Next, refer to Figures 4A to 12 This section explains the specific procedures of the control unit 101 related to determining the severity of an emergency. Here, Figure 4A This is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of the control unit 101 related to the determination of severity. Figure 4B This is an explanation Figure 4A A flowchart of the S401 processing flow. Additionally, Figure 4C This is an explanation Figure 4A A flowchart illustrating the processing of S409 (processing to confirm whether a notification is needed). Additionally, Figures 6-12 This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the control unit 101 of the vehicle 100, the mobile device 110, and the portable communication device 120 (headset) inside the helmet 130. Here, with... Figures 4A to 4C The severity determination process in the emergency situation can also be performed in the control unit 111 of the mobile device 110, but the following description will focus on the processing of the control unit 101 of the vehicle 100.

[0060] Before processing begins, the control unit 101 establishes a communication link between the mobile device 110 and the portable communication device 120 (headset). As described above, this communication link can also be a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0061] exist Figure 4A In S401, when the control unit 101 detects an emergency situation in the vehicle 100, it executes the processing from S402 onwards. Figure 4B This is an explanation Figure 4A The diagram shows the specific handling procedure for the emergency detection state of S401.

[0062] First, in S411, the control unit 101 obtains vehicle information of the vehicle 100 from the detection unit 105. The control unit 101 is input with vehicle information representing the state of the vehicle 100 detected by various sensors of the detection unit 105, and the control unit 101 obtains vehicle information of the vehicle 100 output from various sensors of the detection unit 105, including the tilt angle (α) of the vehicle 100.

[0063] In S412, the control unit 101 compares the tilt angle (α) of the vehicle 100 with the threshold angle (αth). If the tilt angle (α) of the vehicle 100 is greater than or equal to the threshold angle (αth) (S412-No), the processing returns to S411 and the control unit 101 continues to acquire vehicle information.

[0064] On the other hand, in the determination of S412, if the tilt angle (α) of the vehicle 100 is smaller than the threshold angle (αth) in the tilt state (S412-Yes), the control unit 101 causes the processing to proceed to S413.

[0065] In S413, the control unit 101 controls the internal timer to start measuring time (Tm). In S414, the control unit 101 compares the measured tilt time (Tm) with the threshold time (Tref). If the tilt time (Tm) does not reach the threshold time (Tref) (S414-No), the process returns to S412 and the same process is repeated.

[0066] In the determination in S414, if the tilt state of vehicle 100 at an angle smaller than a threshold angle (αth) continues for more than a threshold time (S414-Yes), the control unit 101 determines that vehicle 100 is in an emergency state. That is, if the tilt state of vehicle 100 at an angle smaller than a threshold angle (αth) continues for more than a threshold time (Tth) (Tm>Tth), the control unit 101 determines that vehicle 100 is in an emergency state. After detecting an emergency state of vehicle 100 that continues with a predetermined tilt angle based on the detection signal from the detection unit 105, the control unit 101 switches to a severity determination mode to determine the severity of the emergency state.

[0067] return Figure 4A To explain, the control unit 101 stores the speed of the vehicle 100 before the emergency state in the memory 103, and performs a determination process (S402-S406) to enable the reporting function when the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed.

[0068] First, in S402, the control unit 101 determines whether the speed (Vs) of the vehicle 100 before the emergency exceeds the threshold speed (Vth). The control unit 101 compares the speed (Vs) of the vehicle 100 obtained from the speed sensor 153 with the threshold speed (Vth). If the speed (Vs) of the vehicle 100 is below the threshold speed (Vth) (S402-No), the control unit 101 ends the processing (S410). By setting the threshold speed (Vth) to, for example, 30 km / h, it is possible to distinguish mild state detection at low speeds below the threshold speed (Vth) and exclude them from the severity determination processing after S403, thereby reducing the processing load in the control unit 101.

[0069] On the other hand, in the determination of S402, if the speed (Vs) of vehicle 100 exceeds the threshold speed (Vth) (S402-Yes), the control unit 101 causes the processing to proceed to S403.

[0070] In S403, regarding the distance and direction relative to the mobile device 110, the control unit 101 determines the distance (first distance) and direction (first direction) between the communication unit 106 and the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110, which is registered in the communication unit 106 via short-range wireless communication, based on the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication unit 106 and the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110, which is paired with the communication unit 106 via short-range wireless communication.

[0071] Furthermore, regarding the distance and direction relative to the portable communication device 120 mounted in the helmet 130, the control unit 101 measures the distance (second distance) and direction (second direction) between the communication unit 106 and the communication unit 123 of the portable communication device 120, which is registered in the communication unit 106 via short-range wireless communication pairing.

[0072] Based on the radio wave intensity in a predetermined sampling time interval (ΔT1-ΔT2), the control unit 101 determines whether there is a time change in distance (first distance, second distance) caused by the attenuation (change) of radio wave intensity.

[0073] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the positional relationships of the vehicle 100, mobile device 110, and helmet 130 (portable communication device 120) after an emergency occurs, showing the positional relationships where there are temporal changes in distance (first distance) and distance (second distance). The situation where there is a temporal change in distance refers to the state where the driver P can leave the vehicle 100 and move on their own. The control unit 101 generates... Figure 7 Given the positional relationship shown, it is determined that there is a time change in distance.

[0074] If at least one of the distances between the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 and the communication unit 106 (first distance) or the distances between the communication unit 123 of the portable communication device 120 and the communication unit 106 (second distance) changes (time change) (S403-Yes), the control unit 101 initiates processing to S409. For the specific processing regarding whether notification confirmation is required in S409, please refer to... Figure 4C as well as Figure 5 This will be explained later.

[0075] On the other hand, in the determination in S403, if at least either the distance (first distance) or the distance (second distance) does not change (time change) (S403-No), the control unit 101 causes the process to proceed to S404. Furthermore, while the determination process in S403 is based on the time change of distance, it can also determine whether there is a time change in direction (first direction, second direction).

[0076] In S404, after detecting an emergency, the control unit 101 measures a first distance between the communication unit 106 and the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and a second distance between the communication unit 106 and the portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device) based on the radio wave intensity. Based on the comparison between the first and second distances and a predetermined first threshold distance, the severity is determined. Here, the first threshold distance can be arbitrarily set. For example, a certain distance (e.g., 1m) can be preset.

[0077] The control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 calculates the distance (first distance) between the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and the communication unit 106, and the distance (second distance) between the communication unit 123 of the portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device) and the communication unit 106. Then, if either the distance (first distance) or the distance (second distance) is less than a first threshold distance (S404-Yes), the control unit 101 determines that a helmet 130 (portable communication device 120) or a mobile device 110 is present below the vehicle 100.

[0078] Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the vehicle 100, the mobile device 110, and the helmet 130 (portable communication device 120) after an emergency occurs. Figure 10 This indicates the positional relationship between two points: a first distance and a second distance, both of which are less than a first threshold distance. Figure 11 This indicates a positional relationship where the distance (first distance) is less than a threshold distance and the distance (second distance) exceeds the first threshold distance. Control unit 101 generates this information in an emergency situation. Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In the case of the positional relationship shown (S404-Yes), the process proceeds to S407 (First Emergency Notification). Specific procedures related to S407 (First Emergency Notification) will be explained in detail later.

[0079] Furthermore, in the determination process of S404, the control unit 101 can use the direction measurement results in addition to the distance. After detecting an emergency state of the vehicle 100, the control unit 101 measures the first direction of the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) relative to the communication unit 106 and the second direction of the portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device) relative to the communication unit 106. It can also determine the presence or absence of the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and the portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device) below the communication unit 106, and determine the severity based on the determination results.

[0080] For example, the control unit 101 generated a result in the determination using the direction measurement results. Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In the case of the positional relationship shown (S404-Yes), the process proceeds to S407 (First Emergency Notification). On the other hand, as... Figure 12 As shown, when the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and the portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device) are located above the control unit 101 (communication unit 106) of the vehicle 100 (S404-No), the control unit 101 causes the processing to proceed to S405.

[0081] In S405, the control unit 101 calculates the relative distance between the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and the portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device), and determines the severity based on a comparison of the relative distance with a predetermined second threshold distance.

[0082] After detecting an emergency situation in the vehicle 100, the control unit 101 measures a first distance between the communication unit 106 and the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and a second distance between the communication unit 106 and the portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device) based on the radio wave intensity. Then, the control unit 101 determines the severity by comparing the relative distance obtained by the difference between the first and second distances with a predetermined second threshold distance.

[0083] Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the relative distance between the mobile device 110 and the portable communication device 120 after an emergency has occurred. Figure 8 This is a graph representing the positional relationship where the relative distance between the first and second distances exceeds the second threshold distance. Figure 9It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first distance and the second distance, where the relative distance is below the second threshold distance.

[0084] As a measure of severity, after the occurrence of... Figure 8 In the case of the positional relationship shown, that is, when the relative distance between the first distance and the second distance does not exceed the second threshold distance (S405 - Yes), the control unit 101 causes the processing to proceed to S407 (first emergency notification). The specific processing related to S407 (first emergency notification) will be explained in detail later.

[0085] In addition, as a measure of severity, after the occurrence of... Figure 9 In the case of the positional relationship shown, that is, when the relative distance between the first distance and the second distance does not exceed the second threshold distance (S405-No), the control unit 101 causes the processing to proceed to S406.

[0086] Here, the second threshold distance in S405 can be set arbitrarily. For example, a certain distance (e.g., 3m) can be preset. Alternatively, the driver P's physique can be taken into account, and the relative distance between the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device before the vehicle 100 overturns can be preset as the second threshold distance and stored in the memory 103. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the vehicle 100, mobile device 110, and helmet 130 (portable communication device 120) before an emergency occurs. The control unit 101 can also determine the severity based on a comparison between a relative distance obtained by measuring the difference between a first distance and a second distance after an emergency is detected and a second threshold distance pre-stored in the memory 103.

[0087] In S406, after detecting an emergency state in the vehicle 100, the control unit 101 determines whether the drive unit 108 of the vehicle 100 has stopped based on the ignition switch operation signal (IGN_OFF signal), and determines the severity based on the determination result. The control unit 101 determines that the drive unit 108 has stopped upon receiving a signal that causes the ignition switch to turn off (IGN_OFF signal).

[0088] If the control unit 101 does not receive a signal to turn off the ignition switch (S406 - Yes), the process proceeds to S407 (First Emergency Notification). Alternatively, if the control unit 101 receives a signal to turn off the ignition switch (S406 - No), the process proceeds to S408 (Second Emergency Notification).

[0089] (First Emergency Notice)

[0090] In S407, the control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 outputs judgment information indicating the severity of the emergency to the mobile device 110 registered with the communication unit 106 based on the severity judgment result.

[0091] When the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 receives the determination information, it sends an emergency notification to the destination corresponding to the severity of the emergency. In the first emergency state, which has the highest urgency, it sends an emergency notification to call an ambulance or other emergency vehicle (first emergency notification). In addition to calling an ambulance, the communication unit 116 can also send the first emergency notification to pre-registered destinations.

[0092] Here, the determination information indicating the severity of the emergency includes additional information for determining the state of the emergency. This additional information may include, for example, at least one of the following: information indicating the speed of the vehicle 100 at the time the emergency occurred; information regarding the positional relationship between the vehicle 100 and the portable communication units (mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and portable communication device 120 (second portable communication device)); and information indicating whether the drive unit 108 of the vehicle 100 has stopped. Furthermore, to specifically determine the state of the emergency, additional information may also be added, such as the elapsed time since the occurrence of the emergency and the positional information of the vehicle 100 obtained by the GPS sensor 155.

[0093] The control unit 101 sends the determination information indicating the severity of the emergency to the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device), enabling the reporting functions based on the notification (first emergency notification) from the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 (first portable communication device) and the alarm from the output unit 117 to operate.

[0094] When making the first emergency notification, the communication unit 116 can automatically read aloud the additional information contained in the determination information to make the notification (first emergency notification). In addition, when the control unit 111 of the mobile device 110 receives the determination information from the vehicle 100, it reports the receipt of the determination information by sounding (ringing) from the output unit 117.

[0095] (Second Emergency Notice)

[0096] In S408, the control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 outputs judgment information indicating the severity of the emergency to the mobile device 110, which is registered with the communication unit 106, based on the severity determination result. Upon receiving the judgment information, the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 sends an emergency notification to the destination corresponding to the severity of the emergency. In a second emergency situation, where the urgency is lower than the first emergency situation, an emergency notification is sent to pre-registered destinations such as family members (second emergency notification). During the second emergency notification, the communication unit 116 can automatically read aloud any additional information included in the judgment information. Furthermore, upon receiving the judgment information from the vehicle 100, the control unit 111 of the mobile device 110 reports the receipt of the judgment information by sounding an alarm from the output unit 117.

[0097] (Whether a notification is required needs to be confirmed)

[0098] In S409, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 106 to send a confirmation signal to the mobile device 110 to confirm whether or not a notification is needed. When the mobile device 110 receives the confirmation signal, the control unit 111 of the mobile device 110 starts a countdown for confirming whether or not a notification is needed. In addition, the control unit 111, in conjunction with the start of the countdown, causes a countdown tone to sound from the output unit 117 to report the countdown.

[0099] In S403, the situation where there is a change in distance over time is defined as the state in which the driver P is able to leave the vehicle 100 and move on his own. As a confirmation of whether a notification is needed, the driver P determines whether to call an ambulance until the countdown ends. During the countdown, the control unit 111 controls the output unit 117 to sound a report tone indicating the emergency situation to be reported to the vicinity of the mobile device 110.

[0100] If the driver P inputs an operation before the countdown ends, the control unit 111 sends a first emergency call for an ambulance and the alarm sound from the output unit 117 stops. Conversely, if no operation input from the driver P occurs before the countdown ends, the control unit 111 controls the communication unit 116 to send the first emergency call. Furthermore, the control unit 111 controls the output unit 117 to continue the alarm sound reporting the occurrence of the first emergency.

[0101] Figure 4C This is an explanation Figure 4A A flowchart illustrating the processing of S409 (confirmation of whether notification is required). Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating the display of the display unit 114 in the mobile device 110. In S421, the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 receives a confirmation signal sent from the communication unit 106 of the vehicle 100 to confirm whether a notification is needed.

[0102] When a confirmation signal is received, in S422, the control unit 111 of the mobile device 110 controls the display unit 114 to start the countdown of the threshold time (Tthi). Figure 5 In S423, the control unit 111 determines whether there is an input from the input unit 115 (e.g., notification cancel button 501). If there is no input from the notification cancel button 501 (S423 - No), the control unit 111 causes the process to proceed to S425.

[0103] In S425, the control unit 111 determines whether a threshold time (Tthi) has elapsed (threshold time ends). If the threshold time (Tthi) has elapsed (S425 - Yes), the control unit 111 initiates processing. Figure 4A In S407, the control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 outputs judgment information indicating the severity of the emergency to the mobile device 110, which has been registered with the communication unit 106, based on the severity determination result. When the communication unit 116 of the mobile device 110 receives the judgment information, it sends an emergency notification (first emergency notification) to the notification destination corresponding to the severity of the emergency.

[0104] On the other hand, in the determination of S425, if the threshold time (Tthi) has not elapsed (S425-No), the control unit 111 returns the process to S423 and determines whether there is an input from the notification cancellation button 501.

[0105] In the determination of S423, if there is input from the notification cancellation button 501 (S423-Yes), the control unit 111 causes the process to proceed to S424. In S424, the control unit 111 cancels the sending of the emergency notification based on the input from the notification cancellation button 501 and ends the process. The process of S409 (notification need confirmation process) ends through the above process.

[0106] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0107] <Project 1>

[0108] The vehicle in Project 1 is a vehicle (100) equipped with a communications unit (106), among which,

[0109] The vehicle has a control unit (101) that can determine the distance between the communication unit and the portable communication device (110, 120) registered in the communication unit based on the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication unit and the portable communication device.

[0110] After the control unit (101) detects an emergency state in which the vehicle has been in a state of predetermined tilt angle based on the detection signal of the detection unit, it determines whether there is a time change in the distance. If it determines that there is no time change in the distance, it performs a severity determination based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication device, and outputs determination information indicating the severity determination result of the emergency state.

[0111] According to this project, it is possible to provide judgment information that can output judgment results representing the severity of an emergency based on the locational relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication device.

[0112] <Project 2>

[0113] The portable communication mechanism (110, 120) includes at least a first portable communication device (110) and a second portable communication device (120).

[0114] The control unit (101) can determine the distance between the communication unit and the first portable communication device, and the distance between the communication unit and the second portable communication device, based on the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication unit and the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device registered with the communication unit.

[0115] The control unit, targeting the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device, determines whether there is a time change in the distance relative to the communication unit.

[0116] According to the project, the accuracy of the determination can be improved by using multiple portable communication devices, including the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device, as the objects for determining the severity of the emergency.

[0117] <Project 3>

[0118] The control unit (101) sends judgment information indicating the severity of the emergency, and enables the reporting function, which is performed by notification from the communication unit (116) of the first portable communication device (110) and by a beeping sound from the output unit (117).

[0119] According to this project, the severity of an emergency can be reported through notifications from the communications department and alarms from the output department.

[0120] <Project 4>

[0121] After detecting the emergency state, the control unit (101) bases its response on the radio wave intensity.

[0122] The severity is determined by measuring a first distance between the communication unit and the first portable communication device, a second distance between the communication unit and the second portable communication device, and comparing the first distance, the second distance, and a predetermined first threshold distance.

[0123] According to this project, after an emergency is detected, the severity can be determined based on a comparison between a first distance, a second distance, and a predetermined first threshold distance. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the driver is located under the vehicle based on a comparison between the measured distances (first distance, second distance) and the first threshold distance.

[0124] <Project 5>

[0125] The control unit (101) can determine a first direction of the first portable communication device relative to the communication unit based on the radio wave intensity between the communication unit and the first portable communication device.

[0126] The control unit (101) can determine a second direction of the second portable communication device relative to the communication unit based on the radio wave intensity between the communication unit and the second portable communication device.

[0127] After detecting an emergency situation in the vehicle, the control unit determines the first direction and the second direction.

[0128] The control unit determines whether the first portable communication device (110) and the second portable communication device (120) located below the communication unit (106) are present or absent, and determines the severity based on the result of the determination.

[0129] According to this project, by using the measurement results of the first direction and the second direction in addition to the measurement results of the distance (first distance, second distance), it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination of the severity of the emergency.

[0130] <Project 6>

[0131] After detecting the emergency state, the control unit (101) measures a first distance between the communication unit and the first portable communication device, and a second distance between the communication unit and the second portable communication device, based on the radio wave intensity.

[0132] The control unit (101) determines the severity based on a comparison between the relative distance obtained by the difference between the first distance and the second distance and the second threshold distance.

[0133] According to the project, by comparing the relative distance and the second threshold distance, it is possible to determine whether the second portable communication device (portable communication device 120 (headset)) and the first portable communication device (mobile device 110) installed inside the helmet have been separated from the driver, and the severity can be determined based on the result of the comparison.

[0134] <Project 7>

[0135] The vehicle also has a storage unit (103) that stores the relative distance between the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device prior to the occurrence of an emergency in the vehicle as a second threshold distance.

[0136] After detecting the emergency, the control unit (101) determines the severity based on a comparison between the relative distance obtained by measuring the difference between the first distance and the second distance, and the second threshold distance.

[0137] According to this project, the relative distance between the first and second portable communication devices before an emergency occurs can be set as a second threshold distance, taking into account the driver's physical condition. This allows the driver's physical condition to be reflected in the severity assessment, thereby improving the accuracy of emergency severity determination.

[0138] <Project 8>

[0139] After detecting an emergency state of the vehicle, the control unit (101) determines whether the vehicle's drive unit (108) has stopped based on the operation signal of the ignition switch, and determines the severity of the situation based on the result of the determination.

[0140] According to this project, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle's drive system has stopped and whether the driver is in a state where they can operate the ignition switch by using the ignition switch's operating signal. By determining the severity based on this determination, the accuracy of assessing the severity of an emergency can be improved.

[0141] <Project 9>

[0142] The control unit (101) pre-stores the vehicle's speed before an emergency, and performs a severity determination process for the emergency if the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed.

[0143] According to this project, it is possible to distinguish mild state detection at low speeds below the threshold speed and exclude them from the severity determination process, thereby reducing the processing load in the control unit.

[0144] <Project 10>

[0145] The determination information output by the control unit includes additional information for determining the status of the emergency.

[0146] The additional information includes at least one of the following: vehicle speed information, information indicating the positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication device, information indicating whether the vehicle's drive unit has stopped, the elapsed time since the occurrence of the emergency, and the vehicle's position information.

[0147] The judgment information, which indicates the severity of the emergency, includes additional information, allowing the receiving party to specifically determine the state of the emergency. This enables them to understand the appropriate response when dispatched to the scene and to take suitable action.

[0148] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0149] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-109381, filed on June 30, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0151] 100: Vehicle; 101: Control unit; 106: Communication unit; 107: Output unit; 108: Drive unit; 110: Mobile device (first portable communication device); 111: Control unit; 116: Communication unit; 120: Portable communication device (headset, second portable communication device); 123: Communication unit; 130: Helmet.

Claims

1. A vehicle equipped with a communication unit, characterized in that, The vehicle has a control unit that can determine the distance between the communication unit and the portable communication device based on the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication unit and the portable communication device registered with the communication unit. After the control unit detects an emergency state in which the vehicle has maintained a predetermined tilt angle based on the detection signal from the detection unit, it determines whether there is a time change in the distance. If it determines that there is no time change in the distance, it determines the severity of the emergency state based on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication device, and outputs determination information indicating the determination result of the severity of the emergency state.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portable communication mechanism includes at least a first portable communication device and a second portable communication device. The control unit can determine the distance between the communication unit and the first portable communication device, and the distance between the communication unit and the second portable communication device, based on the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication unit and the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device registered with the communication unit. The control unit, targeting the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device, determines whether there is a time change in the distance relative to the communication unit.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit sends judgment information indicating the severity of the emergency, enabling the reporting functions—namely, notifications from the communication unit of the first portable communication device and alarms from the output unit—to operate.

4. The vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, After detecting the emergency state, the control unit, based on the radio wave intensity, The severity is determined by measuring a first distance between the communication unit and the first portable communication device, a second distance between the communication unit and the second portable communication device, and comparing the first distance and the second distance with a predetermined first threshold distance.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit can determine a first direction of the first portable communication device relative to the communication unit based on the radio wave strength between the communication unit and the first portable communication device. The control unit can determine a second direction of the second portable communication device relative to the communication unit based on the radio wave strength between the communication unit and the second portable communication device. After detecting an emergency situation in the vehicle, the control unit determines the first direction and the second direction. The control unit determines whether the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device located below the communication unit are present or absent, and determines the severity based on the determination result.

6. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, After detecting the emergency state, the control unit measures a first distance between the communication unit and the first portable communication device, and a second distance between the communication unit and the second portable communication device, based on the radio wave intensity. The control unit determines the severity based on a comparison between a relative distance obtained by the difference between the first distance and the second distance and a second threshold distance.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vehicle also has a storage unit that stores the relative distance between the first portable communication device and the second portable communication device prior to the occurrence of an emergency in the vehicle as a second threshold distance. The control unit determines the severity based on a comparison between the relative distance obtained by measuring the difference between the first distance and the second distance after detecting the emergency and the second threshold distance.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, After detecting an emergency situation in the vehicle, the control unit determines whether the vehicle's drive system has stopped based on the ignition switch operation signal, and determines the severity of the situation based on the result of the determination.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit pre-stores the vehicle's speed before an emergency, and performs a severity determination process for the emergency if the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination information output by the control unit includes additional information for determining the status of the emergency. The additional information includes at least one of the following: vehicle speed information, information indicating the positional relationship between the vehicle and the portable communication device, information indicating whether the vehicle's drive unit has stopped, the elapsed time since the occurrence of the emergency, and the vehicle's position information.

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