Processing device and processing method

Abstract

To further improve safety. The processing device (13) detects the presence or absence of an object (child (P1)) left inside the vehicle (1). The processing device (13) includes: a determination unit that determines whether the object is left behind; and a control unit that, if the determination unit determines that the object is left behind, performs notification control to notify the user (guardian (P2)). The control unit performs notification control based on information related to the danger level of the object, namely danger information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing apparatus and a processing method. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technique for detecting objects such as children left behind in vehicles has been proposed to improve safety in vehicles. According to this technique, safety is improved, for example, by notifying the guardian or other person who has left a child in the vehicle.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-142718. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem the invention aims to solve For example, a notification accompanying a false alarm might be sent using a user-owned device, such as a guardian's device. In such cases, the user may mistakenly believe that no false alarm occurred and that the notification is based on a false alarm, thus ignoring the notification. This could happen, for example, if the user mistakenly believes that their child got out of the car and separated from them. This situation reduces security.

[0005] Therefore, in view of such problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus and processing method that can more appropriately improve safety.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem To solve the above problems, the processing device detects objects left behind inside the vehicle. The processing device includes: a determination unit that determines whether or not an object is left behind; and a control unit that, when the determination unit determines that an object is left behind, performs notification control to notify the user. The control unit performs notification control based on information related to the danger level of the object, namely danger information.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the processing method is to detect the presence or absence of objects left inside the vehicle. The determination unit of the processing device determines whether or not the object is left behind. If the determination unit determines that the object is left behind, the control unit of the processing device executes notification control to notify the user. The control unit executes notification control based on information related to the danger level of the object, namely danger information.

[0008] The effects of the invention According to the present invention, security can be improved more appropriately. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the processing flow performed by the processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the processing flow performed by the processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a third example of the processing flow performed by the processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely illustrative for ease of understanding and are not intended to limit the invention unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same function or structure are labeled with the same symbols to avoid redundant descriptions, and illustrations of elements not directly related to the present invention are also omitted.

[0011] <Vehicle Structure> Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of vehicle 1. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 is equipped with a cabin sensor 11, a temperature sensor 12, and a processing device 13.

[0013] The passenger compartment sensor 11 detects the state inside the passenger compartment of vehicle 1. Examples of passenger compartment sensors 11 include radar. Below, we will describe an example where the passenger compartment sensor 11 is radar. However, as will be described later, the passenger compartment sensor 11 can also be a sensor other than radar. The passenger compartment sensor 11 is installed inside the passenger compartment of vehicle 1. For example, the passenger compartment sensor 11 is installed near the rearview mirror inside the passenger compartment of vehicle 1, facing rearward and downward. In particular, the passenger compartment sensor 11, as will be described later, is capable of detecting occupants in vehicle 1.

[0014] Temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature inside vehicle 1. For example, temperature sensor 12 is installed inside the passenger compartment of vehicle 1.

[0015] The processing device 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing device, ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage element for storing programs, operation parameters, etc. used by the CPU, and RAM (Random Access Memory) as a storage element for temporarily storing parameters that change appropriately during the execution of the CPU. For example, the processing device 13 can be a single unit, or it can be divided into multiple units. When the processing device 13 is divided into multiple units, the various functions described below can also be distributed among the multiple units.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the processing device 13. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the processing device 13 includes, for example, a determination unit 13a and a control unit 13b. Furthermore, the processing device 13 acquires information from various devices within the vehicle 1. For example, the processing device 13 acquires information from the passenger compartment sensor 11 and the temperature sensor 12. Moreover, in this specification, information acquisition may include information extraction or generation (e.g., calculation).

[0017] The determination unit 13a performs various determinations. In particular, the determination unit 13a determines whether or not objects such as children are left inside the vehicle 1. For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the following situation may occur: while child P1 remains inside vehicle 1, child P1's guardian P2 gets out of vehicle 1 and leaves for a destination such as a commercial facility. The determination unit 13a determines whether such a situation exists where child P1 is left behind inside vehicle 1.

[0018] Below, child P1 is considered the abandoned object. Furthermore, there is no particular restriction on the age of the abandoned occupant; for example, it can be an age equivalent to an infant. However, the abandoned occupant can also be an elderly person or a disabled person. Moreover, the abandoned object is not limited to a person; it can also be an animal such as a pet. Details of the determination of the presence or absence of child P1 as abandoned will be explained later in the determination section 13a.

[0019] Control unit 13b performs various controls. In particular, if determination unit 13a determines that a child P1 has been left behind, control unit 13b performs notification control to notify P2, the guardian of the user of vehicle 1. For example, as... Figure 1As shown, guardian P2 holds a terminal 2 such as a smartphone. Then, processing device 13 can communicate with the terminal 2 held by guardian P2. For example, in notification control, control unit 13b uses the terminal 2 held by guardian P2 to make a notification. Specifically, control unit 13b sends a control command to terminal 2 to notify that a child P1 has left a message. For example, terminal 2 can use at least one of sound, vibration, and display to notify guardian P2 that a child P1 has left a message. Thus, guardian P2 can recognize that a child P1 has left a message.

[0020] Below, guardian P2 is equivalent to a user who is notified of the intention to leave a legacy through notification control. Furthermore, a user who is notified of the intention to leave a legacy through notification control is, for example, an adult who disembarked from vehicle 1 (more specifically, the last adult to disembark from vehicle 1). That is, such an adult can be considered guardian P2. Details of the notification control performed by control unit 13b will be explained later.

[0021] <Operation of the processing device> Reference Figures 3-5 The operation of the processing apparatus 13 according to the embodiments of the present invention will be explained.

[0022] As described above, the processing device 13 detects the presence of a child P1 left behind in the vehicle 1 and notifies the guardian P2 in conjunction with the detection. However, in this case, the guardian P2 may mistakenly believe that the notification was based on a false detection and therefore ignore it. This could happen, for example, if the guardian P2 mistakenly believes that the child P1 got out of the vehicle and separated from them. Such a situation reduces safety.

[0023] In this embodiment, as explained below, the control unit 13b of the processing device 13 performs notification control based on danger information related to the danger level of the child P1. Therefore, as described later, safety can be improved more appropriately. Hereinafter, examples of the processing performed by the processing device 13 will be described in sequence: a first example, a second example, and a third example.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the processing flow performed by the processing device 13. Figure 3 Step S101 in the text corresponds to Figure 3 The process flow shown begins. Figure 3 Step S106 in the text corresponds to Figure 3 The processing flow shown has ended. Figure 3The illustrated process begins, for example, when vehicle 1 is parked, the door of vehicle 1 is opened, and then the door of vehicle 1 is closed and locked. For example, Figure 3 The processing flow shown starts repeatedly at preset time intervals.

[0025] As will be described later, in Figure 3 In the first example, as information related to the risk level of child P1, namely risk level information, temperature-related information is used. Specifically, as temperature information, information on whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range is used. Furthermore, as will be discussed later, temperature information is not limited to this example.

[0026] when Figure 3 When the processing flow shown begins, in step S102, the determination unit 13a determines whether there is any child P1 left in the vehicle 1.

[0027] In step S102, the determination unit 13a can, for example, determine whether the child P1 is left behind based on the detection result of the passenger compartment sensor 11. For example, the radar, which is the passenger compartment sensor 11, can detect the distance between an object inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 and the passenger compartment sensor 11. Therefore, the passenger compartment sensor 11 can detect the chest contraction of the occupant accompanying the breathing of the occupant of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the determination unit 13a can detect such an object undergoing chest contraction as an occupant based on the detection result of the passenger compartment sensor 11, and can also determine whether the detected occupant is the child P1 based on the amplitude and period of the chest contraction. Then, if the adult is not in the vehicle 1 but the child P1 is left in the vehicle 1, the determination unit 13a can determine that the child P1 is left behind. Furthermore, as will be described later, the method for determining whether the child P1 is left behind is not limited to the above examples.

[0028] If it is determined that child P1 is still alive (step S102 / Yes), proceed to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that child P1 is not still alive (step S102 / No), Figure 3 The processing flow shown has ended.

[0029] If the determination is "yes" in step S102, in step S103, the determination unit 13a determines whether the temperature inside the vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range.

[0030] The appropriate range in step S103 corresponds to an index used to determine whether the danger level of the child P1 left in vehicle 1 is high. For example, if the temperature inside vehicle 1 is higher than the upper limit of the appropriate range, it can be determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is too high, thus the danger level of the child P1 left in vehicle 1 is high. Furthermore, for example, if the temperature inside vehicle 1 is lower than the lower limit of the appropriate range, it can be determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is too low, thus the danger level of the child P1 left in vehicle 1 is high. That is, if the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range, the determination unit 13a can determine that the danger level of the child P1 left in vehicle 1 is high.

[0031] If it is determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is within an appropriate range (step S103 / No), proceed to step S104. Then, in step S104, control unit 13b performs a first notification control as notification control. On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range (step S103 / Yes), proceed to step S105. Then, in step S105, control unit 13b performs a second notification control as notification control. After step S104 or step S105, Figure 3 The processing flow shown has ended.

[0032] The first notification control in step S104 and the second notification control in step S105 are notification controls with different methods, etc. That is to say, in Figure 3 In the first example, controller 13b executes a first notification control or a second notification control, which are different in manner, depending on whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range.

[0033] For example, the intensity of perception caused by a notification differs between the first and second notification controls. In this way, control unit 13b can adjust the intensity of perception caused by a notification under notification control based on whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range. Perception is an indicator representing the degree to which a notification under notification control is easily recognized by the guardian P2.

[0034] Specifically, in the second notification control, notifications are made with a stronger perceptual impact than those in the first notification control. For example, in the second notification control, the volume of notifications delivered via the sound of terminal 2 can be louder than in the first notification control. Furthermore, for example, in the second notification control, the intensity of vibrations in notifications delivered via the vibration of terminal 2 can be greater than in the first notification control. Additionally, for example, in the second notification control, the display area of ​​notifications delivered via the display of terminal 2 can be wider, the display brightness can be higher, and the display colors can be different than in the first notification control.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the duration of the notification differs between the first notification control and the second notification control. In this way, the control unit 13b can change the duration of the notification in the notification control based on whether the temperature inside the vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range.

[0036] Specifically, in the second notification control, the notification duration is longer than that in the first notification control. For example, in the second notification control, the duration of the sound output indicating that something has happened in a notification via the sound of terminal 2 can be longer than in the first notification control. Furthermore, for example, in the second notification control, the duration of the vibration output indicating that something has happened in a notification via the vibration of terminal 2 can be longer than in the first notification control. Additionally, for example, in the second notification control, the duration of the display indicating that something has happened in a notification via the display of terminal 2 can be longer than in the first notification control.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the release conditions for notification differ between the first notification control and the second notification control. In this way, the control unit 13b can change the release conditions for notification in the notification control based on whether the temperature inside the vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range.

[0038] Specifically, in the second notification control, the operation to cancel the notification requires more effort or time compared to the first notification control. For example, if the operation to cancel the notification in the first notification control is performed on terminal 2, the operation to cancel the notification in the second notification control can also be performed on terminal 2, and it requires more effort or time than the operation to cancel the notification in the first notification control. Furthermore, for example, if the operation to cancel the notification in the first notification control is performed on terminal 2, the operation to cancel the notification in the second notification control could be an operation to return to the current location of vehicle 1 and perform it on vehicle 1.

[0039] Furthermore, between the first notification control and the second notification control, the intensity of the perception caused by the notification, the duration of the notification, and the conditions for termination of the notification can all be different, or only any part of the intensity of the perception caused by the notification, the duration of the notification, and the conditions for termination of the notification can be different.

[0040] As mentioned above, in Figure 3In the first example, if the determination unit 13a determines that a child P1 has been left behind, the control unit 13b executes a notification control to notify the guardian P2, who is the user of vehicle 1. Then, the control unit 13b executes the notification control based on temperature-related information, i.e., temperature information (in the above example, whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range). Specifically, the control unit 13b executes either a first notification control or a second notification control, with different methods, depending on whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range. Therefore, since the notification control method can be changed according to the degree of danger posed by the child P1 left behind in vehicle 1, it is possible to prevent the guardian P2 from ignoring the notification because they believe a false alarm has occurred. Thus, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the processing flow performed by the processing device 13. Figure 4 Step S201 in the text corresponds to Figure 4 The process flow shown begins. Figure 4 Step S206 in the text corresponds to Figure 4 The processing flow shown has ended. Figure 4 The processing flow shown is the same as that described above. Figure 3 The illustrated process also begins, for example, with vehicle 1 parked, vehicle 1's door opened, and then vehicle 1's door closed and locked. For example, Figure 4 The processing flow shown starts repeatedly at preset time intervals.

[0042] As will be described later, in Figure 4 In the second example, as information related to the risk level of child P1, namely risk level information, information related to the timing of the determination by the determination unit 13a that there is a legacy of child P1 is used, namely timing information. Specifically, as timing information, information on whether the determination that there is a legacy of child P1 is made more than twice within a specified time period is used. Furthermore, as will be described later, timing information is not limited to this example.

[0043] when Figure 4 At the start of the processing flow shown, in step S202, the determination unit 13a determines whether a child P1 was left inside vehicle 1. Step S202 is the same as described above. Figure 3 The same applies to step S102.

[0044] If it is determined that child P1 is still alive (step S202 / Yes), proceed to step S203. On the other hand, if it is determined that child P1 is not still alive (step S202 / No), Figure 4 The processing flow shown has ended.

[0045] If the determination is "yes" in step S202, in step S203, the determination unit 13a determines whether the existence of child P1 is determined more than twice within a specified time.

[0046] The determination result of step S203 is equivalent to an indicator used to determine whether the danger level of the child P1 left in vehicle 1 is high. For example, if it is determined more than twice within a specified time that the child P1 has been left in vehicle 1, it can be determined that the situation of the child P1 being left in vehicle 1 has lasted for a long time, and therefore the danger level of the child P1 left in vehicle 1 is high.

[0047] If it is determined that there are no instances of child P1 being left behind more than twice within a specified time (step S203 / No), the process proceeds to step S204. Then, in step S204, control unit 13b performs a first notification control as notification control. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are instances of child P1 being left behind twice within a specified time (step S203 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, control unit 13b performs a second notification control as notification control. After steps S204 or S205, Figure 4 The processing flow shown has ended.

[0048] The first notification control in step S204 and the second notification control in step S205 are the same as described above. Figure 3 The first notification control in step S104 and the second notification control in step S105 are the same.

[0049] As mentioned above, in Figure 4 In the second example, if the determination unit 13a determines that a child P1 has been left behind, the control unit 13b executes a notification control to notify the guardian P2, who is the user of vehicle 1. Then, the control unit 13b executes the notification control based on timing information related to the timing of the determination by the determination unit 13a that a child P1 has been left behind (in the above example, whether the determination has been made more than twice within a specified time). Specifically, the control unit 13b executes either a first notification control or a second notification control, with different methods, depending on whether the determination has been made more than twice within a specified time. Therefore, the notification control method can be changed according to the degree of danger posed by the child P1 left behind in vehicle 1, thus preventing the guardian P2 from ignoring the notification because they believe a false alarm has occurred. Therefore, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a third example of the processing flow performed by the processing device 13. Figure 5 Step S301 in the text corresponds to Figure 5The process flow shown begins. Figure 5 Step S309 in the text corresponds to Figure 5 The processing flow shown has ended. Figure 5 The processing flow shown is the same as that described above. Figure 3 The illustrated process also begins, for example, with vehicle 1 parked, vehicle 1's door opened, and then vehicle 1's door closed and locked. For example, Figure 5 The processing flow shown starts repeatedly at preset time intervals.

[0051] As will be described later, in Figure 5 In the third example, as information related to the degree of danger of child P1, namely danger information, both temperature-related information and timing information related to the timing at which the determination unit 13a determines the presence of child P1 are used. Specifically, information on whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range is used as temperature information, and information on whether the presence of child P1 is determined more than twice within a specified time is used as timing information. Furthermore, as will be described later, temperature information and timing information are not limited to this example.

[0052] when Figure 5 At the start of the processing flow shown, in step S302, the determination unit 13a determines whether there is any trace of child P1 in vehicle 1. Step S302 is the same as described above. Figure 3 The same applies to step S102.

[0053] If it is determined that child P1 is still alive (step S302 / Yes), proceed to step S303. On the other hand, if it is determined that child P1 is not still alive (step S302 / No), Figure 5 The processing flow shown has ended.

[0054] If the determination is "yes" in step S302, in step S303, the determination unit 13a determines whether the presence of child P1 has occurred more than twice within a specified time. Step S303 is the same as described above. Figure 4 The same applies to step S203.

[0055] If it is determined that there is no remnant of child P1 within the specified time (step S303 / No), proceed to step S304. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a remnant of child P1 within the specified time (step S303 / Yes), proceed to step S307.

[0056] If the determination in step S303 is "no", in step S304, the determination unit 13a determines whether the temperature inside the vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range. Step S304 is the same as described above. Figure 3The same applies to step S103.

[0057] If, in step S304, it is determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is within an appropriate range (step S304 / No), the process proceeds to step S305. Then, in step S305, control unit 13b performs a first notification control as notification control. Conversely, if, in step S304, it is determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range (step S304 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S306. Then, in step S306, control unit 13b performs a second notification control as notification control. After either step S305 or S306, Figure 5 The processing flow shown has ended.

[0058] The first notification control in step S305 and the second notification control in step S306 are the same as described above. Figure 3 The first notification control in step S104 and the second notification control in step S105 are the same.

[0059] If the determination in step S303 is "yes", in step S307, the determination unit 13a determines whether the temperature inside the vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range. Step S307 is the same as described above. Figure 3 The same applies to step S103. That is, step S307 is the same as step S304.

[0060] If, in step S307, it is determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is within an appropriate range (step S307 / No), the process proceeds to step S306. Then, in step S306, control unit 13b performs a second notification control as notification control. Conversely, if, in step S307, it is determined that the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range (step S307 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S308. Then, in step S308, control unit 13b performs a third notification control as notification control. After step S306 or step S308, Figure 5 The processing flow shown has ended.

[0061] The third notification control in step S308 is a notification control whose method is different from the first notification control in step S305 and the second notification control in step S306.

[0062] For example, in third-level notification control, the intensity of perception induced by the notification differs compared to first-level and second-level notification control. Specifically, in third-level notification control, the notification is perceived as more strongly as in second-level notification control.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, in the third notification control, the duration of the notification differs from that of the first and second notification controls. Specifically, in the third notification control, the notification lasts for a longer period than that of the second notification control.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, in third notification control, the conditions for releasing the notification differ from those in first and second notification control. Specifically, in third notification control, the operations for releasing the notification require more labor or time compared to second notification control.

[0065] Furthermore, between the third notification control and the first and second notification controls, the intensity of the perception caused by the notification, the duration of the notification, and the conditions for termination of the notification can all be different, or only any part of the intensity of the perception caused by the notification, the duration of the notification, and the conditions for termination of the notification can be different.

[0066] As mentioned above, in Figure 5 In the third example, if the determination unit 13a determines that a child P1 has been left behind, the control unit 13b executes notification control to notify the guardian P2, who is the user of vehicle 1. Then, the control unit 13b executes notification control based on both temperature-related information (in the above example, whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range) and timing-related information (in the above example, whether the determination unit 13a has determined that a child P1 has been left behind more than twice within a specified time) and timing information. This more appropriately achieves the adjustment of the notification control method based on the degree of danger posed by the child P1 left behind in vehicle 1, thus effectively preventing the guardian P2 from ignoring the notification due to a false alarm. Therefore, safety can be more appropriately improved.

[0067] The above reference Figures 3-5 An example of processing performed by the processing device 13 has been described. However, the processing performed by the processing device 13 may also be a modified version of the processing example described above.

[0068] For example, in Figure 4 Step S203 or Figure 5If the determination in step S303 is "yes", the determination unit 13a can also re-determine whether or not the child P1 is left behind in the vehicle 1. This further suppresses false detections of the presence or absence of the child P1 left behind in the vehicle 1. Furthermore, when re-determining whether or not the child P1 is left behind in the vehicle 1, the determination criteria can be changed. In this case, for example, the determination unit 13a can relax the determination criteria (i.e., it can easily determine that the child is left behind). Alternatively, in this case, for example, the determination unit 13a can tighten the determination criteria (i.e., it can be difficult to determine that the child is left behind).

[0069] exist Figure 4 If, in step S203, the condition is determined to be "yes" but is subsequently determined to be "no" (i.e., no residue is found), then step S204 can be performed without proceeding to step S205, and the control unit 13b executes the first notification control as notification control. Furthermore, in Figure 5 If the determination in step S303 is "yes" and the determination is "no" after a second determination (i.e., if the determination is that there is no residue), the process can proceed to step S306 without proceeding to step S307, and the control unit 13b performs the second notification control as notification control.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, the above example illustrates using information about whether the temperature inside vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range as temperature information. However, temperature information can also be information other than the information described above. For example, information about whether the temperature outside vehicle 1 is outside an appropriate range can also be used as temperature information. In this case, for example, in Figure 3 Step S103 or Figure 5 In steps S304 and S307, the determination unit 13a can also determine whether the temperature outside the vehicle 1 is outside the appropriate range.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, the above example illustrates using information about whether the existence of child P1's legacy has been determined more than twice within a specified time period as timing information. However, timing information can also be information other than the information described above. For example, information about whether a specified time has elapsed since the last determination that child P1's legacy exists can also be used as timing information. In this case, for example, in Figure 4 Step S203 or Figure 5 In step S303, the determination unit 13a can also determine whether a specified time has elapsed since the last determination that a child P1 was left behind.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, the example described above is that the passenger compartment sensor 11 is radar. However, the passenger compartment sensor 11 can also be a sensor other than radar. For example, the passenger compartment sensor 11 can also be a camera that captures images of the interior of the passenger compartment of vehicle 1. In this case, in steps S102, S202, and S302, for example, the determination unit 13a can detect occupants inside vehicle 1 by performing image processing on the images captured by the camera, which is the passenger compartment sensor 11, and determine whether the detected occupant is a child P1.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the example described above illustrates how control unit 13b uses terminal 2 held by guardian P2 for notification control. However, in notification control, control unit 13b may also use a notification device mounted on vehicle 1 for notification. For example, in notification control, control unit 13b may use at least one of a sound output device mounted on vehicle 1 that outputs sound to the outside of vehicle 1 and a hazard warning light of vehicle 1 for notification. Furthermore, in notification control, control unit 13b may use both terminal 2 held by guardian P2 and notification device mounted on vehicle 1 for notification.

[0074] <Effects of the processing device> The effects of the processing apparatus 13 according to the embodiments of the present invention will be explained.

[0075] The processing device 13 is a device for detecting whether an object (in the above example, a child P1) has been left inside the vehicle 1. It includes a determination unit 13a that determines whether the object has been left behind; and a control unit 13b that, if the determination unit 13a determines that an object has been left behind, performs notification control to notify the user (in the above example, the guardian P2). Then, the control unit 13b performs notification control based on danger information related to the danger level of the object. Therefore, the notification control method can be changed according to the danger level of the object left inside the vehicle 1, thus preventing the user from ignoring the notification because they believe a false alarm has occurred. Therefore, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0076] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the hazard information includes temperature-related information. Therefore, by using the temperature information, the notification control method can be appropriately adjusted based on the hazard level of the object left in the vehicle 1, thus effectively preventing users from ignoring the notification because they believe a false alarm has occurred. This further enhances safety.

[0077] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the danger information includes timing information related to the timing at which the determination unit 13a determines there is a residual object. Therefore, by using the timing information, the notification control method can be appropriately changed according to the danger level of the object left in the vehicle 1, thus effectively preventing users from ignoring the notification because they believe a false alarm associated with a residual object has been received. Therefore, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0078] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13b changes the intensity of the perception caused by the notification in the notification control based on the degree of danger information. Therefore, the intensity of the perception caused by the notification in the notification control can be changed according to the degree of danger of the object left in the vehicle 1, thus effectively suppressing situations where the user ignores the notification thinking it is a false alarm associated with the object left behind. Therefore, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0079] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13b changes the duration of the notification in the notification control based on the degree of danger information. Therefore, the duration of the notification in the notification control can be changed according to the degree of danger of the object left in the vehicle 1, thus effectively preventing the user from ignoring the notification because they believe it is a false alarm. Therefore, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0080] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13b changes the notification cancellation condition in the notification control based on the danger information. Therefore, the notification cancellation condition in the notification control can be changed according to the danger level of the object left in the vehicle 1, thus effectively preventing the user from ignoring the notification because they believe a false alarm has occurred. Therefore, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0081] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13b uses the terminal 2 held by the user (in the above example, the guardian P2) to make notifications during notification control. This effectively prevents the user from using the terminal 2 to cancel the notification, believing it to be a notification associated with a residual false alarm. Therefore, security can be improved more appropriately.

[0082] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention, which is self-evident.

[0083] For example, the processes illustrated using flowcharts in this specification may not necessarily be executed in the order shown in the flowcharts. Some processing steps may also be executed in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be used, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, the series of processes described above by the processing apparatus 13 can also be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the program constituting the software may be pre-stored in a storage medium located inside or outside the information processing apparatus.

[0085] Explanation of symbols 1 vehicle; 2 terminals; 11 vehicle compartment sensor; 12 temperature sensor; 13 processing device; 13a judgment unit; 13b control unit; P1 child (object); P2 guardian (user).

Claims

1. A processing device (13) for detecting the residue of an object (P1) inside a vehicle (1), the processing device comprising: The determination unit (13a) determines whether the aforementioned remainder exists; and The control unit (13b) performs notification control to notify the user (P2) when the determination unit (13a) determines that the legacy exists. The control unit (13b) performs the notification control based on information related to the danger level of the object (P1), namely, danger information.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The hazard information includes temperature-related information, i.e., temperature information.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The danger information includes timing information, which is related to the timing determined by the determination unit (13a) to be present as the remaining timing.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit (13b) changes the intensity of the perception caused by the notification in the notification control based on the danger information.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit (13b) changes the duration of the notification in the notification control based on the danger information.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit (13b) changes the notification release conditions in the notification control based on the danger information.

7. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein In the notification control, the control unit (13b) uses the terminal (2) held by the user (P2) to make the notification.

8. A processing method that detects remnants of an object (P1) within a vehicle (1), wherein The determination unit (13a) of the processing device (13) determines whether the residue exists. If the determination unit (13a) determines that the remaining issue exists, the control unit (13b) of the processing device (13) performs notification control to notify the user (P2). The control unit (13b) performs the notification control based on information related to the danger level of the object (P1), namely danger information.

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