Controller, method for control, control program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide a controller, a method for control, a control program, and a recording medium which allow an automatic control of the working state of a monitor function to prevent a living body from being left in a vehicle according to the situation in which the vehicle is parked.SOLUTION: The controller for controlling a monitor function to prevent a living body from being left in a vehicle includes: a monitor region acquisition unit for acquiring a monitor necessary region as a region which needs to be monitored by the monitor function; a detection unit for detecting parking of the vehicle; a parking position determination unit for determining whether the position of the vehicle when the detection unit detects the parking is out of the monitor necessary region; and a monitor control unit for performing control to disable at least a part of the monitor function when the position is determined to be out of the monitor necessary region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium, and more particularly to a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium for controlling a monitoring function for determining whether a living body has been left behind in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In response to the recent increase in cases of children, pets, and other living beings being left behind in vehicles, development and practical application of safety devices that help prevent such abandonment is underway. However, even in vehicles equipped with such safety devices, there may be situations in which it is not necessary to activate the safety devices.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle control device that includes a live body detection unit and a vehicle control unit that issues an alarm when the vehicle reaches a predetermined state (when a live body is detected only in the rear seat with the shift in park and the driver's seat belt unfastened), and that delays or cancels the output of the alarm when a predetermined operation is performed by an occupant on the live body detection unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-144613 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When using the vehicle control device as described above, one of the problems is that manual operations to delay or cancel the output of an alarm can be an unnecessary hassle for the occupant.

[0006] Furthermore, in the case of the vehicle control device described above, where it is possible for a person to stop the issuance of an alarm by performing a specified action, one of the issues is that a situation may arise in which an alarm is not issued when it is actually necessary.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and one of its objectives is to provide a control device, control method, control program, and storage medium that are capable of automatically controlling the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing a living body from being left behind in a vehicle depending on the situation when the vehicle is parked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a control device that controls a monitoring function for determining whether a living body is left behind in a vehicle, and is characterized by having a monitoring area acquisition unit that acquires a monitoring area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function, a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle, a parking position determination unit that determines whether the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected by the detection unit is outside the monitoring area, and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area.

[0009] The invention described in claim 8 is a control method executed by a control device and controlling a monitoring function for detecting whether a living body is left behind in a vehicle, comprising: a monitoring area acquisition step for acquiring a monitoring area which is an area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function; a detection step for detecting parking of the vehicle; a parking position determination step for determining whether the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected is outside the monitoring area; and a monitoring control step for disabling at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area.

[0010] The invention described in claim 9 is a control program executed by a control device having a computer and controls a monitoring function for detecting whether a living body is left behind in a vehicle, the control program causing the computer to execute a monitoring area acquisition step of acquiring a monitoring area which is an area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function, a detection step of detecting parking of the vehicle, a parking position determination step of determining whether the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected is outside the monitoring area, and a monitoring control step of disabling at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area.

[0011] The invention described in claim 10 is a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program to cause a control device equipped with a computer and controlling a monitoring function for leaving a living body in a vehicle to execute the following steps: a monitoring area acquisition step for acquiring a monitoring area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function, a detection step for detecting parking of the vehicle, a parking position determination step for determining whether the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected is outside the monitoring area, and a monitoring control step for disabling at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of a monitoring and control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view showing an outline of a configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an in-vehicle device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a terminal device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information included in map information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of information included in the map information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of information included in the map information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7D] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a routine executed by the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the routine executed by the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information indicating a schedule of a facility according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a routine executed by a server device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring area according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by a server device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of weather forecast information according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a determination criterion according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of weather forecast information according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by a server device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the routine executed by the server device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description and accompanying drawings, substantially the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals. EXAMPLES

[0014] A configuration of a monitoring control system 100 including a control device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Fig. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of a monitoring and control system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the monitoring and control system 100 includes an in-vehicle device 10, a server 70 as a control device, and a registration terminal 50. Fig. 1 shows a case where the in-vehicle device 10 is mounted on a shuttle bus M as an example of a vehicle.

[0016] The shuttle bus M is a bus for transporting passengers to and from educational facilities such as kindergartens, nursery schools, and other child welfare facilities, or other social welfare facilities. In this embodiment, as an example, the case where the shuttle bus M is a shuttle bus for Kindergarten K will be described.

[0017] The registration terminal 50 is a terminal device that receives a notification from the in-vehicle device 10. In FIG.

[0018] The in-vehicle device 10, the server 70, and the registration terminal 50 can transmit and receive data to and from each other via a network NW using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP or UDP / IP. The network NW can be constructed, for example, by a mobile communication network, wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Internet communication including wired communication.

[0019] The in-vehicle device 10 is a terminal device equipped with a monitoring function for preventing living bodies such as children, elderly people, or pets from being left behind on the shuttle bus M when the shuttle bus M is parked and, for example, the occupants including the driver leave the shuttle bus M. Specifically, the in-vehicle device 10 is equipped with a function for sounding an alarm and notifying the registration terminal 50 when the occupants do not perform the operation associated with patrolling to check whether any children have been left behind or when a living body is detected on the shuttle bus M after the shuttle bus M is parked.

[0020] On the other hand, the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 does not necessarily need to be constantly activated depending on the usage situation of the shuttle bus M. For example, when the shuttle bus M starts moving again after being parked for a short time, the patrol and the associated operations when the occupants get off are unnecessary work. Also, for example, when the shuttle bus M is parked without a child on board, if a false detection of a living body occurs, an alarm will be sounded and a notification will be sent to the registration terminal 50 even though no child has been left behind.

[0021] The monitoring and control system 100 is a system that performs control to automatically disable at least a part of the monitoring functions of the in-vehicle device 10 in a situation where there is a high probability that the above-mentioned monitoring functions are unnecessary.

[0022] In this embodiment, the server 70 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 10 to obtain the necessary information, and is a server device that performs control to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function of the vehicle-mounted device 10 depending on the situation when the shuttle bus M is parked.

[0023] As described above, the registration terminal 50 receives a notification transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 when no operation associated with the patrol is performed when the occupant disembarks or when a living body is detected inside the shuttle bus M after the shuttle bus M is parked, and presents the notification to the user. The user of the registration terminal 50 is, for example, a staff member of the facility where the shuttle bus M provides transportation, including the driver and other staff members.

[0024] For example, the destinations of each of the terminal devices used by one or more staff members are registered in the vehicle-mounted device 10. The vehicle-mounted device 10 may notify the server 70, and the server 70 may notify the registered terminal 50 accordingly. In this case, the destination for sending information to the registered terminal 50 may be registered in the server 70 in association with the vehicle-mounted device 10.

[0025] The configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 10 and the monitoring function of the vehicle-mounted device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a side view showing the outline of the configuration of the shuttle bus M. A part A surrounded by a dashed line in Figure 2 is a see-through part showing the interior of the shuttle bus M. Figure 2 shows, as an example of installation, the vehicle-mounted device 10 installed inside the windshield of the shuttle bus M, near the rearview mirror.

[0026] The speaker 11 is provided, for example, near the driver's seat and on the ceiling of the shuttle bus M. The speaker 11 can emit sounds such as music and voices under the control of the in-vehicle device 10. For example, the speaker 11 emits an announcement encouraging passengers to patrol the vehicle interior when getting off. The position of the speaker 11 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2, and the speaker 11 may be provided anywhere as long as the sound such as the announcement emitted from the speaker 11 can be heard by people inside the vehicle.

[0027] The alarm 13 is provided near the front bumper on the exterior side of the shuttle bus M. The alarm 13 is, for example, a horn or buzzer, and emits an alarm sound under the control of the in-vehicle device 10. The alarm 13 is capable of emitting an alarm sound at a volume that can be heard by people within a radius of several tens of meters around the shuttle bus M, for example. The alarm 13 may be provided anywhere around the shuttle bus M as long as it is capable of emitting an alarm sound. For example, the alarm 13 may be attached near the rear bumper or on the roof.

[0028] The alarm 13 may be, for example, a flat or spiral type electric horn or air horn, and may be, for example, an electromagnetic buzzer or a piezoelectric buzzer. Note that, for example, the alarm 13 may be a vibration speaker that is attached to the inside of the front windshield, rear windshield, or door glass, i.e., the inside of the shuttle bus M, and may be a device that makes a sound by vibrating these.

[0029] The confirmation button 15 is a switch provided on the shuttle bus M. The confirmation button 15 is, for example, a push button type switch, which is pressed by a passenger who has confirmed that no children have been left behind when the shuttle bus M is parked. The in-vehicle device 10 can detect whether the confirmation button has been pressed.

[0030] The confirmation button 15 is provided, for example, near the ceiling at the rear of the shuttle bus M. By providing the confirmation button 15 at the rear, the crew member must go to the rear of the shuttle bus M to press the confirmation button 15. At that time, the crew member can check all the way to the back seats to see if there are any children remaining, preventing them from missing any. In addition, it is preferable to provide the confirmation button 15 in a position out of reach of children.

[0031] The confirmation button 15 may be provided at a position other than the rear of the vehicle. The confirmation button 15 is not limited to a push button switch, and may be another type of switch, such as a toggle switch or a slide switch.

[0032] When the shuttle bus M is parked, the in-vehicle device 10 plays an announcement from the speaker 11 urging patrol inside the vehicle and urging the driver to press a confirmation button after completing the patrol. If the confirmation button 15 is not pressed within a predetermined time (e.g., within 5 to 10 minutes) after the shuttle bus M is parked, the in-vehicle device 10 issues an alarm from the alarm 13 and notifies the registration terminal 50. In this specification, the above-mentioned monitoring function that supports reliable patrol immediately after parking, i.e., when getting off the vehicle, is referred to as a first monitoring function.

[0033] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 10 is configured to automatically detect a living body inside the shuttle bus M via a device capable of detecting a living body. When the in-vehicle device 10 detects a living body inside the shuttle bus M a predetermined time after the shuttle bus M has been parked (e.g., 15 minutes after the shuttle bus M has been parked), the in-vehicle device 10 plays an announcement from the speaker 11 informing the user that the alarm 13 will sound an alarm and the registration terminal 50 will be notified. After that, the in-vehicle device 10 sounds an alarm from the alarm 13 and notifies the registration terminal 50. In this specification, the monitoring function based on the automatic detection of a living body as described above is referred to as a second monitoring function.

[0034] It should be noted that in the first and second monitoring functions, notification and announcement to the registration terminal 50 are not essential, and it is also possible for the alarm 13 to simply issue an alarm.

[0035] In other words, the first monitoring function is a function that issues an outside alarm or notifies a terminal associated with the shuttle bus M if the confirmation button provided on the shuttle bus M is not pressed within a specified time after the shuttle bus M is parked.

[0036] In addition, the second monitoring function is a function that issues an outside alarm or notifies a terminal associated with the shuttle bus M if a living body is detected inside the shuttle bus M after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shuttle bus M was parked.

[0037] In the present invention, the monitoring control in the monitoring and control system 100 makes it possible to disable at least a part of the monitoring functions including the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function automatically, that is, without any intentional operation by the user.

[0038] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 is a device in which an input unit 33, a storage unit 35, a control unit 37, a communication unit 39, and an output unit 41 cooperate with each other via a system bus 31.

[0039] The in-vehicle device 10 also has an in-vehicle camera 17 built in, which is an imaging device capable of capturing images of the interior of the shuttle bus M. For example, the in-vehicle camera 17 is provided so as to be capable of capturing images of the interior of the shuttle bus M, including the driver's seat, the passenger seat, and the entire back seat of the shuttle bus M. Note that the in-vehicle camera 17 may be provided separately from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0040] For example, the in-vehicle camera 17 may be installed anywhere as long as it can capture images of the inside of the shuttle bus M. For example, the in-vehicle camera 17 may be located near the rearview mirror of the shuttle bus M, on the dashboard, or at the rear of the shuttle bus M. For example, multiple in-vehicle cameras 17 may be capable of capturing images of all the seats in the shuttle bus M.

[0041] The in-vehicle device 10 also has a built-in exterior camera 19 capable of capturing images of the surroundings of the shuttle bus M. In this embodiment, the exterior camera 19 is installed so that the front of the shuttle bus M is the capturing direction. The exterior camera 19 can capture images of the front of the shuttle bus M through the windshield of the shuttle bus M. For example, the exterior camera 19 may be disposed near the rearview mirror or on the dashboard, separate from the in-vehicle device 10. Also, for example, the shuttle bus M may be further equipped with an exterior camera capable of capturing images of the side or rear of the shuttle bus M.

[0042] The in-vehicle device 10 also has a built-in microphone 21 capable of picking up sounds inside the shuttle bus M. The in-vehicle device 10 detects a living body inside the shuttle bus M based on the image from the in-vehicle camera 17 and the sound picked up by the microphone 21. For example, the microphone 21 may be provided anywhere as long as it is capable of picking up sounds inside the shuttle bus M. For example, the microphone 21 may be provided near the rearview mirror, on the dashboard, or at the rear of the shuttle bus M, separate from the in-vehicle device 10, or may be provided in multiple locations.

[0043] The touch panel 23 is, for example, a touch panel monitor that combines a display such as a liquid crystal display capable of displaying images with a touch pad. The touch panel 23 is disposed, for example, in a center console of the dashboard of the shuttle bus M. The touch panel 23 may be disposed in a location that is visible to the driver and within the driver's reach.

[0044] The touch panel 23 is capable of performing screen display under the control of the in-vehicle device 10. In addition, the touch panel 23 is capable of transmitting to the in-vehicle device 10 a signal representing an input operation to the touch panel 23 received from a user.

[0045] For example, text indicating the contents of an announcement encouraging passengers to patrol the interior of the vehicle may be displayed on touch panel 23. Also, for example, an image captured by in-vehicle camera 17 may be displayed on touch panel 23.

[0046] The GPS receiver 25 is a device that receives signals (GPS signals) from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The GPS receiver 25 is disposed, for example, on the dashboard of the shuttle bus M. The GPS receiver 25 may be disposed anywhere as long as it can receive GPS signals. The GPS receiver 25 is capable of transmitting the received GPS signals to the vehicle-mounted device 10. The vehicle-mounted device 10 acquires current position information of the shuttle bus M using the GPS signals.

[0047] The shuttle bus M is also equipped with an acceleration sensor 27. The acceleration sensor 27 is capable of measuring the acceleration of the shuttle bus M and outputting a signal indicating the measured acceleration. The acceleration sensor 27 is a sensor capable of detecting acceleration in the travel direction of the shuttle bus M, i.e., the front-to-rear direction, as viewed from above the shuttle bus M. The acceleration sensor is also capable of detecting, for example, acceleration in the lateral direction (width direction) perpendicular to the travel direction of the shuttle bus M.

[0048] The input unit 33 is an interface unit that communicatively connects the in-vehicle device 10 with the speaker 11, the alarm 13, the confirmation button 15, the in-vehicle camera 17, the outside-vehicle camera 19, the microphone 21, the touch panel 23, the GPS receiver 25, and the acceleration sensor 27.

[0049] The in-vehicle device 10 can receive a signal indicating whether the confirmation button 15 is pressed (ON / OFF state) via the input unit 33. The in-vehicle device 10 can also acquire images captured by the in-vehicle camera 17 and the outside-vehicle camera 19 via the input unit 33. The in-vehicle device 10 can also acquire audio data of audio picked up by the microphone 21 via the input unit 33.

[0050] In this embodiment, a living body is detected inside the shuttle bus M based on the image captured by the in-vehicle camera 17 and the sound collected by the microphone 21. The method of detecting a living body inside the shuttle bus M is not limited to the above-described method based on images and sound. For example, a load sensor or pressure sensor may be provided on the seat surface of the seat inside the shuttle bus M, and the presence or absence of a living body may be detected from the distribution of pressure applied to the seat surface.

[0051] Also, for example, the presence or absence of a living body may be detected by a radar such as a millimeter wave radar capable of detecting an object present inside the shuttle bus M, or a vibration sensor capable of detecting vibrations inside the shuttle bus M. Also, the in-vehicle device 10 may detect the presence or absence of a living body by combining a plurality of detection methods.

[0052] The in-vehicle device 10 can receive a signal indicating an input operation performed on the touch pad of the touch panel 23 via the input unit 33. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 can accept an input of the destination of the registration terminal 50 performed by the user on the touch panel 23 via the input unit 33.

[0053] The vehicle-mounted device 10 receives a GPS signal from the GPS receiver 25 via the input unit 33, and is able to obtain information on the current position of the vehicle-mounted device 10, i.e., the current position of the shuttle bus M in this embodiment, from the GPS signal.

[0054] The in-vehicle device 10 can receive a signal indicating the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 27 via the input unit 33. The in-vehicle device 10 acquires the acceleration of the shuttle bus M based on, for example, the acceleration indicated by the sensor signal of the acceleration sensor 27. The in-vehicle device 10 may acquire current position information of the shuttle bus M based on, for example, the acceleration indicated by the sensor signal of the acceleration sensor 27 in addition to the GPS signal from the GPS receiver 25.

[0055] The storage unit 35 is a storage device configured by, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 35 stores various programs executed in the in-vehicle device 10, such as an operating system and software for terminals.

[0056] The various programs include a program for executing a process in which the in-vehicle device 10 exerts the above-mentioned monitoring function. The various programs also include a program for transmitting and receiving information required for controlling the above-mentioned monitoring function in the monitoring control system 100 to and from the server 70, and a program for disabling at least a part of the monitoring function in accordance with an instruction from the server 70.

[0057] The various programs may be acquired, for example, from another server device or the like via a network, or may be recorded on a recording medium and read via various drive devices. That is, the various programs stored in the storage unit 35 can be transmitted via a network, and can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and transferred.

[0058] The storage unit 35 also stores destination information of one or more registered terminals 50. The destination information is used when the in-vehicle device 10 transmits an abandoned notification to the registered terminal 50. For example, the storage unit 35 stores a telephone number, an email address, or a MAC address of the registered terminal 50 as the destination information.

[0059] The storage unit 35 also stores map information including a road map. The map information is used, for example, to identify the current location of the vehicle. For example, when the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 notifies the registration terminal 50, the current location of the shuttle bus M is notified as the parked location together with a message notifying the occurrence of the abandoned vehicle.

[0060] The control unit 37 is configured with a central processing unit (CPU) 37A, a read only memory (ROM) 37B, a random access memory (RAM) 37C, etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU 37A reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 37B and the storage unit 35 to realize various functions.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 performs functions such as a first monitoring function and a second monitoring function for monitoring whether a living body has been left behind on the shuttle bus M described above, a function for transmitting and receiving information required for controlling the monitoring functions to and from the server 70, and a function for disabling at least a part of the monitoring functions in accordance with an instruction from the server 70. That is, the control unit 37 is a first monitoring function unit that performs the first monitoring and a second monitoring function unit that performs the second monitoring.

[0062] In this embodiment, when the parking time when the shuttle bus M is parked is expected to be equal to or shorter than a predetermined time, control is performed to disable at least a part of the monitoring function. Therefore, the in-vehicle device 10 transmits parking location information to the server 70 as information necessary for the server 70 to process the monitoring control. The parking location information is, for example, information indicating the position where the shuttle bus M is parked. The parking location information may also be, for example, an image taken of the surroundings of the parking location from the shuttle bus M. In other words, the parking location information is information that contributes to determining whether the location where the shuttle bus M is parked is a location where the parking time is expected to be equal to or shorter than a predetermined time.

[0063] The control unit 37 detects, for example, whether or not the shuttle bus M is parked. For example, the control unit 37 detects that the shuttle bus M is parked by detecting that the engine of the shuttle bus M is stopped. In this embodiment, the control unit 37 detects that the shuttle bus M is parked by detecting that the ignition key of the shuttle bus M is turned off.

[0064] For example, the in-vehicle device 10 may be connected to an ignition power supply (IG) of the shuttle bus M and may have a built-in battery. For example, when the engine of the shuttle bus M is stopped and the power supply from the IG power supply is stopped, the in-vehicle device 10 switches to the battery power supply. For example, the control unit 37 may determine whether the engine of the shuttle bus M is stopped depending on whether the power supply from the IG power supply is stopped.

[0065] When the control unit 37 detects that the shuttle bus M is parked, it transmits the parking location information to the server 70. After that, the control unit 37 determines whether or not it has received a disabling instruction from the server 70 to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0066] When there is no instruction from the server 70 to disable the first monitoring function, i.e., when the control unit 37 is not under control to disable, the control unit 37 maintains the first monitoring function in an active state. When the monitoring function is active, the control unit 37 executes the first monitoring and functions as a first monitoring function unit. For example, the control unit 37 as the first monitoring function unit supplies to the speaker 11 audio data of an announcement encouraging the passengers to patrol the inside of the shuttle bus M. For example, the speaker 11 issues an audio message such as "The disembarking confirmation function is active. Please patrol the inside of the bus and press the safety confirmation button within 5 minutes. If the button is not pressed, an outside alarm will sound. If the button is pressed, the automatic detection function will be activated 15 minutes after the engine is turned off."

[0067] If the confirmation button 15 is not pressed within a predetermined time after the shuttle bus M is parked, the control unit 37 issues an alarm from the alarm 13. The control unit 37 also transmits a notification to the registration terminal 50 that a person has been abandoned on the shuttle bus M. For example, the control unit 37 continues to issue an alarm until the confirmation button 15 is pressed. For example, the control unit 37 stops the alarm when the confirmation button 15 is pressed after the alarm is issued. For example, the control unit 37 also stops the alarm when the engine of the shuttle bus M starts after the alarm is issued.

[0068] If the confirmation button 15 is pressed within a predetermined time after the shuttle bus M is parked, the control unit 37 ends the first monitoring without sounding an alarm or notifying the registration terminal 50.

[0069] Furthermore, when there is no instruction from server 70 to disable the second monitoring function, i.e., when there is no control to disable and the second monitoring function is active, control unit 37 executes the second monitoring function and functions as a second monitoring function unit. For example, control unit 37 as the second monitoring function unit starts monitoring a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes) after shuttle bus M is parked, and continues to detect a living body inside shuttle bus M until a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) has elapsed since then. As described above, control unit 37 determines whether a living body has been detected based on the image from in-vehicle camera 17 and the sound picked up by microphone 21.

[0070] For example, the control unit 37 determines that a living body has been detected when a child is captured in the image of the in-car camera 17, or when a sound emitted by the living body itself, such as a child's crying, or a sound emitted by the living body moving, such as footsteps, is detected from the audio of the microphone 21. There are various methods for detecting a living body by sound, but the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0071] If it is determined that a living organism has been detected, the control unit 37, as in the case of the first monitoring, causes the alarm 13 to sound an alarm and sends a notification to the registration terminal 50. For example, the control unit 37 continues to sound the alarm until the confirmation button 15 is pressed, and stops the alarm when the confirmation button 15 is pressed.

[0072] When the control unit 37 receives an instruction to disable the monitoring functions from the server 70, the control unit 37 disables at least a part of the monitoring functions in accordance with the instruction. For example, the control unit 37 disables only the first monitoring function and leaves the second monitoring function enabled.

[0073] For example, after disabling at least a part of the monitoring functions, when the engine starts, the control unit 37 re-enables the monitoring functions that were disabled.

[0074] Note that the control unit 37 may transmit an image from the in-vehicle camera 17 together with a message indicating the occurrence of the abandonment when transmitting the notification to the registration terminal 50. Furthermore, the control unit 37 may transmit an image from the in-vehicle camera 17 and an image from the outside vehicle camera 19 to the registration terminal 50 when transmitting the notification, for example.

[0075] The communication unit 39 is a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from external devices in accordance with instructions from the control unit 37. The communication unit 39 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC) for connecting to the network NW.

[0076] The communication unit 39 is connected to the above-mentioned network NW, and transmits and receives various data to and from the server 70. The communication unit 39 also transmits a notice of abandonment to the registration terminal 50 via the server 70.

[0077] For example, the control unit 37 transmits parking location information when the shuttle bus M is parked to the server 70 via the communication unit 39. In addition, the control unit 37 receives, via the communication unit 39, from the server 70, a disabling instruction for disabling at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0078] The output unit 41 is an output interface unit to the speaker 11, the alarm 13, and the touch panel 23. The control unit 37 can transmit an audio signal via the output unit 41 to the speaker 11 to output a sound, and can supply a signal to the alarm 13 to output an alarm sound. The control unit 37 can also transmit an image signal via the output unit 41 to the touch panel 23 to display an image.

[0079] 4 is a front view showing the appearance of the registration terminal 50. As described above, in the first embodiment, the registration terminal 50 is a smartphone.

[0080] The touch panel 51 is, for example, a touch panel monitor in which a display such as a liquid crystal display capable of displaying images and a touch pad are combined. The touch panel 51 is capable of generating a signal representing an input operation to the touch panel 51 received from a user.

[0081] 4, in this embodiment, an abandoned notification screen transmitted by the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 is displayed on the touch panel 51. For example, the abandoned notification screen displays a message indicating that a living body has been abandoned, together with, for example, the date and time of the abandonment and the address of the parking location.

[0082] 4, a parking position display button 51A for displaying a map on which the current position of the shuttle bus M is superimposed is displayed on the touch panel 51. The notification screen may also display an image from the in-vehicle camera 17 together with the message as described above. The notification screen may also display more detailed information about the abandonment, such as the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0083] The speaker 53 can emit sounds such as music and voice. For example, when an abandoned vehicle notification is received, a notification sound is emitted from the speaker 53. The microphone 55 is a microphone device that receives sounds emitted toward the registration terminal 50.

[0084] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration terminal 50. For example, the registration terminal 50 is a device in which a storage unit 59, a control unit 61, an input unit 63, an output unit 65, and a communication unit 67 cooperate with each other via a system bus 57.

[0085] The storage unit 59 is configured, for example, with a hard disk device, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc., and stores various programs such as an operating system and software for the registration terminal 50.

[0086] The various programs may be acquired, for example, from another server device or the like via a network, or may be recorded on a recording medium and read via various drive devices. That is, the various programs stored in the storage unit 59 can be transmitted via a network, and can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and transferred.

[0087] The control unit 61 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 61B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 61C, etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU 61A reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 61B and the storage unit 59 to realize various functions.

[0088] The control unit 61 has a function of displaying a notification screen as shown in FIG. 4 when, for example, a notification of abandonment is received from the in-car device 10.

[0089] The input unit 63 is an input interface unit for the touch panel 51 and the microphone 55. The control unit 61 can receive a signal indicating an input operation to the touch panel 51 and a voice input signal from the microphone 55 via the input unit 63. For example, the control unit 61 can accept an input of registration information made by the user to the touch panel 51 via the input unit 63.

[0090] The output unit 65 is an output interface unit to the touch panel 51 and the speaker 53. The control unit 61 can transmit an image signal via the output unit 65 to the touch panel 51 to cause it to display an image, or transmit an audio signal to the speaker 53 to cause it to output a sound.

[0091] For example, the control unit 61 transmits an image signal based on the abandoned notification transmitted from the in-car device 10 to the touch panel 51 to display a notification screen.

[0092] The communication unit 67 is connected to the above-mentioned network NW, and transmits and receives various data to and from the in-vehicle device 10 or the server 70. For example, the control unit 61 receives a notification of abandonment from the in-vehicle device 10 via the communication unit 67. For example, the control unit 61 may receive the notification of abandonment transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 via the server 70.

[0093] 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 70. For example, the server 70 is a device in which a large-capacity storage device 73, a control unit 75, and a communication unit 77 cooperate with each other via a system bus 71.

[0094] As described above, the server 70 has a function of performing control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 based on the information received from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the shuttle bus M is parked, the server 70 performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function if the current parking time, i.e., the length of time from when the shuttle bus M is parked until it departs again, is expected to be less than a predetermined time based on the parking location information. The predetermined time is a relatively short time that allows the driver to run an errand without having to get a child off the bus, and is, for example, 5 to 15 minutes.

[0096] The mass storage device 73 is configured, for example, by a hard disk device and an SSD (solid state drive), and stores various programs such as an operating system and software for the server 70.

[0097] The large-capacity storage device 73 also contains a map information database (map information DB in the figure) 73A in which map information including road maps is stored. The map information in the map information database 73A contains setting information indicating short-term parking locations, which are locations where a vehicle is likely to be parked for less than a predetermined time. The setting information is, for example, information in which location information of a parking location where a vehicle can be parked is associated with information indicating whether or not the parking location has been set as a short-term parking location. In this embodiment, the short-term parking locations are set by the server 70.

[0098] 7A is a diagram showing setting information SD1, which is an example of setting information for short-term parking spaces included in map information. In the setting information SD1, an identifier (parking lot ID) is assigned to each parking space where a vehicle can be parked, and location information is associated with each parking lot ID. A parking space is, for example, a parking lot attached to a facility such as a store, an independent parking lot not particularly associated with a facility, or a place on a road where parking is not prohibited.

[0099] The location information may be, for example, location information indicating the center point of the parking space, or may be information indicating the area of ​​the parking space by a plurality of points. The location information may be expressed by coordinates indicating the position on a map, or may be expressed by latitude and longitude.

[0100] Furthermore, the "average parking time of unspecified vehicles" in the setting information SD1 indicates the average parking time per parking of vehicles parked in the same parking location based on the past movement history of the unspecified vehicles. The unspecified vehicles do not have to include the shuttle bus M. In other words, the past movement history of the unspecified vehicles is the past movement history of multiple vehicles including other vehicles.

[0101] In the short-term parking space setting column in Fig. 7A, "◯" indicates that the corresponding parking space is set as a short-term parking space, and "-" indicates that it is not set as a short-term parking space. The short-term parking space shown in Fig. 7A is set based on the "average parking time of unspecified vehicles." In the example shown in Fig. 7A, it is set as a short-term parking space when the average parking time of unspecified vehicles is less than a predetermined time (e.g., less than 15 minutes).

[0102] For example, the setting information in Fig. 7A is set based on the assumption that a parking spot where an unspecified vehicle has been parked for a short time in the past is also expected to have a short parking time for the shuttle bus M this time. Examples of parking spots with short parking times include convenience store parking lots and gas stations.

[0103] Fig. 7B is a diagram showing setting information SD2, which is another example of setting information for short-term parking spaces included in map information. The "target vehicles" in Fig. 7B each refer to one or more vehicles that transport passengers to and from one facility. In this embodiment, shuttle bus M that transports passengers to and from Kindergarten is the target vehicle for Kindergarten, and for example, if there are multiple shuttle buses that transport passengers to and from K kindergarten, the multiple shuttle buses are the target vehicles for K kindergarten.

[0104] The "accumulated number of parking times of the target vehicle" in Fig. 7B indicates the accumulated number of times the target vehicle has been parked in the same place in the past. The "average parking time of the target vehicle" in Fig. 7B indicates the average parking time of the target vehicle when it has been parked in the same place in the past.

[0105] The short-term parking spot shown in Fig. 7B is set based on the "accumulated number of parking times of the target vehicle" and the "average parking time of the target vehicle." In the example shown in Fig. 7B, the short-term parking spot is set when the accumulated number of parking times of the target vehicle is a predetermined number or more (e.g., 10 times or more) and the average parking time of the target vehicle is a predetermined time or less (predetermined time 15 minutes or less).

[0106] For example, the setting information in Fig. 7B is set based on the assumption that a parking spot where the target vehicle has parked a predetermined number of times or more in the past and where the parking time is short is also expected to be short for the current parking time of the shuttle bus M. Examples of such parking spots include bus stops and gas stations along the shuttle route. Note that, for example, in Fig. 7B, the frequency of parking (e.g., the number of times parking is performed per a predetermined period of time) may be used instead of the cumulative number of times parking is performed.

[0107] For example, the setting information SD2 shown in FIG. 7B may be stored in association with K kindergarten, or may be stored in association with the target vehicle.

[0108] 7C is a diagram showing setting information SD3, which is another example of setting information for short-term parking spaces included in map information. In setting information SD3, a facility ID is assigned to each facility included in the map information, and a type of facility is associated with the facility. The location information in setting information SD3 indicates, for example, location information of a parking space related to a facility such as a parking lot adjacent to the facility or attached to the facility. The location information may be, for example, information indicating the location of a parking lot within the facility's premises or a parking space for stopping by the facility.

[0109] In addition, in the setting information SD3, the short-term parking locations are set based on the type of facility. For example, the setting information SD3 is set by the server 70 according to a determination table in which each type of facility is classified in advance as to whether or not it corresponds to a short-term parking location.

[0110] Fig. 7D is a diagram showing a table TB1, which is an example of a judgment table used to set the setting information SD3. Fig. 7D is stored, for example, in the mass storage device 73. As shown in Fig. 7D, convenience stores and gas stations are classified as short-term parking locations.

[0111] For example, the duration of a visit to a convenience store or gas station is generally relatively short, such as 15 minutes, and therefore these locations are designated as short-term parking locations. On the other hand, the duration of a visit to a department store or hospital is generally relatively long, such as several hours, and therefore these locations are not designated as short-term parking locations.

[0112] The control unit 75 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 75A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 75B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 75C, etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU 75A reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 75B and the large-capacity storage device 73 to realize various functions.

[0113] The communication unit 77 is connected to the above-mentioned network NW, and transmits and receives various data between the in-vehicle device 10 and the registration terminal 50.

[0114] For example, the control unit 75 receives information indicating that the shuttle bus M as a vehicle has been parked from the in-vehicle device 10 via the communication unit 77, and functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of the vehicle. For example, when the control unit 75 obtains information indicating that the ignition key of the vehicle in which the in-vehicle device 10 is mounted has been turned off, the control unit 75 detects the parking of the vehicle.

[0115] For example, the control unit 75 functions as a parking location information acquisition unit that acquires parking location information regarding the location where the vehicle is parked when parking of the shuttle bus M as a vehicle is detected via the communication unit 77. For example, the parking location information includes information indicating the position where the vehicle is parked.

[0116] For example, the parking location information may include information about the facility where the vehicle is parked. The information about the facility where the vehicle is parked may be, for example, an image taken around the shuttle bus M. For example, the information about the facility where the vehicle is parked may include information indicating the type of the facility.

[0117] In this embodiment, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function for leaving a living body in the vehicle when parking of a shuttle bus M as a vehicle is detected and the current parking time of the vehicle is predicted to be less than a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0118] In this embodiment, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit determines whether or not the location where the vehicle is parked is a "location where the parking time is expected to be less than a predetermined time" based on the parking location information. If it is determined that the location is a location where the parking time is expected to be less than a predetermined time, the control unit 75 performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function. Specifically, data including a command to disable at least a part of the monitoring function is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 10, and upon receiving the data, the in-vehicle device 10 disables at least a part of its own monitoring function.

[0119] In this embodiment, the server 70 stores information in a large-capacity storage device that indicates locations where the parking time is expected to be less than a predetermined time are set as short-term parking locations, for example as illustrated in Figures 7A to 7D.

[0120] The control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit determines, based on the parking location information, whether or not the location where the vehicle is parked when parking is detected is a location that has been set as a short-term parking location.

[0121] [Location-based judgment] For example, when the parking location information is information (location information) indicating the location where the vehicle is parked, the control unit 75 refers to the setting information included in the map information stored in the map information database 73A of the mass storage device 73, and judges whether or not the parking location specified by the location information is set as a short-term parking location. When it is judged that the parking location is set as a short-term parking location, the control unit 75 performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0122] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information in which a short-term parking location is set based on the past movement history of the shuttle bus M. Thereafter, the control unit 75 judges whether or not the parking location specified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking location in the referred setting information. In other words, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the current parking time of the vehicle is expected to be equal to or shorter than a predetermined time based on the past movement history of the vehicle and information indicating the location where the vehicle was parked, which is included in the parking location information.

[0123] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information in which a short-term parking location is set based on the length of the past parking time of the shuttle bus M. Then, the control unit 75 determines whether or not the parking location specified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking location in the referred setting information. In other words, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the current parking time of the vehicle is expected to be equal to or shorter than a predetermined time based on the length of the past parking time of the vehicle at the location where the vehicle is parked.

[0124] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information for each parking spot, as illustrated in Fig. 7B, that is set as a short-term parking spot when the shuttle bus M has been parked there in the past a predetermined number of times or more and the average length of the parking time is a predetermined time or less. Then, the control unit 75 determines whether the parking spot identified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking spot in the referred setting information.

[0125] In other words, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the location where the vehicle is parked is a location where the vehicle has been parked a predetermined number of times or more in the past, and when the current parking time of the vehicle is predicted to be less than a predetermined time based on the average length of the vehicle's past parking time at that location.

[0126] Furthermore, the control unit 75 refers to setting information in which a short-term parking location is set based on the past movement history of unspecified vehicles, regardless of whether the vehicle includes the shuttle bus M, for example. The control unit 75 then determines whether the parking location specified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking location in the referred setting information. In other words, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit can perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the current parking time of the vehicle is expected to be equal to or shorter than a predetermined time based on the past movement history of one or more other vehicles and information indicating the location where the vehicle was parked, which is included in the parking location information.

[0127] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information for each parking spot, as illustrated in Fig. 7A, in which the parking spot is set as a short-term parking spot when the average length of parking time when unspecified vehicles have parked in the past is equal to or less than a predetermined time. The control unit 75 then determines whether or not the parking spot specified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking spot in the referred setting information. In other words, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit can perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the average length of parking time of one or more other vehicles in the position where the vehicle is parked is equal to or less than a predetermined time.

[0128] For example, in Kindergarten where the shuttle bus M provides transportation, there may be one or more other vehicles that provide transportation to and from Kindergarten other than the shuttle bus M. In other words, the shuttle bus M and the one or more other vehicles may both provide transportation to and from a single facility. In that case, for example, the control unit 75 may perform control using setting information in which a short-term parking location is set based on the past movement history of the multiple vehicles that provide transportation to and from a single facility. For example, each of the multiple vehicles that provide transportation to and from a single facility is equipped with the in-vehicle device 10, and setting information based on the past movement history of the multiple vehicles may be shared between the multiple vehicles.

[0129] Also, for example, the control unit 75 may refer to setting information in which a short-term parking spot is set based on the type of facility and associated with the location of the facility on the map, as shown in Fig. 7C. In this case, for example, the control unit 75 identifies the type of facility in which the vehicle is parked based on the acquired location information, and determines whether the identified type of facility is set as a short-term parking spot according to a determination table that defines whether or not a facility is a short-term parking spot for each type of facility, as shown in Fig. 7D.

[0130] In other words, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the current parking time of the vehicle is predicted to be less than a predetermined time based on the type of facility where the vehicle is parked and information indicating the location where the vehicle is parked, which is included in the parking location information.

[0131] In this embodiment, the control unit 75 executes the setting of the short-term parking location as shown in Fig. 7A to Fig. 7C and functions as a setting unit. Note that the short-term parking location is not limited to being set by the control unit 75, and may be acquired via, for example, an external device or a recording medium.

[0132] [Image-based judgment] For example, when a surrounding image, which is an image of the surroundings of the vehicle taken when the vehicle is parked, is acquired as the parking location information, the control unit 75 may determine whether or not the location where the vehicle is currently parked is set as a short-term parking location based on the surrounding image. For example, the control unit 75 may identify the type of facility adjacent to the location where the vehicle is currently parked based on the surrounding image, and determine whether or not the identified type of facility is set as a short-term parking location according to a determination table that defines whether or not each type of facility is a short-term parking location, for example, as shown in FIG. 7D.

[0133] In other words, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit identifies the type of facility adjacent to the location where the vehicle is parked based on the surrounding image, and if the identified type is a predetermined type, performs control to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function.

[0134] [Disable at least some of the monitoring features] The control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the vehicle-mounted device 10. As described above, the monitoring function of the vehicle-mounted device 10 includes the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function.

[0135] For example, the control unit 75 performs control to disable either the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function. In this embodiment, for example, since it is assumed that the parking time is short and there is no need to get the child out of the vehicle, it is preferable to disable the first monitoring function and keep the second monitoring function enabled.

[0136] In addition, for example, since there is a high probability that the parking time will be short, the second monitoring function may also be disabled.

[0137] Also, for example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable a part of the first monitoring function or a part of the second monitoring function. For example, in the first monitoring function, if the confirmation button is not pressed within a predetermined time after parking, an alarm sound may not be issued and only a notification may be sent to the registration terminal 50. Also, for example, in the second monitoring function, if a living body is detected, an alarm sound may not be issued and only a notification may be sent to the registration terminal 50.

[0138] In this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device 10 has the first and second monitoring functions, but the vehicle-mounted device 10 may have only the first monitoring function and not the second monitoring function. In this case, the control unit 75 performs control to disable the first monitoring function or to disable a part of the first monitoring function.

[0139] [Control routine] Hereinafter, a control routine executed in the monitoring and control system 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a control routine RT1, which is an example of a control routine executed by the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10. The control routine RT1 is a control routine executed by the control unit 37 in this embodiment when changing or maintaining the operating state of the monitoring function depending on the presence or absence of a monitoring control instruction from the server 70.

[0140] The control unit 37 starts a control routine RT1 when the ignition key of the shuttle bus M on which the in-vehicle device 10 is mounted is turned ON. When the ignition key of the shuttle bus M is turned ON, the control unit 37 notifies the server 70 that the ignition key of the shuttle bus M has been turned ON (step S101).

[0141] After executing step S101, the control unit 37 activates the monitoring functions (step S102). In step S102, for example, if there is a disabled function among the monitoring functions of the in-vehicle device 10, the control unit 37 activates all the monitoring functions including the disabled function. That is, when the ignition key of the shuttle bus M is turned ON, the control unit 37 keeps all the monitoring functions in an active state unless instructed by the server 70.

[0142] After executing step S102, the control unit 37 determines whether the ignition key is turned OFF (step S103). In step S103, for example, when the power supply from the IG power source is stopped, it is determined that the ignition key is turned OFF. In step S103, the control unit 37 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of the shuttle bus M.

[0143] In step S103, if it is determined that the ignition key is not turned OFF (step S103: NO), the control unit 37 repeats step S103 to determine again whether or not the ignition key is turned OFF.

[0144] In step S103, if it is determined that the ignition key is turned OFF (step S103: YES), the control unit 37 transmits parking location information to the server 70 (step S104). In step S104, for example, information indicating the position where the shuttle bus M is parked is transmitted as the parking location information. For example, in step S104, a surrounding image captured around the shuttle bus M by the in-vehicle camera 17 may be transmitted as the parking location information.

[0145] After executing step S104, the control unit 37 determines whether or not a monitoring disable instruction for disabling at least a part of the monitoring function has been received from the server 70 (step S105).

[0146] In step S105, if it is determined that an instruction to disable monitoring has been received (step S105: YES), the control unit 37 disables at least a part of the monitoring function in accordance with the instruction to disable monitoring (step S106).

[0147] In step S105, if it is determined that the instruction to disable monitoring has not been received (step S105: NO), or after executing step S106, the control unit 37 determines whether or not the monitoring period during which the monitoring function should be continued has ended (step S107). In step S107, the control unit 37 determines that the monitoring period has ended when the period during which the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function should be continued has ended.

[0148] In step S107, if it is determined that the monitoring period has not ended (step S107: NO), the control unit 37 repeats step S107 and determines again whether or not the monitoring period has ended.

[0149] In step S107, when it is determined that the monitoring period has ended (step S107: YES), the control unit 37 ends the control routine RT1. Note that, even if the monitoring period has not ended during the execution of the control routine RT1, for example, in step S107, when the ignition key of the shuttle bus M is turned ON, the control unit 37 ends the control routine RT1 and starts a new control routine RT1.

[0150] According to this routine, the monitoring functions disabled by the monitoring control of the server 70 are reset by the ignition being turned on (ie, the engine is started and the shuttle bus M departs), so that all monitoring functions can be made effective.

[0151] For example, instead of determining whether the ignition key is turned off in step S103, parking of the shuttle bus M may be detected by detecting that the speed of the shuttle bus M has reached zero and that the driver's seat door has been opened. Also, for example, a seating sensor may be provided in the driver's seat of the shuttle bus M, and parking of the shuttle bus M may be detected by detecting that a person has left the driver's seat based on the image from the in-vehicle camera 17 and a signal from the seating sensor.

[0152] Also, if the ignition is not turned on for a certain period of time (e.g., 12 hours) after the monitoring function is disabled, the disablement may be automatically released. Also, an instruction to enable the monitoring function may come from the server, in which case the monitoring function may be enabled in response to the enablement instruction rather than when the ignition is turned on. Also, the instruction to disable the monitoring function may include a time for disabling the monitoring function, in which case the monitoring function may be enabled when the disablement time has elapsed.

[0153] 9 is a flowchart showing a control routine RT2, which is an example of a control routine executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70. For example, when the server 70 is powered on, the control unit 75 repeatedly executes the routine RT2.

[0154] When the control unit 75 starts the routine RT2, it determines whether parking position information has arrived from any vehicle (step S201). For example, the parking position information is information including the destination (e.g., MAC address) of the in-vehicle device 10 mounted on the shuttle bus M as a vehicle, and the position information of the shuttle bus M when the in-vehicle device 10 detects that the shuttle bus M has been parked (e.g., ignition OFF). For example, the parking position information may include identification information capable of identifying K kindergarten, which is a facility where the shuttle bus M provides transportation.

[0155] In step S201, when the parking of a vehicle is detected, the control unit 75 functions as a parking location information acquisition unit that includes information indicating the location where the vehicle is parked.

[0156] For example, the control unit 75 may receive a notification indicating that the ignition key of any vehicle has been turned off before step S201. In this case, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle.

[0157] Thereafter, the control unit 75 may transmit a request for the parking location information to the in-vehicle device 10 mounted on the vehicle, so that the in-vehicle device 10 transmits the parking location information.

[0158] In step S201, when it is determined that parking position information has not arrived (step S201: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT2 and newly starts the next control routine RT2.

[0159] In step S201, when it is determined that parking position information has arrived (step S201: YES), the control unit 75 refers to map information stored in the map information database 73A in the mass storage device 73 (step S202). In step S202, for example, map information of an area including the position indicated by the parking position information is read. In step S202, for example, map information including setting information of a short-term parking spot, such as that illustrated in Figs. 7A to 7C, is read.

[0160] After executing step S202, the control unit 75 determines whether or not the parking position of the vehicle indicated by the parking position information received in step S201 is a short-term parking location (step S203). In step S203, for example, it is determined whether or not the parking position of the vehicle indicated by the parking position information is set as a short-term parking location in the setting information (e.g., Figs. 7A to 7C) included in the map information read in step S202.

[0161] In step S203, when it is determined that the parking position is not set as a short-time parking position (step S203: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT2 and starts the next control routine RT2 anew.

[0162] In step S203, when it is determined that the parking position is set as a short-time parking location (step S203: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device 10 to disable the first monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 (step S204). In step S204, for example, the control unit 75 transmits the control information to the destination of the in-vehicle device 10 included in the information received in step S201.

[0163] In steps S203 and S204, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function when the parking time of the vehicle's current parking is predicted to be less than a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0164] After executing step S204, the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT2 and starts the next control routine RT2.

[0165] 10 is a flowchart showing a control routine RT3 which is a modified example of the control routine RT2 executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70. For example, when the server 70 is powered on, the control unit 75 repeatedly executes the routine RT3.

[0166] When the control unit 75 starts the routine RT3, it determines whether parking location information including a surrounding image has arrived from any vehicle (step S301). For example, the parking location information including a surrounding image is information including a destination (e.g., a MAC address) of the in-vehicle device 10 mounted on the shuttle bus M as a vehicle, and a surrounding image taken around the shuttle bus M when the in-vehicle device 10 detects that the shuttle bus M has been parked (e.g., the ignition is turned off).

[0167] For example, the parking location information includes an image of the front of the shuttle bus M captured by the exterior camera 19 as a surrounding image. The surrounding image is used, for example, by the server 70 when identifying the type of vehicle adjacent to the location where the vehicle is parked.

[0168] In step S301, when the parking of a vehicle is detected, the control unit 75 functions as a parking location information acquisition unit including information on the facility where the vehicle is parked.

[0169] For example, the control unit 75 may receive a notification indicating that the ignition key of any vehicle has been turned off before step S301. In this case, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle.

[0170] Thereafter, the control unit 75 may transmit a request for a surrounding image to the in-vehicle device 10 installed in the vehicle, so that the in-vehicle device 10 transmits the surrounding image.

[0171] In step S301, when it is determined that parking location information including a surrounding image has not arrived (step S301: NO), the control unit 75 ends the routine RT3 and starts the next routine RT3 anew.

[0172] In step S301, when it is determined that parking location information including a surrounding image has arrived (step S301: YES), the control unit 75 identifies the type of facility in the surrounding image (step S302). In step S302, for example, the control unit 75 identifies the type of facility shown in the surrounding image using a trained model that receives image data as input and outputs information indicating the type of facility.

[0173] For example, in step S302, the type of facility in the surrounding image may be identified by pattern matching.

[0174] After executing step S302, the control unit 75 refers to a judgment table in which short-term parking locations are set for a predetermined type of facility (step S303). In step S303, for example, the control unit 75 reads out a judgment table such as that shown in FIG. 7D from the mass storage device 73.

[0175] After executing step S303, the control unit 75 judges whether or not the facility of the type identified in step S302 is a short-term parking location (step S304). In step S304, for example, it is judged whether or not the type identified in step S302 is set as a short-term parking location in the judgment table (e.g., FIG. 7D) read in step S303.

[0176] In step S304, when it is determined that the identified type is not set as a short-term parking location (step S304: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT3 and starts the next control routine RT3 anew.

[0177] In step S304, if it is determined that the identified type is set to a short-term parking location (step S304: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device 10 to disable the first monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 (step S305). In step S305, for example, the control unit 75 transmits the control information to the destination of the in-vehicle device 10 included in the parking location information received in step S301.

[0178] In steps S304 and S305, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function when the parking time of the vehicle's current parking is predicted to be less than a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0179] After executing step S305, the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT3 and starts the next control routine RT3.

[0180] Although an example of performing control to disable the first monitoring function in the control routine RT2 and the control routine RT3 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function is performed in step S204 of the control routine RT2 or step S305 of the control routine RT3.

[0181] As described above, the control device of Example 1 is a control device that controls a monitoring function for leaving a living body in a vehicle, and includes a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle, a parking location information acquisition unit that acquires parking location information including information indicating the location where the vehicle is parked or information about the facility where the vehicle is parked when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit, and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the parking time of the vehicle is predicted to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0182] For example, according to the first embodiment, when the vehicle's current parking time is expected to be short enough to allow the driver to run an errand without having to drop off a child, at least a part of the monitoring function can be automatically disabled without the driver's consent.

[0183] Therefore, according to Example 1, it is possible to provide a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium that can automatically control the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing a living body from being left behind in a vehicle depending on the situation when the vehicle is parked.

[0184] For example, by disabling the first monitoring function, which sounds an alarm if the confirmation button designed to be pressed after completing a patrol of the vehicle is not pressed, it is possible to eliminate the unnecessary trouble of pressing the confirmation button when no patrol is required, and also to prevent use that goes against the original design concept of the confirmation button, such as pressing the confirmation button when no patrol is being performed (children are not being allowed to disembark).

[0185] For example, if a short parking period to refuel at a gas station is planned, only the first monitoring function can be disabled, eliminating the need to press the confirmation button, while leaving the second monitoring function enabled can reliably prevent the vehicle from being left behind if an unforeseen event causes the parking time to be extended.

[0186] Although the example in which the monitoring control of the present embodiment is executed by the server 70 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 may have a part or all of the functions for executing the monitoring control of the present embodiment.

[0187] In this embodiment, the example has been described using a kindergarten shuttle bus as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control of the monitoring function according to this embodiment can also be applied to a case where the vehicle-mounted device 10 is mounted in a passenger car. EXAMPLES

[0188] Second Embodiment A configuration and functions of a monitoring control system 100 including a server 70 as a control device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0189] The monitoring and control system 100 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the monitoring and control system 100 of the first embodiment, but differs in the content of the monitoring control executed by the server 70. Specifically, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, when performing the monitoring control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10, the second embodiment uses the business schedule of K kindergarten, which is the facility where the shuttle bus M provides transportation.

[0190] The control unit 75 of the server 70 acquires the business schedule of K kindergarten and stores it, for example, in the mass storage device 73. The control unit 75 acquires, for example, an annual schedule or a monthly schedule as the business schedule of K kindergarten. The control unit 75 functions as a schedule acquisition unit that acquires the business schedule of the facility associated with the vehicle.

[0191] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a monthly schedule MS1, which is an example of a work schedule for K kindergarten stored in the mass storage device 73. As shown in Fig. 11, the work schedule is information that indicates the distinction between days on which work is scheduled to be performed at the facility and days on which the facility is closed. In the example shown in Fig. 11, "holidays" and "substitute holidays," which are days on which the facility is closed, are displayed, and the other days are days on which work is scheduled to be performed.

[0192] Furthermore, the work schedule may include, for example, information indicating the start time and end time of work, and may include information indicating the time period during which the shuttle bus M provides transportation.

[0193] For example, the schedule information is stored in association with a vehicle that provides transportation to and from the facility, the in-vehicle device 10 mounted on the vehicle, or the facility. In the example shown in Fig. 11, a schedule for K kindergarten is displayed, and an in-vehicle device ID and a shuttle bus ID are associated with each other.

[0194] In addition, the control unit 75 receives information indicating that the shuttle bus M has been parked, such as information indicating that the ignition key has been turned OFF, from the in-vehicle device 10 via the communication unit 77, and functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of the vehicle.

[0195] The control unit 75 performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 based on the business schedule of K kindergarten and the date and time when parking of the shuttle bus M was detected. The control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the business schedule of the facility associated with the vehicle and the date and time when parking of the vehicle was detected by the detection unit.

[0196] For example, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function if the day on which the parking of a vehicle is detected is not included in the days on which facility operations are scheduled to be performed in the business schedule.

[0197] For example, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the time when the parking of a vehicle is detected is not included in the time period when facility operations are scheduled to be performed in the business schedule.

[0198] For example, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit may specify the operation schedule of the vehicle based on a business schedule. For example, when the business schedule includes a start time and an end time, a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 2 hours) before the start time and a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 2 hours) after the end time may be specified as the time period during which the vehicle is scheduled to operate.

[0199] For example, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit may perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the time when the parking of the vehicle is detected is not included in the time period during which the vehicle is in operation.

[0200] The days or time periods when the facility is scheduled to carry out its business are the days or time periods when the shuttle bus M is scheduled to run with children on board, and it can be said that there is a high probability that there are no children on the shuttle bus M on other days or time periods. In this embodiment, the control unit 75 can automatically perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on whether there is a high probability that there are no children on the shuttle bus M.

[0201] For example, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function.

[0202] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable both the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function. This can eliminate the need for the first monitoring function to patrol the vehicle and to press the confirmation button on days or times when there is a high probability that no children are on board, and can prevent malfunctions of the second monitoring function.

[0203] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the first monitoring function. This can eliminate the extra work involved with the first monitoring function on days or times when it is highly likely that a child is not on board, while allowing the second monitoring function to detect if a child is actually on board.

[0204] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the second monitoring function. For example, even on days or during times when there is a high probability that no children are on board, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to the second monitoring function by performing patrols at the time of disembarking.

[0205] Additionally, as described above, the control unit 75 may disable a part of the first monitoring function, and may disable a part of the second monitoring function.

[0206] [Control routine] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine RT1 shown in Fig. 8. In step S104 of Fig. 8, the control unit 37 transmits information indicating that the vehicle in which the in-vehicle device 10 is mounted has been parked, instead of transmitting parking location information. For example, in step S104, the control unit 37 transmits a notification indicating that the ignition key has been turned OFF. The notification includes, for example, the date or time when the ignition key was turned OFF.

[0207] Moreover, the notification transmitted in step S104 includes an identifier for identifying the in-vehicle device 10. For example, the notification may further include an identifier of the vehicle in which the in-vehicle device 10 is mounted, or an identifier capable of identifying the facility to which the vehicle provides transportation.

[0208] 12 is a flowchart showing a control routine RT4, which is an example of a control routine executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70 in the embodiment 2. For example, when the server 70 is powered on, the control unit 75 repeatedly executes the control routine RT4.

[0209] When the control unit 75 starts the control routine RT4, it determines whether or not the vehicle is parked (step S401). In step S401, for example, when the control unit 75 receives a notification indicating that the ignition key of the vehicle is turned off, the control unit 75 determines that the vehicle is parked. In step S401, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects that the vehicle is parked.

[0210] In step S401, when it is determined that the vehicle is not parked (step S401: NO), the control unit 75 ends the routine RT4 and starts the next routine RT4 anew.

[0211] In step S401, when it is determined that the vehicle has been parked (step S401: YES), the control unit 75 refers to the schedule information of the facility where the vehicle parked in step S401 provides transportation (step S402).

[0212] In step S402, for example, the control unit 75 reads out a work schedule stored in the mass storage device 73. For example, the work schedule is stored in association with a vehicle that shuttles users to and from the facility, an in-vehicle device 10 mounted on the vehicle, or the facility. For example, the control unit 75 reads out the work schedule based on identification information of the vehicle, the in-vehicle device 10, or the facility included in the notification received in step S401.

[0213] After executing step S402, the control unit 75 judges whether the day or time when the vehicle is parked is during business hours of the facility (step S403). In step S403, for example, if the time when the vehicle is parked, which is indicated by the notification received in step S401, is a day or time period when business is scheduled to be performed in the business schedule read out in step S402, it is judged that the day or time when the vehicle is parked is during business hours of the facility.

[0214] In step S403, if it is determined that business is in progress (step S403: YES), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT4 and starts the next control routine RT4 anew.

[0215] In step S403, if it is determined that the user is not at work (step S403: NO), the control unit 75 transmits control information for disabling the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function to the in-vehicle device (step S404).

[0216] After executing step S404, the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT4 and starts the next control routine RT4.

[0217] For example, the present embodiment is also applicable to a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device 10 that is used for business and personal use. The control unit 75 acquires a business schedule for the vehicle. For example, it can be assumed that the vehicle may carry a child when used for personal use, but will not carry a child when used for business.

[0218] In that case, the judgment criteria in step S403 of the control routine RT4 are reversed from those shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, the control unit 75 executes step S404 when the day or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected is included in the day or time period when the vehicle is used for business, that is, when it is determined in step S403 that the vehicle is used for business (step S403: YES). This makes it possible to perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function on days or time periods when there is a high probability that children will not be riding in the vehicle.

[0219] As described above, the control device of Example 2 is a control device that controls a monitoring function for detecting whether a living body is left behind in a vehicle, and includes a schedule acquisition unit that acquires a business schedule of a facility associated with the vehicle, a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle, and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the business schedule and the time when parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit.

[0220] For example, the monitoring control unit can perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the day or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected is not included in the day or time period when the facility's business is scheduled to be performed, based on the business schedule and the day or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit. Thereby, for example, when the shuttle bus is parked on a day or time period when there is a high probability that there are no children on board, at least a part of the monitoring function can be automatically disabled.

[0221] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium that can automatically control the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing a living body from being left behind in a vehicle depending on the situation when the vehicle is parked.

[0222] For example, according to the second embodiment, in situations where only adults are on the shuttle bus, such as when scouting for a kindergarten field trip or for staff training, the first monitoring function can eliminate the need for patrols and the operation of confirmation buttons, and can prevent staff from being detected by the second monitoring function or unnecessary alarm sounds due to malfunction. EXAMPLES

[0223] The configuration and functions of a monitoring control system 100 including a server 70 as a control device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0224] The monitoring and control system 100 of the third embodiment is configured similarly to the monitoring and control system 100 of the first embodiment, but is different in the content of the monitoring control executed by the server 70. Specifically, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, when performing the monitoring control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10, a monitoring-required area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function is used.

[0225] In this embodiment, the area to be monitored is an area where the shuttle bus M may be traveling with children on board. The area to be monitored is a range of locations where the monitoring function should be enabled when the shuttle bus M is parked, and can be said to be a range of locations where it is not appropriate to disable the monitoring function even in part.

[0226] Areas that require monitoring include, for example, areas along the route taken by shuttle bus M to and from kindergarten, areas on the grounds of K kindergarten, within facilities related to K kindergarten such as playgrounds and parking lots, and within facilities such as parks frequently used by K kindergarten.

[0227] The control unit 75 of the server 70 acquires the monitoring area of ​​the shuttle bus M and stores it in the map information database 73A of the mass storage device 73. The monitoring area is stored, for example, linked to Kindergarten K, which is a facility where shuttle bus M provides transportation. The control unit 75 functions as a monitoring area acquisition unit that acquires the monitoring area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function.

[0228] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing map data MD1, which is an example of map information in which a monitoring area is set. In Fig. 13, an area AR1 along a pick-up and drop-off route RO1 of Kindergarten K is set as a monitoring area. In Fig. 13, an area AR2 including the site of Kindergarten K and an area AR3 including a parking lot P where a pick-up bus M is parked are also set as monitoring areas.

[0229] For example, the control unit 75 acquires a monitoring area based on an input by a user. The control unit 75 sets, as a monitoring area, an area on a map designated by the user, or an area specified based on information such as a place name or an address input by the user.

[0230] The input by the user is made, for example, via the in-vehicle device 10, the registration terminal 50, or another terminal device, and the input information is transmitted to the server 70.

[0231] For example, the control unit 75 acquires the area to be monitored based on the past movement history of the shuttle bus M. For example, the control unit 75 acquires the area to be monitored based on the movement history during past business hours of the shuttle bus M. For example, the control unit 75 automatically sets, as the area to be monitored, a position where the shuttle bus M has traveled or parked during past business hours and an area within a predetermined distance from that position.

[0232] For example, when there are vehicles other than the shuttle bus M that transport children to and from Kindergarten K, the control unit 75 may acquire the area to be monitored based on the past movement history of multiple shuttle vehicles including the shuttle bus M. In other words, the control unit 75 acquires the area to be monitored based on the past movement history of one or multiple vehicles including one vehicle that transports children to and from the facility with which the one vehicle is associated.

[0233] Furthermore, the control unit 75 receives information indicating that the shuttle bus M has been parked from the vehicle-mounted device 10. The control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle.

[0234] In this embodiment, when the shuttle bus M is parked (e.g., the ignition is turned off), the in-vehicle device 10 transmits position information of the shuttle bus M to the server 70. The position information indicates the position of the shuttle bus M when the shuttle bus M is parked. The control unit 75 of the server 70 detects that the shuttle bus M is parked by receiving the position information from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0235] The control unit 75 determines whether or not the position of the shuttle bus M indicated by the position information received from the in-vehicle device 10 is outside the monitoring area. The control unit 75 functions as a parking position determination unit that determines whether or not the position of the vehicle when parking is detected by the detection unit is outside the monitoring area.

[0236] When it is determined that the position of the shuttle bus M when parking is detected is outside the monitoring area, the control unit 75 performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10. When it is determined that the position of the vehicle when parking is detected is outside the monitoring area, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0237] If the location where the shuttle bus M is parked is outside the monitoring area, it can be said that there is a high probability that no children are on board the shuttle bus M. In this embodiment, the control unit 75 can automatically perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on whether or not there is a high probability that no children are on board the shuttle bus M.

[0238] In this embodiment, by sufficiently and completely acquiring the monitoring area, which is an area where the shuttle bus M may be traveling with children on board, it is possible to more reliably perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when no children are on board the shuttle bus M. Therefore, for example, a criterion may be set for the acquisition state of the monitoring area, so that the control unit 75 does not disable the monitoring function when the acquisition state of the monitoring area does not satisfy the criterion.

[0239] For example, when the monitoring-required area is automatically set based on the past movement history of the shuttle bus M, the acquisition status of the monitoring-required area may be determined based on a predetermined period or time during which the shuttle bus M has provided transportation services (for example, one month or more, or the number of days the shuttle bus has provided transportation services for one month). For example, the transportation services are stored in association with the monitoring-required area.

[0240] For example, when the monitoring-required areas are set based on input by a user, the criterion for the acquisition status of the monitoring-required areas may be that the total area of ​​the set monitoring-required areas is equal to or larger than a predetermined area.

[0241] The control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs control to disable the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function, control to disable part of the first monitoring function, or control to disable part of the second monitoring function.

[0242] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable both the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function. This can eliminate the need for the first monitoring function to patrol the vehicle and to press the confirmation button when there is a high probability that a child is not on board, and can prevent malfunction of the second monitoring function.

[0243] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the first monitoring function. This can eliminate the extra work involved with the first monitoring function in a situation where it is highly likely that a child is not on board, while allowing the second monitoring function to detect if a child is actually on board.

[0244] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the second monitoring function. For example, even in a situation where there is a high probability that no children are on board, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to the second monitoring function by performing a patrol when children disembark.

[0245] [Control routine] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine RT1 shown in Fig. 8. In step S104 in Fig. 8, the control unit 37 transmits to the server 70 parking position information indicating the position of the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is mounted when the vehicle is parked.

[0246] Moreover, the parking position information transmitted in step S104 includes an identifier for identifying the vehicle-mounted device 10. Moreover, the parking position information may further include an identifier of the vehicle in which the vehicle-mounted device 10 is mounted, or an identifier capable of identifying a facility to which the vehicle provides transportation.

[0247] 14 is a flowchart showing a control routine RT5 which is an example of a control routine executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70 in the embodiment 3. For example, when the server 70 is powered on, the control unit 75 repeatedly executes the control routine RT5.

[0248] When the control routine RT5 is started, the control unit 75 determines whether or not parking position information has arrived (step S501). In step S501, for example, the control unit 75 determines that parking position information has arrived when parking position information indicating the position of the shuttle bus M when the shuttle bus was parked, transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10, is received. In step S501, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle.

[0249] In step S501, when it is determined that parking position information has not arrived (step S501: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT5 and starts the next control routine RT5 anew.

[0250] In step S501, when it is determined that parking position information has arrived (step S501: YES), the control unit 75 determines whether the acquisition state of the monitoring area meets the criteria (step S502). In step S502, for example, the control unit 75 reads out the monitoring area stored in the map information database 73A in association with K kindergarten. After that, the control unit 75 determines that the acquisition state of the monitoring area meets the criteria, for example, when the number of pick-up and drop-off operations is equal to or longer than a predetermined period or when a monitoring area of ​​equal to or larger than a predetermined area is set.

[0251] In step S502, when it is determined that the acquisition state of the monitoring-required region does not satisfy the criteria (step S502: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT5 and starts the next control routine RT5 anew.

[0252] In step S502, if it is determined that the acquisition state of the monitoring area satisfies the criteria (step S502: YES), the control unit 75 determines whether the parking position received in step S501 is outside the monitoring area (step S503).

[0253] In step S503, when it is determined that the parking position is not outside the monitoring area (that is, inside the monitoring area) (step S503: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT5 and starts the next control routine RT5 anew.

[0254] In step S503, if it is determined that the parking position is outside the monitoring area (step S503: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information for disabling the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function to the in-vehicle device 10 (step S504).

[0255] After executing step S504, the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT5 and starts the next control routine RT5.

[0256] As described above, the control device of Example 3 is a control device that controls a monitoring function for detecting whether a living body is left behind in a vehicle, and includes a monitoring area acquisition unit that acquires a monitoring area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function, a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle, a parking position determination unit that determines whether the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected by the detection unit is outside the monitoring area, and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position of the vehicle is outside the monitoring area.

[0257] In the third embodiment, for example, if the vehicle is outside the monitoring area when parking is detected, there is a high probability that no child is in the vehicle. According to the third embodiment, it is possible to estimate whether or not a living body that should be protected by the monitoring function of a child or the like is present in the vehicle based on the parking position of the vehicle, and when there is a high probability that no living body is present, it is possible to automatically disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0258] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to provide a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium that can automatically control the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing a living body from being left behind in a vehicle depending on the situation when the vehicle is parked.

[0259] For example, according to the third embodiment, in a situation where a shuttle bus M is traveling outside the area requiring monitoring and only adults are on board, such as during a preparatory inspection for a kindergarten field trip or during staff training, the first monitoring function can eliminate the need for patrols and the operation of confirmation buttons, and can prevent staff from being detected by the second monitoring function or unnecessary alarm sounds from being sounded due to malfunction. EXAMPLES

[0260] The configuration and functions of a monitoring control system 100 including a server 70 as a control device according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 17. FIG.

[0261] The monitoring and control system 100 of the fourth embodiment is configured similarly to the monitoring and control system 100 of the first embodiment, but is different in the content of the monitoring control executed by the server 70. Specifically, the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, when performing the monitoring control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10, weather forecast information about the position of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked is used.

[0262] The control unit 75 of the server 70 receives information indicating that the shuttle bus M has been parked from the vehicle-mounted device 10. The control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle.

[0263] In this embodiment, when the shuttle bus M is parked (e.g., the ignition is turned off), the in-vehicle device 10 transmits position information of the shuttle bus M to the server 70. The position information indicates the position of the shuttle bus M when the shuttle bus M is parked. The control unit 75 of the server 70 detects that the shuttle bus M is parked by receiving the position information from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0264] The control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for the vicinity of the position of the shuttle bus M indicated by the position information received from the in-vehicle device 10 or for the area surrounding that position. The control unit 75 functions as a weather forecast information acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information for the position of the vehicle when parking of the vehicle is detected.

[0265] The control unit 75 also functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on weather forecast information.

[0266] In this embodiment, the weather forecast information includes temperature forecast information and weather forecast information. In this embodiment, for example, when a vehicle is parked and left with the door closed, and the temperature inside the vehicle becomes too high or too low for human body, the monitoring function is maintained in an active state to prevent the vehicle from being left behind.

[0267] The temperature inside the vehicle is affected not only by the outside temperature but also by the weather conditions, such as sunny or cloudy. For example, even if the outside temperature is the same, when the weather is sunny and when it is cloudy, the temperature rises faster when the weather is sunny, resulting in a difference in the temperature inside the vehicle after, for example, several hours. Therefore, in this embodiment, the combination of the predicted information on the temperature and the predicted information on the weather is used as an index for determining whether the control unit 75 should perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0268] 15A is a diagram showing weather forecast information WD1, which is an example of weather forecast information acquired by the control unit 75. The control unit 75 acquires the weather forecast information, for example, from an external server device that provides meteorological information. For example, the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 3 hours) from the time when parking of the vehicle is detected.

[0269] In the example shown in FIG. 15A, the weather forecast information WD1 includes forecast information on the weather for three hours from the time when the parking of the shuttle bus M is detected and the expected maximum temperature as forecast information on the temperature.

[0270] The control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit performs monitoring control using information on a preset allowable temperature range for each weather type, for example. Specifically, when the temperature indicated by the temperature forecast information is within a predetermined temperature range set for the weather type indicated by the weather forecast information, the control unit 75 performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0271] 15B is a diagram showing a table TB2 which is an example of a setting of an allowable range of temperature for each type of weather condition. For example, the table TB2 is stored in the mass storage device 73. The temperature tolerance is set based on the temperature tolerance within the vehicle.

[0272] The control unit 75, for example, refers to the table TB2 to identify the temperature range set for the weather type indicated by the weather forecast information included in the acquired weather forecast information, and determines whether the temperature indicated by the temperature forecast information is within the temperature range. This allows the control unit 75 to automatically disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the temperature inside the vehicle is predicted not to become dangerous. The allowable temperature range may be changed, for example, depending on the season.

[0273] Furthermore, the control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit does not perform control to disable the monitoring function regardless of the temperature when the weather forecast information indicates a specific weather condition. The specific weather condition is, for example, stormy weather such as thunder, hail, or a rainstorm that may affect a living body from a psychological perspective rather than a temperature perspective. For example, when stormy weather that may frighten a child is predicted, it is preferable to prevent the child from being left behind.

[0274] In the example shown in FIG. 5B, no acceptable temperature ranges are set for lightning, hail, and storms, and even when referring to FIG. 5B, the control unit 75 does not determine that the temperature forecast information is within the acceptable temperature range, and does not perform control to disable the monitoring function.

[0275] 15C is a diagram showing weather forecast information WD2, which is another example of weather forecast information acquired by the control unit 75. In the weather forecast information WD2, the three hours after the vehicle is parked are divided into 30-minute intervals, and each time interval is associated with forecast information on weather conditions and expected maximum temperatures.

[0276] The control unit 75 as a monitoring control unit acquires weather forecast information such as that shown in FIG. 15C, Control may be performed to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function based on the length or percentage of time during which the weather indicated by the weather forecast information meets a specified criterion within a specified period of time from the time parking is detected.

[0277] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function when the length or percentage of time during which the weather meets a specified standard during a specified period from the time parking is detected is equal to or exceeds a threshold set in terms of the temperature inside the vehicle, and the temperature inside the vehicle is expected to be maintained at a temperature appropriate for living organisms.

[0278] For example, the control unit 75 performs control to disable either the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function. In this embodiment, for example, since it is assumed that the temperature inside the vehicle is appropriately maintained for a predetermined time after parking, it is preferable to disable the first monitoring function and keep the second monitoring function enabled.

[0279] For example, from the viewpoint of preventing malfunction due to the second monitoring function during the predetermined time period during which the inside temperature of the vehicle is appropriately maintained after the vehicle is parked, the second monitoring function may also be disabled.

[0280] Also, for example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable part of the first monitoring function or part of the second monitoring function.

[0281] [Control routine] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine RT1 shown in Fig. 8. In step S104 in Fig. 8, the control unit 37 transmits to the server 70 parking position information indicating the position of the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is mounted when the vehicle is parked.

[0282] Moreover, the parking position information transmitted in step S104 includes an identifier for identifying the vehicle-mounted device 10. Moreover, the parking position information may further include an identifier of the vehicle in which the vehicle-mounted device 10 is mounted, or an identifier capable of identifying a facility to which the vehicle provides transportation.

[0283] 16 is a flowchart showing a control routine RT6 which is an example of a control routine executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70 in the embodiment 4. For example, when the server 70 is powered on, the control unit 75 repeatedly executes the control routine RT6.

[0284] When the control unit 75 starts the control routine RT6, it determines whether or not parking position information has arrived (step S601). In step S601, for example, the control unit 75 determines that parking position information has arrived when parking position information indicating the position of the shuttle bus M when the shuttle bus M was parked, transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10, is received. In step S601, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle.

[0285] In step S601, when it is determined that parking position information has not arrived (step S601: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT6 and starts the next control routine RT6 anew.

[0286] In step S601, when it is determined that parking position information has arrived (step S601: YES), the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for the vicinity of the position indicated by the parking position information (step S602). In step S602, for example, the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for a predetermined period of time from the time the shuttle bus M is parked. In step S602, the control unit 75 functions as a weather forecast information acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information for the position of the vehicle when parking of the vehicle is detected.

[0287] After executing step S602, the control unit 75 judges whether the weather forecast information acquired in step S602 satisfies a predetermined criterion (step S603). In step S603, for example, if the temperature indicated by the temperature forecast information is within a predetermined temperature range set for the weather type indicated by the weather forecast information, it is judged that the predetermined criterion is satisfied.

[0288] Also, in step S603, if the type of weather indicated by the weather forecast information is a weather condition other than a specific weather condition such as thunder, hail, or a rainstorm, it is determined that the predetermined criterion is met.

[0289] In step S603, if it is determined that the weather forecast information does not satisfy the predetermined standard (step S603: NO), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT6 and starts the next control routine RT6 anew.

[0290] In step S603, if it is determined that the weather forecast information satisfies the predetermined criterion (step S603: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information for disabling the first monitoring function to the in-vehicle device 10 (step S604).

[0291] In steps S603 and S604, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the weather forecast information.

[0292] After executing step S604, the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT6, and starts the next control routine RT6 anew.

[0293] 17 is a flowchart showing a control routine RT7 which is a modified example of the control routine RT6 executed by the control unit 75. In the control routine RT7, steps S701 to S703 proceed in the same manner as steps S601 to S603 of the control routine RT6, and therefore a part of the description will be omitted.

[0294] The control unit 75 starts the control routine RT7, and when it determines in step S701 that parking position information has arrived (step S701: YES), it acquires weather forecast information for the vicinity of the position indicated by the parking position information (step S702). In step S702, the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for a control period, which is a predetermined time from the time the shuttle bus M is parked. The control period is, for example, 1 to 3 hours, and may be even longer.

[0295] After executing step S702, the control unit 75 determines whether the weather forecast information acquired in step S702 satisfies a predetermined criterion (step S703). If it is determined in step S703 that the weather forecast information satisfies the predetermined criterion (step S703: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information for disabling the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function to the in-vehicle device 10 (step S704).

[0296] After executing step S704, the control unit 75 judges whether or not the ignition key of the shuttle bus M has been turned ON (step S705). In step S705, for example, when information indicating that the ignition key has been turned ON, which is transmitted in step S101 of the control routine RT1 of the in-vehicle device 10 shown in FIG. 8, is received, it is judged that the ignition key has been turned ON.

[0297] When it is determined in step S705 that the ignition key is turned ON (step S705: YES), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT7 and starts the next control routine RT7 anew. As described in Fig. 8, when the ignition key is turned ON, the monitoring functions that were disabled are enabled in the in-vehicle device 10 (step S102). Specifically, the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function are enabled.

[0298] In step S705, if it is determined that the ignition key is not turned ON (step S705: NO), the control unit 75 determines whether or not the control period has ended (step S706).

[0299] In step S706, if it is determined that the control period has not ended (step S706: NO), the control unit 75 returns to step S705 and determines again whether or not the ignition key has been turned ON.

[0300] If it is determined in step S706 that the control period has ended (step S706: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information for enabling the second monitoring function to the in-vehicle device 10 (step S707).

[0301] After executing step S707, the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT7 and starts the next control routine RT7.

[0302] In the control routine RT7, since control based on weather forecast information is not performed after the control period ends, it is unclear whether the temperature inside the vehicle will be appropriately maintained. According to the control routine RT7, if the vehicle continues to be parked after the control period ends, the second monitoring function is enabled to detect if a living body has been left inside the vehicle.

[0303] In addition, in the control routine RT7, instead of step S707, it is also possible to enable all of the monitoring functions, return to step S702, acquire weather forecast information again, and perform control to disable at least some of the monitoring functions based on the weather forecast information.

[0304] As described above, the control device of Example 4 is a control device that controls the monitoring function of leaving a living body in a vehicle, and has a detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle, a weather forecast information acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information for the position of the vehicle when parking is detected, and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the weather forecast information.

[0305] According to the fourth embodiment, for example, when it is predicted that the temperature inside the vehicle will be maintained at an appropriate temperature for living organisms based on weather forecast information, at least a part of the monitoring function can be disabled.

[0306] Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to provide a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium that can automatically control the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing a living body from being left behind in a vehicle depending on the situation when the vehicle is parked.

[0307] The configurations, routines, etc. of the in-vehicle device 10, the server 70, and the registration terminal 50 in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and can be appropriately selected, combined, or modified depending on the application, etc.

[0308] For example, two or more of the first to fourth embodiments may be combined, which makes it possible to more reliably determine the situation in which it is okay to disable at least a part of the monitoring function. For example, by combining the first and second embodiments, when the vehicle is expected to be parked for a short period of time and there is a high probability that no children are in the vehicle, it is possible to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0309] For example, by combining Example 1 and Example 4, when the vehicle is expected to be parked for a short period of time and the temperature inside the vehicle is expected to be appropriately maintained, at least a part of the monitoring function can be disabled, making it possible to more reliably determine situations in which it is not necessary to perform patrols using the first monitoring function, for example.

[0310] For example, by combining the second and third embodiments, it is possible to more reliably determine a scene in which there is a high probability that no child is on board the vehicle.

[0311] For example, by combining Example 2 and Example 4, at least a portion of the monitoring function can be disabled when there is a high probability that no children are present in the vehicle and the interior temperature is expected to be maintained appropriately.

[0312] The in-vehicle device 10 may have all or part of the server functions related to the above-mentioned monitoring control. For example, if the in-vehicle device 10 has all of the server functions, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine executed by the server 70. Depending on the result, the control unit 37 keeps the monitoring function in an enabled state or disables at least part of the monitoring function.

[0313] In the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments, the vehicle-mounted device 10 has the first and second monitoring functions. However, the vehicle-mounted device 10 may have only the first monitoring function and not the second monitoring function. In this case, the control unit 75 performs control to disable the first monitoring function or to disable a part of the first monitoring function. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted device 10 may have only the second monitoring function and not the first monitoring function. In this case, the control unit 75 performs control to disable the second monitoring function or to disable a part of the second monitoring function.

[0314] In the above embodiment, the registration terminal 50 is described as being a smartphone, but is not limited thereto. The registration terminal 50 may be any terminal device configured to receive a notification of abandonment in the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 and present the notification to the user by a display screen, a voice, or the like. For example, the registration terminal 50 may be a terminal device such as a tablet, a PC, or a wearable terminal.

[0315] In the above embodiment, the parking of the vehicle is detected by detecting that the ignition key is turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the parking of the vehicle may be detected by other methods. For example, the parking of the vehicle may be detected by detecting that the speed of the vehicle is zero and that the driver's door is opened. Also, for example, a seating sensor may be provided in the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the parking of the vehicle may be detected by detecting that a person has left the driver's seat based on an image from an in-vehicle camera and a signal from the seating sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0316] 10 Onboard equipment 11 Speaker 13 Alarm 15 Confirm button 17 In-car camera 19 Exterior camera 21. Mike 23 Touch Panel 25 GPS receiver 27 Acceleration Sensor 33 Input section 35 Storage section 37 Control Unit 39 Communications Department 41 Output section 50 Registered Terminals 51 Touch Panel 53 Speaker 59 Memory section 61 Control section 63 Input section 65 Output section 67 Communications Department 70 Servers 73 Mass storage 73A Map information database 75 Control Unit 77 Communications Department

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a monitoring function for a living body being left behind in a vehicle, a monitoring area acquisition unit that acquires a monitoring area that needs to be monitored by the monitoring function; A detection unit that detects parking of the vehicle; a parking position determination unit that determines whether or not the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected by the detection unit is outside the monitoring area; a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area; A control device comprising:

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring area acquisition unit acquires the monitoring area based on an input by a user.

3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring area acquisition unit acquires the area to be monitored based on a past movement history of the vehicle.

4. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring area acquisition unit acquires the monitoring area based on the past movement history of one or more vehicles, including the vehicle that provides transportation to and from the facility with which the vehicle is associated.

5. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring control unit does not disable the monitoring function when the acquisition state of the monitoring-required area does not satisfy a predetermined standard.

6. the monitoring function includes a first monitoring function that issues an outside alarm or notifies a terminal associated with the vehicle when a confirmation button provided on the vehicle is not pressed within a predetermined time after the vehicle is parked; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring control unit performs control to disable the first monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area.

7. The monitoring function includes a first monitoring function that issues an alarm outside the vehicle or notifies a terminal associated with the vehicle when a confirmation button provided on the vehicle is not pressed within a predetermined time after the vehicle is parked, and a second monitoring function that issues an alarm outside the vehicle or notifies a terminal associated with the vehicle when a living body is detected inside the vehicle after a predetermined time has elapsed after the vehicle is parked, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the monitoring control unit performs control to disable the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area.

8. A control method for controlling a monitoring function for determining whether a living body is left behind in a vehicle, the method comprising: a monitoring area acquisition step of acquiring a monitoring area which is an area that needs to be monitored by the monitoring function; a detection step of detecting parking of the vehicle; a parking position determination step of determining whether or not the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected is outside the monitoring area; a monitoring control step of disabling at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area; A control method comprising:

9. A control program executed by a control device having a computer to control a monitoring function for monitoring whether a living body is left behind in a vehicle, the control program comprising: a monitoring area acquisition step of acquiring a monitoring area which is an area that needs to be monitored by the monitoring function; a detection step of detecting parking of the vehicle; a parking position determination step of determining whether or not the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected is outside the monitoring area; a monitoring control step of disabling at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area; A control program for executing the above.

10. A control device including a computer and controlling a monitoring function for a living body being left behind in a vehicle, a monitoring area acquisition step of acquiring a monitoring area which is an area that needs to be monitored by the monitoring function; a detection step of detecting parking of the vehicle; a parking position determination step of determining whether or not the position of the vehicle when the parking is detected is outside the monitoring area; a monitoring control step of disabling at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the position is outside the monitoring area; A computer-readable storage medium that stores a control program for executing the above.

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