Control device, program and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a control device, a program, and a vehicle that can make a person in the vehicle more aware of a presence of a suspicious person or a suspicious object in the vicinity of the vehicle.SOLUTION: A control device of the embodiment comprises a detection unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The detection unit detects whether a person is present inside a vehicle. The determination unit determines whether a situation outside the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined situation that has a risk caused by a suspicious person or a suspicious object. The control unit controls a facility of the vehicle when the person is present inside the vehicle and the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a program, and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology for detecting a suspicious person approaching a vehicle and giving a warning.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This technology assumes that there is no person in the vehicle interior. Therefore, when there is a person in the vehicle interior, the person may be less likely to notice the presence of a suspicious person or object. In particular, in a situation where it is difficult to grasp the situation around the vehicle, the person is less likely to notice the presence of a suspicious person. A situation where it is difficult to grasp the situation around the vehicle is, for example, when the person is resting in the vehicle interior, and when the person uses the vehicle interior as a private space and is enjoying images or the like in the vehicle interior.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a control device, a program, and a vehicle that can make a person in the vehicle easily notice the presence of a suspicious person or object around the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device of the embodiment includes a detection unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The detection unit detects the presence of a person in the vehicle interior of the vehicle. The determination unit determines that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined situation having a risk due to a suspicious person or object. The control unit controls the equipment of the vehicle when there is a person in the vehicle interior and the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present invention can make it easier for a person in the vehicle to notice the presence of a suspicious person or object around the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the control device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scales of the respective parts in the following drawings may be appropriately changed. Also, the respective drawings used in the following description of the embodiment may show the configuration with omissions for the sake of explanation. Further, in each drawing and this specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the main part configuration of a vehicle 100 according to the embodiment. Note that each component of each device may be built-in or externally attached.

[0010] The vehicle 100 is, for example, an automobile. The vehicle 100 includes, as an example, a control device 110, a seat 120, an in-vehicle sensor 130, an out-vehicle sensor 140, an entertainment device 150, an out-vehicle warning device 160, a traveling unit 170, and a door 180.

[0011] The control device 110 controls, for example, each part of the vehicle 100. The control device 110 is, for example, an in-vehicle device of the vehicle 100. The in-vehicle device is, for example, an ECU (electronic control unit). The in-vehicle device may also be a car navigation system or an ETC (electronic toll collection) in-vehicle unit, etc. The control device 110 may also be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (personal computer), etc. As an example, the control device 110 includes a processor 111, a ROM (read-only memory) 112, a RAM (random-access memory) 113, an auxiliary storage device 114, a control interface 115, an output device 116, and an input device 117. And a bus 118, etc. connects these respective parts.

[0012] Processor 111 is the central part of a computer that performs processes such as operations and controls necessary for the operation of vehicle 100 and control device 110, and performs various operations and processes. Processor 111 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (micro processing unit), SoC (system on a chip), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (graphics processing unit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), PLD (programmable logic device), or FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc. Alternatively, processor 111 is a combination of a plurality of these. Also, processor 111 may be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator or the like. Processor 111 controls each part to realize various functions of vehicle 100 and control device 110 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in ROM 112 or auxiliary storage device 114, etc. Also, processor 111 executes the processes described later based on the program. Note that part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of processor 111.

[0013] ROM 112 and RAM 113 are the main storage devices of a computer centered around processor 111. ROM 112 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 112 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. Also, ROM 112 stores data used by processor 111 when performing various processes.

[0014] RAM 113 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 113 is utilized as a work area or the like that stores data temporarily used by processor 111 when performing various processes. RAM 113 is typically a volatile memory.

[0015] The auxiliary storage device 114 is an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered around the processor 111. The auxiliary storage device 114 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 114 stores, among the above programs, for example, system software and application software. Further, the auxiliary storage device 114 stores data used by the processor 111 to perform various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 111, and various setting values.

[0016] The control interface 115 is an interface for the control device 110 to communicate with each part of the vehicle 100. The control device 110 controls each part via the control interface 115.

[0017] The output device 116 is installed inside the vehicle and notifies various information to people inside the vehicle. The output device 116 includes, for example, at least one of a display device and a speaker. The display device displays a screen for notifying various information to people inside the vehicle. The display device is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display. The speaker outputs sounds for notifying various information to people inside the vehicle.

[0018] The input device 117 is installed inside the vehicle and receives operations by people inside the vehicle. The input device 117 is, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, or a controller. Further, the input device 117 may be a device for voice input. Also, as the output device 116 and the input device 117, a touch panel can be used. In this case, the display panel included in the touch panel functions as the output device 116. And the pointing device by touch input included in the touch panel functions as the input device 117.

[0019] The bus 118 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, etc., and transmits signals exchanged among the respective parts of the control device 110.

[0020] The seat 120 is a chair on which a person riding in the vehicle 100 sits. The vehicle 100 includes, as an example, a seat 120 for the driver, a seat 120 for the passenger seat, and a seat 120 for the rear seats. The seat 120 may be deformable. The deformation of the seat 120 includes, for example, reclining, front - rear sliding, changing the seat surface height, and changing the position and angle of the ottoman. Note that the seat 120 may be provided with an in - vehicle sensor 130 that detects that a person is sitting on the seat 120.

[0021] The in - vehicle sensor 130 is a sensor for the interior of the vehicle 100 (hereinafter, the interior of the vehicle 100 is simply referred to as the "vehicle interior"). The in - vehicle sensor 130 is a sensor capable of detecting that there is a person in the vehicle interior of the vehicle 100. The in - vehicle sensor 130 is, for example, a camera, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a radar, LIDAR (light detection and ranging), a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, or a vibration sensor. The in - vehicle sensor 130 outputs information indicating the sensing result. The information output by the in - vehicle sensor 130 is hereinafter referred to as "in - vehicle information". The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of types of in - vehicle sensors 130. The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of in - vehicle sensors 130.

[0022] The external sensor 140 is a sensor for the outside of the vehicle 100 (hereinafter, the "outside of the vehicle 100" is simply referred to as the "outside"). The external sensor 140 is a sensor capable of detecting a person outside the vehicle. The external sensor 140 is, for example, a camera, a microphone, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a radar, a LIDAR, or a vibration sensor. The external sensor 140 outputs information indicating the sensing result. The information output by the external sensor 140 is hereinafter referred to as "external information". The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of types of external sensors 140. The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of external sensors 140.

[0023] The entertainment device 150 is, for example, a device that provides entertainment and the like to a person inside the vehicle 100. As entertainment, the entertainment device 150 performs, for example, reproduction of sound such as music, display of images, or operation of video games. Note that a moving image is a kind of image. The entertainment device 150 is a video device, an audio device, or a game machine. The entertainment device 150 may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC. The control device 110 may also serve as the entertainment device 150. The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of types of entertainment devices 150. The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of entertainment devices 150. The entertainment device 150 is an example of an entertainment device. The entertainment device 150 is an example of an equipment of the vehicle 100 that can be controlled by the control device 110.

[0024] The external warning device 160 is a device capable of warning people outside the vehicle. The external warning device 160 gives a warning, for example, by sound, video, light, vibration, or movement of an object. The external warning device 160 is, for example, a light-emitting device, a horn, a speaker, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, or a power unit. The power unit is, for example, at least one of an engine and a motor. The light-emitting device is, for example, a headlight, a taillight, a side marker light, a fog light, a brake lamp, a turn signal lamp, a hazard lamp, a back lamp, or an interior light. The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of types of external warning devices 160. The vehicle 100 may be provided with a plurality of external warning devices 160. The external warning device 160 is an example of an equipment of the vehicle 100 that can be controlled by the control device 110.

[0025] The running unit 170 is a part having a function of running the vehicle 100. The running unit 170 includes, for example, a power unit and a drive system. The running unit 170 may include a power source for operating the motor. The power source is, for example, at least one of a battery, a fuel cell, and a generator. Part or all of the running unit 170 may also serve as the external warning device 160. The running unit 170 is an example of an equipment of the vehicle 100 that can be controlled by the control device 110.

[0026] The door 180 is a door that serves as an entrance to and exit from the vehicle 100. The door 180 includes, for example, a lock that can be locked by electronic control and a power window.

[0027] The operation of the vehicle 100 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 and the like. Note that the content of the processing in the following operation description is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining the same result can be appropriately used. FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing by the processor 111 of the control device 110. The processor 111 executes the processing of FIGS. 2 and 3 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 112 or the auxiliary storage device 114. The processor 111 executes the processing of FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, when the vehicle 100 is stopped or parked.

[0028] In step ST11 of FIG. 2, the processor 111 of the control device 110 acquires vehicle exterior information from the vehicle exterior sensor 140 via, for example, the control interface 115.

[0029] In step ST12, the processor 111 executes the situation determination process shown in FIG. 3 using the vehicle exterior information acquired in step ST11. The situation determination process is a process for determining the situation outside the vehicle. The situation determination process is also a process for determining whether the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to each of a predetermined category. The processor 111 resets the category information before executing the situation determination process. The category information indicates which category the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to.

[0030] In step ST21 of FIG. 3, the processor 111 executes a detection process using the vehicle exterior information. The detection process includes a process for detecting a person outside the vehicle. The detection process includes a process for detecting the behavior of a person outside the vehicle.

[0031] In step ST22, the processor 111 determines whether there is a person outside the vehicle. When the processor 111 detects a person outside the vehicle through the detection process, it determines that there is a person outside the vehicle. Note that the processor 111 may detect only a person within a predetermined distance D1 from the vehicle 100 in the detection process. If the processor 111 determines that there is no person outside the vehicle, it determines No in step ST22 and ends the situation determination process shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, if the processor 111 determines that there is a person outside the vehicle, it determines Yes in step ST22 and proceeds to step ST23.

[0032] In step ST23, the processor 111 determines whether a new person has been detected. Here, the newly detected person is a person who is not being tracked among the persons detected by the detection process. If the processor 111 newly detects a person, it determines Yes in step ST23 and proceeds to step ST24.

[0033] In step ST24, the processor 111 starts tracking the newly detected person. Note that when the processor 111 newly detects a plurality of persons at once in step ST23, it may start tracking each of the newly detected persons. The processor 111 performs tracking of the person using, for example, vehicle exterior information. The processor 111 performs tracking of the person until, for example, a predetermined condition is satisfied. The processor 111 ends the tracking of the person when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined condition for ending the tracking of a person being tracked are shown below as (A1) and (A2).

[0034] (A1) It becomes impossible to track the person. (A2) The person has moved away from the vehicle by a predetermined distance D2 or more. Note that the distance D2 is a distance of D1 or more.

[0035] If the processor 111 has not newly detected a person, it determines No in step ST23 and proceeds to step ST25. Also, after the processing in step ST24, the processor 111 proceeds to step ST25.

[0036] In step ST25, the processor 111 determines whether the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category A using the result of the detection process. Category A indicates that at least one of the persons being tracked is within a predetermined distance D3 or less from the vehicle 100 for a predetermined period T1 or more. The distance D3 is a distance equal to or less than the distance D1. If the processor 111 determines that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category A, it determines Yes in step ST25 and proceeds to step ST26.

[0037] In step ST26, the processor 111 stores category information indicating that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category A in the RAM 113 or the auxiliary storage device 114.

[0038] If the processor 111 determines that the situation outside the vehicle does not correspond to category A, it determines No in step ST25 and proceeds to step ST27. Also, after the processing in step ST26, the processor 111 proceeds to step ST27.

[0039] In step ST27, the processor 111 determines whether the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category B using the result of the detection process. Category B indicates that a person being tracked has approached within a predetermined distance D4 or less from the vehicle 100. The distance D4 is a distance less than the distance D3. If the processor 111 determines that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category B, it determines Yes in step ST27 and proceeds to step ST28.

[0040] In step ST28, the processor 111 stores category information indicating that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category B in the RAM 113 or the auxiliary storage device 114.

[0041] If the processor 111 determines that the external situation does not fall under Category B, it determines No in step ST27 and proceeds to step ST29. Also, after the process of step ST28, the processor 111 proceeds to step ST29.

[0042] In step ST29, the processor 111 determines whether the external situation falls under Category C using the result of the detection process. Category C indicates that a person being tracked is acting suspiciously. Suspicious actions include, for example, peeping into the vehicle 100, looking around the vehicle 100, being on guard around the vehicle 100, attempting to touch the vehicle 100, touching the vehicle 100, or walking back and forth in front of the vehicle 100. If the processor 111 determines that the external situation falls under Category C, it determines Yes in step ST29 and proceeds to step ST30.

[0043] In step ST30, the processor 111 stores category information indicating that the external situation falls under Category C in the RAM 113 or the auxiliary storage device 114.

[0044] If the processor 111 determines that the external situation does not fall under Category C, it determines No in step ST29 and proceeds to step ST31. Also, after the process of step ST30, the processor 111 proceeds to step ST31.

[0045] In step ST31, the processor 111 determines whether the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category D using the result of the detection process. Category D indicates that a person being tracked has uttered a suspicious keyword. The processor 111 deems that a suspicious keyword has been uttered, for example, when a predetermined word or sentence is included. Alternatively, the processor 11 may determine whether the utterance being tracked is suspicious using AI (artificial intelligence). If the processor 111 determines that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category D, it determines Yes in step ST31 and proceeds to step ST32.

[0046] In step ST32, the processor 111 stores category information indicating that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category D in the RAM 113 or the auxiliary storage device 114.

[0047] If the processor 111 determines that the situation outside the vehicle does not correspond to category D, it determines No in step ST31 and proceeds to step ST33. Also, after the process of step ST32, the processor 111 proceeds to step ST33.

[0048] In step ST33, the processor 111 determines whether the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category E using the result of the detection process. Category E indicates that a person being tracked is about to do something to the vehicle 100. If the processor 111 determines that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category E, it determines Yes in step ST33 and proceeds to step ST34.

[0049] In step ST34, the processor 111 stores category information indicating that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to category E in the RAM 113 or the auxiliary storage device 114.

[0050] If the processor 111 determines that the external situation does not fall under Category E, it determines No in step ST33 and proceeds to step ST35. Also, after the process of step ST34, the processor 111 proceeds to step ST35.

[0051] In step ST35, the processor 111 determines whether the external situation falls under Category F using the result of the detection process. Category F indicates that a person being tracked is about to touch or has touched the door of the vehicle 100. If the processor 111 determines that the external situation does not fall under Category F, it determines No in step ST35 and ends the situation determination process shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, if the processor 111 determines that the external situation falls under Category F, it determines Yes in step ST35 and proceeds to step ST36.

[0052] In step ST36, the processor 111 stores category information indicating that the external situation falls under Category F in the RAM 113 or the auxiliary storage device 114. After the process of step ST36, the processor 111 ends the situation determination process shown in FIG. 3.

[0053] In the situation determination process shown above, it is determined whether the external situation falls under each of Categories A to F. However, the processor 111 may also determine whether the external situation falls under a category other than Categories A to F in the situation determination process. Categories other than Categories A to F indicate situations other than the situations indicated by each of Categories A to F.

[0054] Also, each of Categories A to F is a category indicating a situation having a risk caused by a suspicious person. The processor 111 may also determine whether the situation falls under a category indicating a situation other than the situation having a risk caused by a suspicious person in the situation determination process.

[0055] A person being tracked is an example of a suspicious person. Alternatively, a person who has caused a reason falling under any of Category A to Category F is an example of a suspicious person.

[0056] Upon finishing the situation determination process shown in FIG. 3, the processor 111 finishes the process of step ST12 in FIG. 2 and proceeds to step ST13.

[0057] From the above, the processor 111 functions as an example of a determination unit that determines, by performing the processes of step ST11 and step ST12, that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined situation having a risk caused by a suspicious person or a suspicious object. Alternatively, the processor 111 functions as an example of a determination unit by performing the processes of step ST11 and step ST12 in cooperation with the outside vehicle sensor 140.

[0058] In step ST13, the processor 111 determines whether it corresponds to a category (hereinafter referred to as "in-vehicle warning category") in which in-vehicle warning processing is defined when there is a person in the vehicle. Here, it is assumed that all of Category A to Category F correspond to the in-vehicle warning category. However, each of Category A to Category F may not be the in-vehicle warning category. Details of the in-vehicle warning processing will be described later. Note that the processor 111 refers to the category information to confirm which category the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to. If the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the in-vehicle warning category, the processor 111 determines Yes in step ST13 and proceeds to step ST14.

[0059] In step ST14, the processor 111 acquires in-vehicle information from the in-vehicle sensor 130 via the control interface 115, for example.

[0060] In step ST15, the processor 111 determines whether there is a person in the vehicle using the in-vehicle information acquired in step ST14. If the processor 111 determines that there is a person in the vehicle, it determines Yes in step ST15 and proceeds to step ST16.

[0061] As described above, the processor 111 functions as an example of a detection unit that detects the presence of a person in the passenger compartment of the vehicle by performing the processes of step ST14 and step ST15. Alternatively, the processor 111 functions as an example of a detection unit by performing the processes of step ST14 and step ST15 in cooperation with the in-vehicle sensor 130.

[0062] In step ST16, the processor 111 performs in-vehicle warning processing defined for each category. The in-vehicle warning processing is processing for making the person in the vehicle aware of or warning that the situation outside the vehicle is a dangerous situation. Examples of the in-vehicle warning processing are shown below as (B1) to (B4). Note that the processor 111 refers to the category information to confirm which category the situation outside the vehicle belongs to.

[0063] (B1) The processor 111 controls the entertainment device 150 to stop the operation of the entertainment device 150. The stop of the operation is, for example, the stop of the content. The content is, for example, an image, audio, or game, etc. Therefore, the stop of the operation is, for example, the end of the display of the image, the stop of the video playback, the stop of the audio playback, or the stop of the game, etc.

[0064] (B2) The processor 111 controls the seat 120 to deform the seat 120. The processor 111 deforms, for example, the deformed state of the seat 120 so as to return it to the initial state.

[0065] (B3) The processor 111 causes the detection content of the external sensor 140 to be displayed on at least one of, for example, the output device 116 and the entertainment device 150. The detection content of the external sensor 140 may be an external image captured by a camera. The detection content of the external sensor 140 may be external sound collected by a microphone.

[0066] (B4) The processor 111 gives a warning indicating that the external situation is a dangerous situation to the people inside the vehicle. The processor 111 gives a warning by, for example, an image and sound. The processor 111 gives a warning using at least one of, for example, the output device 116 and the entertainment device 150. Note that the output device 116 and the entertainment device 150 are each an example of an in-vehicle warning device that gives a warning inside the vehicle cabin.

[0067] Examples of combinations of categories and in-vehicle warning processing are shown below. The combinations of categories and in-vehicle warning processing are not limited to those shown below. Categories A to F: (B1) Categories B to F: (B2) Categories C to F: (B3) Categories D to F: (B4)

[0068] In this example, when the processor 111 corresponds to category B, for example, it performs the in-vehicle warning processing of (B1) and (B2).

[0069] When the processor 111 no longer corresponds to any of the corresponding categories, it may end the in-vehicle warning processing.

[0070] If the external situation does not correspond to the in-vehicle warning category, the processor 111 determines No in step ST13 and proceeds to step ST17. Also, if the processor 111 determines that there is no person inside the vehicle, it determines No in step ST15 and proceeds to step ST17. Also, after the processing of step ST16, the processor 111 proceeds to step ST17.

[0071] In step ST17, the processor 111 determines whether the external situation corresponds to a category (hereinafter referred to as "external warning category") in which a warning is to be given to a person outside the vehicle. Note that the processor 111 checks which category the external situation corresponds to by referring to the category information. If the external situation does not correspond to the external warning category, the processor 111 determines No in step ST17 and returns to step ST11. On the other hand, if the external situation corresponds to the external warning category, the processor 111 determines Yes in step ST17 and proceeds to step ST18.

[0072] In step ST18, the processor 111 performs an external warning process defined for each category. The external warning process is a process of warning a person outside the vehicle or a process of removing or reducing the external danger. Examples of the external warning process are shown below as (C1) to (C4). Note that the processor 111 checks which category the external situation corresponds to by referring to the category information. Also, the processor 111 may perform a plurality of external warning processes.

[0073] (C1) The processor 111 operates the external warning device 160 to give a warning to a person outside the vehicle. As an example of operating the external warning device 160, the processor 111 performs at least any one of causing a light emitting device to emit light, sounding a horn, outputting sound from a speaker, displaying an image on a display, and turning on the ignition.

[0074] (C2) The processor 111 controls the traveling unit 170 to cause the vehicle 100 to travel a predetermined distance.

[0075] (C3) The processor 111 controls the traveling unit 170 to cause the vehicle 100 to travel by automatic driving. This traveling may be with a designated destination or without a designated destination. The destination may be, for example, a parking space different from the place where the vehicle 100 stopped or parked when the vehicle exterior warning process was started. The destination may be, for example, the nearest police station. The destination may be, for example, a predetermined place.

[0076] (C4) The processor 111 controls the door 180 to lock the door. Also, the processor 111 controls the door 180 to close the power window.

[0077] Examples of combinations of categories and vehicle exterior warning processes are shown below. The combinations of categories and vehicle exterior warning processes are not limited to those shown below. Category B: (C4) Categories E to F: (C1) Category E: (C2) Category F: (C3)

[0078] In this example, when the processor 111 corresponds to Category F, for example, it performs the vehicle exterior warning processes of (C1) and (C3).

[0079] When the processor 111 no longer corresponds to any of the corresponding categories, it may end the vehicle exterior warning process.

[0080] After the process of step ST18, the processor 111 returns to step ST11.

[0081] As described above, when there is a person in the vehicle interior and the external situation corresponds to a predetermined situation, the processor 111 functions as an example of a control unit that controls the vehicle equipment by performing at least one of the processes in step ST16 and step ST18. Alternatively, the processor 111 functions as an example of a control unit by performing at least one of the processes in step ST16 and step ST18 in cooperation with at least one of the output device 116, the entertainment device 150, the external warning device 160, and the traveling unit 170.

[0082] The vehicle 100 according to the embodiment controls the equipment of the vehicle 100 when there is a person in the vehicle interior and the external situation corresponds to a predetermined category indicating a situation having a risk caused by a suspicious person. Thereby, the person in the vehicle can easily notice that the outside of the vehicle is in a dangerous situation.

[0083] Further, the vehicle 100 according to the embodiment stops the operation of the entertainment device 150 when the external situation corresponds to a predetermined category. Thereby, the person in the vehicle can easily notice that the outside of the vehicle is in a dangerous situation.

[0084] Further, the vehicle 100 according to the embodiment returns the deformed state of the seat 120 to the initial state when the external situation corresponds to a predetermined category. Thereby, the person in the vehicle can easily notice that the outside of the vehicle is in a dangerous situation.

[0085] Further, the vehicle 100 according to the embodiment displays an image taken outside the vehicle when the external situation corresponds to a predetermined category. Thereby, the person in the vehicle can easily notice that the outside of the vehicle is in a dangerous situation.

[0086] Further, the vehicle 100 according to the embodiment gives a warning inside the vehicle when the external situation corresponds to a predetermined category. Thereby, the person in the vehicle can easily notice that the outside of the vehicle is in a dangerous situation.

[0087] In addition, when the situation outside the vehicle 100 of the embodiment falls within a predetermined category, a warning is given outside the vehicle. Thereby, there is a possibility that the vehicle 100 of the embodiment can remove the danger outside the vehicle.

[0088] In addition, the vehicle 100 of the embodiment gives a warning outside the vehicle using at least one of a light emitting device, a horn, a speaker, and a power unit. That is, the vehicle 100 of the embodiment can give a warning outside the vehicle using the equipment of a general vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle 100 of the embodiment does not incur the cost of providing equipment dedicated to warning outside the vehicle.

[0089] In addition, when the situation outside the vehicle 100 of the embodiment falls within a predetermined category, the vehicle 100 is made to travel when the situation outside the vehicle falls within a predetermined category. Thereby, there is a possibility that the vehicle 100 of the embodiment can remove the danger outside the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle 100 of the embodiment may be able to move away from a dangerous location.

[0090] The above embodiment can be modified as follows. Levels may be set for each category. The higher the level, the higher the danger. The processor 111 may determine the in-vehicle warning process to be executed according to the level. For example, when it is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the processor 111 performs a predetermined in-vehicle warning process. The processor 111 may determine the out-of-vehicle warning process to be executed according to the level. For example, when it is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the processor 111 performs a predetermined out-of-vehicle warning process. Examples of the levels of each category are shown below.

[0091] Category A: Level 1 Category B: Level 2 Category C: Level 3 Category D: Level 4 Category E: Level 5 Category F: Level 6

[0092] Examples of the levels for performing each in-vehicle warning process are shown below. (B1): Level 1 or higher (B2): Level 2 or higher (B3): Level 3 or higher (B4): Level 4 or higher

[0093] Examples of the levels at which each external vehicle warning process is performed are shown below. (C1): Level 5 or higher (C2): Level 5 (C3): Level 6 or higher (C4): Level 2

[0094] In the above embodiment, the processor 111 of the control device 110 detects a suspicious person. Also, in the above embodiment, categories A to F indicate that the situation outside the vehicle is a situation having a risk due to a suspicious person. However, the processor 111 may detect a suspicious object. And the processor 111 may determine whether or not it corresponds to a category indicating that the situation outside the vehicle is a situation having a risk due to a suspicious object in the situation determination process.

[0095] Each device of the embodiment may be composed of a plurality of devices.

[0096] The processor 111 may implement part or all of the processes implemented by the program in the above embodiment by the hardware configuration of a circuit.

[0097] The program for implementing the processes of the embodiment is transferred, for example, in a state stored in a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium within the device. However, the device may be transferred in a state where the program is not stored. And the program may be transferred separately and written into the device. The transfer of the program at this time can be realized, for example, by recording it on a removable and non-temporary computer-readable storage medium, or by downloading via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (local area network).

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, these are shown as examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 100 Vehicle 110 Control Device 111 Processor 112 ROM 113 RAM 114 Auxiliary Storage Device 115 Control Interface 116 Display Device 117 Input Device 118 Bus 120 Seat 130 In-vehicle Sensor 140 Out-of-vehicle Sensor 150 Entertainment Device 160 Out-of-vehicle Warning Device 170 Running Unit 180 Door

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects the presence of a person in the vehicle interior of the vehicle; A determination unit that determines that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined situation having a risk caused by a suspicious person or object; A control device comprising: a control unit that controls the equipment of the vehicle when there is a person in the vehicle interior and the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation.

2. The equipment is an entertainment device, The control unit stops the entertainment device when the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The equipment is a seat, The control unit returns the deformed state of the seat to the initial state when the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation. The control device according to claim 1.

4. The equipment is a display device, The control unit causes the display device to display an image of the outside of the vehicle when the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation. The control device according to claim 1.

5. The equipment is an in-vehicle warning device that gives a warning inside the vehicle, The control unit controls the in-vehicle warning device to give a warning inside the vehicle when the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation. The control device according to claim 1.

6. The equipment is an out-vehicle warning device that gives a warning outside the vehicle, The control unit controls the out-vehicle warning device to give a warning outside the vehicle when the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation. The control device according to claim 1.

7. The out-vehicle warning device includes at least one of a light-emitting device, a horn, a speaker, and a power unit. The control device according to claim 1.

8. The equipment is a running unit that runs the vehicle, The control unit controls the running unit to run the vehicle when the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation. The control device according to claim 1.

9. A program that causes a processor included in the control device to function as A detection unit that detects the presence of a person in the vehicle interior of the vehicle; A determination unit that determines that the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined situation having a risk caused by a suspicious person or object; A control unit that controls the equipment of the vehicle when there is a person in the vehicle interior and the situation outside the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation.

10. Equipment that can be controlled by a control unit, A detection unit that detects the presence of a person in the vehicle interior, A determination unit that determines that the external situation of the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined situation having a risk caused by a suspicious person or object; A vehicle comprising: the control unit that controls the equipment when there is a person in the vehicle interior and the external situation of the vehicle corresponds to the predetermined situation.

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