Monitoring device, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To solve the problem that, under a bad environment where a moving body that is not the subject of attention exists in the surrounding of a vehicle, a false alarm may happen to be generated by the moving body that is not the subject of attention, presenting a hindrance to appropriate monitoring.SOLUTION: A monitoring device is characterized by having: an acquisition unit for acquiring sensor data generated by a sensor provided in the inside of a vehicle; and a detection unit for detecting a bad environment where a moving body that is not the object of attention exists, on the basis of the sensor data acquired after the elapse of a certain time while a wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle remains severed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technology for monitoring the surrounding environment of a vehicle by acquiring data on the surrounding environment of the vehicle using sensors such as cameras, microphones, and illuminance provided in the vehicle to detect suspicious moving objects such as the approach, peeping, or intrusion of a person into the vehicle. Among such technologies, for example, there is a technology for setting a security level based on the surrounding traffic volume, brightness, and loudness of sound (for example, Patent Document 1). In this technology, for example, the security level is adjusted such that it is lowered when the surrounding traffic volume is high or the sound is loud, and raised when it is dark.

[0003] In addition, among the monitoring devices for the surrounding environment of the vehicle, for example, there is a device that enters a power-saving monitoring mode during parking monitoring and enters a detailed monitoring mode in which the SOC (System On Chip) is activated to detect the behavior of a moving object when a moving object is detected within a predetermined area around the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the method for detecting a moving object using a microwave / millimeter-wave sensor, in a bad environment where there are moving objects that are not the objects of attention around the vehicle, false alarms may occur due to these moving objects that are not the objects of attention, and appropriate monitoring may not be performed. Note that the bad environment where there are moving objects that are not the objects of attention refers to an environment where, when a person peeking into the vehicle is regarded as a moving object of attention, there are moving objects that are not the objects of attention, for example, heavy rain around the vehicle, swaying of plants or flags, etc., but is not limited to these.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to solve such problems and achieve the object, the monitoring device according to the invention described in claim 1 includes an acquisition unit that acquires sensor data generated by a sensor provided inside the vehicle, and a detection unit that detects a bad environment where there are moving objects that are not the objects of attention based on the acquired sensor data after a certain period of time has passed while the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle is interrupted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below. Further, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0009] 〔1. Configuration of the System〕 First, the configuration of the monitoring system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an example of the monitoring system according to the embodiment is a vehicle 10 equipped with a monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 may be, for example, a device that is built in or externally attached to the vehicle 10 and is communicably connected.

[0010] The monitoring device 100 acquires peripheral information of the vehicle 10 by means of a sensor such as a moving body sensor communicably connected to the monitoring device 100, and monitors the vehicle 10 for moving bodies that are the objects of attention, such as people approaching, peeping into, or intruding into the vehicle 10. On the other hand, the monitoring device 100 controls, for example, not to detect heavy rain, swaying of plants and flags, snow accumulation, ground blizzards, etc. around the vehicle 10 as moving bodies that are not the objects of attention. Note that the detection of moving bodies that are the objects of attention such as people approaching, and moving bodies that are not the objects of attention such as swaying of plants may be determined by, for example, existing technologies, as to what the detected object is.

[0011] 〔2. Configuration of Monitoring Device 100〕 Next, the monitoring device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the monitoring device 100 according to the embodiment. The monitoring device 100 may be, for example, a device mounted on a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 130, and a control unit 120. Hereinafter, each unit included in the monitoring device 100 will be described.

[0012] The communication unit 110 is realized, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network by wire or wirelessly, and performs transmission and reception of information, for example, with other devices.

[0013] The storage unit 130 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 130 includes, for example, a sensor data storage unit 131, a position data storage unit 132, and a map data storage unit 133.

[0014] The sensor data storage unit 131 stores information regarding sensor data acquired by sensors such as a moving body sensor provided in the monitoring device 100 or communicably connected to the monitoring device 100. The sensor data stored in the sensor data storage unit 131 is, for example, transmitted from the sensor at any time and stored in the sensor data storage unit 131. Here, the sensor may be, for example, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), a camera, a PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensor, thermography, or the like.

[0015] The position data storage unit 132 stores information regarding the position of the vehicle 10, for example. The position information of the vehicle 10 stored in the position data storage unit 132 may be, for example, position information acquired from GPS (Global Positioning System), and is acquired from GPS at a predetermined timing and stored in the position data storage unit 132.

[0016] Note that the information stored in the storage unit 130 is not limited to sensor data and the like, and the storage unit 130 may store various other information, for example. Further, when the storage unit 130 does not use the position information or map information of the vehicle 10, for example, these pieces of information may not be stored.

[0017] The control unit 120 is realized by using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an NP (Network Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like, and executes a processing program stored in a memory. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 120 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 121, a detection unit 122, an adjustment unit 123, and a disconnection unit 124. Hereinafter, each unit included in the control unit 120 will be described.

[0018] The acquisition unit 121 acquires sensor data generated by sensors provided inside the vehicle 10, for example. The acquisition of the sensor data may be, for example, acquisition from the sensor data storage unit 131.

[0019] Further, the acquisition unit 121 acquires, for example, the position information of the vehicle 10 and map information.

[0020] The detection unit 122 detects, for example, a bad environment in which there are moving objects that are not of concern based on the sensor data acquired by the acquisition unit 121. Here, the moving objects that are not of concern are, for example, heavy rain around the vehicle 10, swaying of vegetation or streamers, snow accumulation or ground blizzard, etc. The detection unit 122 determines that a bad environment has been detected, for example, when it detects at least one of heavy rain around the vehicle 10, swaying of vegetation or streamers, and little snow accumulation or ground blizzard. Note that, for example, in order to suppress false detection of a bad environment and improve detection accuracy, the detection unit 122 may continuously execute the detection of a bad environment for a predetermined time such as three minutes.

[0021] Further, the detection unit 122 starts detecting a bad environment, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the wireless connection with the terminal associated with the vehicle 10 has been interrupted. Here, the terminal associated with the vehicle 10 is, for example, a smart key, etc., and the wireless connection may be a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) connection.

[0022] Further, the detection unit 122 executes the detection of a bad environment, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor have been adjusted by the adjustment unit 123. This is a re - execution of the detection of a bad environment. For example, because the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10 may change over time, this is to cope with such a situation.

[0023] Further, the detection unit 122 executes the detection of a bad environment, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the detection of a bad environment was executed. This is also a re - execution of the detection of a bad environment, but it is a re - execution when a bad environment has not been detected.

[0024] Further, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed with the wireless connection to the terminal associated with the vehicle 10 interrupted, the detection unit 122 detects an occupant inside. Here, setting it to be after a certain period of time has elapsed with the wireless connection interrupted is, for example, because when a driver with a smart key or the like is wandering around the periphery of the vehicle 10, it is assumed that the wireless connection may be interrupted or connected repeatedly, and this is to exclude such cases.

[0025] Further, for example, when the detection unit 122 detects an occupant, it continues to perform object detection without performing detection on the moving object that is the target of attention for starting the detection of the behavior of the moving object by the sensor. This will be described more specifically with reference to a part of FIG. 3.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of switching of the fail-safe level according to the embodiment. In the vehicle 10 as viewed from above the "no fail-safe" part shown at the far left of FIG. 3, for example, the range indicated by the moving object detection range 160 is the detection range of the moving object, and is the range for detecting a moving object that is the target of attention, that is, a person who approaches, peeks into, or intrudes into the vehicle 10. Note that FIG. 3 shows the moving object detection range 160 by one sensor, but for example, the moving object detection range 160 may be a range by a plurality of sensors such as the right and left ranges of the vehicle 10.

[0027] For example, when there is an occupant inside the vehicle 10, the detection unit 122 continues to perform only object detection without performing detection on the moving object that is the target of attention for starting the detection of the behavior of the moving object by the sensor.

[0028] Further, for example, when the ACC (also referred to as the ACC power supply. ACC is an abbreviation for Accessory) of the vehicle 10 is turned on or the battery voltage of the vehicle 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the detection unit 122 stops the execution of object detection. This is because, for example, when the ACC is turned on, it means that the driver with a smart key or the like has returned to the vehicle 10, and thus the monitoring of the vehicle 10 becomes unnecessary. Also, when the battery voltage of the vehicle 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, it is to prevent the battery from running down.

[0029] The adjustment unit 123 adjusts at least one of the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor for the moving object to be noted in order to start detecting the behavior of the moving object to be noted, according to, for example, the content of the bad environment detected by the detection unit 122. Here, the detection range of the sensor for the moving object to be noted is, for example, the moving object detection ranges 160 and 161 in FIG. 3. In order to prevent problems such as excessive detection of moving objects by moving objects that are not the objects to be noted in a bad environment, an increase in the power consumption of the battery of the vehicle 10, or the occurrence of excessive alarms, the adjustment unit 123 adjusts the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor according to the content of the bad environment.

[0030] The adjustment of the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 3, depending on the degree of adjustment of the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor, it is expressed by level division such as no fail-safe, Lv1-A, Lv2, etc., but it is not limited to that of FIG. 3.

[0031] For no fail-safe, for example, since the moving object detection range 160 is wide as shown in FIG. 3 and the sensitivity of the sensor is in a high-sensitivity state, excessive detection may occur due to moving objects that are not the objects to be noted in a bad environment.

[0032] The fail-safe Lv1-A is a state that transitions from no fail-safe, for example, when detecting moving objects that are not of concern in a harsh environment, such as heavy rain, the swaying of vegetation, or the fluttering of a wind sock. The fail-safe Lv1-A has, for example, a medium-range motion detection range 160 as shown in FIG. 3, and the sensor sensitivity is in a low-sensitivity state.

[0033] The fail-safe Lv2 is a state that transitions, for example, even in the case of over-detection in the fail-safe Lv1-A. The fail-safe Lv2 has, for example, a narrow-range motion detection range 160 as shown in FIG. 3, and the sensor sensitivity is in a low-sensitivity state.

[0034] In this way, when the adjustment unit 123 detects a harsh environment, for example, at a predetermined rear of the vehicle 10, it performs at least one of reducing the detection range of the sensor for the moving object of concern and reducing the sensitivity in order to start detecting the behavior of the moving object of concern.

[0035] Also, when the adjustment unit 123 detects a harsh environment on a predetermined side of the vehicle 10, it performs at least one of reducing the detection range of the sensor for the moving object of concern and reducing the sensitivity on the side where the harsh environment is detected in order to start detecting the behavior of the moving object of concern on that side.

[0036] Further, when the number of detections of an event for generating a warning within a certain time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the adjustment unit 123 performs at least one of further reducing the reduced detection range of the sensor and further reducing the reduced sensitivity according to the number of detections. The event here is, for example, the detection of the behavior of a moving object by the sensor. When the event is detected excessively, the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor are adjusted.

[0037] Further, the adjustment unit 123 adjusts at least one of the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor for the moving object to be monitored to start detecting the behavior of the moving object to be monitored, for example, according to the number of detections of an event for generating a warning within a certain period of time. More specifically, for example, in a fail-safe-off state, when the number of detections of an event, that is, the detection coefficient of the behavior of the moving object by the sensor, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value within a certain period of time, such as 12 times or more in 10 minutes, it is determined as over-detection. In this case, the adjustment unit 123, for example, transitions to fail-safe Lv1-A and adjusts the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor.

[0038] Further, the adjustment unit 123 determines, for example, whether the vehicle 10 is parked at a predetermined position based on the position information of the vehicle 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 121 and the map information. Then, when the adjustment unit 123 determines that the vehicle 10 is parked at a predetermined position, for example, it performs at least one of reducing the detection range and reducing the sensitivity of the sensor for the moving object to be monitored to start detecting the behavior of the moving object to be monitored. The predetermined position is, for example, a parking meter. When parked at a parking meter, there is a possibility of over-detecting pedestrians, vehicles, etc., so the adjustment unit 123 adjusts the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor.

[0039] Note that the adjustment of the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor in this case may be, for example, the adjustment of fail-safe Lv1-A shown in FIG. 3.

[0040] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the disconnection unit 124 performs the disconnection of the wireless connection with the terminal associated with the vehicle 10, such as a smart key, by hysteresis control.

[0041] [3. Switching of Fail-Safe Levels] Next, the switching of the fail-safe level shown in FIG. 3 will be described according to the situation with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of switching of the fail-safe level when there is grass beside the vehicle. FIG. 4 shows an example where the vehicle 10 is parked at a location where there is grass, for example, on the right side of the vehicle 10, and the wind is blowing and the grass is swaying. Note that there is no fail-safe immediately after parking.

[0042] Under such circumstances, for example, after the driver gets out of the vehicle and the BLE connection is interrupted, the monitoring device 100 starts detecting a bad environment for 3 minutes. Then, when the monitoring device 100 detects the swaying of the grass, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, it adjusts the moving object detection range 160, which is the detection range of the sensor, and the sensitivity of the sensor. Note that the monitoring device 100 may continue to search for the driver (strictly speaking, the BLE connection) even after detecting the swaying of the grass, and may adjust the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor when the driver is not found during the 3-minute detection of the bad environment.

[0043] In addition, after a certain period of time, such as 175 minutes, has elapsed after the fail-safe switching, for example, the monitoring device 100 starts detecting a bad environment for 5 minutes again as a re-judgment. Then, when the monitoring device 100 detects the swaying of the grass again in the re-judgment, for example, it ends the re-judgment and adds 180 minutes to the fail-safe duration. On the other hand, when no bad environment such as the swaying of the grass is detected in the re-judgment, for example, the monitoring device 100 transitions the fail-safe level of the sensor to no fail-safe and returns the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor to the state of no fail-safe.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of switching of the fail-safe level when there is grass beside the vehicle according to the embodiment. Similar to FIG. 4, FIG. 5 shows an example where the vehicle 10 is parked at a location where there is grass, for example, on the right side of the vehicle 10, but the wind has not been blowing for some time after parking and the grass is not swaying.

[0045] Under such circumstances, for example, after the driver gets out of the vehicle and the BLE connection is interrupted, the monitoring device 100 starts detecting a bad environment for three minutes. However, since the swaying of the grass is not detected, the bad environment is not detected and the detection of the bad environment ends.

[0046] When the wind starts blowing in a fail-safe-free state, the monitoring device 100 detects, for example, the swaying of the grass in the moving object detection range 160, and adjusts the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor.

[0047] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is determined that there is an over-detection, the monitoring device 100 adjusts the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor. If it is still determined that there is an over-detection, the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor are further adjusted. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, the re-judgment of the bad environment may be performed as in the example of FIG. 4.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of switching the fail-safe level when there is a passenger according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an example when parked at a place where there is grass on the side of the vehicle 10, for example, on the right side of the vehicle 10, as in FIG. 4, and the wind is blowing and the grass is swaying. And in the example of FIG. 6, there is a passenger 50 waiting in the vehicle 10.

[0049] Under such circumstances, for example, after the driver gets out of the vehicle and the BLE connection is interrupted, the monitoring device 100 starts detecting a bad environment for three minutes. However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the passenger 50 is detected, the standby mode is started. In the standby mode, object detection is performed, but detection of the behavior of the moving object to be noted by the sensor is not executed to start the detection of the moving object to be noted. Also, the monitoring device 100 stops the execution of object detection during the standby mode, for example, when the ACC of the vehicle 10 is turned on or when the battery voltage of the vehicle 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. Note that, for example, even when the swaying of the grass is not detected, if the passenger 50 is detected, the standby mode may be started.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of switching of the fail-safe level when there is grass behind in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an example when parked at a location where there is grass behind the vehicle 10, for example, and the wind is blowing and the grass is swaying.

[0051] Under such circumstances, for example, after the driver gets out of the vehicle and the BLE connection is interrupted, the monitoring device 100 starts detecting a bad environment for 3 minutes. Then, when the monitoring device 100 detects the swaying of the grass, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, it adjusts the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor. In the case of the example in FIG. 7 as well, similar to the example in FIG. 4, the monitoring device 100 may continue to search for the driver even after detecting the swaying of the grass, and may adjust the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor when the driver is not found during the 3-minute detection of the bad environment. Also, in the example of FIG. 7, re-judgment of the bad environment may be performed as in the example of FIG. 4.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of switching of the fail-safe level in the case of rain in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an example when it was light rain at the time of parking but changed to heavy rain during parking.

[0053] Under such circumstances, for example, after the driver gets out of the vehicle and the BLE connection is interrupted, the monitoring device 100 starts detecting a bad environment for 3 minutes. However, since heavy rain is not detected, the bad environment is not detected and the detection of the bad environment ends.

[0054] When the rain changes to heavy rain, the monitoring device 100 detects heavy rain, for example, and adjusts the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor as shown in FIG. 8.

[0055] Also, in the example of FIG. 8, re-judgment of the bad environment may be performed as in the example of FIG. 4.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of switching of the fail-safe level in the case of rain in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is an example when, for example, following the example in FIG. 4, after the monitoring device 100 detects the swaying of the grass, heavy rain starts to fall.

[0057] When heavy rain starts to fall, the monitoring device 100, for example, detects heavy rain and, if it is determined to be an over-detection, adjusts the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor as shown in FIG. 9. Also, in the example of FIG. 9, re-determination of the bad environment may be performed as in the example of FIG. 4.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of switching of the fail-safe level when parking at a parking meter according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 shows an example when parking at a parking meter.

[0059] Under such circumstances, for example, after the driver gets out of the vehicle and the BLE connection is interrupted, the monitoring device 100 starts detecting a bad environment for 3 minutes, but no bad environment is detected and the detection of the bad environment ends.

[0060] Under such circumstances, the monitoring device 100, for example, detects pedestrians or vehicles and, if it is determined to be an over-detection, adjusts the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor as shown in FIG. 10. Also, the monitoring device 100 determines, for example, whether the vehicle 10 is parked at a parking meter based on the position information of the vehicle 10 acquired from the GPS and the map information, and if the vehicle 10 is parked at a parking meter, the moving object detection range 160 and the sensitivity of the sensor may be adjusted. Also, in the example of FIG. 10, re-determination of the bad environment may be performed as in the example of FIG. 4.

[0061] 〔4. Flowchart〕 Next, the sensor adjustment process executed by the monitoring device 100 will be described along the flow using the flowchart of FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the sensor adjustment process according to the embodiment. Each process in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is mainly executed by the control unit 120, for example. Further, this flowchart can be configured as a program executed by the CPU included in the control unit 120 to obtain a monitoring program. Note that each process step in the flowchart of FIG. 11 can be executed in a different order, and there may be process steps that are omitted. The flowchart of FIG. 11 may be executed, for example, triggered by the elapse of a certain period of time while the wireless connection with the terminal associated with the vehicle 10 is interrupted.

[0062] First, the monitoring device 100 acquires sensor data generated by a sensor provided, for example, inside the vehicle 10 from the sensor data storage unit 131 (step S101).

[0063] Next, the monitoring device 100 executes detection of a bad environment in which there is a moving object that is not a target of attention based on the sensor data acquired in step S101, for example (step S102). The detection of the bad environment in step S102 may be executed continuously for, for example, three minutes.

[0064] If no bad environment is detected (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S105 after the elapse of a certain period of time, for example, 175 minutes.

[0065] On the other hand, if a bad environment is detected (step S103: Yes), the monitoring device 100 transitions the fail-safe level and adjusts the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor according to the content of the detected bad environment, for example (step S104).

[0066] Next, the monitoring device 100 executes, for example, detection of an event, that is, detection of the behavior of a moving object by a sensor (step S105). If no event is detected (step S106: No), the process returns to step S105, and the monitoring device 100 repeats the process until an event is detected.

[0067] On the other hand, if an event is detected (step S106: Yes), the monitoring device 100 determines, for example, whether the number of event detections within a certain period is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S107). If the number of event detections is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S107: Yes), as an over-detection of the behavior of a moving object that is not a target of attention, the monitoring device 100, for example, returns to step S104 and adjusts the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor.

[0068] On the other hand, if the number of event detections is less than the threshold value (step S107: No), the monitoring device 100 generates a warning, for example, assuming that the behavior of a moving object that is a target of attention has been detected (step S108). After the execution of step S108, the sensor adjustment process shown in FIG. 11 ends.

[0069] [5. Effects] The monitoring device 100 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 121 that acquires sensor data generated by a sensor provided inside the vehicle 10, and a detection unit 122 that detects a bad environment in which a moving object that is not a target of attention exists based on the acquired sensor data after a certain period of time has elapsed while the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle 10 is interrupted.

[0070] In this way, the monitoring device 100 detects a bad environment based on sensor data after a certain period of time has elapsed while the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle 10 is interrupted. Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can prevent, for example, detecting the driver as a moving object when the driver is present inside the vehicle 10 and around the vehicle 10, and can perform appropriate monitoring.

[0071] Further, the monitoring device 100 has an adjustment unit 123 that adjusts at least one of the detection range and sensitivity of sensors for moving objects to be monitored in order to start detecting the behavior of moving objects to be monitored according to the content of the detected adverse environment.

[0072] Thereby, even in an adverse environment where there are moving objects that are not the objects to be monitored around the vehicle 10, the monitoring device 100 can suppress an increase in power consumption due to frequent activation of the SOC and the occurrence of false alarms caused by such moving objects that are not the objects to be monitored.

[0073] In addition, the detection unit 122 of the monitoring device 100 continuously executes the detection of the adverse environment for a predetermined time.

[0074] Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can perform more appropriate monitoring.

[0075] In addition, when the adjustment unit 123 of the monitoring device 100 detects an adverse environment around the vehicle 10, it performs at least one of reducing the detection range and reducing the sensitivity.

[0076] Thereby, even in an adverse environment where there are moving objects that are not the objects to be monitored around the vehicle 10, the monitoring device 100 can suppress an increase in power consumption and the occurrence of false alarms.

[0077] In addition, when the adjustment unit 123 of the monitoring device 100 detects an adverse environment on a predetermined side of the vehicle 10, it performs at least one of reducing the detection range and reducing the sensitivity on the side where the adverse environment is detected.

[0078] Thereby, even in an adverse environment where there are moving objects that are not the objects to be monitored on the side of the vehicle 10, the monitoring device 100 can suppress an increase in power consumption and the occurrence of false alarms.

[0079] In addition, when the detection count of an event for generating a warning within a certain period of time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the adjustment unit 123 of the monitoring device 100 performs at least one of further reducing the detection range and further reducing the sensitivity according to the detection count.

[0080] Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can prevent the occurrence of false alarms due to excessive detection of moving objects that are not the objects of attention.

[0081] In addition, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the detection range or sensitivity of the detection unit 122 of the monitoring device 100 is adjusted, the detection unit 122 performs the detection of a bad environment.

[0082] Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can prevent an increase in power consumption and the occurrence of false alarms due to a bad environment even if the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10 changes over time.

[0083] In addition, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the detection unit 122 of the monitoring device 100 performs the detection of a bad environment, the detection unit 122 performs the detection of a bad environment.

[0084] Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can prevent an increase in power consumption and the occurrence of false alarms due to a bad environment even if the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10 changes over time.

[0085] In addition, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the wireless connection with the terminal associated with the vehicle 10 is interrupted, the detection unit 122 of the monitoring device 100 detects the internal passengers. When the passengers are detected, the monitoring device 100 continues to perform object detection without performing the detection of the moving objects that are the objects of attention for starting the detection of the behavior of the moving objects that are the objects of attention by the sensor.

[0086] Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can prevent an increase in power consumption and the occurrence of false alarms when it is not necessary to perform the detection of a bad environment, such as when a passenger is in the vehicle.

[0087] Further, when the ACC of the vehicle 10 is turned on or the battery voltage of the vehicle 10 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the detection unit 122 of the monitoring device 100 stops the execution of object detection.

[0088] Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can suppress an increase in the power consumption of the vehicle 10 and prevent the battery from running out.

[0089] The monitoring device 100 also includes a disconnection unit that executes disconnection of the wireless connection with the terminal associated with the vehicle 10 by means of hysteresis control.

[0090] Thereby, the monitoring device 100 can perform more appropriate monitoring.

[0091] 〔6. Hardware Configuration〕 The monitoring device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by, for example, a computer 1000 configured as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the monitoring device 100. The computer 1000 includes a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, an HDD 1400, a communication I / F (interface) 1500, an input / output I / F (interface) 1600, and a media I / F (interface) 1700.

[0092] The CPU 1100 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400 and controls each unit. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started up, a program that depends on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0093] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. The communication I / F 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network N and sends it to the CPU 1100, and sends data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0094] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers and input devices such as keyboards and mice via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output I / F 1600. Also, the CPU 1100 outputs the generated data to the output devices via the input / output I / F 1600.

[0095] The media I / F 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads such a program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media I / F 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (registered trademark) (Digital Versatile Disc), a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0096] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the monitoring device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 120 by executing the program loaded onto the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be acquired from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0097] 〔7. Others〕 So far, an example of the embodiment according to the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples. That is, those skilled in the art can variously modify and implement it without departing from the gist of the present invention in accordance with conventionally known knowledge. As long as the monitoring device of the present invention is still included even by such modifications, of course, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 10 vehicles 50 passengers 100 monitoring devices 110 communication unit 120 control unit 121 acquisition unit 122 detection unit 123 adjustment unit 124 cutting unit 130 memory unit 131 sensor data memory unit 132 position data memory unit 160 moving object detection range 1000 computer 1100 CPU 1200 RAM 1300 ROM 1400 HDD 1500 communication I / F 1600 input / output I / F 1700 media I / F 1800 recording medium

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires sensor data generated by a sensor provided inside the vehicle; A detection unit that detects a bad environment in which there is a moving object that is not a target of attention based on the acquired sensor data after a certain period of time has elapsed while the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle is interrupted. A monitoring device, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor with respect to the moving object that is the target of attention in order to start detecting the behavior of the moving object that is the target of attention according to the content of the detected bad environment.

3. The detection unit: Continuously executes the detection of the bad environment for a predetermined time. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The adjustment unit: When the bad environment is detected around the vehicle, executes at least one of reducing the detection range and reducing the sensitivity. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. The adjustment unit: When the bad environment is detected on a predetermined side of the vehicle, executes at least one of reducing the detection range and reducing the sensitivity on the side where the bad environment is detected. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

6. The adjustment unit: When the number of detections of an event for generating a warning within a certain period of time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, executes at least one of further reducing the reduced detection range and further reducing the reduced sensitivity according to the number of detections. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

7. The detection unit: Executes the detection of the bad environment after a certain period of time has elapsed since adjusting the detection range or the sensitivity. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

8. The detection unit: Executes the detection of the bad environment after a certain period of time has elapsed since executing the detection of the bad environment. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

9. The detection unit: Detects an occupant inside the vehicle after a certain period of time has elapsed while the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle is interrupted, and When the occupant is detected, continues to execute object detection without executing the detection of the behavior of the moving object that is the target of attention by the sensor. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

10. When the ACC of the vehicle is turned on or the battery voltage of the vehicle becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, stop the execution of the object detection. The monitoring device according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. The monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising a disconnection unit configured to execute disconnection of the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle by means of hysteresis control.

12. A method executed by a monitoring device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring sensor data generated by a sensor provided inside the vehicle; a detection step of detecting, based on the acquired sensor data, a bad environment in which there are moving objects that are not of concern, after a certain period of time has elapsed while the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle is interrupted; A monitoring method, characterized by including the above.

13. an acquisition step of acquiring sensor data generated by a sensor provided inside the vehicle; a detection step of detecting, based on the acquired sensor data, a bad environment in which there are moving objects that are not of concern, after a certain period of time has elapsed while the wireless connection with a terminal associated with the vehicle is interrupted; A monitoring program, characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

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