Notification control device, notification control method, and notification control program

Abstract

This allows for a reduction in the number of times inappropriate emergency notifications are sent. [Solution] The notification control device includes an input unit into which a notification request is input, which is a notification request that a notification destination device be notified of an emergency notification indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state, and input information which is information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state, which has been acquired by an acquisition means; a determination unit which determines whether or not the input information satisfies notification conditions which are conditions that the input information must satisfy when the emergency notification is notified to the notification destination device, when the notification request is input; and a control unit which controls a notification means that notifies the emergency notification, such that the emergency notification is notified to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not notified to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification control device, a notification control method, and a notification control program.

Background Art

[0002] Some police vehicles such as patrol cars (hereinafter referred to as "patrol cars") are equipped with a function to notify an emergency notification to request assistance from the police headquarters, police stations, other patrol cars, etc. when some emergency occurs. The emergency notification is notified, for example, when an operation is performed on a terminal having an emergency notification function (for example, a button for emergency notification displayed on a tablet terminal is tapped).

[0003] Regarding the emergency notification, Patent Document 1 describes a request for assistance in a fire command system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the emergency notification may be accidentally notified. For example, the emergency notification is accidentally notified when the user accidentally touches the button for emergency notification during an operation.

[0006] Even if the emergency notification is accidentally notified, the police headquarters or the like that has received the notification will perform initial actions for assistance. And there are cases where it is found that the emergency notification was incorrect after the rescue vehicle and the rescuers have arrived at the site. In addition, if many incorrect emergency notifications are notified, there is also a possibility that the correct emergency notification will be judged as incorrect due to preconceived notions at the police headquarters or the like that is the notification destination.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a notification control device, a notification control method, and a notification control program that enable a reduction in the number of times inappropriate emergency notifications are issued. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the notification control device includes an input unit into which a notification request is input, which is a notification request that an emergency notification indicating that a vehicle is in an emergency state be sent to a notification destination device, and input information which is information obtained by an acquisition means relating to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state; a determination unit which, when the notification request is input, determines whether or not the input information satisfies notification conditions which are conditions that the input information must satisfy when the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device; and a control unit which controls a notification means that sends an emergency notification, such that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the notification control method receives a notification request that a notification destination device be notified of an emergency notification indicating that a vehicle is in an emergency state, and input information which is information obtained by an acquisition means relating to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state. When the notification request is received, the method determines whether or not the input information satisfies a notification condition which is a condition that the input information must satisfy when the emergency notification is notified to the notification destination device. If the input information satisfies the notification condition, the emergency notification is notified to the notification destination device, and if the input information does not satisfy the notification condition, the method controls the notification means that notifies the emergency notification.

[0010] In another aspect of this disclosure, the notification control program implements an input function into which a computer receives a notification request that requests a notification destination device to notify a vehicle of an emergency condition indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state, and input information which is information obtained by an acquisition means relating to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state; a determination function which, when the notification request is input, determines whether or not the input information satisfies a notification condition which is a condition that the input information must satisfy when the emergency condition is notified to the notification destination device; and a control function which controls a notification means that notifies the emergency condition so that the emergency condition is notified to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification condition, and the emergency condition is not notified to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure will make it possible to reduce the number of times inappropriate emergency notifications are sent. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of the notification control device in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the notification control device in this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of a system including a notification control device in this disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a communication terminal in this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the acquisition means in this disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example configuration of the notification control device in this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the display. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the display. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the display. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the notification control device in this disclosure. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing an example of state transition of the notification control device of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0014] Note that a specific example of the notification control device 10 in the first embodiment is the notification control device 20 in the second embodiment described later.

[0015] First, a configuration example of the notification control device 10 will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the notification control device 10. The notification control device 10 includes an input unit 11, a determination unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0016] A notification request and input information are input to the input unit 11. The notification request is a request for requesting to notify an emergency notification to a notification destination device. The emergency notification is a notification indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state. The input information is information related to whether the vehicle is in an emergency state. The input information is acquired by acquisition means mounted on the vehicle.

[0017] When a notification request is input to the input unit 11, the determination unit 12 determines whether the input information satisfies the notification condition. The notification condition is a condition that the input information satisfies when an emergency notification is notified to a notification destination device.

[0018] When the input information satisfies the notification condition, the control unit 13 controls a notification means for notifying an emergency notification so that the emergency notification is notified to the notification destination device, and when the input information does not satisfy the notification condition, the emergency notification is not notified to the notification destination device.

[0019] Next, an example of the operation flow of the notification control device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation flow of the notification control device 10.

[0020] When a notification request is entered into the input unit 21 (step S101), the determination unit 22 determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions (step S102).

[0021] The control unit 23 controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions (YES in step S102). The control unit 23 also controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions (NO in step S102).

[0022] As described above, in the first embodiment of this disclosure, the notification control device 10 includes an input unit 11, a determination unit 12, and a control unit 13. The input unit 11 receives a notification request and input information. The notification request is a request to notify a notification destination device of an emergency notification. The emergency notification is a notification indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state. The input information is information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state. The input information is acquired by an acquisition means mounted on the vehicle. When a notification request is input to the input unit 11, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the input information satisfies the notification conditions. The notification conditions are the conditions that the input information satisfies when an emergency notification is to be notified to the notification destination device. The control unit 13 controls the notification means that notifies the emergency notification so that if the input information satisfies the notification conditions, the emergency notification is notified to the notification destination device, and if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions, the emergency notification is not notified to the notification destination device.

[0023] As a result, when a notification request is received, the notification control device 10 determines whether the input information acquired by the acquisition means installed in the vehicle satisfies the notification conditions. If the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions, the notification control device 10 controls the notification means so that an emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device. This makes it possible to suppress the sending of emergency notifications due to notification requests that do not satisfy the notification conditions, such as notification requests that are presumed to be incorrect. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of times inappropriate emergency notifications are sent.

[0024] [Second Embodiment] Next, the notification control device 20 in the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Note that the notification control device 20 in the second embodiment is a specific example of the notification control device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0025] First, Figure 3 shows an example of the system configuration including the notification control device 20.

[0026] The notification control device 20 is included in the vehicle 50. The notification control device 20 may also be included in the communication terminal 30. The communication terminal 30 is provided in the vehicle 50. In this embodiment, the vehicle 50 utilizes functions related to emergency notifications. An emergency notification is a notification indicating that the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state. An emergency state is a state in which an emergency has occurred. The vehicle 50 may be, for example, a vehicle used for emergency services such as police, security, fire, and ambulance services, or a commercial vehicle such as a bus, truck, or taxi.

[0027] The communication terminal 30 may be, for example, a general tablet device with communication capabilities. Alternatively, the communication terminal 30 may be a terminal dedicated to emergency notification functions. The communication terminal 30 is equipped with emergency notification functions.

[0028] The communication terminal 30 communicates with the management device 60 via the communication line 80. The management device 60 receives emergency notifications. If the vehicle 50 is a police vehicle, the management device 60 may be installed, for example, at the police headquarters or a police station. The communication terminal 30 also communicates with a communication terminal (not shown) installed in another vehicle 51 via the communication line 80. The communication line 80 may be, for example, a public wireless communication line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), or it may be a wireless communication line dedicated to the business in which the vehicle 50 is used.

[0029] Next, Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the communication terminal 30. In the example shown in Figure 4, the communication terminal 30 includes a notification control device 20, an acquisition means 31, and a notification means 32. The acquisition means 31 and the notification means 32 may be located outside the communication terminal 30, for example, they may be equipment permanently installed in the vehicle 50, or they may be equipment that can be taken outside the vehicle 50 independently of the communication terminal 30.

[0030] Notification means 32 is a means for notifying a recipient device of an emergency. The recipient device is, for example, the management device 60. Alternatively, the recipient device may be a communication terminal installed in another vehicle 51. Notification means 32 may be a communication means installed in the communication terminal 30. Alternatively, notification means 32 may be a communication means installed in the vehicle 50. Furthermore, when notifying an emergency, notification means 32 may transmit real-time video captured by the camera 311 (described later) to the recipient device.

[0031] The acquisition means 31 is a means for acquiring input information. The input information is information acquired by the acquisition means 31 mounted on the vehicle 50. The input information is also information related to whether or not the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state. The input information is input from the acquisition means 31 to the notification control device 20. The notification control device 20 uses the input information to determine whether or not to notify the notification destination device of an emergency. For example, the input information may include at least one of the following: image information, audio information, siren information, location information, and user information. This input information can be used to estimate whether or not the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state. Details of this input information will be described later.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an example configuration of the acquisition means 31. In the example shown in Figure 5, the acquisition means 31 includes a camera 311, a microphone 312, a location information acquisition means 313, a siren information acquisition means 314, and a user information acquisition means 315. The acquisition means 31 includes at least one of the camera 311, microphone 312, location information acquisition means 313, siren information acquisition means 314, and user information acquisition means 315.

[0033] Camera 311 acquires image information. The image information is information from an image taken by the acquisition means 31 (camera 311) mounted on the vehicle 50. Camera 311 may be a camera provided in the communication terminal 30. Alternatively, camera 311 may be located outside the communication terminal 30. For example, camera 311 may be installed inside the vehicle 50. Alternatively, camera 311 may be installed outside the vehicle 50. Camera 311 acquires image information by taking an image of the vehicle 50 and inputs the acquired image information to the notification control device 20.

[0034] Microphone 312 acquires voice information. The voice information is voice information acquired by the acquisition means 31 (microphone 312) mounted on the vehicle 50. Microphone 312 may be a microphone provided in the communication terminal 30. Alternatively, microphone 312 may be located outside the communication terminal 30. For example, microphone 312 may be installed inside the vehicle 50. Microphone 312 may be installed outside the vehicle 50. Microphone 312 acquires voice related to the vehicle 50 and inputs the voice information of the acquired voice to the notification control device 20.

[0035] The location information acquisition means 313 acquires location information of the vehicle 50. Location information is information relating to the location of the vehicle 50. The location information acquisition means 313 may acquire location information using the positioning function provided in the communication terminal 30. Alternatively, the location information acquisition means 313 may be located outside the communication terminal 30. For example, the location information acquisition means 313 may be installed inside the vehicle 50. The location information acquisition means 313 may be installed outside the vehicle 50. The location information acquisition means 313 acquires location information of the vehicle 50 using, for example, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The location information acquisition means 313 inputs the acquired location information to the notification control device 20.

[0036] The location information may also be information about whether or not the vehicle 50 is present in the vicinity of a predetermined location. For example, the location information acquisition means 313 may determine whether or not the vehicle 50 is present in the vicinity of a predetermined location by whether or not it can receive a signal from a transmitter installed at the predetermined location. The transmitter may be a short-range wireless transmitter, such as Bluetooth®. In this case, the location information acquisition means 313 may also be a short-range wireless receiving means.

[0037] The siren information acquisition means 314 acquires siren information of the vehicle 50. Siren information is information about whether or not the vehicle 50 is sounding its siren. For example, if a device that sounds a siren is installed on the vehicle 50 and information about whether or not the siren is sounding can be obtained from this device, the siren information acquisition means 314 may acquire siren information from the device.

[0038] The user information acquisition means 315 acquires user information. User information is information about users who use the emergency notification function. User information may include, for example, the user ID (identification) of the user who uses the emergency notification function. When a user uses the emergency notification function, they can use the emergency notification function by, for example, entering their user ID into the communication terminal 30. The user information acquisition means 315 includes, for example, the user ID entered into the communication terminal 30 in the user information and inputs it into the notification control device 20.

[0039] Next, Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the notification control device 20. The notification control device includes an input unit 21, a determination unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0040] The input unit 21 receives a notification request and input information. The notification request is a request to notify a notification destination device of an emergency. The input information is information acquired by the acquisition means 31 mounted on the vehicle 50. The input information is also information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state. The notification destination device includes at least one of the management device 60 and other vehicles 51.

[0041] An emergency notification is a notification indicating that vehicle 50 is in an emergency situation. An emergency notification may also be a request for assistance, such as additional personnel, when vehicle 50 is in an emergency situation. An emergency notification may also be called an SOS notification.

[0042] A notification request is input to the input unit 21, for example, from the communication terminal 30. A notification request is input to the input unit 21, for example, when a user taps a notification request button displayed on a display means (not shown) provided on the communication terminal 30. Alternatively, a notification request may be input to the input unit 21 in response to a user's operation on a physical notification request button. The physical notification request button may be located outside the communication terminal 30 and connected to the communication terminal 30 or the notification control device 20.

[0043] The input information includes, for example, image information. The image information is information about images taken by the acquisition means 31 (camera 311) mounted on the vehicle 50. The image information is acquired by the acquisition means 31 (camera 311). Furthermore, the image information is input to the input unit 21 even before the notification request is input to the input unit 21. For example, the image information is video information, and the input unit 21 stores the video information input from the acquisition means 31 for a certain period of time in a storage means (not shown).

[0044] Furthermore, the input information includes, for example, voice information. The voice information is voice information acquired by the acquisition means 31 (microphone 312) mounted on the vehicle 50. The voice information is acquired by the acquisition means 31 (microphone 312). In addition, the voice information is input to the input unit 21 even before the notification request is input to the input unit 21. For example, the input unit 21 stores the voice information input from the acquisition means 31 for a certain period of time in the past in a storage means (not shown).

[0045] The input information also includes, for example, location information. The location information is information relating to the location of the vehicle 50. The input unit 21 may acquire the location information of the vehicle 50 from the location information acquisition means 313 when a notification request is input to the input unit 21. Alternatively, for example, the input unit 21 may acquire the location information of the vehicle 50 from the location information acquisition means 313 at predetermined time intervals and store it in the storage means.

[0046] The input information may also include, for example, siren information. Siren information is information about whether or not the vehicle 50 is sounding its siren. When siren information is input to the input unit 21, the input unit 21 stores the input siren information in the storage means. The input unit 21 may also acquire siren information from the siren information acquisition means 314 when a notification request is input to the input unit 21.

[0047] The input information also includes, for example, user information. User information is information about users who use the emergency notification function. When user information is input to the input unit 21, the input unit 21 stores the input user information in the storage means. The input unit 21 may also acquire user information from the user information acquisition means 315 when a notification request is input to the input unit 21.

[0048] When a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions. The notification conditions are the conditions that the input information must satisfy when an emergency notification is to be sent to the notification destination device. For example, the notification conditions may be the conditions that the input information must satisfy when the notification request is presumed to be valid. Details of the notification conditions will be described later.

[0049] When a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the control unit 23 controls the notification means 32 depending on whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions. The notification means 32 is a means for notifying an emergency notification to a notification destination device. The control unit 23 controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device if the input information satisfies the notification conditions. The control unit 23 also controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions.

[0050] Furthermore, if the input information does not meet the notification conditions, the control unit 23 may cause the display means of the communication terminal 30 to display an image indicating that the emergency notification was not sent to the notification destination device.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 23 may control the notification means 32 so that even if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions, an emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device if a mandatory notification instruction is input to the input unit 21. A mandatory notification instruction is an instruction that instructs the notification of an emergency notification to be sent to the notification destination device even if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. A mandatory notification instruction is input to the input unit 21 by the user's operation of the communication terminal 30. For example, if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions, the control unit 23 may cause the display means to display an image including an unsent message indicating that the emergency notification was not sent to the notification destination device, and an image item for the mandatory notification instruction.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of the display when the input information does not meet the notification conditions. In this example, an image containing the unsent message and an image item for mandatory notification instruction ("Send") is displayed on the display device. In this case, the emergency notification will not be sent until the operation to select the image item for mandatory notification instruction is performed. In this example, an image item for confirmation that the emergency notification will not be sent ("Cancel") is also displayed on the display device. Once the confirmation image item is selected, the display of the image shown in Figure 7 ends.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example of the display when the input information meets the notification conditions. In this example, an image indicating that an emergency notification will be sent is displayed on the display device. The display device may also display an image indicating the time remaining until the emergency notification is sent. The time remaining until the emergency notification is sent can be any amount of time. The time remaining until the emergency notification is sent may be changed by the user. The display of the time remaining until the emergency notification is sent may also count down as time passes.

[0054] Figure 9 also shows an example of the display when the notification request button is pressed. In this example, an image indicating that the notification request button has been pressed is displayed on the display means. When the notification request button is pressed, the control unit 23 may first display the image in Figure 9 on the display means, and then, if it is determined that the input information satisfies the notification conditions, it may display the image in Figure 8 on the display means. In addition, in the display examples in Figures 9 and 8, the display of the remaining time until transmission may be the remaining time from the time the notification request button is pressed until transmission.

[0055] Next, we will explain some examples of notification conditions.

[0056] For example, the notification condition is the condition that the input information satisfies when it is presumed that the notification request is correct. In this case, the determination unit 22 determines that the input information satisfies the notification condition when it is presumed that the notification request is correct based on the input information. Also, the determination unit 22 determines that the input information does not satisfy the notification condition when it is presumed that the notification request is incorrect based on the input information. In this embodiment, "the notification request is correct" means "the vehicle is in an emergency state." In this case, the notification condition is the condition that the input information satisfies when it is presumed that the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state.

[0057] A notification condition may include one or more individual conditions. If a notification condition includes two or more individual conditions, it may be constructed by a logical combination of those conditions. Specifically, a notification condition may be constructed by a logical AND, a logical OR, or a combination of both.

[0058] For example, notification conditions may include at least one of the following: image conditions, sound conditions, siren conditions, location conditions, and user conditions. Details of each individual condition will be described later.

[0059] For example, if the notification conditions include user conditions, the notification conditions may include as a mandatory condition that the user information satisfies the user conditions. In other words, if the user information does not satisfy the user conditions, the determination unit 22 may presume that the notification request is incorrect, regardless of other individual conditions.

[0060] Furthermore, if the notification conditions include two or more individual conditions from among the image conditions, sound conditions, siren conditions, and location conditions, the notification conditions may be considered satisfied if at least one of the two or more individual conditions from among the image conditions, sound conditions, siren conditions, and location conditions is satisfied. In other words, the determination unit 22 may presume that the notification request is valid if at least one of the two or more individual conditions from among the image conditions, sound conditions, siren conditions, and location conditions is satisfied.

[0061] Next, the image conditions will be explained. The image conditions are conditions related to image information. The image conditions are met when the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the image information, that the notification request is correct. The determination unit 22 estimates, based on the image information, whether the notification request is incorrect or not. In the image conditions, the notification request is estimated to be correct when, based on the image information, it is estimated that the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state.

[0062] The image information is information from images captured by the acquisition means 31 (camera 311) mounted on the vehicle 50. When a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 estimates whether the notification request is erroneous or not based on image information for a certain period of time in the past. The image information for a certain period of time in the past is stored in the storage means.

[0063] The determination unit 22 may estimate at predetermined time intervals whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state based on image information for a certain period of time in the past. Then, when a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 may estimate whether the notification request is erroneous or not based on the estimation result of whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state.

[0064] The determination unit 22 may, for example, use an image estimation model to estimate whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state. The image estimation model is a learning model that estimates whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state from image information.

[0065] For example, let's assume vehicle 50 is a police patrol car. In normal circumstances, the driver wears a seatbelt and performs actions related to driving and operating the communication terminal 30, so the driver's movements are not significant. On the other hand, if an emergency situation occurs, such as when a suspect in the patrol car becomes violent, the driver's movements become larger. Therefore, by training an image estimation model with images taken in normal circumstances as training data, the image estimation model can estimate whether vehicle 50 is in an emergency situation. The image estimation model is generated, for example, by a learning device (not shown) and stored in the notification control device 20.

[0066] Thus, if images taken inside the vehicle 50 are used to estimate whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency situation, the camera 311 is installed so as to capture images of the interior of the vehicle 50. For example, if the communication terminal 30 is installed in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat, the camera 311 (in-camera) of the communication terminal 30 may acquire image information.

[0067] Furthermore, if the control unit 23 estimates that the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state, it may transmit the image information used for the estimation to the notification destination device.

[0068] Next, the voice conditions will be explained. The voice conditions are conditions related to voice information. The voice conditions are met when the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the voice information, that the notification request is correct. The determination unit 22 estimates, based on the voice information, whether the notification request is incorrect or not. In the voice conditions, the notification request is estimated to be correct when, based on the voice information, it is estimated that the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state.

[0069] The voice information is voice information acquired by the acquisition means 31 (microphone 312) mounted on the vehicle 50. The determination unit 22, for example, when a notification request is input to the input unit 21, estimates whether the notification request is erroneous or not based on voice information for a certain period of time in the past. The voice information for a certain period of time in the past is stored in the storage means.

[0070] The determination unit 22 may estimate at predetermined intervals whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state based on voice information from a certain period of time in the past. When a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 may estimate whether the notification request is erroneous or not based on the estimation result of whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state.

[0071] The determination unit 22 may estimate whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state based on the volume of the audio. If the audio acquired by the vehicle 50 includes shouting, yelling, impact sounds, etc., the vehicle 50 may be in an emergency state. Therefore, the determination unit 22 may estimate that the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state if the audio indicated by the audio information includes audio exceeding a predetermined volume. The predetermined volume may be arbitrarily set and changed by the user using the notification control device 20.

[0072] Furthermore, the determination unit 22 may, for example, use a voice estimation model to estimate whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state. The voice estimation model is a learning model that estimates whether the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state from voice information.

[0073] If the audio acquired by vehicle 50 includes screams, shouts, impact sounds, etc., there is a possibility that vehicle 50 is in an emergency state. Therefore, by training the voice estimation model with screams, shouts, impact sounds, etc., as training data for emergency state audio, the voice estimation model can estimate whether vehicle 50 is in an emergency state. Alternatively, the voice estimation model may learn audio from normal situations. Furthermore, the voice estimation model may learn keywords that frequently appear in conversations during emergency situations. The voice estimation model is generated, for example, by a learning device (not shown) and stored in the notification control device 20.

[0074] Furthermore, if a siren is sounding around vehicle 50, this can also be considered an emergency situation. Therefore, the learning device may also use the sound of a siren as training data for emergency voices to train its voice estimation model.

[0075] Furthermore, if the control unit 23 estimates that the vehicle 50 is in an emergency state, it may transmit the voice information used for the estimation to the notification destination device.

[0076] Next, the siren condition will be explained. The siren condition is a condition related to siren information. Siren information is information about whether or not vehicle 50 is sounding its siren. The siren condition is met when the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the siren information, that the notification request is correct. The determination unit 22 estimates, based on the siren information, whether or not the notification request is incorrect. In the siren condition, the notification request is estimated to be correct when the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the siren information, that vehicle 50 is in an emergency situation. When a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the siren information, that vehicle 50 is sounding its siren, and therefore vehicle 50 is in an emergency situation. In this case, the siren condition is met when vehicle 50 is sounding its siren.

[0077] Next, the location conditions will be explained. The location conditions are conditions related to location information. Location information is information about the location of the vehicle 50. The location conditions are met when the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the location information, that the notification request is correct. The determination unit 22 estimates, based on the location information, whether the notification request is incorrect or not.

[0078] For example, when a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 acquires location information of the vehicle 50 from the location information acquisition means 313 and estimates whether the notification request is erroneous or not based on the acquired location information. The determination unit 22 may acquire location information of the vehicle 50 from the location information acquisition means 313 at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, when a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 may estimate whether the notification request is erroneous or not based on the most recently acquired location information.

[0079] If the communication terminal 30 is a detachable device from the vehicle 50 (for example, a tablet device), the notification request button may be accidentally tapped when the vehicle 50 returns to a waiting location (such as a police station) and the communication terminal 30 is detached. Therefore, if the location of the vehicle 50 falls within a predetermined range, the determination unit 22 may presume that the notification request is incorrect. In this case, the location condition is met if the location indicated by the location information does not fall within the predetermined range.

[0080] The predetermined range is, for example, the range in which the communication terminal 30 is likely to be operated incorrectly. For example, if the vehicle 50 is a police vehicle, the predetermined range may be within the premises of the police headquarters or police station, or within a predetermined distance from the police headquarters or police station.

[0081] Furthermore, the location information may also be information on whether or not the vehicle 50 is present in the vicinity of a predetermined location. The location information acquisition means 313 may also be a short-range wireless receiving means. A short-range wireless transmitter may be installed at a waiting location such as a police station. In this case, as long as the location information acquisition means 313 is able to receive a signal from the transmitter, the location of the vehicle 50 is within a predetermined distance from the waiting location. Therefore, as long as the location information acquisition means 313 is able to receive a signal from the transmitter, the determination unit 22 may assume that the notification request is incorrect when a notification request is input to the input unit 21. In this case, the location condition is satisfied when the vehicle 50 is not present in the vicinity of the predetermined location, that is, when the location information acquisition means 313 cannot receive a signal from the transmitter.

[0082] Next, the user conditions will be explained. User conditions are conditions related to user information. User information is information about users who use the emergency notification function. User conditions are met when the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the user information, that the notification request is correct. The determination unit 22 estimates, based on the user information, whether the notification request is incorrect or not.

[0083] When a maintenance company performs maintenance on the communication terminal 30, the notification request button may be accidentally tapped. Therefore, the determination unit 22 may presume that the notification request is erroneous if the user information is that of a predetermined user. For example, the determination unit 22 may presume that the notification request is erroneous if the user ID entered into the communication terminal 30 is a predetermined ID. The predetermined ID may be, for example, the ID of the maintenance company.

[0084] For example, the storage means of the notification control device 20 stores a list of vendor IDs in advance, which are IDs for vendors. Also, when a user ID is entered into the communication terminal 30, the user ID is entered into the input unit 21 as user information. Based on the list, the determination unit 22 stores in the storage means whether or not the user ID entered into the input unit 21 is a vendor ID. The determination unit 22 may then presume that the notification request is incorrect if a notification request is entered into the input unit 21 and the user ID entered into the input unit 21 is a vendor ID. In this case, the user condition is met if the user ID is not a predetermined ID (for example, a vendor user ID).

[0085] Next, an example of the operation flow of the notification control device 20 will be explained using Figure 2.

[0086] When a notification request is entered into the input unit 21 (step S101), the determination unit 22 determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions (step S102).

[0087] The control unit 23 controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions (YES in step S102). The control unit 23 also controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions (NO in step S102).

[0088] Next, Figure 10 shows an example of the decision flow in step S102 of Figure 2. In the example in Figure 10, the notification conditions include image conditions, sound conditions, siren conditions, location conditions, and user conditions.

[0089] The determination unit 22 determines whether or not the user conditions are met. The user conditions are met if the determination unit 22 estimates, based on the user information, that the notification request is correct.

[0090] If the user conditions are met (YES in step S301), the determination unit 22 determines whether at least one of the image conditions, sound conditions, siren conditions, and location conditions is met. If the user conditions are not met (NO in step S301), the determination unit 22 determines that the input information does not meet the notification conditions (step S304).

[0091] If at least one of the image condition, sound condition, siren condition, and location condition is met (YES in step S302), the determination unit 22 determines that the input information satisfies the notification condition (step S303). If all of the image condition, sound condition, siren condition, and location condition are not met (NO in step S302), the determination unit 22 determines that the input information does not satisfy the notification condition (step S304).

[0092] Figure 11 also shows an example of the state transitions of the notification control device 20. The "Waiting" state is the state before a notification request is input. The "Determining" state is the state when a notification request has been input and the determination unit 22 is making a determination about the notification conditions. The "Transmission Confirmed" state is the state when it has been determined that the input state satisfies the notification conditions. The "Not Transmitted" state is the state when it has been determined that the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions.

[0093] When a notification request is input to the input unit 21 (corresponding to step S101 in Figure 2), the notification control device 20 transitions from a "waiting" state to a "determining" state (step S401). The notification control device 20 also displays, for example, the image in Figure 9 on the display means. In the "determining" state, the notification control device 20 determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions (corresponding to step S102 in Figure 2).

[0094] Furthermore, when the notification control device 20 is in the "determining" state and the confirmation image item ("cancel") is selected, it terminates the process of determining whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions and returns to the "waiting" state (step S402). The notification control device 20 also terminates the display of the image in Figure 9 on the display means.

[0095] Furthermore, when the notification control device 20 determines that the input information satisfies the notification conditions, it transitions to the "transmission confirmation" state (step S403). The notification control device 20 also displays, for example, the image in Figure 8 on the display means.

[0096] Furthermore, the notification control device 20 controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when it has elapsed a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) since the notification request was input while in the "transmission confirmation" state (corresponding to step S103 in Figure 1). Also, the notification control device 20 controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device if the user selects a confirmation image item ("cancel") while in the "transmission confirmation" state. The notification control device 20 then returns to the "standby" state (step S405). Finally, the notification control device 20 terminates the display of the image in Figure 8 on the display means.

[0097] Furthermore, if the notification control device 20 determines that the input information does not meet the notification conditions, it transitions to the "unsent confirmation" state (step S404). The notification control device 20 also displays, for example, the image in Figure 7 on the display means.

[0098] Furthermore, when the notification control device 20 is in the "Not Transmitted Confirmation" state and an operation is performed to select the image item for mandatory notification instruction ("Transmit"), the notification control device 20 controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device. Also, when the notification control device 20 is in the "Not Transmitted Confirmation" state and an operation is performed to select the confirmation image item ("Cancel"), the notification control device 20 controls the notification means 32 so that an emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device (corresponding to step S104 in Figure 1). The notification control device 20 then returns to the "Standby" state (step S406). The notification control device 20 also terminates the display of the image in Figure 7 on the display means.

[0099] As described above, in the second embodiment of this disclosure, the notification control device 20 includes an input unit 21, a determination unit 22, and a control unit 23. The input unit 21 receives a notification request and input information. The notification request is a request to notify a notification destination device of an emergency notification. The emergency notification is a notification indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state. The input information is information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state. The input information is acquired by an acquisition means mounted on the vehicle. When a notification request is input to the input unit 21, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not the input information satisfies the notification conditions. The notification conditions are the conditions that the input information satisfies when an emergency notification is to be notified to the notification destination device. The control unit 23 controls the notification means that notifies the emergency notification so that if the input information satisfies the notification conditions, the emergency notification is notified to the notification destination device, and if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions, the emergency notification is not notified to the notification destination device.

[0100] As a result, when a notification request is received, the notification control device 20 determines whether the input information acquired by the acquisition means installed in the vehicle satisfies the notification conditions. If the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions, the notification control device 20 controls the notification means so that an emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device. This makes it possible to suppress the sending of emergency notifications due to notification requests that do not satisfy the notification conditions, such as notification requests that are presumed to be incorrect. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of times inappropriate emergency notifications are sent.

[0101] [Example Hardware Configuration] This section describes an example of hardware resource configurations for implementing the notification control devices (10, 20) in each embodiment of the present disclosure described above using a single information processing device (computer). Note that the notification control device may be implemented using at least two information processing devices, either physically or functionally. Furthermore, the notification control device may be implemented as a dedicated device. Also, only some functions of the notification control device may be implemented using information processing devices.

[0102] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of realizing the notification control device of each embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input / output interface 92, an arithmetic unit 93, a storage device 94, a non-volatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

[0103] For example, the input unit 11, communication interface 91, and arithmetic unit 93 in Figure 1 can be implemented. The determination unit 12 can also be implemented in the arithmetic unit 93. The control unit 13 can also be implemented in the input / output interface 92 and arithmetic unit 93.

[0104] The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the notification control device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device by wire and / or wirelessly. If the notification control device is implemented using at least two information processing devices, these devices may be connected via the communication interface 91 to enable mutual communication.

[0105] The input / output interface 92 is a human-machine interface, such as a keyboard as an example of an input device, or a display as an output device.

[0106] The arithmetic unit 93 is implemented by a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or microprocessor, as well as multiple electrical circuits. The arithmetic unit 93 can, for example, read various programs stored in the non-volatile memory device 95 into the memory device 94 and execute processing according to the read programs.

[0107] The storage device 94 is a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be accessed by the arithmetic unit 93, and stores programs and various data. The storage device 94 may also be a volatile memory device.

[0108] The non-volatile storage device 95 is a non-volatile storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory, and is capable of storing various programs and data.

[0109] The drive device 96 is, for example, a device that processes data reading and writing to the recording medium 97, which will be described later.

[0110] The recording medium 97 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disc, magneto-optical disc, or semiconductor flash memory.

[0111] Each embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented, for example, by configuring a notification control device with an information processing device 90 illustrated in Figure 12, and supplying this notification control device with a program capable of realizing the functions described in each embodiment above.

[0112] In this case, the embodiment can be realized by having the arithmetic unit 93 execute the program supplied to the notification control device. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure some, rather than all, of the functions of the notification control device in the information processing device 90.

[0113] Furthermore, the notification control device may be configured such that the above program is recorded on the recording medium 97, and the program is stored in the non-volatile storage device 95 as appropriate during the shipping or operation phase of the notification control device. In this case, the method of supplying the above program may be to install it into the notification control device using an appropriate jig during the manufacturing phase before shipping or during the operation phase. Alternatively, the method of supplying the above program may be to use a general procedure such as downloading it from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0114] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0115] (Note 1) An input unit receives a notification request that requests a notification to a notification destination device indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state, and input information which is information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state, obtained by an acquisition means. When the notification request is input, a determination unit determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions, which are the conditions that the input information must satisfy when the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device. A control unit controls a notification means for sending an emergency notification, such that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. A notification control device equipped with the following features.

[0116] (Note 2) The notification conditions are the conditions that the input information satisfies when the notification request is presumed to be correct. The determination unit determines, based on the input information, that the notification request is correct, and that the input information satisfies the notification conditions. The notification control device described in Appendix 1.

[0117] (Note 3) The aforementioned input information includes image information, The aforementioned image information includes information of an image captured by the acquisition means, The notification conditions include image conditions which are conditions relating to the image information. The notification control device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0118] (Note 4) The determination unit estimates whether the vehicle is in an emergency state using an image estimation model based on the image conditions. The aforementioned image estimation model is a learning model that estimates whether the vehicle is in an emergency state from the image information. The aforementioned image conditions are met when, based on the aforementioned image conditions, it is estimated that the vehicle is in an emergency situation. The notification control device described in Appendix 3.

[0119] (Note 5) When the notification request is input, the determination unit determines whether the image condition is met based on the image information for a certain period of time in the past. The notification control device described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4.

[0120] (Note 6) The aforementioned input information includes audio information, The aforementioned audio information includes audio information acquired by the acquisition means, The notification conditions include audio conditions which are conditions relating to the audio information. A notification control device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 5.

[0121] (Note 7) The determination unit estimates whether the vehicle is in an emergency state using a voice estimation model based on the voice conditions. The aforementioned voice estimation model is a learning model that estimates whether the vehicle is in an emergency state from the voice information. The aforementioned audio condition is met when, based on the aforementioned audio condition, it is estimated that the vehicle is in an emergency situation. The notification control device described in Appendix 6.

[0122] (Note 8) Based on the audio conditions, the determination unit estimates that the vehicle is in an emergency state if the audio information contains audio exceeding a predetermined volume level. The aforementioned audio condition is met when it is presumed that the vehicle is in an emergency situation. The notification control device described in Appendix 6 or Appendix 7.

[0123] (Note 9) The determination unit, upon receiving the notification request, determines whether the voice condition is met based on the voice information for a certain period of time in the past. A notification control device as described in any one of the appendices 6 to 8.

[0124] (Note 10) The aforementioned input information includes siren information indicating whether or not the vehicle is sounding its siren. The notification conditions include siren conditions, which are conditions for the siren information. The aforementioned siren condition is met when the vehicle is sounding its siren. A notification control device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 9.

[0125] (Note 11) The input information includes location information, which is information relating to the location of the vehicle. The notification conditions include location conditions, which are conditions for the location information. The aforementioned positional condition is satisfied when the position indicated by the positional information is not included within a predetermined range. A notification control device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 10.

[0126] (Note 12) The aforementioned location information is information on whether or not the vehicle is located in the vicinity of a predetermined location. The acquisition means includes a short-range wireless receiving means for receiving signals from a transmitter installed at the predetermined location. The positional condition is satisfied when the receiving means cannot receive a signal from the transmitter. The notification control device described in Appendix 11.

[0127] (Note 13) The aforementioned input information includes user information relating to users who utilize the emergency notification function, The aforementioned notification conditions include user conditions, which are conditions relating to the user information. A notification control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 12.

[0128] (Note 14) The user information includes the user ID of the user who uses the emergency notification function, The aforementioned user conditions are met when the user ID is not a predetermined ID. The notification control device described in Appendix 13.

[0129] (Note 15) The control unit causes the display means to display an image indicating that the emergency notification will not be sent to the notification destination device if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. A notification control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 14.

[0130] (Note 16) The control unit causes the display means to display an image indicating that the emergency notification will be sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions. A notification control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 15.

[0131] (Note 17) When a compulsory notification instruction is input to the input unit, which instructs that the emergency notification be sent to the notification destination device even if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions, the control unit controls the notification means so that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device even if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. A notification control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 16.

[0132] (Note 18) A notification request is input, which is a request to send an emergency notification indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state to a notification destination device, and input information is information obtained by the acquisition means that relates to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state. When the notification request is entered, the system determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions that must be met when the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device. The notification means for sending the emergency notification is controlled such that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. Notification control method.

[0133] (Note 19) On the computer, An input function receives a notification request that requests a notification to a notification device indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state, and input information which is information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state, obtained by an acquisition means. When the aforementioned notification request is input, a determination function determines whether or not the input information satisfies the notification conditions, which are the conditions that the input information must satisfy when the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device. A control function controls the notification means that sends the emergency notification, such that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. A notification control program that enables this.

[0134] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 17, which are subordinate to Appendice 1 above, may also be subordinate to Appendices 18 and 19 in the same way as those described in Appendices 2 to 17. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1, 18, and 19, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, without departing from the embodiments described above.

[0135] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 10, 20 Notification control device 11, 21 Input section 12, 22 Judgment section 13, 23 Control Unit 30 Communication terminals 50 vehicles 51 Other vehicles 60 Management device 80 Communication lines 90 Information Processing Equipment 91 Communication Interface 92 Input / Output Interfaces 93 Arithmetic unit 94 Storage device 95 Non-volatile memory devices 96 Drive unit 97 Recording media

Claims

1. An input unit receives a notification request that requests a notification to a notification destination device indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state, and input information which is information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state, obtained by an acquisition means. When the notification request is input, a determination unit determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions, which are the conditions that the input information must satisfy when the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device. A control unit controls a notification means for sending an emergency notification, such that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. A notification control device equipped with the following features.

2. The notification conditions are the conditions that the input information satisfies when the notification request is presumed to be correct. The determination unit determines, based on the input information, that the notification request is correct, and that the input information satisfies the notification conditions. The notification control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned input information includes image information, The aforementioned image information includes information of an image captured by the acquisition means, The notification conditions include image conditions which are conditions relating to the image information. The notification control device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned input information includes audio information, The aforementioned audio information includes audio information acquired by the acquisition means, The notification conditions include audio conditions which are conditions relating to the audio information. The notification control device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The aforementioned input information includes siren information indicating whether or not the vehicle is sounding its siren. The notification conditions include siren conditions, which are conditions for the siren information. The aforementioned siren condition is met when the vehicle is sounding its siren. The notification control device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The input information includes location information, which is information relating to the location of the vehicle. The notification conditions include location conditions, which are conditions for the location information. The aforementioned positional condition is satisfied when the position indicated by the positional information is not included within a predetermined range. The notification control device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The aforementioned input information includes user information relating to users who utilize the emergency notification function, The aforementioned notification conditions include user conditions, which are conditions relating to the user information. The notification control device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The control unit causes the display means to display an image indicating that the emergency notification will not be sent to the notification destination device if the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. The notification control device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. A notification request is input, which is a request to send an emergency notification indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state to a notification destination device, and input information is information obtained by the acquisition means that relates to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state. When the notification request is entered, the system determines whether the input information satisfies the notification conditions that must be met when the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device. The notification means for sending the emergency notification is controlled such that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. Notification control method.

10. On the computer, An input function receives a notification request that requests a notification to a notification device indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency state, and input information which is information related to whether or not the vehicle is in an emergency state, obtained by an acquisition means. When the aforementioned notification request is input, a determination function determines whether or not the input information satisfies the notification conditions, which are the conditions that the input information must satisfy when the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device. A control function controls the notification means that sends the emergency notification, such that the emergency notification is sent to the notification destination device when the input information satisfies the notification conditions, and the emergency notification is not sent to the notification destination device when the input information does not satisfy the notification conditions. A notification control program that enables this.

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