Anomaly notification device, anomaly notification method, and program

Abstract

In the event of an emergency, appropriately notify the direction of other users who may need assistance or the direction of evacuation. [Solution] The abnormality notification device comprises an abnormality detection sensor that detects abnormalities occurring around the device, a human presence sensor that detects the presence of people around the device, a communication unit that communicates wirelessly with other devices, a voice output unit that outputs sound, a communication control unit that controls the communication unit, and an output control unit that controls the voice output unit. When the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and the human presence sensor detects a person, and another device is being held and the user of the other device is heading to rescue, the device outputs a rescue request voice and transmits a rescue request signal. If the predetermined conditions are not met, an output period during which the rescue request voice is output and a suppression period during which the rescue request voice is not output are provided, and the rescue request voice is repeatedly output, while the communication unit transmits a rescue request signal only during the suppression period.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for detecting an abnormality and notifying information corresponding to the detected abnormality are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for notifying information in consideration of the movement of a person when an abnormal situation occurs and a person is present.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred and danger information combining a map and position information is notified, the user rescues or evacuates other users according to the danger information. However, for example, it is assumed that the user will be confused about the correspondence between the current position and the map when danger information is notified in an unfamiliar environment such as a campsite.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an abnormality notification device, an abnormality notification method, and a program that can appropriately notify the direction of other users who need assistance or the evacuation direction at the time of an abnormality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The abnormality notification device of this disclosure comprises an abnormality detection sensor for detecting abnormalities occurring around the device, a human presence sensor for detecting the presence of people around the device, a communication unit for wireless communication with other devices, a voice output unit for outputting voice, a communication control unit for controlling the communication unit, and an output control unit for controlling the voice output unit. When the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and the human presence sensor detects a person, the communication unit receives a gripping signal indicating that the other device is being gripped and a rescue signal indicating that the user of the other device is heading to rescue it. In a predetermined state, the output control unit causes the voice output unit to output a rescue request voice, and the communication control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a rescue request signal. If the predetermined state is not met, the output control unit causes the voice output unit to repeatedly output the rescue request voice, with an output period during which the rescue request voice is output and a suppression period during which the rescue request voice is not output. The communication control unit also causes the communication unit to transmit a rescue request signal only during the suppression period.

[0007] The abnormality notification method of this disclosure includes the steps of: detecting an abnormality occurring around the device with an abnormality detection sensor; detecting the presence of a person around the device with a human presence sensor; wirelessly communicating with another device using a communication unit; outputting sound from an audio output unit; controlling the communication unit; controlling the audio output unit; and, in a predetermined state where the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and the human presence sensor detects a person, the device receives a gripping signal indicating that the other device is being gripped and a rescue signal indicating that the user of the other device is heading to rescue, the device outputs a rescue request sound from the audio output unit and transmits a rescue request signal from the communication unit; and, if the predetermined state is not met, the device repeatedly outputs the rescue request sound, while providing an output period during which the rescue request sound is output from the audio output unit and a suppression period during which the rescue request sound is not output, and transmitting a rescue request signal from the communication unit only during the suppression period.

[0008] The program of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: detect an abnormality occurring around the device using an abnormality detection sensor; detect the presence of a person around the device using a human presence sensor; communicate wirelessly with another device using a communication unit; output sound from an audio output unit; control the communication unit; control the audio output unit; and, when the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and the human presence sensor detects a person, receive a gripping signal indicating that the other device is being gripped and receive a rescue signal indicating that the user of the other device is heading to rescue it, output a rescue request sound from the audio output unit and transmit a rescue request signal from the communication unit; and, when the predetermined state is not met, provide an output period during which the rescue request sound is output from the audio output unit and a suppression period during which the rescue request sound is not output, repeatedly output the rescue request sound, and transmit a rescue request signal from the communication unit only during the suppression period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to appropriately notify the direction of other users who need rescue or the direction of evacuation in the event of an anomaly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the anomaly detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the anomaly detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an abnormality notification device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the rescue request processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first notification process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second notification process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an abnormality notification device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the rescue request processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first notification process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second notification process according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, this embodiment does not limit this disclosure, and in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations.

[0012] [First Embodiment] (Anomaly detection system) The overview of the anomaly detection system according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the overview of the anomaly detection system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Anomaly detection system 1 includes a plurality of anomaly notification devices 10. In the example shown in Figure 1, anomaly detection system 1 includes four anomaly notification devices 10-1 to 10-4. Anomaly notification devices 10 are implemented as portable communication devices equipped with wireless communication functions, such as commercial radio transceivers. Anomaly notification devices 10 are, for example, installed on the walls of cottages C or tents T in a campsite during normal times. Anomaly notification devices 10 may also be installed, for example, inside a vehicle used for transportation. Anomaly notification devices 10 detect the occurrence of an anomaly that occurs in cottage C, tent T, or vehicle. When an anomaly is detected, anomaly notification device 10 notifies surrounding anomaly notification devices 10 that there is a danger. For example, when anomaly notification device 10 detects carbon monoxide generated by using fire, such as boiling coffee in tent T, or exhaust fumes filling the vehicle during prolonged traffic congestion due to snowfall, it notifies surrounding anomaly notification devices 10 that there is a danger.

[0014] For example, as shown in Figure 1, when the anomaly notification device 10-1 detects an anomaly inside tent T and also detects that user U1 has collapsed, it intermittently outputs a pre-recorded rescue request voice message from its speaker. During the intermittent period when the rescue request voice message is not output, the anomaly notification device 10-1 transmits a predetermined signal, a rescue request signal, to the anomaly notification device 10-4 via the anomaly notification device 10-2. The anomaly notification devices 10-2 and 10-4 output a rescue request voice message each time they receive a rescue request signal. This allows users U2 through U4 to go and rescue user U1 according to the rescue request voice messages output from the anomaly notification devices 10-2 and 10-4, respectively. The volume of the rescue request voice messages output from the anomaly notification devices 10-2 and 10-4 decreases as the signal strength of the rescue request signal increases and decreases as the signal strength decreases. User U can intuitively reach User U1's location by holding the anomaly notification device 10 and moving in the direction where the volume of the rescue request voice decreases. Furthermore, as multiple users approach User U1's location from various directions, the volume of the rescue request voice decreases, making it easier to hear the rescue request voice output from anomaly notification device 10-1. This also prevents confusion among Users U2 through U4 who are heading to rescue User U1 due to the mixing of rescue request voices from anomaly notification devices 10-1, 10-2, and 10-4.

[0015] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the abnormality notification device 10-1 detects an abnormality inside the tent T but does not detect that the user has fallen, the emergency request voice is not output from the speaker, and the abnormality notification device 10-2 repeatedly transmits a danger notification signal, which is a signal for notifying danger, to the abnormality notification device 10-3. Each time the abnormality notification device 10-4 receives the danger notification signal from the abnormality notification device 10-2, it outputs a danger notification voice. As a result, the users U2 to U4 can evacuate according to the danger notification voices output from the abnormality notification devices 10-2 to 10-4, respectively. The volume of the danger notification voice output from the abnormality notification devices 10-2 to 10-4 increases as the radio wave intensity of the danger notification signal increases, and decreases as the radio wave intensity decreases. Thereby, as the users U2 to U4 approach the tent T where the abnormality is detected, the volume of the danger notification voice increases, so that the users U2 to U4 can be intuitively prevented from approaching the tent T where the abnormality is detected.

[0016] (Abnormality notification device) Using FIG. 3, a configuration example of the abnormality notification device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the abnormality notification device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the abnormality notification device 10 includes an abnormality detection sensor 20, a human presence sensor 22, an input unit 24, a microphone 26, a display unit 28, an audio output unit 30, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 36.

[0018] The abnormality detection sensor 20 detects an abnormality that has occurred inside a tent or the like to which the abnormality notification device 10 is attached. The abnormality detection sensor 20 includes, for example, a gas sensor that detects the carbon monoxide concentration inside a tent or the like. The abnormality detection sensor 20 detects an abnormality, for example, when the carbon monoxide concentration becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The gas sensor may be, for example, one that detects the concentration of a toxic gas other than carbon monoxide. The abnormality detection sensor 20 may include, for example, a thermal sensor that detects the temperature inside a tent or the like.

[0019] The motion sensor 22 detects users present in the vicinity of the abnormality notification device 10. The motion sensor 22 also detects users present inside a tent or similar structure where the abnormality notification device 10 is installed. The motion sensor 22 is composed of, for example, an infrared camera or a visible light camera and detects people (users) through image recognition.

[0020] The input unit 24 receives various input operations for the abnormality notification device 10. The input unit 24 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, etc. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 24, the input unit 24 is placed on the display unit 28.

[0021] Microphone 26 detects sounds in the vicinity of the abnormality notification device 10. Microphone 26 also detects the voice of the user of the abnormality notification device 10.

[0022] The display unit 28 displays various types of images. The display unit 28 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0023] The audio output unit 30 outputs various types of audio. For example, the audio output unit 30 outputs a danger notification audio related to a danger notification signal received by the communication unit 32. For example, the audio output unit 30 outputs a rescue request audio related to a rescue request signal received by the communication unit 32.

[0024] The communication unit 32 is a communication interface that facilitates communication between the abnormality notification device 10 and an external device. The communication unit 32, for example, transmits a rescue request signal to another abnormality notification device 10. The communication unit 32, for example, receives a rescue request signal from another abnormality notification device 10. The communication unit 32, for example, transmits a danger notification signal to another abnormality notification device 10. The communication unit 32 receives a danger notification signal from another abnormality notification device 10.

[0025] The memory unit 34 stores various types of information. The memory unit 34 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 36 ​​and information such as programs. The memory unit 34 includes, for example, at least one of the following: RAM (Random Access Memory), main memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and external memory such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0026] The control unit 36 ​​controls each part of the abnormality notification device 10. The control unit 36 ​​includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 36 ​​executes a program that controls the operation of the abnormality notification device 10 according to this disclosure. The control unit 36 ​​may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 36 ​​may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] The control unit 36 ​​comprises a sensor control unit 40, an output control unit 42, a radio wave intensity determination unit 44, and a communication control unit 46.

[0028] The sensor control unit 40 controls the abnormality detection sensor 20 and the human presence sensor 22. The sensor control unit 40 determines, for example, whether an abnormality has occurred based on the detection result detected by the abnormality detection sensor 20. For example, the sensor control unit 40 determines that an abnormality has occurred if the abnormality detection sensor 20 detects an oxide concentration above a predetermined value. For example, the sensor control unit 40 determines that an abnormality has occurred if the abnormality detection sensor 20 detects a temperature above a predetermined value.

[0029] The sensor control unit 40 determines, for example, whether a person in need of rescue has been detected based on the person detection result detected by the human presence sensor 22. The sensor control unit 40 also determines whether a person in need of rescue has been detected by performing known image recognition processing on the image captured by the human presence sensor 22. For example, the image recognition processing recognizes the state of a person based on the features of the image of the person using machine learning. The sensor control unit 40 determines that a person in need of rescue has been detected if, for example, it performs known image recognition processing and recognizes that a person has fallen or that a person is unable to move.

[0030] The output control unit 42 controls the display unit 28 and the audio output unit 30. The output control unit 42 controls the display unit 28 to display various types of images. The output control unit 42 controls the audio output unit 30 to output various types of audio.

[0031] The output control unit 42, for example, when the anomaly detection sensor 20 detects an anomaly and the motion sensor 22 detects a person, sets up an output period during which a rescue request voice message is output and a suppression period during which the rescue request voice message is not output in response to the transmission of a rescue request signal, and repeatedly outputs the rescue request voice message from the voice output unit 30. Specifically, the output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice message such as "Carbon monoxide detected. A person has collapsed." from the voice output unit 30 at a louder volume than usual. This allows a user heading to the rescue to intuitively understand the direction of the rescue location. In addition, by outputting the keyword "carbon monoxide," which indicates the occurrence of an anomaly, it is possible to prevent a user heading to the rescue location from inadvertently approaching the rescue location.

[0032] The output control unit 42, for example, suppresses the rescue request voice message at all times if the anomaly detection sensor 20 detects an anomaly and the motion sensor 22 does not detect a person. In other words, the output control unit 42 does not output a rescue request voice message from the voice output unit 30 when the motion sensor 22 does not detect a person. For example, if an anomaly is detected and no person is detected, and the voice output unit 30 outputs a voice message urging people to stay away, it is conceivable that a user might approach the location where the anomaly occurred in an attempt to hear the output message. Therefore, by suppressing the output of the rescue request voice message, the output control unit 42 can prevent users from unnecessarily approaching the location where the anomaly occurred.

[0033] The output control unit 42, for example, if the communication unit 32 receives a rescue request signal from another abnormality notification device 10, will output a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30. Specifically, if the communication unit 32 receives a rescue request signal from another abnormality notification device 10 and the user of the device is detected by the motion sensor 22, the output control unit 42 will output a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30 at a volume inversely proportional to the radio wave strength of the rescue request signal. In other words, the closer the distance from the device to the other abnormality notification device 10 that sent the rescue request signal, the lower the volume at which the output control unit 42 will output the rescue request signal from the voice output unit 30. The further the distance from the device to the other abnormality notification device 10 that sent the rescue request signal, the higher the volume at which the output control unit 42 will output the rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30. This makes it possible to intuitively know the direction of the other abnormality notification device 10 that sent the rescue request signal, and makes it easier to hear the rescue request voice output from the other abnormality notification device 10 that sent the rescue request signal.

[0034] Furthermore, when multiple users carry an anomaly notification device 10 and head to the rescue of another user of an anomaly notification device 10 who has sent a rescue request signal, the rescue request voices output from the anomaly notification devices 10 carried by the multiple users heading to the rescue will not become mixed up, preventing confusion among the multiple users heading to the rescue.

[0035] Furthermore, even if the output control unit 42 receives a rescue request signal, if the human presence sensor 22 does not detect a user of the device, it will not output a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30. This prevents repeated speech from being output from an unnecessarily large number of abnormal notification devices 10, and prevents the content of the rescue request voice from becoming difficult to hear due to timing differences in the output of rescue request voices from each abnormal notification device 10.

[0036] The output control unit 42 may, for example, change the volume of the rescue request voice output from the voice output unit 30 according to the level of surrounding noise detected by the microphone 26. For example, the output control unit 42 may increase the volume of the rescue request voice output from the voice output unit 30 the louder the surrounding noise is. For example, the output control unit 42 may decrease the volume of the rescue request voice output from the voice output unit 30 the quieter the surrounding noise is. This prevents the content of the rescue request voice from becoming difficult to hear when there is a lot of noise around the device.

[0037] The output control unit 42, for example, if the communication unit 32 receives a danger notification signal from another abnormality notification device 10, will output a danger notification voice from the voice output unit 30. For example, the output control unit 42 will output a voice message such as "Carbon monoxide has been detected. Please evacuate." from the voice output unit 30 at a louder volume than usual. Specifically, if the communication unit 32 receives a danger notification signal from another abnormality notification device 10 and the user of the device is detected by the motion sensor 22, the output control unit 42 will output a danger notification voice from the voice output unit 30 at a volume proportional to the signal strength of the danger notification signal. In other words, the closer the distance from the device to the other abnormality notification device 10 that transmitted the danger notification signal, the louder the volume of the danger notification voice from the voice output unit 30 will be. The farther the distance from the device to the other abnormality notification device 10 that transmitted the danger notification signal, the quieter the volume of the danger notification voice from the voice output unit 30 will be. This allows users of the device to intuitively understand the direction they should evacuate based on the volume of the danger notification voice, enabling them to evacuate appropriately from the location where an anomaly such as carbon monoxide has occurred.

[0038] Furthermore, even if the output control unit 42 receives a danger notification signal, if the human presence sensor 22 does not detect a user of the device, it will not output a danger notification voice from the voice output unit 30. This prevents the repeated speech of the same content from being output by an unnecessarily large number of abnormality notification devices 10, and prevents the content of the danger notification voice from becoming difficult to hear due to timing differences in the output of danger notification voices from each abnormality notification device 10.

[0039] The output control unit 42 may, for example, change the volume of the danger notification voice output from the voice output unit 30 according to the level of ambient noise detected by the microphone 26. For example, the output control unit 42 may increase the volume of the danger notification voice output from the voice output unit 30 the louder the ambient noise around the device. For example, the output control unit 42 may decrease the volume of the danger notification voice output from the voice output unit 30 the quieter the ambient noise around the device. This prevents the content of the danger notification voice from becoming difficult to hear when there is a lot of noise around the device.

[0040] The radio wave strength determination unit 44 determines the radio wave strength of the radio waves received by the communication unit 32. For example, the radio wave strength determination unit 44 determines the radio wave strength of a rescue request signal received by the communication unit 32. For example, the radio wave strength determination unit 44 determines the radio wave strength of a danger notification signal received by the communication unit 32.

[0041] The communication control unit 46 controls the communication unit 32 to send and receive various types of data with external devices. For example, the communication control unit 46 sends and receives rescue request signals and danger notification signals with other abnormality notification devices 10.

[0042] For example, if the anomaly detection sensor 20 detects an anomaly and the motion sensor 22 detects a person, the communication control unit 46 controls the communication unit 32 to transmit a rescue request signal to another anomaly notification device 10 only during the period when the rescue request voice message is suppressed. The rescue request signal includes information indicating the nature of the anomaly detected by the anomaly detection sensor 20 and that the motion sensor 22 has detected a person in need of rescue. For example, if the anomaly detection sensor 20 detects an anomaly and the motion sensor 22 does not detect a person, the communication control unit 46 controls the communication unit 32 to continuously transmit a danger notification signal to the other anomaly notification device 10.

[0043] (Handling rescue requests) The rescue request process according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the rescue request process according to the first embodiment.

[0044] In Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the on / off state of operation. Waveform 101 represents the timing when the rescue request voice is output from the voice output unit 30. Waveform 102 represents the timing when the rescue request signal is output from the communication unit 32.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 4, it is assumed that an anomaly is detected by the anomaly detection sensor 20 at timing t1, and a person is detected by the human presence sensor 22.

[0046] The output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30 between timing t1 and timing t2, and suppresses the output of the rescue request voice between timing t2 and timing t3. The output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30 between timing t3 and timing t4, and suppresses the output of the rescue request signal between timing t4 and timing t5. Then, at timing t5, the output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30. In the example shown in Figure 4, the period from timing t2 to timing t3 and the period from timing t4 to timing t5 are the periods during which the rescue request voice is suppressed.

[0047] The communication control unit 46 controls the communication unit 32 only during the intervals from timing t2 to timing t3 and from timing t4 to timing t5 to transmit a rescue request signal.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 4, the period during which the rescue request voice message is output and the period during which the rescue request signal is transmitted do not overlap, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the period during which the rescue request voice message is output and the period during which the rescue request signal is transmitted may overlap in part. The length of the period during which the rescue request voice message is output and the length of the period during which the rescue request signal is transmitted may be the same or different. For example, there may be a period during which neither the rescue request voice message nor the rescue request signal is transmitted.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 4, the periods during which the rescue request voice is output and the periods during which the rescue request signal is output are alternately set at one time each, but the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the periods during which the rescue request voice is output and the periods during which the rescue request signal is output may each be alternately set at two or more times each. For example, the periods during which the rescue request voice is output may be one at a time, and the periods during which the rescue request signal is output may be two at a time, or different numbers of periods may be alternated. In other words, the period and phase of the periods during which the rescue request voice is output and the periods during which the rescue request signal is transmitted may be arbitrary.

[0050] (First notification process) The first notification process according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first notification process according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 shows the process when the abnormality notification device 10 detects an abnormality and transmits a rescue request signal or a danger notification signal to another abnormality notification device 10.

[0052] The sensor control unit 40 determines, based on the detection result of the abnormality detection sensor 20, whether the abnormality detection sensor 20 has detected carbon monoxide at a predetermined concentration or higher around the abnormality notification device 10 (step S10). If it is determined that the abnormality detection sensor 20 has detected carbon monoxide at a predetermined concentration or higher (step S10; Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is not determined that the abnormality detection sensor 20 has detected carbon monoxide at a predetermined concentration or higher (step S10; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0053] The sensor control unit 40 determines, based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 22, whether or not the human presence sensor 22 has detected a person in need of rescue in the vicinity of the abnormality notification device 10 (step S12). If it is determined that the human presence sensor 22 has detected a person in need of rescue (step S12; Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is determined that the human presence sensor 22 has not detected a person in need of rescue (step S12; No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0054] If the answer in step S12 is determined to be Yes, the output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice message from the voice output unit 30, and the communication control unit 46 transmits a rescue request signal to other abnormality notification devices 10 from the communication unit 32 (step S14). The rescue request voice message and the rescue request signal are output with a staggered output period, as described above.

[0055] If the result in step S12 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 46 transmits a danger notification signal to the other abnormality notification devices 10 (step S16).

[0056] The control unit 36 ​​determines whether or not to terminate the process (step S18). The control unit 36 ​​determines to terminate the process, for example, when it receives an operation to terminate the process or an operation to turn off the power. If it is determined to terminate the process (step S18; Yes), the process shown in Figure 5 is terminated. If it is not determined to terminate the process (step S18; No), the control unit 36 ​​returns to step S10 and repeats the above process.

[0057] (Second notification process) The second notification process according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second notification process according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 6 shows the process by which the abnormality notification device 10 outputs a rescue request voice message or a danger notification voice message when it receives a rescue request signal or a danger notification signal from another abnormality notification device.

[0059] The communication control unit 46 determines whether the communication unit 32 has received a rescue request signal from another abnormality notification device 10 (step S30). If it is determined that a rescue request signal has been received from another abnormality notification device 10 (step S30; Yes), the process proceeds to step S38. If it is not determined that a rescue request signal has been received from another abnormality notification device 10 (step S30; No), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0060] If the result in step S30 is No, the communication control unit 46 determines whether the communication unit 32 has received a danger notification signal from another abnormality notification device 10 (step S32). If it is determined that a danger notification signal has been received from another abnormality notification device 10 (step S32; Yes), the process proceeds to step S34. If it is not determined that a danger notification signal has been received from another abnormality notification device 10 (step S32; No), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0061] If the result in step S32 is Yes, the sensor control unit 40 determines whether the motion sensor 22 has detected a person in the vicinity of the device (step S34). For example, the sensor control unit 40 determines whether the motion sensor 22 has detected a user of the device. If it is determined that the motion sensor 22 has detected a person (step S34; Yes), the process proceeds to step S36. If it is determined that the motion sensor 22 has not detected a person (step S34; No), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0062] If the result in step S34 is determined to be Yes, the output control unit 42 outputs a danger notification voice from the voice output unit 30 at a volume proportional to the radio wave strength of the danger notification signal (step S36). Then, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0063] If the result in step S30 is Yes, the sensor control unit 40 determines whether the motion sensor 22 has detected a person in the vicinity of the device (step S38). For example, the sensor control unit 40 determines whether the motion sensor 22 has detected a user of the device. If it is determined that the motion sensor 22 has detected a person (step S38; Yes), the process proceeds to step S40. If it is determined that the motion sensor 22 has not detected a person (step S38; No), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0064] If the answer in step S38 is determined to be Yes, the output control unit 42 will output a rescue request voice message from the voice output unit 30 at a volume inversely proportional to the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal (step S40). The output control unit 42 will output the rescue request voice message only while it is receiving the rescue request signal.

[0065] The process in step S42 is the same as the process in step S18 shown in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted. That is, if the communication unit 32 receives a rescue request signal or danger notification signal from another abnormality notification device 10, and the human presence sensor 22 does not detect a person, the output control unit 42 suppresses the output of the rescue request voice or danger notification voice output from the voice output unit 30.

[0066] As described above, the first embodiment can notify a user holding the abnormality notification device 10 of the direction in which other users needing rescue or the direction in which they should evacuate, through a change in volume. This allows the user to intuitively rescue or evacuate other users according to the change in volume of the sound.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] (Abnormality notification device) An example of the configuration of the abnormality notification device according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the abnormality notification device according to the second embodiment.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the abnormality notification device 10A differs from the abnormality notification device 10 shown in Figure 3 in that it includes a grip detection unit 38 and a vibration unit 39, and the control unit 36A includes a vibration control unit 48 and an attribute determination unit 50.

[0069] The grip detection unit 38 detects when a user grips the abnormality notification device 10A. The grip detection unit 38 detects when a user grips the abnormality notification device 10A by, for example, detecting the pressure when the abnormality notification device 10A is gripped. The grip detection unit 38 is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor. Examples of pressure sensors include, but are not limited to, piezoelectric sensors. The grip detection unit 38 may also be, for example, a proximity sensor that detects the user's hand. The grip detection unit 38 may also be, for example, a mechanical switch.

[0070] The vibrating unit 39 vibrates according to the control of the vibration control unit 48. The vibrating unit 39 is composed of, for example, a motor.

[0071] For example, when the communication unit 32 receives a rescue request signal, and the grip detection unit 38 detects that the abnormality notification device 10A has been gripped by a user, the communication control unit 46A controls the communication unit 32 to transmit a grip signal to other abnormality notification devices 10A. For example, when the radio wave strength determination unit 44 detects a change in the radio wave strength of the rescue request signal received by the communication unit 32, which increases to a predetermined value or more within a predetermined period, the communication control unit 46A controls the communication unit 32 to transmit a rescue signal to other abnormality notification devices 10A indicating that they are on their way to provide assistance.

[0072] The vibration control unit 48 vibrates the abnormality notification device 10A. The vibration control unit 48 vibrates the abnormality notification device 10A by, for example, driving the vibration unit 39. The vibration control unit 48 vibrates the vibration unit 39 when, for example, the grip detection unit 38 detects that the abnormality notification device 10A is being gripped by a user. After the communication control unit 46A has transmitted a grip signal and a rescue signal to other abnormality notification devices 10A, the vibration control unit 48 vibrates the vibration unit 39 with an intensity corresponding to the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal determined by the radio wave intensity determination unit 44. Specifically, the vibration control unit 48 vibrates the vibration unit 39 more strongly the stronger the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal, and vibrates the vibration unit 39 less strongly the weaker the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal. In other words, the vibration control unit 48 vibrates the abnormality notification device 10A with an intensity proportional to the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal.

[0073] The attribute determination unit 50 determines the attributes of the user of the abnormality notification device 10A. For example, the attribute determination unit 50 determines whether the user of the abnormality notification device 10A has the skills to rescue a user waiting for rescue. Information regarding the skills of the user of the abnormality notification device 10A is stored, for example, in the storage unit 34.

[0074] In the second embodiment, when the communication unit 32 receives a rescue request signal, the output control unit 42 switches the content of the voice output from the voice output unit 30 based on the user attributes stored in the storage unit 34. For example, if the user of the abnormality notification device 10A does not have the skills to rescue the user waiting for rescue, the output control unit 42 causes the voice output unit 30 to output a danger notification voice. For example, if the user of the abnormality notification device 10A has the skills to rescue the user waiting for rescue, the output control unit 42 causes the voice output unit 30 to output a rescue request voice. For example, if the user of the abnormality notification device 10A has the skills to rescue the user waiting for rescue and it is necessary to rescue the user waiting for rescue, the output control unit 42 causes the voice output unit 30 to output a rescue request voice.

[0075] (Handling rescue requests) The rescue request process according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the rescue request process according to the second embodiment.

[0076] In Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the on / off state of operation. Waveform 103 represents the timing when the rescue request voice is output from the voice output unit 30. Waveform 104 represents the timing when the rescue request signal is output from the communication unit 32.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 8, it is assumed that at timing t1, an anomaly is detected by the anomaly detection sensor 20 and a person is detected by the human presence sensor 22. Also, at timing t4, it is assumed that the communication unit 32 receives a gripping signal and a rescue signal from another anomaly notification device 10A.

[0078] The processing of the output control unit 42 from timing t1 to timing t5 is the same as the processing shown in Figure 4, so the explanation is omitted.

[0079] The processing of the communication control unit 46A from timing t1 to timing t4 is the same as the processing of the communication control unit 46 from timing t1 to timing t4 shown in Figure 4, so the explanation is omitted.

[0080] When the communication unit 32 receives a gripping signal and a rescue signal from another abnormality notification device 10A at timing t4, the communication control unit 46A continuously transmits a rescue request signal to the other abnormality notification device 10A. That is, at timing t4, the communication control unit 46A switches the transmission of the rescue request signal from intermittent to continuous. As a result, the other abnormality notification device 10A vibrates when it receives a rescue request signal, and therefore vibrates continuously while it is heading towards the rescue. The reason for continuous vibration is that the strength of the vibration informs the user of the direction of the rescue, and unlike the voice in the first embodiment, the vibration of the other abnormality notification device 10 does not interfere.

[0081] (First notification process) The first notification process according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first notification process according to the second embodiment.

[0082] Figure 9 shows the process when the abnormality notification device 10 detects an abnormality and transmits a rescue request signal or a danger notification signal to another abnormality notification device 10A.

[0083] The processes in steps S50 and S52 are the same as those in steps S10 and S12 shown in Figure 5, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0084] If the result in step S52 is Yes, the communication control unit 46A determines whether the communication unit 32 has received a gripping signal and a rescue signal from another abnormality notification device 10A (step S54). If it is determined that the communication unit 32 has received a gripping signal and a rescue signal from another abnormality notification device 10A (step S54; Yes), the process proceeds to step S58. If it is determined that the communication unit 32 has not received a gripping signal and a rescue signal from another abnormality notification device 10A (step S54; No), the process proceeds to step S60.

[0085] If the result in step S52 is determined to be No, the communication control unit 46A transmits a danger notification signal to other abnormality notification devices 10A (step S56).

[0086] If the answer in step S54 is determined to be Yes, the output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30, and the communication control unit 46A continuously transmits rescue request signals from the communication unit 32 to other abnormality notification devices 10A (step S58).

[0087] If the result in step S54 is determined to be No, the output control unit 42 intermittently outputs a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30, and the communication control unit 46A intermittently transmits a rescue request signal from the communication unit 32 to other abnormality notification devices 10A (step S60).

[0088] The process in step S62 is the same as the process in step S18 shown in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0089] (Second notification process) The second notification process according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second notification process according to the second embodiment.

[0090] Figure 10 shows the process when the abnormality notification device 10A receives a rescue request signal or a danger notification signal from another abnormality notification device, such as outputting a rescue request voice or a danger notification voice, or vibrating the abnormality notification device 10A.

[0091] The process in step S70 is the same as the process in step S30 shown in Figure 6, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0092] If the result in step S70 is Yes, the attribute determination unit 50 determines whether the user of the abnormality notification device 10A is capable of rescuing other users who need rescue (step S72). If it is determined that the user is capable of rescuing other users (step S72; Yes), the process proceeds to step S74. If it is determined that the user is not capable of rescuing other users (step S72; No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0093] If the result in step S72 is Yes, the control unit 36A determines whether the user intends to rescue another user (step S74). For example, the control unit 36A determines that the user intends to rescue another user if the user inputs information to the input unit 24 indicating that they intend to rescue another user. If it is determined that the user intends to rescue another user (step S74; Yes), the process proceeds to step S76. If it is determined that the user does not intend to rescue another user (step S74; No), the process proceeds to step S88.

[0094] If the result in step S74 is Yes, the vibration control unit 48 determines whether the abnormality notification device 10A has been grasped by the user based on the detection result of the gripping detection unit 38 (step S76). If it is determined that the abnormality notification device 10A has been grasped by the user (step S76; Yes), the process proceeds to step S78. If it is determined that the abnormality notification device 10A has not been grasped by the user (step S76; No), the process proceeds to step S86.

[0095] If the result in step S76 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46A controls the communication unit 32 to transmit a gripping signal to the other abnormality notification device 10A (step S78).

[0096] The radio wave strength determination unit 44 determines whether the radio wave strength of the rescue request signal has increased to a predetermined value or more within a predetermined period (step S80). If it is determined that the radio wave strength has increased to a predetermined value or more (step S80; Yes), the process proceeds to step S82. If it is determined that the radio wave strength has not increased to a predetermined value or more (step S80; No), the process proceeds to step S86.

[0097] If the answer in step S80 is determined to be Yes, the communication control unit 46A controls the communication unit 32 to send a rescue signal to other abnormality notification devices 10A (step S82). The rescue signal is a signal indicating that the user of abnormality notification device 10A is heading to provide assistance to another abnormality notification device 10A that needs assistance.

[0098] The vibration control unit 48 vibrates the abnormality notification device 10A with an intensity proportional to the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal (step S84). In other words, the vibration control unit 48 vibrates the abnormality notification device 10A more strongly as the distance between the abnormality notification device 10A and other abnormality notification devices 10A decreases.

[0099] If No is determined in step S76 or step S80, the output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30 at a volume inversely proportional to the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal (step S86).

[0100] If No is determined in step S72 or step S74, the output control unit 42 outputs a rescue request voice from the voice output unit 30 at a volume proportional to the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal (step S88).

[0101] The process in step S90 is the same as the process in step S42 shown in Figure 6, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0102] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the user is holding the abnormality notification device, the abnormality notification device can notify the user of the direction of another user who needs assistance by vibrating the device. This allows the user to assist other users by following the vibration, even in environments where voice is difficult to hear.

[0103] Each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, this distribution and integration configuration may be performed dynamically.

[0104] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1. Anomaly detection system 10,10―2,10-1,10-2,10-3,10-4,10A Abnormality notification device 20 Anomaly detection sensors 22 motion sensors 24 Input section 26 Mike 28 Display section 30 Audio output section 32 Communications Department 34 Storage section 36,36A Control Unit 38. Gripping detection unit 39 Vibration section 40 Sensor Control Unit 42 Output control unit 44 Radio field strength determination section 46,46A Communication Control Unit 48 Vibration Control Unit 50 Attribute determination section

Claims

1. An anomaly detection sensor that detects abnormalities occurring around the device, A motion sensor that detects the presence of people in the vicinity of the aforementioned device, A communication unit that communicates wirelessly with other devices, Audio output unit that outputs sound and A communication control unit that controls the communication unit, The system includes an output control unit that controls the aforementioned audio output unit, When the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and the human presence sensor detects a person, When the communication unit receives a gripping signal indicating that the other device is being gripped, and a rescue signal indicating that the user of the other device is heading to rescue it, the output control unit causes the voice output unit to output a rescue request voice message, and the communication control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a rescue request signal. If the predetermined state is not met, the output control unit shall repeatedly output the rescue request voice during an output period in which the rescue request voice is output from the voice output unit and a suppression period in which the rescue request voice is not output, and the communication control unit shall transmit a rescue request signal from the communication unit only during the suppression period. Abnormality notification device.

2. A radio wave intensity determination unit that determines the radio wave intensity value of the radio waves received by the communication unit, A vibration control unit that controls the vibrating part to vibrate the device, The device includes a grip detection unit that detects when the device is being gripped, The aforementioned communication control unit, When the communication unit receives the rescue request signal and the grip detection unit detects that the device has been gripped, the communication unit transmits a grip signal. When the communication unit receives the rescue request signal and the radio wave strength determination unit determines that the radio wave strength of the rescue request signal has increased to a predetermined value or higher within a predetermined time, the communication unit transmits the rescue signal. After the communication unit transmits the gripping signal and the rescue signal, the vibration control unit controls the vibration unit to vibrate itself with an intensity corresponding to the radio wave intensity of the rescue request signal determined by the radio wave intensity determination unit. An abnormality notification device according to claim 1.

3. The device further comprises a storage unit for storing user attributes, When the communication unit receives a danger signal, the output control unit switches the content of the audio output from the audio output unit based on the user attributes stored in the storage unit. An abnormality notification device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The steps include: detecting abnormalities occurring around the device using an abnormality detection sensor; The steps include detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity of the aforementioned device using a human presence sensor, The steps include: the communication unit communicating wirelessly with other devices, Steps include outputting audio from the audio output unit, The steps include controlling the communication unit, The steps include controlling the aforementioned audio output unit, When the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and the human presence sensor detects a person, In a predetermined state where a gripping signal indicating that the other device is being gripped is received, and a rescue signal indicating that the user of the other device is heading to the rescue is received, the steps include: outputting a rescue request voice from the voice output unit and transmitting a rescue request signal from the communication unit; If the predetermined state is not met, the following steps are taken: providing an output period during which the rescue request voice is output from the voice output unit and a suppression period during which the rescue request voice is not output, causing the rescue request voice to be output repeatedly, and transmitting a rescue request signal from the communication unit only during the suppression period; An anomaly notification method, including...

5. The steps include: detecting abnormalities occurring around the device using an abnormality detection sensor; The steps include detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity of the aforementioned device using a human presence sensor, The steps include: the communication unit communicating wirelessly with other devices, Steps include outputting audio from the audio output unit, The steps include controlling the communication unit, The steps include controlling the aforementioned audio output unit, When the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality and the human presence sensor detects a person, In a predetermined state where a gripping signal indicating that the other device is being gripped is received, and a rescue signal indicating that the user of the other device is heading to the rescue is received, the steps include: outputting a rescue request voice from the voice output unit and transmitting a rescue request signal from the communication unit; If the predetermined state is not met, the following steps are taken: providing an output period during which the rescue request voice is output from the voice output unit and a suppression period during which the rescue request voice is not output, causing the rescue request voice to be output repeatedly, and transmitting a rescue request signal from the communication unit only during the suppression period; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images