Vehicles with emergency call functions

Abstract

To improve an automatic emergency notification system for a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle 2 includes: a communication unit 33 that transmits an emergency notification to an operator terminal when an emergency occurs in the vehicle 2; a memory 32 that records information on a plurality of injury confirmation items for confirming injuries of occupants of the vehicle 2 at the emergency of the vehicle 2; user interface units 41 and 42 provided for the occupants of the vehicle 2; and a control unit 31 that transmits the emergency notification from the communication unit 33 to the operator terminal by controlling the vehicle 2 when the emergency occurs in the vehicle 2. The control unit 31 confirms the injury confirmation items recorded in the memory 32 with the occupants using the user interface units 41 and 42 after the occurrence of the emergency in the vehicle 2, and automatically transmits an injury confirmation result of the occupants after the occurrence of the emergency from the communication unit 33 to the operator terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having an emergency call function. [Background technology]

[0002] When a vehicle such as an automobile collides with another automobile while traveling, or an occupant becomes ill, the automobile will make an emergency call to an operator at an emergency assistance center (Patent Documents 1 and 2). When an emergency call is received, an operator at the emergency support center requests a dispatch unit to respond. The dispatch unit uses emergency vehicles to rush to the scene of the vehicle that made the emergency call and carry out the emergency response. This allows vehicles and occupants in the event of an emergency to receive emergency response. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-219488 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 170610 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Emergency response requires that appropriate responses and measures be taken according to the nature of the emergency. If emergency personnel discover a shortage of equipment after arriving at the scene, it will be difficult for them to immediately begin emergency response. Therefore, in order to respond to emergencies more appropriately, it is desirable for the operator at the emergency support center to speak to the occupants of the vehicle that made the emergency call to confirm the nature and extent of the emergency before requesting a response team to be dispatched. However, even if such a call confirmation can confirm the details of the emergency, it is not realistic to confirm more detailed information when an emergency response is required. For example, it is not realistic to confirm the medical history of the occupants of a vehicle in which an emergency has occurred during an emergency call. Furthermore, if the occupants are unconscious, it is not possible to confirm the call.

[0005] As such, there is a need for improvement in automated emergency notification systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle having an emergency call function according to one aspect of the present invention includes: vehicle a communication unit that transmits an emergency report to an operator terminal when an emergency occurs in the vehicle; a memory that records information on a plurality of injury confirmation items for confirming injuries to an occupant of the vehicle when an emergency occurs in the vehicle; a user interface unit that is provided in the vehicle for the occupant of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the vehicle when an emergency occurs in the vehicle and transmits an emergency report from the communication unit to the operator terminal. an emergency call switch provided in the vehicle so as to be manually operable by an occupant of the vehicle in the event of an emergency; and the memory records operation information of a plurality of injury confirmation items to be confirmed with an occupant of the vehicle when an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle and the emergency call switch is manually operated; The control unit When an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle and the emergency call switch is manually operated, operation information for all of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory is presented to the user interface unit for confirmation, and when an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle and the emergency call switch is not manually operated, operation information for a part of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory is confirmed using the user interface unit, and After an emergency occurs, the communication unit automatically transmits the injury confirmation result of the occupant to the operator terminal.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit is configured to When this occurs, the emergency call switch manual operation Not yet In this case, the presence or absence or level of consciousness of the occupant after the occurrence of an emergency of the vehicle is determined, and the presence or absence or level of consciousness of the occupant is determined. The number of injury check items to be checked decrease Let , a plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory All or part of the eye It is advisable to check this using the user interface unit.

[0010] Preferably, when the control unit determines that an occupant of the vehicle is unconscious, it generates unconsciousness information without checking the injury confirmation items recorded in the memory and transmits it from the communication unit to the operator terminal.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit is configured to: confirm It is advisable to reduce the number of injury confirmation items or the amount of operation information presented selectably for each injury confirmation item.

[0012] Preferably, the memory is ,scratch Damage confirmation items The aforementioned For operational information, a text input box and the select button and the control unit records When the determined level of consciousness of the vehicle occupant is the highest level, all of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory are presented on the user interface unit, and the text input box is presented as the operation information; If the determined level of consciousness of the vehicle occupant is at least the minimum level, A part of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory is presented on the user interface unit, and the selection button is presented as the operation information. , it is good.

[0013] Preferably, the memory stores information on a number of injury confirmation items selected from among the presence or absence of injuries to occupants, location of injuries, severity of injuries, number of injured persons, chronic illnesses or medical history, and presence or absence of rescuers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the present invention, when an emergency occurs in the vehicle, the control unit controls the vehicle and transmits an emergency report from the communication unit to the operator terminal. After the emergency occurs in the vehicle, the control unit confirms with the occupant injury confirmation items stored in the memory using the user interface unit, and automatically transmits the injury confirmation result of the occupant after the emergency occurs from the communication unit to the operator terminal. This allows the operator terminal to automatically obtain the injury confirmation result of the occupant after the emergency occurs along with the emergency report. The operator can confirm the injury of the occupant after the emergency occurs on the operator terminal even if he / she cannot or does not directly confirm the injury of the occupant by calling the occupant. The operator can confirm the content and severity of the emergency before requesting a dispatch unit and request a more appropriate emergency response, even if he / she cannot or does not directly confirm the injury of the occupant by calling the occupant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an automatic emergency call system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a computer device that can be used as the operator terminal of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the control system of the automobile of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the basic flow of an automatic emergency call in the entire automatic emergency call system of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of an automobile emergency call control that can be used for the automatic emergency call of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the display contents of a confirmation screen for a plurality of injury confirmation items displayed on the vehicle display device during the emergency call control of the automobile shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an automatic emergency notification system 1 for an automobile 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 includes an automobile 2 that supports the system and an operator terminal 3 at an emergency support center. The emergency support center may be provided with a server device (not shown) that can be accessed by the operator terminal 3, in addition to the operator terminal 3. The automobile 2 is an example of a vehicle that can carry passengers. A control system 30 of the automobile 2 establishes a communication path with a base station 6 whose zone includes the road on which the automobile 2 is traveling, using a mobile communication device 33 described below. The multiple base stations 6 are connected to a communication network 7. The base stations 6 and the communication network 7 may be for a next-generation communication network such as 5G provided by a carrier, or may be for an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) provided by a public institution or the like. The operator terminal 3 is connected to the communication network 7 by a communication device 17, which will be described later.

[0018] While traveling, the automobile 2 may collide with another automobile 9, or the driver or other occupant may become ill. When an emergency occurs in the automobile 2, the control system 30 of the automobile 2 may, for example, be manually operated to make an emergency call from a mobile communication device 33 (described later) to the operator terminal 3 of the emergency support center via the base station 6 and the communication network 7. An operator at the emergency support center checks the emergency call received by the operator terminal 3 and issues a request to the dispatch unit. The dispatch unit rushes in an emergency vehicle 8 to the scene where the automobile 2 that made the emergency call is located and carries out an emergency response. This allows the vehicle 2 and its occupants in the event of an emergency to receive emergency response from a dispatch unit.

[0019] In an emergency response, it is necessary to take appropriate measures according to the nature of the emergency. For example, if there is a shortage of equipment after arriving at the scene, emergency response personnel will have to wait for the equipment to be arranged, and will not be able to immediately begin emergency response after arriving at the scene. Therefore, in order to respond to the emergency more appropriately, it is desirable for the operator of the emergency support center to speak with the occupants of vehicle 2 that made the emergency call before requesting a dispatch unit to respond, in order to understand the nature and extent of the emergency in advance. However, even if the operator can confirm the details of the emergency through a call, it is not realistic to confirm the details in a situation where an emergency response is required. For example, it is not always possible for the operator to check the medical history of the occupants of the vehicle 2 where the emergency occurred every time an emergency call is made. Furthermore, even if the operator makes a call, occupants who are unconscious due to an accident or the like cannot respond. Thus, the automatic emergency notification system 1 needs to be improved to enable more appropriate emergency responses.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a computer device 10 that can be used as the operator terminal 3 of FIG. 2 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a GNSS receiver 13, a timer 14, a display device 15, an operation device 16, and a communication device 17. The computer device 10 may further include a microphone and a speaker (not shown) for making and receiving calls.

[0021] The communication device 17 is connected to the communication network 7. The communication device 17 may further be connected to the local area network 5. The communication device 17 sends and receives communication data to and from the computer device 10.

[0022] The display device 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, and displays a screen to the operator. The display screen of the display device 15 may be, for example, an emergency call screen, a call screen, a dispatch request screen, and the like. The emergency call screen is a screen that displays whether or not an emergency call has been made, the contents of the emergency call, etc. The contents of the emergency call may display the location of the vehicle 2 that made the emergency call, the time of the call, the reported or predicted status of the vehicle 2 and its occupants, etc. It may also display whether or not there are other emergency calls occurring nearby. The call screen may be, for example, a call screen to the mobile terminal of the automobile 2 or the occupant of the automobile 2 that has received the emergency call. The dispatch request screen may be a screen requesting a dispatch unit near the site of the emergency.

[0023] The operation device 16 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, a button, etc., and is operated by an operator. The operator operates the operation device 16 to switch the display screen of the display device 15, for example.

[0024] The GNSS receiver 13 receives radio waves from the GNSS satellites 101 shown in Fig. 1 and generates the current time. The GNSS receiver 13 may obtain the installation position of the computer device 10 along with the current time.

[0025] The timer 14 measures time or the time of day. The time of the timer 14 may be calibrated by the current time of the GNSS receiver 13.

[0026] The memory 12 stores programs and data for causing the computer device 10 to function as the operator terminal 3 .

[0027] The CPU 11 reads and executes a program from the memory 12. As a result, the CPU 11 functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the operator terminal 3. The CPU 11 as a control unit of the operator terminal 3 receives an emergency call from the vehicle 2, switches the display on the display device 15 in response to an operation by the operator, and executes control based on the operation on the display screen. Examples of control based on the operation on the display screen include control of calling the vehicle 2 or its occupants that made the emergency call, and control of calling a dispatch unit to request a response.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the control system 30 of the automobile 2 of FIG. The control system 30 of the automobile 2 in Figure 3 includes a vehicle ECU 31, a vehicle memory 32, a mobile communication device 33, a vehicle GNSS receiver 34, a vehicle timer 35, an acceleration sensor 36, an occupant monitoring system (DMS) 37, an in-vehicle camera 38, an in-vehicle speaker 39, an in-vehicle microphone 40, a vehicle display device 41, a vehicle operation device 42, an SOS switch 43 that is operated by the occupant in an emergency, and an in-vehicle network 44 to which these are connected. The in-vehicle network 44 may be a wired communication network for the automobile 2 that complies with, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN) or a Local Interconnect Network (LIN). The in-vehicle network 44 may also be a communication network such as a LAN, or a combination thereof. A wireless communication network may be included as part of the in-vehicle network 44. The vehicle GNSS receiver 34, vehicle timer 35, vehicle display device 41, vehicle operation device 42, in-vehicle speaker 39, and in-vehicle microphone 40 may be the same as those in the computer device 10 of Fig. 2. However, the vehicle operation device 42 is preferably a touch panel that is overlaid on the vehicle display device 41. The vehicle display device 41 may display, for example, the status of the autonomous driving of the automobile 2, an emergency call screen, etc.

[0029] The vehicle display device 41 and the vehicle operation device 42 are provided as user interface units in the vehicle 2 for the occupants of the vehicle 2, for example, on the dashboard or center panel inside the vehicle 2. When the vehicle display device 41 is a liquid crystal device, the vehicle operation device 42 may be a touch panel overlaid on the liquid crystal device. The in-vehicle speaker 39 and the in-vehicle microphone 40 may also constitute the user interface unit.

[0030] The mobile communication device 33 establishes a communication path with the base station 6. As a communication unit of the automobile 2, the mobile communication device 33 transmits and receives data to and from the communication device 17 of the operator terminal 3 via the base station 6 and the communication network 7. When an emergency occurs in the automobile 2, the mobile communication device 33, as a communication unit, automatically transmits an emergency call to the operator terminal 3.

[0031] The acceleration sensor 36 detects the acceleration of the automobile 2. The acceleration sensor 36 may detect the speed of the automobile 2. When the automobile 2 suddenly stops or collides, an acceleration higher than normal occurs.

[0032] The in-vehicle camera 38 captures an image of the interior of the automobile 2. The in-vehicle camera 38 may capture an image of only the owner of the automobile 2, or may capture an image of the entire interior of the automobile 2.

[0033] The occupant monitoring device 37 identifies the owner and passengers in the vehicle based on images captured by the in-vehicle camera 38 and monitors the condition of these occupants. Occupants may fall asleep, be distracted, or have an abnormal heart rate. The occupant monitoring device 37 may detect abnormalities in the health condition of the occupants based on the abnormal heart rate, etc.

[0034] The SOS switch 43 may be an independent physical button provided inside the automobile 2, for example, on the steering wheel or shift knob. Since the SOS switch 43 is operated by an occupant in an emergency, it is preferable that the switch be provided in a position that is easy for the driver to operate. The SOS switch 43 may be provided with a button cover or the like to prevent unintentional operation by the occupant of the automobile 2. The SOS switch 43 is an emergency call switch that is manually operated by an occupant of the automobile 2 in an emergency.

[0035] The vehicle memory 32 stores programs and data. The vehicle memory 32 may serve as a memory for recording operation information for a plurality of injury confirmation items for confirming injuries to occupants of the automobile 2 in the event of an emergency involving the automobile 2. The operation information recorded in the vehicle memory 32 may be setting information for text input boxes and selection buttons on a confirmation screen displayed on the vehicle display device 41 to check the status of the occupants. The confirmation screen can display multiple selection buttons and text input boxes based on the settings. The operation information may be organized for each confirmation screen of the vehicle display device 41 and recorded in the vehicle memory 32.

[0036] The vehicle ECU 31 reads and executes a program from the vehicle memory 32. In this way, the vehicle ECU 31 functions as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the automobile 2, including driving control. A vehicle ECU 31 serving as a control unit of the automobile 2 controls the traveling of the automobile 2, such as automatic driving. The vehicle ECU 31 may determine that an emergency has occurred, for example, when a collision is detected because the detection value of the acceleration sensor 36 exceeds a threshold value, or when the occupant monitoring device 37 detects an abnormality or malfunction in the health condition of an occupant. The vehicle ECU 31 may execute emergency call control, and in the event of an emergency, control the automobile 2 to send an emergency call or the like from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the basic flow of an automatic emergency call in the entire automatic emergency call system 1 of FIG. 4 shows a car 2 and an operator terminal 3. Time flows from top to bottom. 4 shows an example of an emergency call when the car 2 has collided. Calls for other emergencies, such as sudden illness of a passenger, are basically the same as those shown in FIG.

[0038] In step ST1, the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 identifies the occupants in the automobile 2. The vehicle ECU 31 uses the occupant monitoring device 37, for example, to identify the occupants in the automobile 2.

[0039] In step ST2, the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 detects a collision of the automobile 2. For example, when the detection value of the acceleration sensor 36 exceeds a threshold value, the vehicle ECU 31 detects a collision of the automobile 2. The vehicle ECU 31 may detect a collision of the automobile 2 by predicting an unavoidable collision of the automobile 2.

[0040] In step ST3, the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 starts emergency call control based on the detection of a collision of the automobile 2.

[0041] In step ST4, the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 collects information from the automobile 2. The vehicle ECU 31 may collect information about the state of the occupants after the collision is detected, for example, using the occupant monitoring device 37. The occupants may be injured or wounded or may be unconscious due to the collision.

[0042] In step ST5, the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 determines whether an emergency requiring an emergency call has occurred. The vehicle ECU 31 may determine whether an emergency requiring an emergency call has occurred based on, for example, the degree of impact caused by the collision, the consciousness or movement of occupants such as the owner, etc. If an emergency requiring an emergency call has occurred, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST6. If an emergency requiring an emergency call has not occurred, the vehicle ECU 31 returns the process to step ST4. This allows the vehicle ECU 31 to continue monitoring the state after the collision is detected. After a predetermined period has elapsed, the vehicle ECU 31 may end this control instead of returning the process to step ST4.

[0043] In step ST6, the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 acquires injury information about the occupant after the emergency situation occurs.

[0044] In step ST7, the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 uses the mobile communication device 33 to send to the operator terminal 3 an emergency report indicating that the automobile 2 is in an emergency situation due to the detection of an accident, and information on the injuries of the occupants after the emergency situation has occurred.

[0045] In step ST11, the CPU 11 of the operator terminal 3 determines whether or not an emergency call has been received. The operator terminal 3 receives the emergency call transmitted by the vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 in step ST7. If an emergency call has not been received, the CPU 11 of the operator terminal 3 repeats this process. If an emergency call is received, the CPU 11 of the operator terminal 3 advances the process to step ST12.

[0046] In step ST12, the CPU 11 of the operator terminal 3 calls the vehicle 2 that has received the emergency call or the occupant thereof to check the condition of the occupant. The operator terminal 3 has already received the injury information of the occupant after the emergency occurred together with the emergency call. When an operator who has confirmed this information makes a call, the operator terminal 3 may execute a call confirmation to the occupant in step ST12. The operator can confirm the damage condition of the automobile 2 and the detailed condition of the occupant by talking to the automobile 2 or the occupant connected by calling the operator terminal 3. The operator can check the injury information of the occupants after the occurrence of a basic emergency, which has already been received by the operator terminal 3, and can check the detailed condition of the occupants in a short time while having a general understanding of their injury condition.

[0047] In step ST13, the CPU 11 of the operator terminal 3 outputs a dispatch request to a dispatch unit that is determined to be the most suitable based on the relevant information and the like, based on the operation of the operation device 16 by the operator. When a dispatch request is made, the dispatch unit will rush to the location of vehicle 2 from which the emergency call was made, taking with them the emergency call and related information, and will carry out emergency rescue operations, etc. The dispatch unit can carry out more accurate rescue operations based on the owner's medical history and medication information.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of emergency call control of the automobile 2 that can be used for the automatic emergency call of FIG. The vehicle ECU 31 of the automobile 2 may repeatedly execute the emergency call control of FIG. 5 for the emergency call of FIG. 4, for example. In Fig. 5, the basic processing flow from step ST4 to step ST7 is the same as in Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, after step ST5, vehicle ECU 31 advances the processing to step ST20 for processing of step ST6.

[0049] In step ST20, the vehicle ECU 31 starts acquiring injury information about an occupant of the automobile 2 in which an emergency requiring an emergency call has occurred.

[0050] In step ST21, the vehicle ECU 31 determines whether the emergency call is made by a manual operation by the occupant. For example, when the SOS switch 43 is manually operated by the occupant, the vehicle ECU 31 determines that an emergency has occurred, assuming that the occupant has suffered a physical injury due to a sudden illness or the like. In this case, the vehicle ECU 31 determines that the emergency call was initiated by a manual operation by the occupant, and proceeds to step ST28. In steps ST28 to ST30, the vehicle ECU 31 checks the occupant's operations after the emergency has occurred, with respect to operation information for a plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32, as will be described later. Note that steps ST31 to ST33 and steps ST34 to ST36 are similar. In addition, for example, if the detection value of the acceleration sensor 36 exceeds a threshold value for determining that an accident is a minor collision, the vehicle ECU 31 determines that an emergency has occurred. In this case, the vehicle ECU 31 determines that the emergency call was not made by a manual operation by the occupant, and proceeds to step ST22.

[0051] In step ST22, the vehicle ECU 31 calls the occupant of the automobile 2 who is making the emergency call. The vehicle ECU 31 outputs a voice message to the occupant from the in-vehicle speaker 39, for example, and monitors the occupant's voice response using the in-vehicle microphone 40.

[0052] In step ST23, the vehicle ECU 31 determines whether or not the occupant of the vehicle 2 making the emergency call is conscious. For example, if no response is recognized to the call in step ST22, the vehicle ECU 31 determines that the occupant of the vehicle 2 making the emergency call is unconscious, and proceeds to step ST24. If a response is recognized to the call in step ST22, the vehicle ECU 31 determines that the occupant of the vehicle 2 making the emergency call is conscious, and proceeds to step ST25.

[0053] In step ST24, the vehicle ECU 31 generates unconsciousness information indicating that the occupant is unconscious. Thereafter, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST7 to execute an automatic emergency call. The vehicle ECU 31 automatically transmits the unconsciousness information, along with the emergency call, from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3. Thereafter, the vehicle ECU 31 terminates this control. In this case, the operator terminal 3 can recognize that the occupant is unconscious before executing the call in step ST12 of FIG. 4. The operator can execute the dispatch request in step ST13 of FIG. 4 early without confirming the call in step ST12 of FIG. 4.

[0054] In step ST25, the vehicle ECU 31 determines the level of consciousness of the occupant after the occurrence of an emergency. The vehicle ECU 31 may determine the occupant's level of consciousness as high, medium, or low based on, for example, the voice characteristics of the response to the call in step ST22, such as whether the intonation and phonemes are clear, the speaking speed, and the spacing between phonemes. A lower level of consciousness indicates less clear intonation and phonemes, a slower speaking speed, and wider and easier spacing between phonemes. The vehicle ECU 31 may, for example, quantify these and compare them with a threshold value for the level of consciousness. In this way, the vehicle ECU 31 can determine the occupant's consciousness and level of consciousness after the occurrence of an emergency of the vehicle 2 when the emergency of the vehicle 2 is due to something other than manual operation. Alternatively, for example, the vehicle ECU 31 may determine the level of consciousness of the occupant as high, medium, or low based on the response time to a simple question, that is, the elapsed time from the time of the call to the time of the response. Furthermore, the vehicle ECU 31 may determine the level of consciousness of the occupant as high, medium, or low by combining the above-mentioned multiple types of determination criteria.

[0055] In step ST26, the vehicle ECU 31 determines whether the occupant's level of consciousness determined in step ST25 is a high level, i.e., a sufficiently high level of consciousness. If the occupant's level of consciousness is high, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST28. If the occupant's level of consciousness is not high, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST27.

[0056] In step ST27, the vehicle ECU 31 determines whether the occupant's level of consciousness determined in step ST25 is a medium level of consciousness that is not sufficient but allows the occupant to respond. If the occupant's level of consciousness is medium, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST31. If the occupant's level of consciousness is not medium, i.e., low, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST34.

[0057] Step ST28 is executed when the emergency situation of the automobile 2 is based on manual operation and when the occupant's level of consciousness is high. The vehicle ECU 31 determines that the occupant's level of consciousness is sufficiently high and displays the full input screen. The vehicle ECU 31 generates a full input screen that displays all operation information recorded in the vehicle memory 32 for each injury confirmation item on the screen for confirming the injury confirmation item recorded in the vehicle memory 32, and displays the full input screen on the vehicle display device 41. If the operation information includes a text input box, the text input box is displayed on the confirmation screen.

[0058] In step ST29, the vehicle ECU 31 acquires an input or selection operation by the occupant. The vehicle ECU 31 acquires an operation of the vehicle operation device 42 in response to the operation information displayed in step ST28. If a text input box is displayed, the occupant operates the vehicle operation device 42 to input text.

[0059] In step ST30, the vehicle ECU 31 determines whether the input screens output for operation input to the occupant with a high level of consciousness have been completed. The vehicle ECU 31 may determine whether the input screens have been completed based on whether operation input has been completed for all of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32. If the input screens for all of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32 have not been completed, the vehicle ECU 31 returns the process to step ST28. The vehicle ECU 31 generates and displays a full input screen that displays all operation information for the unprocessed injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32, and repeats the process of acquiring occupant operations. When the input screens for all of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32 have been completed, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST7. In step ST7, the vehicle ECU 31 automatically transmits an emergency call from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3. Furthermore, the vehicle ECU 31 compiles the operation information on the full input screen in step ST29 and automatically transmits it as the injury confirmation result of the occupant after the occurrence of the emergency.

[0060] Step ST31 is executed when the occupant's level of consciousness is medium. The vehicle ECU 31 determines that the occupant's level of consciousness is medium, meaning that the occupant is not fully conscious but is somewhat clear, and displays a partial input screen that is simpler than the full input screen. The vehicle ECU 31 generates a partial input screen that displays all or some of the operation information recorded in the vehicle memory 32 for each injury confirmation item on a screen for confirming the injury confirmation item recorded in the vehicle memory 32, and displays the partial input screen on the vehicle display device 41. The confirmation screen displays only selection buttons as operation information, and does not display text input boxes. Furthermore, the number of selection buttons displayed on each confirmation screen for an occupant with a moderate level of consciousness may be less than the number of selection buttons displayed on each confirmation screen for an occupant with a high level of consciousness.

[0061] In step ST32, the vehicle ECU 31 acquires a selection operation by the occupant. The vehicle ECU 31 acquires an operation of the vehicle operation device 42 in response to the operation information displayed in step ST31. The occupant operates the vehicle operation device 42 to select a selection button displayed on the confirmation screen. The occupant can select a selection button even if they are not at a high level of consciousness.

[0062] In step ST33, the vehicle ECU 31 determines whether the input screens to be output for operation input to the occupant with a moderate level of consciousness have been completed. The number of confirmation screens for injury confirmation items to be confirmed for the occupant with a moderate level of consciousness may be smaller than the number of confirmation screens for injury confirmation items to be confirmed for the occupant with a high level of consciousness. In this case, the vehicle ECU 31 may determine whether the input screens have been completed by determining whether operation input has been completed for some of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32. If the input screens for all of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded for the occupant with a moderate level of consciousness in the vehicle memory 32 have not been completed, the vehicle ECU 31 returns the process to step ST31. The vehicle ECU 31 generates and displays a partial input screen that displays operation information for the unprocessed injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32, and repeats the process of acquiring occupant operations. When the input screens for all of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded for the occupant with a moderate level of consciousness in the vehicle memory 32 have been completed, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST7. In step ST7, the vehicle ECU 31 automatically transmits an emergency call from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3. In addition, the vehicle ECU 31 summarizes the operation information on the partial input screen in step ST32 and automatically transmits it as a result of confirming the injury of the occupant after the emergency situation occurs.

[0063] Step ST34 is executed when the occupant's level of consciousness is low. The vehicle ECU 31 displays a minimum input screen, which is simpler than the partial input screen, to the occupant with a low level of consciousness. The vehicle ECU 31 generates a minimum input screen that displays all or some of the operation information for each injury confirmation item recorded in the vehicle memory 32 on a screen for confirming the injury confirmation item recorded in the vehicle memory 32, and displays the minimum input screen on the vehicle display device 41. The confirmation screen displays only selection buttons as operation information, and does not display text input boxes. Furthermore, the number of selection buttons displayed on each confirmation screen for an occupant with a low level of consciousness may be less than the number of selection buttons displayed on each confirmation screen for an occupant with a medium level of consciousness.

[0064] In step ST35, the vehicle ECU 31 acquires a selection operation by the occupant. The vehicle ECU 31 acquires an operation of the vehicle operation device 42 in response to the operation information displayed in step ST34. The occupant operates the vehicle operation device 42 to select a selection button displayed on the confirmation screen. The occupant can select a selection button even if they have a low level of consciousness.

[0065] In step ST36, the vehicle ECU 31 determines whether the input screens to be output for operation input to the occupant with a low level of consciousness have been completed. The number of confirmation screens for injury confirmation items to be confirmed for the occupant with a low level of consciousness may be fewer than the number of confirmation screens for injury confirmation items to be confirmed for the occupant with a medium level of consciousness. In this case, the vehicle ECU 31 may determine whether the input screens have been completed by determining whether operation input has been completed for some of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32. If the input screens for all of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32 for the occupant with a low level of consciousness have not been completed, the vehicle ECU 31 returns the process to step ST34. The vehicle ECU 31 generates and displays a minimum input screen that displays operation information for the unprocessed injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32, and repeats the process of acquiring occupant operations. When the input screens for all of the multiple injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32 for the occupant with a low level of consciousness have been completed, the vehicle ECU 31 proceeds to step ST7. In step ST7, the vehicle ECU 31 automatically transmits an emergency call from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3. In addition, the vehicle ECU 31 summarizes the operation information on the minimum input screen in step ST35 and automatically transmits it as a result of confirming the injury of the occupant after the emergency situation occurs.

[0066] In this way, when an emergency occurs in the automobile 2 due to something other than manual operation, the vehicle ECU 31, as a control unit, after the emergency occurs in the automobile 2, confirms with the occupant the injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32 using the user interface units 41, 42 before sending an emergency call from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3, and automatically transmits the injury confirmation results of the occupant after the emergency occurs from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3. Furthermore, the vehicle ECU 31 uses the user interface units 41, 42 to check some of the injury confirmation items or some of the operation information stored in the vehicle memory 32, the number of which is increased or decreased depending on the presence or absence or level of consciousness of the determined occupant. The vehicle ECU 31 checks by reducing the number of injury confirmation items or the number of operation information (selection buttons) presented selectably for each injury confirmation item as the determined level of consciousness of the occupant of the automobile 2 becomes lower. The number of operation information (selection buttons) can be reduced by deleting or integrating some of the items.

[0067] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the display contents of a confirmation screen for a plurality of injury confirmation items displayed on the vehicle display device 41 during emergency call control of the automobile 2 in FIG. In Fig. 6, multiple pieces of operation information for multiple injury confirmation items are classified by confirmation screen for each injury confirmation item and by confirmation screen type. Three confirmation screens are shown: a full input screen, a partial input screen, and a minimum input screen. The number and contents of injury confirmation items and the number of confirmation screens are not limited to those shown in Fig. 6. The plurality of pieces of operation information for the plurality of injury confirmation items in Fig. 6 may be recorded as, for example, table data in the vehicle memory 32. For example, part of the plurality of pieces of operation information for the plurality of injury confirmation items in Fig. 6 may be incorporated into a program. As a result, the vehicle memory 32 stores operation information for a plurality of injury confirmation items to be confirmed with the occupants of the automobile 2 in the event of an emergency in the automobile 2 based on manual operation of the SOS switch 43 as an emergency call switch.

[0068] In this case, when executing step ST28, the vehicle ECU 31 generates a confirmation screen (full input screen) to which the operation information in the first column is assigned, and displays it on the vehicle display device 41. The vehicle ECU 31 repeats the processes of steps ST28 to ST30 to sequentially generate an injury confirmation screen, an injury location confirmation screen, an injury degree confirmation screen, a number of injured people confirmation screen, a chronic illness and medical history confirmation screen, and a rescuer confirmation screen, and displays them on the vehicle display device 41. Furthermore, the chronic illness and medical history confirmation screen displays a text input box for inputting the chronic illness and medical history as text. The vehicle memory 32 records the text input box as operation information for the injury confirmation item when the level of consciousness of the occupant of the automobile 2 is high.

[0069] When executing step ST31, the vehicle ECU 31 generates a confirmation screen (partial input screen) to which the operation information in the second column is assigned, and displays it on the vehicle display device 41. The vehicle ECU 31 repeats the processing of steps ST31 to ST33 to sequentially generate a confirmation screen for the presence or absence of injuries, a confirmation screen for the location of injuries, a confirmation screen for the extent of injuries, a confirmation screen for the number of injured people, and a confirmation screen for chronic illnesses and medical history, and displays them on the vehicle display device 41. The display does not confirm the presence or absence of a rescuer. Furthermore, the confirmation screen for chronic illnesses and medical history, like the other confirmation screens, displays a selection button for confirming the presence or absence of chronic illnesses and medical history. If the determined level of consciousness of the occupant of the vehicle 2 is medium, a selection button is presented as operation information instead of a text input box.

[0070] When executing step ST34, the vehicle ECU 31 generates a confirmation screen (minimum input screen) to which the operation information in the third column is assigned, and displays it on the vehicle display device 41. The vehicle ECU 31 repeats the processing of steps ST34 to ST36 to sequentially generate an injury confirmation screen, an injury location confirmation screen, an injury severity confirmation screen, and a number of injured people confirmation screen, and displays them on the vehicle display device 41. No confirmation is made for chronic illnesses, medical history, or the presence or absence of rescuers. In addition, multiple selection buttons are displayed for each injury confirmation item on all confirmation screens. If the consciousness level of the determined occupant of the vehicle 2 is the lowest level, selection buttons are presented as operation information instead of text input boxes.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, when an emergency occurs in the vehicle 2, the vehicle ECU 31, which serves as a control unit that controls the vehicle 2 and transmits an emergency report from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3, confirms with the occupant the injury confirmation items recorded in the vehicle memory 32 using the user interface units 41 and 42 after the emergency occurs in the vehicle 2, and automatically transmits the injury confirmation results of the occupant after the emergency occurs from the mobile communication device 33 to the operator terminal 3. This allows the operator terminal 3 to automatically obtain the confirmation results of the occupant's injury after the emergency occurs along with the emergency report. The operator can confirm the occupant's injury after the emergency occurs on the operator terminal 3 even if he or she is unable or does not directly confirm the occupant's injury by calling the occupant. The operator can also directly confirm the occupant's injury in detail by further calling the occupant. Even if he or she is unable or does not directly confirm the occupant's injury after the emergency occurs by calling the occupant, the operator can confirm the content and extent of the emergency before requesting a dispatch unit and request a more appropriate emergency response.

[0072] The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...automatic emergency call system, 2...automobile (vehicle), 3...operator terminal, 6...base station, 7...communication network, 8...emergency vehicle, 9...other automobiles, 10...computer equipment, 11...CPU, 12...memory, 13...GNSS receiver, 14...timer, 15...display device, 16...operation device, 17...communication device, 30...control system, 31...vehicle ECU, 32...vehicle memory, 33...mobile communication device, 34...vehicle GNSS receiver, 35...vehicle timer, 36...acceleration sensor, 37...occupant monitoring device, 38...in-vehicle camera, 39...in-vehicle speaker, 40...in-vehicle microphone, 41...vehicle display device, 42...vehicle operation device, 43...SOS switch, 44...in-vehicle network, 101...GNSS satellite

Claims

1. a communication unit that transmits an emergency report to an operator terminal when an emergency occurs in the vehicle; a memory for recording information on a plurality of injury confirmation items for confirming injuries to occupants of the vehicle in the event of an emergency situation of the vehicle; a user interface unit provided in the vehicle for a vehicle occupant; a control unit that controls the vehicle when an emergency occurs in the vehicle and transmits an emergency report from the communication unit to an operator terminal; an emergency call switch provided in the vehicle so as to be manually operable by an occupant of the vehicle in the event of an emergency; and the memory records operation information of a plurality of injury confirmation items to be confirmed with an occupant of the vehicle when an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle and the emergency call switch is manually operated; The control unit When an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle and the emergency call switch is manually operated, operation information for all of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory is presented to the user interface unit for confirmation; When an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle and the emergency call switch is not manually operated, operation information for a part of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory is confirmed using the user interface unit; automatically transmitting a confirmation result of an injury to an occupant after an emergency occurs from the communication unit to the operator terminal; Vehicles with emergency call functions.

2. The control unit When an emergency occurs in the vehicle, the injury confirmation items recorded in the memory are confirmed using the user interface unit before transmitting an emergency report from the communication unit to the operator terminal. A vehicle having an emergency call function according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, when an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle and the emergency call switch is not manually operated, determining whether or not an occupant is conscious after an emergency situation occurs in the vehicle; reducing the number of injury confirmation items to be confirmed depending on the presence or absence or level of consciousness of the determined occupant, and confirming all or part of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory using the user interface unit; 3. A vehicle having an emergency call function according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit When it is determined that the vehicle occupant is unconscious, unconsciousness information is generated without checking the injury confirmation items recorded in the memory, and is transmitted from the communication unit to the operator terminal. A vehicle having an emergency call function according to claim 3.

5. The control unit The lower the level of consciousness of the determined vehicle occupant, the fewer the number of injury confirmation items to be confirmed or the fewer pieces of operation information to be presented selectably for each injury confirmation item.

5. A vehicle having an emergency call function according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The memory records a text input box and a selection button as the operation information of the injury confirmation item, The control unit When the determined level of consciousness of the vehicle occupant is the highest level, all of the plurality of injury confirmation items recorded in the memory are presented on the user interface unit, and the text input box is presented as the operation information; When the determined level of consciousness of the vehicle occupant is at least a minimum level, a part of the plurality of injury confirmation items stored in the memory is presented on the user interface unit, and the selection button is presented as the operation information. A vehicle having an emergency call function according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The memory stores information on a plurality of injury confirmation items selected from the following: whether or not the occupants are injured, the location of injuries, the extent of injuries, the number of injured people, chronic illnesses or past medical history, and whether or not rescuers are available. A vehicle having an emergency call function according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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