Wireless communication system, wireless communication method and program

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program that enable a vehicle crewman who does not have a portable terminal to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle.SOLUTION: A wireless communication system comprises: a wireless communication device provided in a vehicle, which is capable of wireless communication with an external communication device 30 located outside a vehicle 20; and a processor 21 provided in the vehicle, wherein: the processor controls the wireless communication device to notify a communication terminal 50 located outside the vehicle based on an instruction received from a vehicle crewman, or disaster information received by the wireless communication device from the external communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that configures a safety information transmission system (communication network) using multiple in-vehicle terminals and multiple mobile terminals in the event of a breakdown in the communication infrastructure in the area where a vehicle is located. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-69516 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the occupant of the vehicle of Patent Document 1 does not carry a mobile terminal, the occupant cannot notify the communication terminal located outside the vehicle of his or her own safety information.

[0005] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program that allow a vehicle occupant who does not carry a mobile terminal to send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wireless communication system according to claim 1 includes a wireless communication device provided in a vehicle, the wireless communication device being capable of wireless communication with an external communication device located outside the vehicle; a detection device capable of detecting an occupant in the vehicle; and at least one sensor provided in the vehicle; a processor provided in the vehicle, wherein the processor The aforementioned controlling the wireless communication device to send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction received from an occupant or disaster information received by the wireless communication device from the external communication device; When sending the notification to the communication terminal, the processor controls the wireless communication device to transmit sensor information acquired by an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure in tires of the vehicle to the communication terminal, and when the processor receives the instruction from the occupant, the processor controls the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not, and when controlling the wireless communication device based on the disaster information, controls the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when the disaster rank indicated by the disaster information sent to the wireless communication device by the external communication device is a predetermined rank or higher and it is determined based on the detection result of the detection device that all of the occupants have left the vehicle and gone outside. do.

[0007] In the wireless communication system described in claim 1, the processor controls the wireless communication device to send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction from an occupant or disaster information received by the wireless communication device from an external communication device. Therefore, when a disaster occurs, the wireless communication device of the vehicle sends a notification to the communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction from the occupant or disaster information received by the wireless communication device. Therefore, according to the wireless communication system described in claim 1, an occupant of a vehicle who does not carry a mobile device can send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle.

[0009] Claim 1 In the invention described in (2), when the processor determines that all occupants have left the vehicle based on the detection result of the detection device and the wireless communication device receives disaster information from an external communication device, the wireless communication device notifies the communication terminal. Therefore, even if an occupant loses their ability to make calm decisions during a disaster and does not execute instructions to the processor, the wireless communication device notifies the communication terminal when all occupants have moved outside the vehicle. Therefore, the risk of not sending a notification from the vehicle to the communication terminal is reduced.

[0011] Claim 1 In the invention described in the above, when the disaster rank indicated by the disaster information transmitted from the external communication device to the wireless communication device is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank, the wireless communication device notifies the communication terminal. Therefore, when a disaster of a rank lower than the predetermined rank occurs, the wireless communication device does not notify the communication terminal.

[0013] Claim 1 In the invention described in (1), when the wireless communication device notifies the communication terminal, the wireless communication device transmits sensor information acquired by a sensor installed in the vehicle to the communication terminal, so that the user of the communication terminal can recognize the sensor information of the vehicle.

[0015] Claim 1 In the invention described in the above, the sensor information includes information on the tire pressure of the vehicle, so that the user of the communication terminal can recognize the state of the vehicle's tires.

[0016] Claim 2 The wireless communication system according to the invention described in Claim 1 In the invention described above, the sensor includes a camera capable of photographing at least one of a subject located inside the vehicle and a subject located outside the vehicle.

[0017] Claim 2 In the invention described in the above, the sensor information includes at least one of image information of a subject located inside the vehicle and image information of a subject located outside the vehicle, which is acquired by a camera, and therefore the user of the communication terminal can recognize at least one of the image information of the inside of the vehicle and the image information of the outside of the vehicle.

[0018] Claim 3 The wireless communication system according to the invention described in Claim 1 or Claim 2 In the invention, the vehicle includes an operation device into which the occupant can input information representing the instruction.

[0019] Claim 3 In the invention described above, an occupant can give an instruction to a processor via an operating device provided in the vehicle, thereby making it possible to notify a communication terminal using a wireless communication device.

[0020] Claim 4 The wireless communication system according to the invention described in Claim 3 In the invention, the operating device is a switch provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle, and the processor controls the wireless communication device so as to send the notification to the communication terminal when the switch is operated.

[0021] Claim 4 In the invention described in (1), when a driver operates a switch provided on the steering wheel, a notification is sent from the wireless communication device to the communication terminal. Therefore, the driver can easily perform an operation to have the wireless communication device send a notification to the communication terminal while driving the vehicle.

[0022] Claim 5a processor provided in a vehicle controls the wireless communication device to send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction received from an occupant of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device provided in the vehicle from an external communication device located outside the vehicle; When sending the notification to the communication terminal, the wireless communication device is controlled so as to transmit to the communication terminal sensor information acquired by an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure in tires of the vehicle, which is at least one sensor provided in the vehicle; when receiving the instruction from the occupant, the wireless communication device is controlled so as to send the notification to the communication terminal regardless of whether the vehicle is moving; when controlling the wireless communication device based on the disaster information, the wireless communication device is controlled so as to send the notification to the communication terminal when it is determined that the disaster rank indicated by the disaster information sent to the wireless communication device by the external communication device is a predetermined rank or higher and that all of the occupants have left the vehicle based on the detection result of a detection device that can detect the occupants inside the vehicle. do.

[0023] Claim 6 The program according to the invention described in the item (1) causes a processor provided in the vehicle to control the wireless communication device so as to notify a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction received from an occupant of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device provided in the vehicle from an external communication device located outside the vehicle. and further causing the processor to execute a process of controlling the wireless communication device so that, when making the notification to the communication terminal, it transmits sensor information acquired by an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure in tires of the vehicle, which is at least one sensor provided in the vehicle, to the communication terminal; a process of controlling the wireless communication device so that, when receiving the instruction from the occupant, it makes the notification to the communication terminal regardless of whether the vehicle is moving; and a process of controlling the wireless communication device so that, when controlling the wireless communication device based on the disaster information, it makes the notification to the communication terminal when it is determined that the disaster rank indicated by the disaster information transmitted to the wireless communication device by the external communication device is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank and that all of the occupants have left the vehicle based on a detection result of a detection device that can detect the occupants inside the vehicle. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] As described above, the wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program according to the present invention have the excellent effect of enabling a vehicle occupant who does not carry a mobile terminal to make a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a control block diagram of an ECU and an external server of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the ECU shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an external server shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing a main image of a display provided in the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates the display when a notification application is launched. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the display when a message edit button is touched. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the display when a message addition button is touched. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the display when a confirmation button is touched. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the display when a destination edit button is touched. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the display when a destination addition button is touched. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the display when a confirmation button is touched. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a rank determination map. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display when the vehicle receives disaster information and information indicating the disaster rank from an external server. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an external server. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an ECU. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an ECU. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an ECU. [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an ECU. [Figure 20] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 1, a wireless communication system 10 of this embodiment includes a vehicle 20, an external server (external communication device) 30, and a plurality of communication terminals 50 located outside the vehicle 20. For convenience, only one communication terminal 50 is shown in FIG. 1. It is further assumed that there are a plurality of occupants (not shown) inside the vehicle 20.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 20 capable of data communication with an external server 30 via a network (e.g., the Internet) has an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 21, a display (operating device) 22 with a touch panel, a speaker 23, a first camera (detecting device) (sensor) 24, a second camera (sensor) 25, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 26, four wheels 27, an air pressure sensor (sensor) 28, and a steering wheel 29.

[0029] A display 22 provided on an instrument panel (not shown) can display various images, and a speaker 23 can output various sounds.

[0030] The first camera 24 is capable of capturing images of subjects located inside the vehicle 20. That is, the first camera 24 is capable of capturing images of occupants located inside the vehicle 20. Hereinafter, image data acquired by the first camera 24 will be referred to as "interior image data." The second camera 25 is capable of capturing images of subjects located outside (around) the vehicle 20. Hereinafter, image data acquired by the second camera 25 will be referred to as "exterior image data." The GPS receiver 26 receives GPS signals transmitted from GPS satellites to acquire information regarding the location where the vehicle 20 is traveling (hereinafter referred to as "position information"). The first camera 24 transmits the acquired interior image data to the ECU 21 every time a predetermined time has elapsed. The second camera 25 transmits the acquired exterior image data to the ECU 21 every time a predetermined time has elapsed. The GPS receiver 26 transmits the acquired position information to the ECU 21 every time a predetermined time has elapsed. The interior image data and exterior image data transmitted to the ECU 21 are sequentially recorded in a storage 21D (described later) of the ECU 21 while being associated with position information and time information.

[0031] Each of the four wheels 27 has a tire 27A. Each tire 27A is a hollow, annular member made of an elastic material, and its internal space is filled with air. The two wheels 27 constituting the left and right front wheels are steered wheels. An air pressure sensor 28 provided on each wheel 27 repeatedly measures the air pressure of the corresponding tire 27A at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, each air pressure sensor 28 has a wireless communication function. Each air pressure sensor 28 repeatedly transmits information related to the acquired air pressure, together with ID information of the wheel 27, to the ECU 21 (wireless communication I / F 21E) at predetermined time intervals.

[0032] The steering wheel 29 is rotatably supported on the instrument panel. When the steering wheel 29 is rotated, the steering angle of the left and right steering wheels 27 changes. The steering wheel 29 is provided with a button-type switch 29a. The switch 29a is movable between an initial position shown in FIG. 1 and an operating position (not shown). When no external force is applied to the switch 29a, the switch 29a is in the initial position.

[0033] 2, the ECU 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (processor) 21A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21C, a storage 21D, a wireless communication I / F (Interface) (wireless communication device) 21E, an internal communication I / F 21F, and an input / output I / F 21G. The CPU 21A, the ROM 21B, the RAM 21C, the storage 21D, the wireless communication I / F 21E, the internal communication I / F 21F, and the input / output I / F 21G are connected to each other via an internal bus 21Z so as to be able to communicate with each other. The ECU 21 can acquire information related to time from a timer. The ECU 21 (input / output I / F 21G) is connected to a display 22, a speaker 23, a first camera 24, a second camera 25, a GPS receiver 26, and a switch 29a.

[0034] The CPU 21A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. The CPU 21A reads programs from the ROM 21B or the storage 21D and executes the programs using the RAM 21C as a work area. The CPU 21A controls each component and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 21B or the storage 21D.

[0035] ROM 21B stores various programs and various data. For example, multiple applications (programs) are installed in ROM 21B. For example, a notification application, which will be described later, is installed in ROM 21B. RAM 21C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage 21D is configured by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various programs and various data. For example, map data of the entire country in which vehicle 20 is located is recorded in storage 21D.

[0036] The wireless communication I / F 21E is an interface for wireless communication with various devices. For example, the wireless communication I / F 21E is capable of wireless communication with an external server 30. Furthermore, information regarding the air pressure of each tire 27A wirelessly transmitted by each air pressure sensor 28 is received by the wireless communication I / F 21E. The wireless communication I / F 21E uses communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The wireless communication I / F 21E is capable of sending and receiving e-mails.

[0037] The internal communication I / F 21F is an interface for connecting to an ECU other than the ECU 21 provided in the vehicle 20 via an external bus.

[0038] The input / output I / F 21G is an interface for communicating with various devices, such as the display 22, the speaker 23, the first camera 24, the second camera 25, the GPS receiver 26, and the switch 29a.

[0039] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the ECU 21. The ECU 21 has, as its functional configuration, a display control unit 211, a speaker control unit 212, a vehicle interior condition determination unit 213, a tire condition determination unit 214, an information recognition unit 215, and a notification processing unit 216. The display control unit 211, the speaker control unit 212, the vehicle interior condition determination unit 213, the tire condition determination unit 214, the information recognition unit 215, and the notification processing unit 216 are realized by the CPU 21A reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 21B.

[0040] The display control unit 211 controls the display 22. Multiple applications (programs) are installed in the ECU 21. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, when the display 22 is in the on state, the display control unit 211 can cause the display 22 to display a main image (initial image) 22MD including application images (hereinafter referred to as AP images) 22AP1, 22AP2, 22AP3, ..., 22AP8 representing eight applications. The AP image 22AP1 is an image representing a notification application.

[0041] The speaker control unit 212 controls the speaker 23 .

[0042] The vehicle interior state determination unit 213 determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle 20 based on the photographic data acquired by the first camera 24.

[0043] The tire condition determination unit 214 determines whether the vehicle 20 is in a state in which it can run, based on information relating to the air pressure of each tire 27A received from each air pressure sensor 28. For example, if it is determined that the air pressure of two or more tires 27A is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the tire condition determination unit 214 determines that "the vehicle 20 is in a state in which it cannot run." Hereinafter, information relating to whether the vehicle 20 can run, based on the air pressure of the tires 27A, will be referred to as "running possibility information." The running possibility information is recorded in the storage 21D in association with position information and time information.

[0044] The information recognition unit 215 recognizes disaster information about the area where the vehicle 20 is located and information about the disaster rank indicating the scale of the disaster when the wireless communication I / F 21E receives this information from the external server 30. The information recognized by the information recognition unit 215 is displayed on the display 22.

[0045] When a predetermined touch operation is performed on display 22 while the notification application is running, notification processing unit 216 realizes the function of the notification application. Furthermore, when switch 29a is moved to the operation position, notification processing unit 216 executes notification processing, which will be described later.

[0046] 2, the external server 30 shown in Fig. 1 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU (processor) 30A, a ROM 30B, a RAM 30C, a storage 30D, a wireless communication I / F 30E, an internal communication I / F 30F, and an input / output I / F 30G. The CPU 30A, ROM 30B, RAM 30C, storage 30D, wireless communication I / F 30E, internal communication I / F 30F, and input / output I / F 30G are connected to each other via an internal bus 30Z so as to be able to communicate with each other. The ECU 30 can obtain information related to the time from a timer.

[0047] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the hardware of the external server 30. The hardware of the external server 30 has, as its functional configuration, a transmission / reception control unit 301 and a rank determination unit 302. The transmission / reception control unit 301 and the rank determination unit 302 are realized by the CPU 30A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 30B.

[0048] The transmission / reception control unit 301 controls the wireless communication I / F 30E and the internal communication I / F 30F. The wireless communication I / F 30E receives disaster information that has occurred in the area where the vehicle 20 is located, wirelessly transmitted by a local government server (not shown) managed by the local government of the area where the vehicle 20 is located. Disasters in this embodiment include, for example, earthquakes, rain, tornadoes, and tsunamis.

[0049] The transmission / reception control unit 301 determines the disaster rank of the disaster indicated by the received disaster information based on the disaster information received by the wireless communication I / F 30E from the local government server and the rank determination map 31 (see FIG. 13) stored in the ROM 30B. The rank determination map 31 defines disaster ranks for earthquakes and rain. The rank determination map 31 also defines disaster ranks for tornadoes and tsunamis, but for convenience, these are omitted from FIG. 13. The larger the scale of the disaster, the larger the number indicating the disaster rank.

[0050] 1 is, for example, a smartphone. The communication terminal 50 is provided with a display 51 having a touch panel. The communication terminal 50 has, as its hardware configuration, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage, a wireless communication I / F, an internal communication I / F, an input / output I / F, and an internal bus. The communication terminal 50 is capable of sending and receiving emails.

[0051] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0052] First, the flow of processing performed by the external server 30 will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 15. The external server 30 repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 15 every time a predetermined time period has elapsed.

[0053] First, in step S10, the transmission / reception control unit 301 of the external server 30 determines whether or not the wireless communication I / F 30E has received disaster information relating to the area where the vehicle 20 is located from the local government server.

[0054] If the external server 30 determines "Yes" in step S10, the process proceeds to step S11, where the rank determination unit 302 determines the disaster rank of the disaster represented by the received disaster information based on the received disaster information and the rank determination map 31. For example, if the external server 30 receives disaster information in step S10 stating that "an earthquake with a seismic intensity of 4 has occurred," the rank determination unit 302 determines that the disaster rank of the disaster represented by this disaster information is "4."

[0055] After completing the process of step S11, the external server 30 proceeds to step S12, where the transmission / reception control unit 301 causes the wireless communication I / F 30E to wirelessly transmit the received disaster information and information related to the disaster rank to the vehicle 20.

[0056] When the process of step S12 is completed or when the determination in step S10 is No, the external server 30 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[0057] Next, the flow of processing performed by the ECU 21 of the vehicle 20 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 16 to 20. First, the flowchart of Figure 16 will be described. The ECU 21 repeatedly executes the processing of the flowchart of Figure 16 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0058] In step S20, the information recognition unit 215 of the ECU 21 determines whether the wireless communication I / F 21E has received, from the external server 30, disaster information about the area where the vehicle 20 is located and information about the disaster rank.

[0059] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S20, the process proceeds to step S21, where the display control unit 211 displays disaster information and information related to the disaster rank on the display 22, as shown in Fig. 14. When the occupant touches the main image display button 22R shown in Fig. 14, the main image 22MD shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the display 22.

[0060] When the process of step S21 is completed or when the determination in step S20 is No, the ECU 21 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[0061] Furthermore, the ECU 21 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart in FIG. 17 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0062] In step S30, the notification processing unit 216 of the ECU 21 determines whether a notification application has been started and whether the application initial image 22MI shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display 22. That is, the notification processing unit 216 determines whether a touch operation has been performed on the AP image 22AP1 included in the main image 22MD shown in Fig. 5. The application initial image 22MI includes a message send button 22-1MI, a message edit button 22-2MI, a destination edit button 22-3MI, and a main image display button 22R.

[0063] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed by an occupant of the vehicle 20 on the message transmission button 22-1MI.

[0064] For example, if an occupant who has seen the disaster information and disaster rank information displayed on the display 22 by the processing of step S21 performs a touch operation on the message transmission button 22-1MI, the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S31 and proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the wireless communication I / F 21E controlled by the notification processing unit 216 wirelessly transmits an email to the communication terminal 50. This email includes the message, location information of the vehicle 20, driving feasibility information recorded in the storage 21D, interior image data, and exterior image data. The transmitted interior image data and exterior image data may be data acquired between a time a predetermined time before the processing time of step S32 and the processing time. For example, the interior image data and exterior image data acquired between a time one minute before the processing time and the processing time may be transmitted together with the message. The display 51 of the communication terminal 50 that received the email from the vehicle 20 displays the received message, location information of the vehicle 20, driving feasibility information, an image represented by the interior image data, and an image represented by the exterior image data.

[0065] 7, the storage 21D of the ECU 21 stores a plurality of messages that the vehicle 20 can transmit to each communication terminal 50. That is, the vehicle 20 can transmit the first message 22MS-1, the second message 22MS-2, or the third message 22MS-3 included in the message edit image 22MR shown in Fig. 7 to each communication terminal 50. The first message 22MS-1, the second message 22MS-2, and the third message 22MS-3 have the following contents. First message: I'm safe Second message: I'm here Message 3: Go to the evacuation shelter

[0066] 10, the storage 21D of the ECU 21 stores destination information corresponding to three communication terminals 50. That is, the first destination information 22DR-1, the second destination information 22DR-2, and the third destination information 22DR-3 represent information relating to the owners (names) and email addresses of the three communication terminals 50, respectively.

[0067] When the notification application is in the initial setting state, the first message 22MS-1 is selected (registered) as a message to be sent, and the first destination information 22DR-1 is selected (registered) as target destination information. Therefore, when the processing of step S32 is executed while the notification application is in the initial setting state, the wireless communication I / F 21E sends an email message saying "You are safe" to the communication terminal 50 corresponding to the first destination information 22DR-1. Note that multiple destination information may be selected as target destination information.

[0068] Also, when the answer is No in steps S30 and S31, or when the processing of step S2 is completed, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S33, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether the switch 29a has been moved from the initial position to the operating position.

[0069] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S33, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S34 and executes the same process as in step S32.

[0070] After completing the process of step S34, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S35 and determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the main image display button 22R shown in FIG.

[0071] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S35, the process proceeds to step S36, where the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display the main image 22MD shown in FIG.

[0072] When the process of step S36 is completed, or when the determination in step S35 is No, the ECU 21 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] Furthermore, the ECU 21 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart in FIG. 18 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0074] In step S40, the information recognition unit 215 of the ECU 21 executes the same process as in step S20.

[0075] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S40, the process proceeds to step S41, where the information recognition unit 215 determines whether the received disaster rank is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank. This predetermined rank is, for example, rank 3. However, the predetermined rank may be any rank equal to or higher than rank 2.

[0076] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S41, the process proceeds to step S42, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether the processes of steps S32 and S34 have been executed within a predetermined time period. This predetermined time period is, for example, five minutes.

[0077] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S42, the process proceeds to step S43, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not there are no occupants inside the vehicle 20, based on the interior image data received from the first camera 24. In other words, the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not all occupants have moved from inside the vehicle to outside the vehicle.

[0078] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S43, the process proceeds to step S44, where the notification processing unit 216 executes the same process as in step S32. That is, the wireless communication I / F 21E of the vehicle 20 wirelessly transmits an email to the communication terminal 50 regardless of the intention of the occupant.

[0079] When the process of step S44 is completed, when the determinations of steps S40, S41, and S43 are No, or when the determination of step S42 is Yes, the ECU 21 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[0080] Furthermore, the ECU 21 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart in FIG. 19 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0081] In step S50, the notification processing unit 216 of the ECU 21 determines whether the notification application has been started and whether the application initial image 22MI shown in FIG.

[0082] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S50, the process proceeds to step S51, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the message edit button 22-2MI.

[0083] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S51, the process proceeds to step S52, where the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display the message edit image 22MR shown in Fig. 7. The message edit image 22MR includes a first message 22MS-1, a second message 22MS-2, a third message 22MS-3, three select buttons 22SL, three delete buttons 22DT, and an add message button 22AD.

[0084] After completing the process of step S52, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S53, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the message addition button 22AD.

[0085] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S53, the process proceeds to step S54, where the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display a message creation image 22MM shown in Fig. 8. The message creation image 22MM includes a keyboard 22KY, a message display area 22DS, and a confirmation button 22MK.

[0086] After completing the process of step S54, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S55, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether a touch operation has been performed on at least one of a plurality of character images (not shown) included in the keyboard 22KY. These character images include, for example, alphabetic characters. That is, the notification processing unit 216 determines whether the occupant is creating a new message using the keyboard 22KY.

[0087] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S55, the process proceeds to step S56, where the display control unit 211 displays the characters input using the keyboard 22KY in the message display area 22DS.

[0088] After completing the process of step S56, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S57, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the confirmation button 22MK. If the determination in step S57 is No, the ECU 21 performs the process of step S55 again.

[0089] 8, if the determination in step S57 is Yes after a new message such as "I will be home in three hours" is entered using the keyboard 22KY, the notification processing unit 216 records the created new message in the storage 21D. Then, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S58.

[0090] In step S58, the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display the message edit image 22MR shown in Fig. 9. This message edit image 22MR includes a fourth message 22MS-4 representing the message created in step S55, as well as a select button 22SL and a delete button 22DT corresponding to the fourth message 22MS-4.

[0091] After completing the process of step S58, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S59, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the selection buttons 22SL.

[0092] For example, when a touch operation is performed on the selection button 22SL corresponding to the fourth message 22MS-4, the ECU 21 determines Yes in step S59 and proceeds to step S60. In this case, the notification processing unit 216 selects (registers) the fourth message as a message to be sent instead of the first message.

[0093] After completing the process of step S60, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S61, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the delete buttons 22DT.

[0094] If ECU21 judges Yes in step S61, it proceeds to step S62, and the notification processing unit 216 deletes the messages (first message 22MS-1, second message 22MS-2, third message 22MS-3, fourth message 22MS-4) corresponding to the touched delete button 22DT from storage 21D.

[0095] When the process of step S62 is completed, or when the determinations in steps S50 and S51 are No, the ECU 21 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[0096] Therefore, for example, after the fourth message is selected as the message to be sent, when the process of step S32 or step S44 is executed, the wireless communication I / F 21E wirelessly transmits an e-mail together with the fourth message to the communication terminal 50.

[0097] Furthermore, the ECU 21 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart in FIG. 20 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0098] In step S70, the information recognition unit 215 of the ECU 21 executes the same process as in step S50.

[0099] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S70, the process proceeds to step S71, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the destination edit button 22-3MI shown in FIG.

[0100] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S71, the process proceeds to step S72, where the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display the destination edited image 22SD shown in Fig. 10. The destination edited image 22SD includes first destination information 22DR-1, second destination information 22DR-2, third destination information 22DR-3, three selection buttons 22SL, three delete buttons 22DT, and an add destination button 22AS. The first destination information 22DR-1, second destination information 22DR-2, and third destination information 22DR-3 each include information related to the name and email address.

[0101] After completing the process of step S72, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S73, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the destination addition button 22AS.

[0102] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S73, the process proceeds to step S74, where the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display the destination creation image 22SM shown in Fig. 11. The destination creation image 22SM includes a keyboard 22KY, a destination display area 22DD, and a confirm button 22MK.

[0103] After completing the process of step S74, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S75, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on at least one of the plurality of character images included in the keyboard 22KY. That is, the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not the occupant is creating new destination information using the keyboard 22KY.

[0104] If the ECU 21 determines "Yes" in step S75, the process proceeds to step S76, where the display control unit 211 displays the characters input using the keyboard 22KY in the destination display area 22DD.

[0105] After completing the process of step S76, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S77, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the confirmation button 22MK. If the determination in step S77 is No, the ECU 21 performs the process of step S75 again.

[0106] 11, if the determination in step S77 is Yes after new destination information is input using the keyboard 22KY, the notification processing unit 216 records the created new destination information in the storage 21D. Then, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S78.

[0107] In step S78, the display control unit 211 causes the display 22 to display the destination edited image 22SD shown in Fig. 12. This destination edited image 22SD includes fourth destination information 22DR-4 representing the destination information created in step S75, as well as a select button 22SL and a delete button 22DT corresponding to the fourth destination information 22DR-4.

[0108] After completing the process of step S78, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S79, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the selection buttons 22SL.

[0109] For example, when a touch operation is performed on the selection button 22SL corresponding to the fourth destination information 22DR-4, the ECU 21 determines Yes in step S79 and proceeds to step S80. In this case, the notification processing unit 216 selects (registers) the fourth destination information 22DR-4 as target destination information in addition to the first destination information 22DR-1.

[0110] After completing the process of step S80, the ECU 21 proceeds to step S81, where the notification processing unit 216 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the delete buttons 22DT.

[0111] If the ECU 21 determines Yes in step S81, it proceeds to step S82, and the notification processing unit 216 deletes the destination information (first destination information 22DR-1, second destination information 22DR-2, third destination information 22DR-3, fourth destination information 22DR-4) corresponding to the touched delete button 22DT from storage 21D.

[0112] When the process of step S82 is completed, or when the determinations in steps S70 and S71 are No, the ECU 21 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[0113] Therefore, for example, after the fourth destination information 22DR-4 is selected as the target destination information in addition to the first destination information 22DR-1, when the processing of step S32 or step S44 is executed, the wireless communication I / F 21E controlled by the notification processing unit 216 wirelessly transmits an email together with a message to the two communication terminals 50 corresponding to the first destination information 22DR-1 and the fourth destination information 22DR-4.

[0114] As described above, in this embodiment, the ECU 21 controls the wireless communication I / F 21E to send a notification to the communication terminal 50 based on an instruction given by the occupant to the ECU 21 via the display 22 (message send button 22-1MI) or disaster information received by the wireless communication I / F 21E from the external server 30. Therefore, even if the occupant of the vehicle 20 does not carry a mobile terminal, the occupant can send a message indicating their own safety to the communication terminal 50 by using the wireless communication I / F 21E of the vehicle 20. Therefore, anyone who sees the communication terminal 50 can recognize the safety information of the occupant of the vehicle 20.

[0115] Furthermore, the occupant of the vehicle 20 can send a message to the wireless communication I / F 21E simply by touching the message sending button 22-1MI displayed on the display 22 after starting the notification application. That is, the occupant can send a message to the wireless communication I / F 21E with a simple operation.

[0116] Furthermore, the occupant of the vehicle 20 can send a message to the wireless communication I / F 21E by moving the switch 29a provided on the steering wheel 29 from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, the occupant can send a message to the wireless communication I / F 21E with a simple operation while driving the vehicle 20. Furthermore, the occupant can send a message to the wireless communication I / F 21E by moving the switch 29a to the operating position even when the notification application is not running.

[0117] Furthermore, along with the message sent to the communication terminal 50, the vehicle 20 transmits its location information to the communication terminal 50. Therefore, anyone who sees the communication terminal 50 can recognize the current location of the vehicle 20.

[0118] Furthermore, along with the message notified to the communication terminal 50, the vehicle 20 transmits information on whether the vehicle 20 is capable of traveling to the communication terminal 50. Therefore, anyone who sees the communication terminal 50 can recognize whether the vehicle 20 (tire 27A) is in a state in which the vehicle 20 is capable of traveling.

[0119] Furthermore, along with the message sent to the communication terminal 50, vehicle interior image data and exterior image data are transmitted from the vehicle 20 to the communication terminal 50. Therefore, anyone looking at the communication terminal 50 can recognize the state of the occupants of the vehicle 20. Furthermore, anyone looking at the communication terminal 50 can recognize the state outside the vehicle. For example, the person can recognize the weather outside the vehicle 20 and the road surface condition of the road on which the vehicle 20 is located.

[0120] Furthermore, when the ECU 21 determines that all occupants have left the vehicle based on the detection result of the first camera 24, and the wireless communication I / F 21E receives disaster information indicating a disaster of a disaster rank of 3 or higher from the external server 30, the wireless communication I / F 21E notifies the communication terminal 50 regardless of the occupants' wishes. Therefore, even if, for example, an occupant who has lost his or her ability to make calm decisions when a disaster occurs does not operate the display 22 and the switch 29a, the wireless communication I / F 21E notifies the communication terminal 50 when all occupants have moved outside the vehicle. Therefore, even if an occupant has lost his or her ability to make calm decisions, there is a high possibility that a notification will be sent from the vehicle 20 to the communication terminal 50.

[0121] Furthermore, only when the wireless communication I / F 21E receives disaster information indicating a disaster with a disaster rank of 3 or higher from the external server 30, the wireless communication I / F 21E sends a notification to the communication terminal 50. In other words, when the wireless communication I / F 21E receives disaster information indicating a disaster with a disaster rank of lower than 3 from the external server 30, the wireless communication I / F 21E does not send a notification to the communication terminal 50. Therefore, when a minor disaster occurs that does not require a notification, the wireless communication I / F 21E does not send a notification to the communication terminal 50 regardless of the intentions of the occupants.

[0122] The wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program according to the embodiment have been described above, but the design of the wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and program can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0123] The communication terminal 50 may be any device that can wirelessly communicate with the vehicle 20. For example, the communication terminal 50 may be a tablet computer or a personal computer.

[0124] The vehicle 20 may notify the communication terminal 50 using a communication means other than email. For example, the vehicle 20 may notify the communication terminal 50 using an SNS (social networking service) or an SMS (short message service).

[0125] The information included in the notification sent by vehicle 20 to communication terminal 50 may include only a part of the message, the position information of vehicle 20, the driving possibility information, the interior image data, and the exterior image data. Also, the information included in the notification may include information different from the message, the position information of vehicle 20, the driving possibility information, the interior image data, and the exterior image data.

[0126] The sensor provided on the vehicle 20 may be at least one of the first camera 24, the second camera 25, and the air pressure sensor 28. For example, the vehicle 20 may be provided with only one of the first camera 24 and the second camera 25. Furthermore, the vehicle 20 may be provided with a sensor other than the first camera 24, the second camera 25, and the air pressure sensor 28.

[0127] The ECU 21 may determine whether or not there is an occupant in the vehicle 20 based on the detection result of a human presence sensor (detection device) provided in the vehicle 20.

[0128] The processing in step S21 of the flowchart in FIG. 16 may be processing in which the speaker control unit 212 causes the speaker 23 to output the disaster information and disaster rank by voice.

[0129] Furthermore, the vehicle 20 may be equipped with a voice recognition device (operation device). In this case, an occupant issues a voice instruction to the wireless communication I / F 21E to make a notification. In this case, the voice instruction is recognized by the voice recognition device, and the recognized instruction content is transmitted from the voice recognition device to the ECU 21.

[0130] The ECU 21 of the vehicle 20 may have the same function as the rank determination unit 302. In this case, the ECU 21 determines the disaster rank based on the disaster information received from the external server 30 and the rank determination map 31 recorded in the ROM 21B or the storage 21D of the ECU 21.

[0131] The vehicle 20 may not have either the notification application or the switch 29a.

[0132] The switch 29a may be provided at a location other than the steering wheel 29 of the vehicle 20. For example, the switch 29a may be provided on an instrument panel.

[0133] Instead of the GPS receiver 26, the vehicle 20 may be equipped with a receiver capable of receiving information from satellites of a global navigation satellite system other than GPS (for example, Galileo). [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 10. Wireless communication systems 20 vehicles 21A CPU (processor) 21E Wireless communication I / F (wireless communication device) 22 Display (operating device) 24 First camera (detection device) (sensor) 25 Second camera (sensor) 28 Air pressure sensor (sensor) 29 Steering wheel 29a Switch 30 External server (external communication device) 50 Communication terminal

Claims

1. a wireless communication device provided in the vehicle, capable of wireless communication with an external communication device located outside the vehicle; a detection device capable of detecting an occupant in the vehicle; at least one sensor provided on the vehicle; a processor provided in the vehicle; Equipped with the processor: controlling the wireless communication device to send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction received from the occupant of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device from the external communication device; When the notification is sent to the communication terminal, the wireless communication device is controlled so as to transmit sensor information acquired by an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure in tires of the vehicle, which is the sensor, to the communication terminal; The processor: When the instruction is received from the occupant, the wireless communication device is controlled to send the notification to the communication terminal regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not; When controlling the wireless communication device based on the disaster information, the wireless communication system controls the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when the disaster rank of the disaster represented by the disaster information sent by the external communication device to the wireless communication device is a predetermined rank or higher and when it is determined based on the detection result of the detection device that all of the occupants have left the vehicle and exited the vehicle.

2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a camera capable of capturing an image of at least one of an object located inside the vehicle and an object located outside the vehicle.

3. 3. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes an operation device that allows the occupant to input information representing the instruction.

4. the operation device is a switch provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle, the processor:

4. The wireless communication system according to claim 3, wherein the wireless communication device is controlled so as to issue the notification to the communication terminal when the switch is operated.

5. A processor provided in the vehicle controlling the wireless communication device to send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction received from an occupant of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device installed in the vehicle from an external communication device located outside the vehicle; When the notification is sent to the communication terminal, the wireless communication device is controlled so as to transmit to the communication terminal sensor information acquired by an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure of a tire of the vehicle, the air pressure sensor being at least one sensor provided in the vehicle; When the instruction is received from the occupant, the wireless communication device is controlled to send the notification to the communication terminal regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not; When controlling the wireless communication device based on the disaster information, the wireless communication method controls the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when the disaster rank of the disaster represented by the disaster information transmitted from the external communication device to the wireless communication device is a predetermined rank or higher, and when it is determined that all of the occupants have left the vehicle based on the detection results of a detection device capable of detecting the occupants inside the vehicle.

6. causing a processor installed in the vehicle to execute a process of controlling the wireless communication device to send a notification to a communication terminal located outside the vehicle based on an instruction received from an occupant of the vehicle or disaster information received by the wireless communication device installed in the vehicle from an external communication device located outside the vehicle; further comprising: a process of controlling the wireless communication device so that, when the notification is made to the communication terminal, sensor information acquired by an air pressure sensor that detects air pressure in tires of the vehicle, which is at least one sensor provided in the vehicle, is transmitted to the communication terminal; When the instruction is received from the occupant, the wireless communication device controls the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not; and In the case of controlling the wireless communication device based on the disaster information, a process of controlling the wireless communication device to send the notification to the communication terminal when it is determined that the disaster rank indicated by the disaster information transmitted from the external communication device to the wireless communication device is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank and that all of the occupants have left the vehicle based on a detection result of a detection device capable of detecting the occupants present inside the vehicle. A program that executes the following.

Images