Emergency vehicle assistance device and emergency vehicle assistance method

Abstract

To provide an emergency vehicle support device and an emergency vehicle support method that support safe running of an emergency vehicle.SOLUTION: An emergency vehicle support device 100 includes: a control unit 500 configured to control an emergency vehicle support device for supporting running of an emergency vehicle; a light scattering type alarm lamp 310 or an alarm sound output unit 330 attached to the emergency vehicle; and an indicator 400 configured to indicate right or left turn of the emergency vehicle. The control unit 500 determines an emergency traveling mode that indicates emergency running, a congestion running mode that indicates congestion running, and an intersection running mode that indicates intersection running. When the emergency running mode and the congestion running mode are determined, predetermined first sound is output from the alarm sound output unit 330 or the light scattering type alarm lamp 310 in accordance with the indicator 400. When the emergency running mode and the intersection running mode are determined, predetermined second sound is output from the alarm sound output unit 330 or the light scattering type alarm lamp 310 in accordance with the indicator 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency vehicle assistance device and an emergency vehicle assistance method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2009-128590 A) discloses an information transmission device that embeds additional information in a moving sound source, such as an electronic siren sound used to broadcast an emergency vehicle, and demodulates the information using an information demodulation device, using a method of transmitting information that is not affected by the Doppler effect.

[0003] The information transmission device described in Document 1 is a device that transmits digital signals to the public using broadcast tones from a moving sound source, wherein the broadcast tones are a sound in which a plurality of different element sounds are arranged in a cyclical order, and a plurality (n) of different states are generated by changing the attributes of any of the element sounds, and these plurality of states are made into n states corresponding to an n-ary digital signal, and the device uses broadcast tones characterized by comprising: 1) modulated broadcast tone signal generation means that, in accordance with the digital signal to be transmitted, changes the element sounds to states corresponding to the digital signal, and generates a modulated broadcast tone signal in which a digital signal is superimposed on the broadcast tone; 2) broadcasting means that broadcasts the modulated broadcast tone; 3) receiving means that receives the modulated broadcast tone; 4) modulated broadcast tone signal extraction means that extracts, from the modulated broadcast tone, the element sound signals whose frequencies have been changed and the modulated broadcast tone signal superimposed on the element sound signal; and 5) demodulation means that measures the attributes of the modulated broadcast tone signal extracted in 4) above, and demodulates the transmitted digital signal.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 2 (JP 2015-36829 A) discloses that emergency vehicles may not be able to quickly and correctly notify ordinary vehicles traveling ahead or nearby of their approach by simply using sirens, loudspeakers, or flashing red lights as in the past. It also discloses that ordinary vehicle drivers cannot detect emergency vehicles traveling behind or nearby by relying solely on the emergency vehicle's sirens and loudspeakers or by checking their side mirrors or rearview mirrors.

[0005] The emergency vehicle travel direction notification device described in document 2 is an emergency vehicle travel direction notification / arrival direction display device that is installed near the loudspeaker that emits the siren sound or voice of the emergency vehicle or inside the vehicle, and is equipped with a conversion means that converts the acoustic signal from the loudspeaker into directional light waves or electromagnetic waves, or both, and a means that transmits from a directional antenna or light wave transmitter in the direction of travel of the emergency vehicle.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent No. 4680823) discloses a diffused light warning light device that aims to notify the presence of an emergency vehicle visually and audibly depending on the situation.

[0007] The diffused light warning light device described in Document 3 comprises: instruction means for outputting an instruction signal to indicate at least two types of warning modes, including a first warning mode used during emergency driving to alert surrounding areas to the presence of an emergency vehicle, and a second warning mode used in an emergency different from the first warning mode; warning sound generating means including a main siren that emits a warning sound to be used in the first warning mode to alert surrounding areas to the presence of an emergency vehicle and an auxiliary siren that emits a warning sound to be used in the second warning mode, and generating warning sounds corresponding to the two types of warning modes based on the instruction signal; a warning light that can be turned on in a first lighting pattern predetermined to correspond to the first warning mode and a second lighting pattern predetermined to correspond to the second warning mode to alert surrounding areas to the presence of an emergency vehicle, and that lights up in the lighting patterns corresponding to the two types of warning modes; and control means that, when an instruction signal indicating the first warning mode is output from the instruction means, controls the warning light so that the main siren emits a warning sound and the warning light lights up in the first lighting pattern, and when an instruction signal indicating the second warning mode is output from the instruction means, controls the warning light so that the auxiliary siren emits a warning sound and the warning light lights up in the second lighting pattern.

[0008] For example, Patent Document 4 (JP 2015-125253 A) discloses a siren sound output device that can efficiently generate a siren sound that is easy for both people in vehicles and pedestrians to hear.

[0009] The siren sound output device described in Document 4 is a siren sound output device for outputting a siren sound for an emergency vehicle from a speaker, and includes a sound generation unit that generates a first synthesized siren sound by adding a first additional siren sound to a basic siren sound, and the frequency of the basic siren sound is set to f a The frequency of the first additional siren sound is f b When f a <f b <2f a and f a +20Hz≦f b The first additional siren sound is 1000Hz≦f b The basic siren sound and the first additional siren sound are output from the speaker, and their overtones and difference tones are generated accordingly.

[0010] For example, Patent Document 5 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-17680) discloses a siren device that can improve the visibility of emergency vehicles.

[0011] The siren device described in Document 5 is a siren device mounted on an emergency vehicle, and includes a siren sound generation unit that generates a first synthetic siren sound by adding to a basic siren sound harmonic components of the frequency of the basic siren sound and harmonic components in a predetermined frequency range; the siren sound generation unit generates a second synthetic siren sound by adding to the basic siren sound half harmonic components and second harmonic components of the frequency of the basic siren sound; and the device further includes a speaker that outputs the second synthetic siren sound generated by the siren sound generation unit; the second synthetic siren sound includes a first siren sound and a second siren sound that have different frequencies from the basic siren sound, and the speaker outputs the second synthetic siren sound so that the sound pressure difference between the first siren sound and the second siren sound is zero. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-128590 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-36829 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 4680823 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-125253 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-17680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] With the technology of Patent Document 1, even if location information is displayed on a car navigation system, if there are many other vehicles in the vicinity, it is difficult to notify the lane in which emergency vehicles such as ambulances are traveling, which means that surrounding vehicles are unable to give way in the appropriate direction, and this poses a problem in that an application must be installed in ordinary vehicles. With the technology of Patent Document 2, even if an approaching emergency vehicle is notified from a remote location, the lane in which the emergency vehicle is traveling cannot be determined, as with the technology of Patent Document 1, making it difficult for surrounding vehicles to yield to the appropriate direction. Another problem is that a receiving device must be installed in the general vehicle to receive the notification information. Furthermore, the technology in Patent Document 3 allows the warning mode to be switched using an instruction signal (output by a turn signal is also disclosed), and although it discloses examples for emergency driving and entering an intersection, there is a problem in that it is not possible to notify the driver of the lane in which the emergency vehicle is traveling or the overtaking situation.

[0014] Furthermore, the technology of Patent Document 4 is useful for assisting emergency vehicles in emergency driving situations, and changes the siren sound in three different scenes: general driving situations of emergency vehicles, situations in which emergency vehicles are making emergency driving on congested roads, and situations in which emergency vehicles are entering intersections while making emergency driving. However, a common feature in each scene is that when attempting to overtake many vehicles ahead or enter intersections during emergency driving, the occupants of the emergency vehicles have to make the necessary announcements using a microphone connected to a loudspeaker, which is a hassle.

[0015] Furthermore, the technology of Patent Document 5 changes the siren sound by using a chorus effect, but has the problem of not being able to notify the driver of the lane in which the emergency vehicle is traveling or the situation of the vehicle overtaking.

[0016] In view of these problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an emergency vehicle assistance device and an emergency vehicle assistance method that assist the safe driving of emergency vehicles. In view of these problems, another object of the present invention is to provide an emergency vehicle assistance device and an emergency vehicle assistance method that assist the safe driving of an emergency vehicle while reducing the burden on passengers when overtaking a vehicle ahead during an emergency or turning left or right when entering an intersection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] (1) An emergency vehicle assistance device according to one aspect includes a control unit that controls the emergency vehicle assistance device to assist the driving of an emergency vehicle, a loudspeaker attached to the emergency vehicle, and an indicator that indicates whether the emergency vehicle is turning right or left, wherein the control unit determines an emergency driving mode that indicates emergency driving, a congestion driving mode that indicates driving in a congestion, and an intersection driving mode that indicates driving at an intersection, and if it determines that the mode is both the emergency driving mode and the congestion driving mode, it outputs a predetermined first sound from the loudspeaker in accordance with the indicator, and if it determines that the mode is both the emergency driving mode and the intersection driving mode, it outputs a predetermined second sound from the loudspeaker in accordance with the indicator.

[0018] In this case, when the control unit determines that the vehicle is in both the emergency driving mode and the traffic congestion driving mode, it outputs a predetermined first sound in response to the user's operation of an indicator, and when the control unit determines that the vehicle is in both the emergency driving mode and the intersection driving mode, it outputs a predetermined second sound in response to the user's operation of an indicator. As a result, the predetermined first sound or the predetermined second sound is automatically output depending on the mode in which the emergency vehicle is traveling, thereby reducing the effort required of the user riding in the emergency vehicle. The loudspeaker may be a loudspeaker built into a warning light or a diffused warning light, or may be a loudspeaker attached to the top, front, rear, side or bottom of the vehicle body.

[0019] (2) In an emergency vehicle assistance device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the control unit may output an alarm sound from the loudspeaker when in emergency driving mode, and adjust the alarm sound when outputting the first sound or the second sound.

[0020] In this case, the control unit automatically adjusts the alarm sound when outputting the predetermined first sound or the predetermined second sound, thereby reducing the effort required of the user in the emergency vehicle and alerting pedestrians or passengers in vehicles around the emergency vehicle. Here, the warning sound refers to a siren sound, a warning sound, etc., and is any sound that prompts an alert, such as a siren sound with a sound pressure level of 90 dB (decibels) or more and 120 dB (decibels) at a position 20 meters ahead of the vehicle and 1 meter above the vehicle, with a 4-second or 8-second cycle, or a variety of siren sounds such as 6 or 8 tones. In addition, here, adjusting the alarm sound may involve reducing the sound pressure of the alarm sound if it is above a predetermined sound pressure level, and also includes changing the frequency spectrum of the alarm sound to make the first sound or the second sound easier for people in the vicinity to hear and be notified of.

[0021] (3) An emergency vehicle assistance device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes an emergency vehicle assistance device according to one aspect, which includes a traffic jam passing switch for transmitting an on / off signal for a traffic jam driving mode, and an intersection entry switch for transmitting an on / off signal for an intersection driving mode, and the traffic jam passing switch and the intersection entry switch may be provided in the same housing as the control unit or in a separate housing, and may be capable of communicating with the control unit.

[0022] In this case, either or both of the traffic jam passing switch and intersection entry switch can be installed on the driver's seat side, between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, or on the passenger seat side. In addition, these switches can communicate with the control unit, allowing the occupant to operate them smoothly.

[0023] (4) In the emergency vehicle assistance device according to one aspect of the fourth invention, the control unit may determine the traffic jam driving mode and / or intersection driving mode using machine learning and / or AI in accordance with video and / or images from an imaging device attached to the emergency vehicle.

[0024] In this case, the number and distance of vehicles can be recognized based on the video or image from the imaging device using machine learning or AI (object detection YOLO, deep learning, etc.). As a result, the control unit can determine whether there is a traffic jam. In addition, based on the video or image from the imaging device, machine learning or AI (object detection YOLO, deep learning) can be used to recognize crosswalks and traffic lights, allowing the control unit to determine whether or not the area is an intersection. Additionally, the control unit may obtain information from machine learning and / or AI in a separate or external enclosure.

[0025] (5) In an emergency vehicle assistance device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control unit may determine the traffic jam driving mode and / or intersection driving mode using machine learning and / or AI in accordance with a speed device and / or a position acquisition device and / or map information attached to the emergency vehicle.

[0026] In this case, the control unit can determine that the emergency vehicle is in a traffic jam based on information from the speed sensor of the emergency vehicle if the emergency driving is not going as expected. The control unit can also determine the traffic jam driving mode and / or intersection driving mode using GPS information, map information, and speed information from the speed sensor and / or the position acquisition device and / or map information. Furthermore, if the traffic jam driving mode and / or intersection driving mode are used multiple times using a push switch or the like, the locations used can be recorded using machine learning or the like according to the GPS information, map information, and speed information, and a traffic jam-prone area or intersection can be determined. The speed device may be a speedometer of the emergency vehicle, or may be a device for measuring speed that is separately provided on the emergency vehicle. The control unit may obtain map information and / or position acquisition information from a separate or external device.

[0027] (6) An emergency vehicle assistance method according to another aspect is an emergency vehicle assistance method including a control unit that controls an emergency vehicle assistance device for assisting the driving of an emergency vehicle, a loudspeaker attached to the emergency vehicle, and an indicator that indicates right or left turns of the emergency vehicle, wherein the control unit has a determination process that determines whether the emergency driving mode process indicates emergency driving, a congestion driving mode process indicates congestion driving, or an intersection driving mode process indicates intersection driving, and if the determination process determines that the emergency driving mode process is both emergency driving mode process and congestion driving mode process, the control unit performs a first process that outputs a predetermined first sound from the loudspeaker in accordance with the indicator, and if the determination process determines that the emergency driving mode process is both emergency driving mode process and intersection driving mode process, the control unit performs a second process that outputs a predetermined second sound from the loudspeaker in accordance with the indicator.

[0028] In this case, when the control unit determines that the emergency driving mode process and the traffic jam driving mode process are in progress, it outputs a predetermined first sound depending on whether or not the user has operated an indicator, and when the control unit determines that the emergency driving mode process and the intersection driving mode process are in progress, it outputs a predetermined second sound depending on whether or not the user has operated an indicator. As a result, the predetermined first sound or the predetermined second sound is automatically output depending on the mode in which the emergency vehicle is traveling, thereby reducing the effort required of the user riding in the emergency vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an emergency vehicle support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an emergency vehicle support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control unit of the emergency vehicle support device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another example of determination by the control unit of the emergency vehicle support device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another example of determination by the control unit of the emergency vehicle support device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0031] [Present embodiment] (Emergency vehicle assistance device) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an emergency vehicle support device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the example of an emergency vehicle support device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the emergency vehicle support device is attached to an emergency vehicle or emergency automobile such as a fire engine, a patrol car (commonly known as a police car), or an ambulance.

[0032] In this embodiment, the emergency vehicle support device comprises a siren amplifier 100. The siren amplifier 100 includes a control unit 500, a recording unit 550, a traffic jam passing mode switch 210, and an intersection approach mode switch 220. In this embodiment, the traffic jam passing mode switch 210 and the intersection entry mode switch 220 are integrally provided in the siren amplifier 100, but this is not limited to this, and at least one or both of the traffic jam passing mode switch 210 and the intersection entry mode switch 220 may be provided separately.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the siren amplifier 100 is connected to a diffused warning light 310, an auxiliary warning light 320, an alarm sound output unit 330, and a microphone 340. 1, the siren amplifier 100 is connected to an indicator 400, a speedometer 410, and an imaging device 420. Note that the siren amplifier 100 according to the present invention only needs to be connected to at least the indicator 400, and may or may not be connected to the speedometer 410 and the imaging device 420.

[0034] The control unit 500 of the siren amplifier 100 uses the audio recorded in the recording unit 550 based on signals from the traffic jam passing mode switch 210, the intersection entry mode switch 220, and the indicator 400 to play back audio from at least one of the diffused warning light 310, the auxiliary warning light 320, and the warning sound output unit 330. The details of this control will be described later.

[0035] Next, as shown in Fig. 2, the siren amplifier 100 according to this embodiment is shaped like a rectangular box. On the front side of the siren amplifier 100, in addition to a power switch, a siren switch, and a manual switch, a traffic jam passing mode switch 210 and an intersection approach mode switch 220 are provided.

[0036] When the emergency vehicle driver determines that the vehicle will pass through the traffic jam, he / she presses the traffic jam passing mode switch 210, and when the emergency vehicle driver determines that the vehicle will enter the intersection, he / she presses the intersection entrance mode switch 220. In this embodiment, in the case of a fire engine, the driver in the passenger seat presses each switch. Also, microphone 340 is connected to microphone connector 240 in Fig. 2, and when the driver speaks into microphone 340, the voice is output outside the emergency vehicle at an increased volume.

[0037] (Operation of control unit 500) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit 500 of the emergency vehicle support device.

[0038] First, the control unit 500 acquires first mode information (step S1). Here, the first mode information is information indicating whether the vehicle is in emergency driving mode or normal driving mode. Therefore, the control unit 500 determines whether the vehicle is in emergency driving mode (step S2). If the control unit 500 determines that the vehicle is not in emergency driving mode, the process returns to step S1. In the case of normal driving, when the indicator 400 is operated, there is no need for an emergency, so no audio output is made, and only the warning lights are turned on and flashed to move in the direction of the turn.

[0039] On the other hand, if the control unit 500 determines that the vehicle is in the emergency driving mode, it acquires second mode information (step S3). Here, the second mode information is information indicating whether the vehicle is in the traffic jam passing mode or the intersection entering mode. That is, it is determined whether the traffic jam passing mode switch 210 or the intersection entering mode switch 220 is pressed.

[0040] When the control unit 500 determines that the mode is the traffic jam passing mode, it determines whether or not the indicator 400 is being operated (step S5). When it determines that the indicator 400 is not being operated (No in step S5), the control unit 500 causes the warning sound output unit 330 to output the first audio output (straight ahead) recorded in the recording unit 550 (step S11), and turns on and flashes the auxiliary warning light 320 (step S12). Here, the first voice output (go straight) is, for example, "An emergency vehicle is going straight. Please leave the center. Regular vehicles, please move to the outside on the left and right."

[0041] On the other hand, when it is determined that the indicator 400 is being operated (Yes in step S5), the control unit 500 determines whether the indicator 400 is being operated in the right direction (step S6). When it is determined that the indicator 400 is being operated in the right direction, the control unit 500 causes the warning sound output unit 330 to output the first audio output (rightward) recorded in the recording unit 550 (step S21), and turns on and flashes the auxiliary warning light 320 (step S22). Here, the first audio output (move to the right) is, for example, "An emergency vehicle is traveling in the right lane. Please leave space on the right. Regular vehicles, please move to the left lane." Along with this audio output, the auxiliary warning lights 320 emit warning lights that emphasize the right side of the emergency vehicle or urge surrounding vehicles to move to the left. Naturally, the diffused warning lights 310 may emit warning lights that emphasize the right side of the emergency vehicle or urge surrounding vehicles to move to the left.

[0042] Furthermore, if it is determined that the operation of the indicator 400 is not to the right, the control unit 500 causes the first audio output (leftward) recorded in the recording unit 550 to be output from the warning sound output unit 330 (step S31), and causes the auxiliary warning light 320 to light and flash (step S32). Here, the first audio output (leftward movement) is, for example, "An emergency vehicle is traveling in the left lane. Please leave space on the left. Regular vehicles, please move to the right lane." Along with this audio output, the auxiliary warning lights 320 emit warning lights that emphasize the left side of the emergency vehicle or that urge surrounding vehicles to move to the right. Naturally, the diffused warning lights 310 may emit warning lights that emphasize the left side of the emergency vehicle or that urge surrounding vehicles to move to the right.

[0043] Subsequently, if the control unit 500 determines that the mode is not the congestion passing mode, it determines whether or not the mode is the intersection approach mode (step S7). If it determines that the mode is not the intersection approach mode, the process returns to step S3.

[0044] On the other hand, when the control unit 500 determines that the intersection entry mode is selected, it determines whether the indicator 400 is being operated (step S8). When it determines that the indicator 400 is not being operated (No in step S8), the control unit 500 causes the warning sound output unit 330 to output the second audio output (go straight) recorded in the recording unit 550 (step S61), and turns on and flashes the auxiliary warning light 320 (step S62). Here, the second voice output (go straight) is, for example, "An emergency vehicle will go straight through the intersection. Regular vehicles please stop."

[0045] On the other hand, when it is determined that the indicator 400 is being operated (Yes in step S8), the control unit 500 determines whether the indicator 400 is being operated in the right direction (step S9). When it is determined that the indicator 400 is being operated in the right direction, the control unit 500 causes the warning sound output unit 330 to output the second audio output (right turn) recorded in the recording unit 550 (step S41), and turns on and flashes the auxiliary warning light 320 (step S42). Here, the second voice output (right turn) is, for example, "An emergency vehicle is turning right at the intersection. Regular vehicles please stop."

[0046] Furthermore, if it is determined that the operation of the indicator 400 is not to the right, the control unit 500 causes the second audio output (left turn) recorded in the recording unit 550 to be output from the warning sound output unit 330 (step S51), and causes the auxiliary warning light 320 to light and flash (step S52). Here, the second voice output (left turn) is, for example, "An emergency vehicle is turning left at the intersection. Regular vehicles please stop." In the above example, the sound is output from the warning sound output unit 330, but this is not limited to this and the sound may be output from a loudspeaker provided on one or more of the top, front, rear, and bottom of the emergency vehicle, or may be output from a loudspeaker built into the diffused warning light 310.

[0047] In this way, when an emergency vehicle is traveling in an emergency, it can automatically warn surrounding general vehicles without the driver having to use microphone 340 to warn them. This allows the emergency vehicle's intention to proceed to surrounding general vehicles to be automatically conveyed, helping surrounding general vehicles to give way in an appropriate direction. Furthermore, it reduces the effort required for the emergency vehicle driver to warn general vehicles or pedestrians.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the present invention, an ambulance, which is an example of an emergency vehicle, rarely has a driver in the passenger seat when traveling in an emergency, and automatic audio output reduces the driver's operational burden.

[0049] Furthermore, in conventional devices, fire engines, which are an example of emergency vehicles, are often driven with gloves on, and there was a demand for improved button operability.

[0050] According to the present invention, the siren amplifier 100 can distinguish between intersection entry mode and traffic jam passing mode based on the operation of the indicator 400, thereby quickly alerting drivers of approaching emergency vehicles and providing appropriate information to alert those in the vicinity. As a result, emergency vehicles can arrive at their destinations more quickly and also help prevent collisions between emergency vehicles and ordinary vehicles. Furthermore, compared to conventional alerts to nearby ordinary vehicles using a microphone 340, audio alerts from the siren amplifier 100 improve audibility and further alert nearby drivers to avoid potential trouble. Naturally, automatic audio alerts enable alerts to be delivered in a voice message that is easy for any driver to hear.

[0051] The siren sound may be changed between the emergency driving mode and the intersection entering mode, and the volume of the siren sound may be automatically increased by several times, for example, two times, three times, five times, etc., in the traffic jam passing mode compared to the emergency driving mode, or the frequency of the siren sound may be automatically adjusted. Furthermore, when the control unit 500 is outputting sound, i.e., in accordance with the operation of the indicator 400 in the traffic jam passing mode and / or the intersection entering mode, the siren sound may be reduced by about 10%, for example, 15%, if the sound pressure level is equal to or greater than a predetermined level.

[0052] (Other examples) Next, an example will be described in which the control unit 500 determines the congestion passing mode or the intersection entering mode using the speedometer 410 or the imaging device 420, rather than by pressing the congestion passing mode switch 210 or the intersection entering mode switch 220 of the siren amplifier 100.

[0053] The control unit 500 may determine whether or not the traffic jam passing mode is in accordance with the speed indicated by the speedometer 410. In this case, the control unit 500 may determine that the traffic jam passing mode is in effect when the speed indicated by the speedometer 410 drops by approximately 20%. In other words, even if the road has a speed limit of 40 km / h, the control unit 500 may automatically determine that there is a vehicle that is an obstacle in the vicinity when the speed drops to 32 km / h or less.

[0054] Control unit 500 may also determine whether the emergency vehicle is in the congestion passing mode based on the map information recorded in recording unit 550 and the GPS device of the emergency vehicle itself. Furthermore, because the intersection location can be easily determined from the map information, the emergency vehicle may automatically determine that it is in the intersection entering mode when the position information of the GPS device of the emergency vehicle itself indicates that the emergency vehicle is approaching the intersection location. In particular, since emergency vehicles are often deployed in different regions, locations where the traffic jam passing mode switch 210 has been pressed many times in the past and locations where the intersection entry mode switch 220 has been pressed many times in the past may be recorded in the recording unit 550, and the control unit 500 may determine the traffic jam passing mode or the intersection entry mode from the information. In this case, the position information from the GPS device and / or the speed information from the speedometer 410 may also be used to make the determination.

[0055] Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic explanatory diagrams showing other examples of determination by the control unit 500 of the emergency vehicle support device. FIG. 4 shows an example of an intersection photographed by the imaging device 420, and FIG. 5 shows an example of a traffic jam photographed by the imaging device 420.

[0056] 4, the control unit 500 can use machine learning or deep learning, such as YOLO, to recognize a traffic light 600 and a crosswalk 610 in the image obtained from the imaging device 420. As a result, the control unit 500 may automatically switch to the intersection entry mode without the need to press the intersection entry mode switch 220. In this case, the control unit 500 may also use speed information from the speedometer 410, or location information and map information from a GPS device, for the determination. As a result, the burden on the driver can be reduced, and the intersection entry mode can be determined reliably and easily.

[0057] 5, the control unit 500 can use machine learning or deep learning, such as YOLO, to recognize lanes 640 and general vehicles 650 in the image obtained from the imaging device 420. As a result, the control unit 500 may automatically switch to the traffic jam passing mode without the need to press the traffic jam passing mode switch 210. Also in this case, the control unit 500 may use the speed information from the speedometer 410, or the position information and map information from the GPS device, in addition to the speed information from the speedometer 410. As a result, the burden on the driver can be reduced, and the congestion passing mode can be determined reliably and easily.

[0058] In the present invention, the siren amplifier 100 corresponds to the "emergency vehicle assistance device", the control unit 500 corresponds to the "control unit", the warning sound output unit 330 or the diffused light warning light 310 corresponds to the "loudspeaker", the indicator 400 corresponds to the "indicator", the siren corresponds to the "warning sound", the traffic jam passing mode switch 210 corresponds to the "traffic jam passing switch", the intersection entry mode switch 220 corresponds to the "intersection entry switch", the imaging device 420 corresponds to the "imaging device", the speedometer 410 corresponds to the "speed device", and the GPS device corresponds to the "position acquisition device".

[0059] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be understood that various other embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although the actions and effects of the configuration of the present invention are described in this embodiment, these actions and effects are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 100: Siren Amplifier 210: Traffic jam passing mode switch 220: Intersection entry mode switch 240: Microphone connection 310: Diffuse warning light 320: Auxiliary warning light 330: Alarm sound output unit 340: Microphone 400: Indicator 410:Speedometer 420: Imaging device 500: Control section 550: Recording section 600: Traffic lights 610: Crosswalk 640: Lane 650: General vehicles

Claims

1. a control unit that controls an emergency vehicle assistance device for assisting the driving of an emergency vehicle; a loudspeaker attached to the emergency vehicle; an indicator indicating whether the emergency vehicle is turning right or left, The control unit determines an emergency driving mode indicating emergency driving, a congestion driving mode indicating congestion driving, and an intersection driving mode indicating intersection driving, When it is determined that the vehicle is in the emergency driving mode and the traffic congestion driving mode, a predetermined first sound is output from the loudspeaker in response to the indicator; When it is determined that the vehicle is in the emergency driving mode and the intersection driving mode, the emergency vehicle support device outputs a predetermined second sound from the loudspeaker in response to the indicator.

2. The control unit In the emergency driving mode, an alarm sound is output from the loudspeaker, The emergency vehicle assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the warning sound is adjusted when the first sound or the second sound is output.

3. a traffic jam passing switch for transmitting an on / off signal for the traffic jam driving mode; an intersection entry switch for transmitting an on / off signal of the intersection driving mode, 2. The emergency vehicle assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the traffic jam passing switch and the intersection entrance switch are provided in the same housing as the control unit or in a different housing, and are capable of communicating with the control unit.

4. The emergency vehicle assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the traffic jam driving mode and / or the intersection driving mode by machine learning and / or AI in accordance with video and / or images from an imaging device attached to the emergency vehicle.

5. 2. The emergency vehicle assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the traffic jam driving mode and / or the intersection driving mode by machine learning and / or AI according to a speed sensor and / or a position acquisition device and / or map information attached to the emergency vehicle.

6. An emergency vehicle assistance method including a control unit that controls an emergency vehicle assistance device for assisting the travel of an emergency vehicle, a loudspeaker attached to the emergency vehicle, and an indicator that indicates whether the emergency vehicle is turning right or left, The control unit a determination process for determining whether the vehicle is in an emergency driving mode, a traffic jam driving mode, or an intersection driving mode, and whether the vehicle is in an intersection; When it is determined in the determination process that the emergency driving mode process and the traffic congestion driving mode process are being performed, a first process is performed in which a predetermined first sound is output from the loudspeaker in response to the indicator; An emergency vehicle assistance method, wherein if the determination process determines that the emergency driving mode process and the intersection driving mode process are being performed, a second process is performed in which a predetermined second sound is output from the loudspeaker in accordance with the indicator.

Images