Emergency notification system, status notification method and status notification program

Abstract

To provide an emergency report system comprising a report button which is extremely thin, can be pressed down, functions stably regardless of a surrounding environment, and can recognize an operating status thereof.SOLUTION: A report button unit 100 comprises a pressing unit 101, a first tactile providing unit 102, and a second tactile providing unit 103. When a detection circuit 202 detects that the pressing unit 101 is pressed, a report is sent to an emergency call receiving organization 3 through a report processing unit 203. When the detection circuit 202 detects that the pressing unit 101 has been pressed, a first drive circuit 204 drives the first tactile providing unit 102; and thereafter, when the detection circuit 202 detects that a pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 is completed, or when the control unit 201 recognizes that the report processing has been properly performed, a second drive circuit 205 drives the second tactile providing unit 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program that is installed in a security facility and that sends a report to an emergency report receiving organization such as a security company in the event of an emergency. [Background technology]

[0002] Because banks, stores, and other similar establishments allow an unspecified number of people to enter and exit, emergency notification systems have traditionally been installed as a crime prevention measure. In recent years, emergency notification systems, also known as home security systems, have also begun to be installed in ordinary homes. An emergency notification system consists of an emergency notification device connected to one or more notification buttons (panic buttons). When a suspicious person is encountered, pressing the notification button causes the emergency notification device to make an emergency call to a designated contact point. This allows for prompt response, such as dispatching security guards or police officers.

[0003] Conventional emergency call systems' call buttons (panic buttons) use seesaw-type switches or push-button switches, which can be quite high and conspicuous, necessitating ingenuity such as installing them in locations where suspicious individuals would not notice them. Furthermore, some of these buttons emit a relatively loud "click" sound when operated, making them difficult to press without drawing the attention of suspicious individuals. For this reason, Patent Document 1, described below, discloses an invention relating to a thin panic button that makes no noise when operated in an emergency. The panic button disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a photodetector inside, and by opening a sliding window, outputs an emergency signal when the photodetector detects incident light from outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-212043 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The emergency button disclosed in Patent Document 1 is thinner than those using a seesaw switch or a push button switch, but is configured with a light-receiving element and a sliding window, so it is still somewhat thick. Furthermore, the emergency button disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a sliding operation rather than a pressing operation, which may be more difficult to operate than a pressing operation. Furthermore, the emergency button disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires external incident light, so it is not suitable for use in dark places. Thus, although the emergency button disclosed in Patent Document 1 is thinner than conventional buttons and has the advantage of not making any operating noise when operated, it does have several problems.

[0006] For this reason, there is a demand for an emergency call button (panic button) that is extremely thin and therefore not conspicuous even when placed in a conspicuous place such as on a desk, can be pressed, and functions stably without being affected by the brightness of the surrounding area. It is also desirable that even an extremely thin emergency call button (panic button) be able to reliably notify the user (operator) whether or not the button's press has been accepted, without being noticed by suspicious individuals. In other words, it is desirable to be able to notify the operation status by a method other than light or sound. If the operation status can be notified by a method other than light or sound, the operation status can be properly notified even to users with visual or hearing impairments.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the above problems and to realize an emergency call system equipped with an extremely thin call button (emergency button). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the emergency call system of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: An emergency call system including an emergency call device and a call button unit, The notification button unit includes: a pressing portion formed in a sheet shape and outputting an output signal when pressure is applied; a first tactile sensation providing unit formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user; a second tactile sensation providing unit formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user in a manner different from that of the first tactile sensation providing unit; Equipped with The emergency call device a detection means for detecting whether the pressing portion of the notification button unit has been pressed based on the output signal from the pressing portion; a notification processing means for sending a notification to a predetermined notification destination when the detection means detects that the pressing portion has been pressed; a first driving means for driving the first tactile sensation providing unit of the report button unit when the detecting means detects that the pressing operation of the pressing unit has been performed, thereby enabling the provision of a predetermined tactile sensation; a second driving means for driving the second tactile sensation providing unit of the notification button unit to provide a predetermined tactile sensation when the detection means detects that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been completed after the detection means detects that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been completed, or when a communication line is connected via the notification processing means and notification processing is performed; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0009] According to the emergency report system of the invention described in claim 1, the report button unit is configured to include a pressing unit, a first tactile sensation providing unit, and a second tactile sensation providing unit. When the detection means detects that the pressing unit has been pressed, a report is sent to a predetermined report destination via the report processing means. Furthermore, when the detection means detects that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been completed, the first drive means drives the first tactile sensation providing unit. Thereafter, when the detection means detects that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been completed, or when a communication line is connected via the report processing means and report processing is performed, the second drive means drives the second tactile sensation providing unit. This notifies the user (operator) that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been completed, or that report processing has been performed appropriately. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this invention, an emergency reporting system can be realized that is equipped with a reporting button (emergency button) that is extremely thin, can be pressed, and can only be recognized by the user (operator) without the operating status or operating state being known to those around. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an emergency notification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of the installation of a report button unit of an emergency report system according to an embodiment and an example of the configuration of a pressing unit and a tactile sensation providing unit. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of a pressing unit, a first tactile sensation providing unit, and a second tactile sensation providing unit of a report button unit of an emergency report system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining examples of the configuration of a first tactile sensation providing unit and a second tactile sensation providing unit of a report button unit of an emergency report system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process (first example) performed in the emergency notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of heat generation patterns by a first tactile sense providing unit and a second tactile sense providing unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process (second example) performed in the emergency notification system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the device, method, and program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an emergency notification system according to the present invention is installed in a security facility such as a bank or a store where an unspecified number of people enter and exit.

[0013] [Example of emergency notification system configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an emergency call system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the emergency call system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a call button unit 100 and an emergency call device 200. When a call event such as the intrusion of a suspicious person occurs, the emergency call system 1 causes the emergency call device 200 to make an emergency call to an emergency call receiving agency 3 via a network 2 by pressing the call button unit 100.

[0014] The network 2 is, for example, a wide area communication network such as an analog telephone network (PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)) or an IP (Internet Protocol) network. When the network 2 is an IP network, a so-called gateway device is provided between the network 2 and the emergency call device 200. The gateway device has the function of connecting networks with different protocols. The emergency call receiving agency 3 is, for example, an agency such as a security company or a police agency that can receive and respond to emergency calls.

[0015] <Configuration example of the report button unit 100> 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation of the report button unit 100 of the emergency report system according to the embodiment, and an example of the configuration of the pressing unit 101, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. As shown in FIG. 1, the report button unit 100 includes the pressing unit 101, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103, and in this embodiment is a sheet-type input / output device that is extremely thin, having a thickness of 1 mm or less.

[0016] For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the report button unit 100, which is a sheet-type input / output device, can be attached to the top surface of a desk 4 used by employees who face customers and is installed in a security facility such as a bank or a store. The top surface (pressure surface) of the report button unit 100 can be camouflaged by, for example, applying a color similar to the top surface of the desk 4. In other words, the report button unit 100 can mimic the area where it is installed, and can be placed inconspicuously in a location that is easily visible and easy to operate. Because the report button unit 100 is sheet-type, it can be applied with various patterns and placed in various locations in the form of a sticker or label.

[0017] In this embodiment, pressing unit 101 is composed of a piezoelectric element using PVDF (Polyvinylidene DiFluoride) as the piezoelectric body. As shown in FIG. 2(B), pressing unit 101 is configured by sandwiching piezoelectric body 101P between lower electrode 101D and upper electrode 101U, and has a thickness of, for example, about 0.1 mm. Upper electrode 101U is connected to detection circuit 202 of emergency notification device 200 via wiring (+), and lower electrode 101D is connected via wiring (-).

[0018] When a pressing force (pressure) is applied to the pressing unit 101, a voltage is generated in the piezoelectric element 101P, and as shown in FIG. 2(B), the voltage is applied to the detection circuit 202 of the emergency notification device 200 via the wiring (+) and wiring (-). In this way, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed (depressed), it generates a voltage as an output signal and supplies (applies) it to the detection circuit 202. As a result, if a voltage is applied from the pressing unit 101, the detection circuit 202 can detect that a pressing operation has been performed on the pressing unit 101. Furthermore, if no voltage is applied from the pressing unit 101, the detection circuit 202 can detect that the pressing unit 101 has not been pressed. The detection circuit will be described in detail later, but it is capable of accurately detecting when the pressing unit 101 has been pressed by a person.

[0019] Each of the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103 can provide a certain tactile sensation when touched. In this embodiment, the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103 are heat-generating elements formed from conductive paste, and provide a temperature change as a tactile sensation (a sensation when touched). As shown in FIG. 2(C), both the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103 have a thickness of, for example, about 0.1 mm. Both ends of the first tactile sense providing unit 102 are connected to a first drive circuit 204 of the emergency notification device 200 via a wire (+) and a wire (-). Both ends of the second tactile sense providing unit 103 are connected to a second drive circuit 205 of the emergency notification device 200 via a wire (+) and a wire (-).

[0020] When power is supplied from the first drive circuit 204, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 becomes heated, causing the user's finger touching the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 to feel a temperature (warmth, heat) that is clearly higher than other parts. Similarly, when power is supplied from the second drive circuit 205, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 becomes heated, causing the user's finger touching the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 to feel a temperature (warmth, heat) that is clearly higher than other parts.

[0021] In these cases, the "high temperature" provided by the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103 is, for example, 43°C or higher, a temperature that can be felt as warmer than room temperature. Note that the "high temperature" provided by the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103 is referred to as warmth or heat because different people perceive it differently, and refers to a state in which a clearly high temperature can be felt.

[0022] Furthermore, when power is not supplied from the first drive circuit 204 to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 is in a non-heating state, and a user's finger touching the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 feels a temperature that is clearly lower than when the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 is in a heated state. Similarly, when power is not supplied from the second drive circuit 205 to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 is in a non-heating state, and a user's finger touching the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 feels a temperature that is clearly lower than when the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 is in a heated state. The low temperature in these cases is, for example, 35°C or lower, which is clearly lower than the 43°C of the heated state, or roughly around room temperature.

[0023] The pressing unit 101, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be arranged in any manner as long as they are arranged on the same sheet. However, it is convenient if they can be touched simultaneously by the user's finger. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the pressing unit 101, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the report button unit 100 of the emergency report system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in the completed image of FIG. 3(A), the report button unit 100 is configured by providing the pressing unit 101, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 on a square sheet with sides measuring 1.5 cm to 2 cm.

[0024] In Fig. 3(A), the portion indicated by the large solid circle is the pressing unit 101, the portions indicated by small squares at each of the four corners are the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and the portion indicated by the small dotted circle is the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. That is, in this embodiment, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 is configured to be located below the pressing unit 101. The report button unit 100 of this embodiment has an upper layer that is the sensor unit shown in Fig. 2(B) and is made up of the pressing unit 101, and a lower layer that is the heat generating unit shown in Fig. 2(C) where the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 are provided.

[0025] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2(C), a heat generating unit is formed by providing a first tactile sensation providing unit 102 at each of the four corners of a square substrate sheet and a circular second tactile sensation providing unit 103 in the center. The pressing unit 101 (sensor unit) shown in Fig. 2(B) is arranged to cover the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the heat generating unit, thereby forming the report button unit 100 shown in Fig. 3(A).

[0026] 4 is a diagram illustrating a more specific example of the configuration of the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the report button unit 100 of the emergency report system 1 according to the embodiment. Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) substrate technology has the characteristic that the resistance value of conductive paste decreases in proportion to the firing time and firing temperature, and this characteristic is utilized to configure the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the heat generating portions 102a and 103a, which are the actual heat generating portions, are formed by forming a conductive paste into a serpentine shape, and then the entire assembly, including the pattern portions 102b and 103b, is subjected to a first firing at a low temperature, for a short time, or for a low temperature and a short time. This allows the entire assembly consisting of the heat generating portions 102a and 103a and the pattern portions 102b and 103b to have a high resistance. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 4, the serpentine heat generating portions 102a and 103a are heat-shielded, and the entire assembly consisting of the heat insulating heat generating portions 102a and 103a and the pattern portions 102b and 103b is subjected to a second firing at a high temperature, for a long time, or for a high temperature and a long time.

[0028] As a result, the pattern portions 102b, 103b have low resistance, while the heat-generating portions 102a, 103a are heat-shielded and can therefore maintain high resistance. That is, a heat-generating element can be configured that includes the heat-generating portions 102a, 103a, which have high resistance and generate heat efficiently, and the pattern portions (wiring portions) 102b, 103b, which have low resistance and suppress heat generation. The heat-generating portions 102a of the first tactile sensation providing portion 102 configured in this manner are the four square portions located at the four corners shown in Figure 3(C), and the heat-generating portion 103a of the second tactile sensation providing portion 103 is the circular portion in the center shown in Figure 3(C).

[0029] The first tactile sensation providing unit 102 may be configured with four heat generating units 102a connected in series, or may be configured with four first tactile sensation providing units 102 each equipped with one heat generating unit 102a connected in parallel. The second tactile sensation providing unit 103 has a heat generating unit 103a formed in a circular shape.

[0030] <Configuration example of emergency notification device 200> 1, emergency notification device 200 includes control unit 201, detection circuit 202, notification processing unit 203, first drive circuit 204, second drive circuit 205, and drive control unit 206. Although not shown, control unit 201 is a microprocessor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, etc., and realizes the function of controlling each unit of emergency notification device 200.

[0031] As described above, the detection circuit 202 is connected to the wires (+) and (-) from the pressing portion 101 of the report button unit 100, and detects when the pressing portion 101 is pressed (depressed) in accordance with a change in the voltage applied from the pressing portion 101, and notifies the control portion 201. The detection circuit 202 of this embodiment does not simply detect whether or not the pressing portion 101 has been pressed, but first, when it detects that an impact has been applied to the pressing portion 101, it monitors the output signal supplied from the pressing portion 101 for a certain period of time and determines whether or not it contains a component corresponding to the person's pulse wave.

[0032] When the detection circuit 202 determines that the signal contains a component corresponding to a person's pulse wave, it determines that a pressing operation has been performed by a user (operator) and notifies the control unit 201. In this way, determining whether or not a component corresponding to a person's pulse wave is included ensures that a notification is sent when a pressing operation has been performed by a person. This prevents a malfunction in which a notification is sent when the pressing unit simply receives an impact, such as when an object falls on the pressing unit 101, rather than when a pressing operation is performed by a person. When the control unit 201 detects through the detection circuit 202 that the pressing unit 101 has been pressed by a user (person), it controls the notification processing unit 203 to perform notification processing.

[0033] When the detection circuit 202 detects that the pressing portion 101 of the report button unit 100 has been pressed by a person, the report processing portion 203, under the control of the control portion 201, performs a report process to report to the emergency report receiving agency 3 that a report event has occurred. The report processing portion 203 calls the emergency report receiving agency 3 using the telephone number of the emergency report receiving agency 3 stored and held in the non-volatile memory of the control portion 201, and makes a report when the emergency report receiving agency 3 answers. In this case, the report is, for example, a report message that includes identification information such as the name of the guarded facility.

[0034] The first drive circuit 204 is connected to the wires (+) and (-) from the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 of the report button unit 100, and realizes the function of supplying drive power to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102. On the other hand, the second drive circuit 205 is connected to the wires (+) and (-) from the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the report button unit 100, and realizes the function of supplying drive power to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. Under the control of the control unit 201, the drive control unit 206 controls the first drive circuit 204 and the second drive circuit 205, and switches between supplying and not supplying drive power to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103, respectively.

[0035] In the emergency notification device 200 of this embodiment, when a pressing operation by a person is detected, under the control of the control unit 201, the drive control unit 206 controls the first drive circuit 204 to supply drive power to the first tactile sense providing unit 102 of the report button unit 100. This causes the first tactile sense providing unit 102 to heat up, and the user (operator) can be notified that the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 has been recognized by the emergency notification device 200. Furthermore, when the user's pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 ends, the voltage from the pressing unit 101 is no longer applied to the detection circuit 202, and the detection circuit 202 therefore ends the notification to the control unit 201 that a pressing operation is being performed. This causes the detection circuit 202 to notify the control unit 201 that the pressing operation has ended.

[0036] In this case, under the control of the control unit 201, the drive control unit 206 controls the second drive circuit 205 to supply drive power to the second tactile sense providing unit 103 of the report button unit 100. This causes the second tactile sense providing unit 103 to heat up, and the user (operator) can be notified that the emergency call device 200 has recognized the end of the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101. In this way, in the emergency call system of this embodiment, the start and end of the pressing operation by the user (operator) on the pressing unit 101 of the report button unit 100 can be notified by the heat generation of the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103.

[0037] [Summary of the processing performed in the emergency notification system (first example)] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing performed in the emergency notification system 1 according to the embodiment. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 5 is processing executed under the control of the control unit 201 of the emergency notification device 200. When the emergency notification device 200 is powered on, power is supplied to the necessary units, and the emergency notification system 1 enters a state of waiting for a pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 (press standby state) (step S101). The control unit 201 monitors the detection output from the detection circuit 202, and determines whether or not it has detected that an impact has been applied to the pressing unit 101 of the notification button unit 100 (step S102). If it is determined that no impact has been detected that an impact has been applied to the pressing unit 101, the processing from step S101 is repeated.

[0038] In the determination process of step S102, it is assumed that the control unit 201 determines that an impact has been applied to the pressing unit 101. In this case, the control unit 201 further determines whether or not a pulse wave component is included in the voltage supplied from the pressing unit 101 through the detection circuit 202, i.e., whether or not a pulse wave has been detected (step S103). In the determination process of step S103, if it is determined that a pulse wave has not been detected, the pressing operation has not been performed by a person, and the process from step S101 onwards is repeated. In the determination process of step S103, if it is determined that a pulse wave has been detected, the control unit 201 recognizes that a pressing operation has been performed by a person (step S104). In this case, the control unit 201 controls the report processing unit 203 to execute a report process to the emergency report receiving agency 3 (step S105).

[0039] Thereafter, the control unit 201 controls the drive control unit 206 to perform processing to notify the operation state through the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the report button unit 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a heat generation pattern by the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the embodiment. After the processing of step S105, first, the control unit 201 controls the drive control unit 206 to provide driving power to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 of the report button unit 100 through the first drive circuit 204, thereby putting the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 into a heated state (step S106).

[0040] As described with reference to Fig. 3, the first tactile sensation providing units 102 are provided at the four corners of the report button unit 100. As shown in Fig. 6(A), the first tactile sensation providing units 102 at the four corners of the report button unit 100 become heated (heating pattern A). This allows the user (operator) to feel with their fingertips that the temperatures at the four corners of the report button unit 100 have increased, and the emergency report device 200 recognizes the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 and can notify the user (operator) that it has entered a pressing completion standby state.

[0041] Thereafter, the control unit 201 determines whether the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 of the report button unit 100 has ended based on the detection output from the detection circuit 202 (step S107). If it is determined in the determination process of step S107 that the pressing operation has not ended, the process from step S106 is repeated, and the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 continues to generate heat. It is assumed that it is determined in the determination process of step S107 that the pressing operation has ended. In this case, the control unit 201 controls the drive control unit 206 to provide driving power to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the report button unit 100 via the second drive circuit 205, causing the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 to be in a heated state (step S108). In this case, it is assumed that the strong pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 has ended, but the user's finger continues to contact the report button unit 100.

[0042] As described with reference to FIG. 3, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 is circular and provided in the center of the report button unit 100. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(B), in addition to the four corners of the report button unit 100, the circular second tactile sensation providing unit 103 in the center becomes heated (heating pattern B). The user (operator) can feel the increase in temperature in the center of the report button unit 100 through their fingertips. This allows the emergency call device 200 to recognize that the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 has been completed, and notify the user (operator) that the pressing has been completed.

[0043] Thereafter, the control unit 201 controls the drive control unit 206 to perform a series of termination processes, such as stopping the supply of drive power to the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103 (step S109), and ends the process shown in Fig. 5. In this way, in the emergency report system 1 of this embodiment, the state of the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 of the report button unit 100 can be notified to the user (operator) by the heat generation state of the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103. In this embodiment, the state of the operation can be notified to the user by the temperature change caused by the heating element, so that it will not be noticed by those around.

[0044] [Summary of the processing performed in the emergency notification system (second example)] 7 is a flowchart for explaining a second example of the processing performed in the emergency notification system 1 of the embodiment. The processing shown in the flowchart in FIG. 7 is also processing executed under the control of the control unit 201 of the emergency notification device 200. In the processing in the flowchart in FIG. 7, the processing from step S101 to step S103 is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S103 shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] Therefore, when the emergency notification device 200 is powered on, the emergency notification system 1 enters a press standby state (step S101). Thereafter, the control unit 201 monitors the detection output from the detection circuit 202 and determines whether or not an impact has been detected on the pressing unit 101 (step S102). If it determines that an impact has not been detected, the control unit 201 repeats the processing from step S101. If it determines that an impact has been detected on the pressing unit 101 in the determination processing of step S102, the control unit 201 further determines whether or not a pulse wave component is included in the voltage supplied from the pressing unit 101 via the detection circuit 202 (step S103). If it determines that a pulse wave has not been detected in the determination processing of step S103, the processing from step S101 is repeated.

[0046] If it is determined in the determination process of step S103 that a pulse wave has been detected, the control unit 201 can determine that the pressing operation is by a person, and therefore causes the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 to heat up, and notifies that the pressing operation has been accepted (step S201). That is, in step S201, the control unit 201 controls the drive control unit 206 to provide drive power to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 of the report button unit 100 via the first drive circuit 204, and puts the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 into a heat-generating state. This state is the heat generation pattern A shown in Fig. 6(A).

[0047] Thereafter, the control unit 201 controls the notification processing unit 203 to execute notification processing to the emergency notification receiving agency 3 (step S202). When the control unit 201 executes notification processing, it measures the time from the start of the notification processing using a clock circuit (not shown). This is for use in determining a timeout, which will be described later. Thereafter, it is determined whether the communication line is connected and the notification processing has been executed appropriately (step S203).

[0048] If it is determined in the determination process of step S203 that the communication line is connected and the notification process has been performed appropriately, the control unit 201 causes the second tactile sensation providing unit 102 to generate heat, and notifies that the notification process has been performed appropriately (step S204). That is, in step S204, the control unit 201 controls the drive control unit 206 to provide drive power to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the notification button unit 100 via the second drive circuit 205, and causes the second tactile sensation providing unit 102 to generate heat. This state is the heat generation pattern B shown in Fig. 6(B).

[0049] After the processing of step S204, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 are maintained in a heated state for a predetermined time (step S205). This is to ensure that the status can be notified reliably. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 201 controls the drive control unit 206 to perform a series of termination processes, such as stopping the supply of drive power to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 (step S109), and the processing shown in FIG. 5 is terminated.

[0050] Furthermore, if it is determined in the determination process of step S203 that the communication line is connected and the notification process is not being performed appropriately, the control unit 201 determines whether a certain period of time has passed since the start of the notification process and a timeout has occurred (step S209). If it is determined in the determination process of step S209 that a timeout has not occurred, the process from step S203 is repeated, and the notification process is continued (continued). If it is determined in the determination process of step S209 that a timeout has occurred, a recovery process such as clearing the measurement of the time since the start of the notification process is performed, and the process from step S202 is repeated to ensure that the notification process is performed reliably.

[0051] 7, the user (operator) can be notified that the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 has been properly accepted and that the notification process has been properly performed by the heat generation state of the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103. In this case, too, the temperature change caused by the heating element can notify the user of the acceptance state of the pressing operation and the execution state of the notification process, without being noticed by those around.

[0052] [Effects of the embodiment] In the emergency report system of this embodiment, the pressing unit 101 is made up of a piezoelectric (piezo) element using PVDF as a piezoelectric material, and the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103, which are heat-generating elements, are made up of conductive paste. This allows for an extremely thin (sheet-type) report button unit 100 to be realized. Furthermore, since circuits such as elements (sensors, resistors, capacitors) and wiring can be formed essentially using only so-called printing technology, manufacturing can be performed at low cost. Furthermore, since the report button unit 100 is a sheet type, it can be installed by being attached to various locations. In particular, it can be attached to curved surfaces, making it versatile in terms of installation location.

[0053] Furthermore, the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103, which are heat generating elements, allow the user (operator) to recognize, without being aware of others around, that the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 has been recognized and that the end of the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 has been recognized. Furthermore, the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103, which are heat generating elements, allow the user (operator) to recognize, without being aware of others around, that the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 has been recognized and that a proper report has been made to the emergency call receiving agency 3.

[0054] Therefore, even if the user (operator) is visually or hearing impaired, they can recognize the state of the pressing operation on pressing unit 101 and the operating state of the emergency call system. This makes it possible to realize an emergency call system that is extremely thin, can be pressed, and is equipped with a call button (emergency button) that the user can recognize without others around them knowing the state of the pressing operation on the press unit or the operating state of the emergency call system.

[0055] [Variations] In the embodiment described above, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 is operated, and when the pressing operation is completed, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 is operated in addition to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be operated, and when the pressing operation is completed, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 may be operated in addition to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103.

[0056] Alternatively, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 may be operated when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, and when the pressing operation is completed, the drive power to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 may be stopped, and only the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be operated. Conversely, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be operated when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, and when the pressing operation is completed, the drive power to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be stopped, and only the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 may be operated.

[0057] <Other Examples of the First Tactile Sense Providing Unit 102 and the Second Tactile Sense Providing Unit 103> In the above-described embodiment, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 are heat-generating elements made of, for example, conductive paste, and notify the state of the pressing operation on the pressing unit 101 based on whether or not the user feels warmth or heat. However, this is not limited to this. The first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be any unit that provides an electric stimulus, or one that provides a heating state or a cooling state, as long as it can provide the user with a predetermined tactile sensation (a feeling obtained when touched) that can be recognized by the user's fingertip, for example.

[0058] <Devices that give electrical stimulation> To realize the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 as devices that provide electrical stimulation (electrical stimulation providing elements), it is possible to provide electrodes of both polarities (positive and negative electrodes) at a predetermined interval. Specifically, for example, a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided at each of the four corners of the alert button unit 100 so as to be exposed at a distance, and these serve as the first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and a voltage can be applied to these electrodes from the first drive circuit 204. Similarly, a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided at a distance on the pressing unit 101 so as to be exposed, and these serve as the second tactile sensation providing unit 103, and a voltage can be applied to these electrodes from the second drive circuit 205. In this way, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode from the first drive circuit 204 or the second drive circuit 205, a tingling electrical stimulation can be provided when both electrodes are simultaneously touched by the user's fingertip or the like.

[0059] Therefore, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, a voltage is applied to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 to provide an electrical stimulus, and when the pressing operation is completed, a voltage is applied to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 in addition to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 to provide an electrical stimulus. This allows the user (operator) to be notified when the pressing operation has been accepted and when the pressing operation has completed. Even when providing this electrical stimulus, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be made to function when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, and when the pressing operation has completed, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 may be made to function in addition to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. Furthermore, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed and when the pressing operation has completed, only different tactile sensation providing units, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103, may be made to function.

[0060] In this example, since only electrodes of both polarities are provided, the configuration of the alert button unit 100 is not complicated and the thickness is not increased. However, the voltage applied to both electrodes is low so that an excessive electrical stimulus is not applied and an appropriate electrical stimulus is provided. In addition, in the case of electrical stimulus, it is possible to change the stimulus pattern applied by the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103.

[0061] <Those that give heating and cooling states> The first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 can be made to provide a heating state and a cooling state by using a Peltier element. A Peltier element is a type of plate-shaped semiconductor thermoelectric element that uses the Peltier effect, and is also used as a cooling device for CPUs. When a direct current is passed through a Peltier element in a predetermined direction, the upper surface of the element absorbs heat (cools) and the lower surface generates heat (heats). Furthermore, changing the direction of the direct current switches the cooling surface and the heating surface. Utilizing these characteristics, the Peltier element can be used as the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the above-described embodiment. The Peltier element can also be made thin, for example, to about 0.1 mm.

[0062] When this Peltier element is used, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, a direct current is supplied in a predetermined direction to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 to cool it, and a cool feeling is provided through the first tactile sensation providing unit 102. When the pressing operation is completed, a direct current is supplied in a predetermined direction to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 in addition to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 to cool it, and a cool feeling is also provided through the second tactile sensation providing unit. This allows the user (operator) to be notified when the pressing operation has been accepted and when the pressing operation has been completed.

[0063] In this way, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 are configured with Peltier elements to provide a cooling sensation. Even in this case, the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may be made to function when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, and the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 may be made to function in addition to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 when the pressing operation is completed. Furthermore, only different tactile sensation providing units, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103, may be made to function when the pressing unit 101 is pressed and when the pressing operation is completed.

[0064] Furthermore, when the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 are configured with Peltier elements, a combination of a warm sensation and a cool sensation can be used. For example, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, a direct current is supplied to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 in a predetermined direction to cool it, and a cool sensation is provided through the first tactile sensation providing unit 102. When the pressing operation is completed, a direct current is supplied to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 in a direction (second direction) opposite to the predetermined direction (first direction) to generate heat, and a warm sensation is provided through the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. This allows the user (operator) to be notified when a pressing operation has been accepted and when the pressing operation has been completed.

[0065] Of course, conversely, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, a direct current is supplied to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 in a direction (second direction) opposite to the predetermined direction (first direction), causing it to heat up and providing warmth through the first tactile sensation providing unit 102. When the pressing operation is terminated, a direct current is supplied to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 in a predetermined direction (first direction) causing it to cool down, and a coolness is provided through the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. This makes it possible to notify the user (operator) when a pressing operation has been accepted and when the pressing operation has terminated. In this way, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 may selectively use heating and cooling to notify the user of the operation status.

[0066] <Combined use of thermal sensation and electrical stimulation> Furthermore, just as a warm sensation and a cold sensation are selectively used, a warm sensation and an electrical stimulation, or a cold sensation and an electrical stimulation, may be selectively used. For example, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 is configured with a Peltier element, and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 is configured with a positive electrode and a negative electrode. As a result, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed down, a direct current is supplied to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 in a predetermined direction to cool it, and a cold sensation is provided through the first tactile sensation providing unit 102. When the pressing operation is completed, a voltage is applied to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 to provide an electrical stimulation. This allows the user (operator) to be notified when the pressing operation has been accepted and when the pressing operation has been completed.

[0067] Conversely, the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 is configured with a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 is configured with a Peltier element. In this case, when the pressing unit 101 is pressed, a voltage is applied to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 to provide an electrical stimulus. When the pressing operation is completed, a direct current is supplied to the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 in a predetermined direction (first direction) to cool it, and a cool feeling is provided through the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. This allows the user (operator) to be notified when the pressing operation has been accepted and when the pressing operation has been completed.

[0068] Note that the cold sensation can be changed to a warm sensation by reversing the direction of the direct current supplied to the Peltier element. In this way, by using either a warm sensation, a cold sensation, or an electrical stimulation, or by using any two of these three, it is possible to notify when a pressing operation on pressing unit 101 has been accepted and when it has been recognized that the pressing operation has ended.

[0069] <Other variations> In the emergency call system 1 of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, one call button unit 100 is connected to the emergency call device 200, but this is not limiting. A plurality of call button units 100 can be connected to the emergency call device 200 and placed wherever necessary. That is, the call button unit 100 can be installed not only on a desk, but also in various locations such as the front of a desk drawer, inside a desk drawer, or on a wall. Because the call button unit 100 is a sheet type, it can also be attached to a curved surface.

[0070] Furthermore, the report button unit 100 can have various shapes and sizes. Therefore, the shapes, sizes, and positions of the pressing unit 101, the first tactile sense providing unit 102, and the second tactile sense providing unit 103 can be variously configured. The key is to be able to appropriately press the pressing unit 101 and to be able to distinguish between the tactile sensations provided by the first tactile sense providing unit 102 and the second tactile sense providing unit 103.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a conductive paste is used as the heating element, but this is not limiting. The above-described Peltier element may also be used as the heating element. In short, various elements can be used that can provide a moderate sense of warmth or heat when power is supplied, and that can quickly end the heating state and reduce the temperature when power supply is stopped.

[0072] Furthermore, the device that applies the electrical stimulation (electrical stimulation application element) is not limited to the above, and any type that can apply an appropriate electrical stimulation without applying an excessive electrical stimulation can be used. Furthermore, other than a Peltier element, any element that can create a cooling state and can be configured to be thin may also be used. It is also possible to use separate cooling and heating elements. In this case, the cooling and heating elements are controlled separately.

[0073] [others] As can be seen from the above description of the embodiment, the functions of the pressing unit, first tactile sensation providing unit, and second tactile sensation providing unit of the claimed report button unit are realized by the pressing unit 101, first tactile sensation providing unit 102, and second tactile sensation providing unit 103 of the report button unit 100 of the embodiment. Furthermore, the function of the detection means of the claimed emergency report device is realized mainly by the detection circuit 202 of the emergency report device 200 of the embodiment, and the function of the report processing means of the claimed emergency report device is realized mainly by the report processing unit 203 of the emergency report device 200 of the embodiment. Furthermore, the functions of the first drive means and second drive means of the claimed emergency report device are realized mainly by the first drive circuit 204 and second drive circuit 205 of the emergency report device 200 of the embodiment, in cooperation with the drive control unit 206.

[0074] Moreover, a method for executing the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is an application of an embodiment of the operation status notification method according to the present invention. Furthermore, the functions of detection circuit 202, notification processing unit 203, first drive circuit 204, second drive circuit 205, and drive control unit 206 of the emergency notification device shown in Fig. 1 can be realized as functions of control unit 201 by a program executed by control unit 201. In other words, the program for executing the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is an application of an embodiment of the operation status notification program according to the present invention.

[0075] Furthermore, when the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103 are configured with heating elements, it is also possible to notify the operating state by changing the color by applying paint that changes color when heated to the first tactile sensation providing unit 102 and the second tactile sensation providing unit 103. In this case, it is suitable for application to a report button unit 100 provided in an inconspicuous place. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...Emergency call system, 100...Call button unit, 101...Pressing section, 101D...Lower electrode, 101P...Piezoelectric body, 101U...Upper electrode, 102...First tactile sensation providing section, 103...Second tactile sensation providing section, 200...Emergency call device, 201...Control section, 202...Detection circuit, 203...Call processing section, 204...First drive circuit, 205...Second drive circuit, 206...Drive control section, 2...Network, 3...Emergency call receiving agency, 4...Desk

Claims

1. An emergency call system including an emergency call device and a call button unit, The notification button unit includes: a pressing portion formed in a sheet shape and outputting an output signal when pressure is applied; a first tactile sensation providing unit formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user; a second tactile sensation providing unit formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user in a manner different from that of the first tactile sensation providing unit; Equipped with The emergency call device a detection means for detecting whether the pressing portion of the notification button unit has been pressed based on the output signal from the pressing portion; a notification processing means for sending a notification to a predetermined notification destination when the detection means detects that the pressing portion has been pressed; a first driving means for driving the first tactile sensation providing unit of the report button unit when the detecting means detects that the pressing operation of the pressing unit has been performed, thereby enabling the provision of a predetermined tactile sensation; a second driving means for driving the second tactile sensation providing unit of the notification button unit to provide a predetermined tactile sensation when the detection means detects that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been completed after the detection means detects that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been completed, or when a communication line is connected via the notification processing means and notification processing is performed; An emergency call system comprising:

2. 2. The emergency call system according to claim 1, the first tactile sensation providing unit of the notification button unit is a heating element, a cooling element, or an electrical stimulation element; The second tactile sensation providing unit of the notification button unit is a heating element, a cooling element, or an electrical stimulation element. An emergency notification system characterized by:

3. 2. The emergency call system according to claim 1, The detecting means detects that the pressing operation has been performed when the output signal supplied from the pressing portion includes a component corresponding to the pulse wave of the person. An emergency notification device characterized by:

4. An operation status notification method for an emergency notification system including an emergency notification device and a notification button unit, The report button unit includes a pressing section formed in a sheet shape and outputting an output signal when pressure is applied thereto, a first tactile sensation providing section formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user, and a second tactile sensation providing section formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user in a manner different from that of the first tactile sensation providing section, a detection step in which a detection means detects whether or not the pressing portion of the report button unit has been pressed based on the output signal from the pressing portion; a notification processing step in which, when it is detected in the detection step that the pressing operation of the pressing portion has been performed, a notification processing means sends a notification to a predetermined notification destination; a first driving step in which, when it is detected in the detection step that the pressing operation of the pressing portion has been performed, a first driving means drives the first tactile sensation providing portion of the report button unit so as to provide a predetermined tactile sensation; a second driving step in which, after detecting that the pressing operation on the pressing portion has been performed in the detecting step, when the detecting means detects that the pressing operation on the pressing portion has been completed, or when a communication line is connected through the notification processing means and notification processing is performed, a second driving step in which a second driving means drives the second tactile sensation providing portion of the notification button unit to enable provision of a predetermined tactile sensation; An operation status notification method comprising:

5. An operation status notification program executed by a computer installed in an emergency notification device of an emergency notification system including an emergency notification device and a notification button unit, The report button unit includes a pressing section formed in a sheet shape and outputting an output signal when pressure is applied thereto, a first tactile sensation providing section formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user, and a second tactile sensation providing section formed in a sheet shape and providing a predetermined tactile sensation to a user in a manner different from that of the first tactile sensation providing section, a detection step of detecting whether the pressing portion of the notification button unit has been pressed based on the output signal from the pressing portion; a notification processing step of sending a notification to a predetermined notification destination when it is detected in the detection step that the pressing operation of the pressing unit has been performed; a first driving step of driving the first tactile sensation providing unit of the report button unit when it is detected in the detecting step that the pressing operation of the pressing unit has been performed, so as to provide a predetermined tactile sensation; a second driving step of driving the second tactile sensation providing unit of the notification button unit to provide a predetermined tactile sensation when the completion of the pressing operation on the pressing unit is detected after the detection step has detected that the pressing operation on the pressing unit has been performed, or when a communication line is connected through the notification processing means and notification processing is performed; An operation status notification program characterized by executing the above.

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