Information display devices and vehicles

Abstract

To enable a person confined in a vehicle to unlock and open a door by himself / herself.SOLUTION: An information presentation device 20 comprises: an output part that is installed in a vehicle 12; and a control part that determines whether or not a person is confined in the vehicle 12 when a door of the vehicle 12 is locked by a locking operation outside the vehicle 12, and presents information indicating a procedure for unlocking and opening the door via the output part when it is determined that the person is confined in the vehicle 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information presentation device and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a keyless entry system that notifies a mobile terminal that a person is on board when the door of a vehicle is locked by an operation outside the vehicle using the mobile terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a person is trapped inside a vehicle, simply notifying the driver's mobile terminal is not always sufficient. For example, it is conceivable that the driver may not notice the notification or that the unlocking operation cannot be performed due to a dead battery in the mobile terminal. Therefore, it is desirable for the trapped person to be able to unlock and open the door on their own, but children or the elderly may not know how to unlock or open the door in some cases.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a person trapped inside a vehicle to unlock and open the door on their own.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information presentation device according to the present disclosure is an output unit installed inside the vehicle, and determines whether a person is trapped inside the vehicle when the door of the vehicle is locked by a locking operation outside the vehicle, If it is determined that a person is trapped inside the vehicle, information indicating the procedure for unlocking and opening the door is provided via the output unit. Control unit and It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a person trapped inside a vehicle can unlock and open the doors on their own. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a vehicle equipped with an information display device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information presentation device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of an information presentation device according to the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures.

[0010] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0012] The information display device 20 is a computer mounted on the vehicle 12. In other words, the information display device 20 is provided in the vehicle 12.

[0013] Vehicle 12 is any type of automobile, such as a gasoline car, diesel car, hydrogen car, HEV, PHEV, BEV, or FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. In this embodiment, vehicle 12 is driven by driver 11, but the driving may be automated to any level. The level of automation may be, for example, one of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. Vehicle 12 may also be a vehicle dedicated to MaaS. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0014] The information display device 20 determines whether or not there is a person inside the vehicle 12, that is, whether or not a person is trapped inside the vehicle 12, in response to a locking operation performed outside the vehicle 12, which may include locking the vehicle 12 with the person inside. If the information display device 20 determines that a person is trapped inside the vehicle 12, it notifies the trapped person of the procedure for unlocking and opening the doors via a display or speaker inside the vehicle 12.

[0015] According to this embodiment, since the procedure for unlocking and opening the doors is notified to the person trapped inside the vehicle 12, the probability that the person can unlock and open the doors on their own and escape from the vehicle 12 is increased.

[0016] If the information display device 20 determines that a person is trapped inside the vehicle 12, it may initiate a call between the driver's 11 mobile device and the information display device 20. The call may be an audio call or a video call. If the information display device 20 determines that the trapped person is a child 13, it may initiate a call between the information display device 20 and the mobile device of the child's parent (other than the driver 11).

[0017] When the information presentation device 20 determines that the person trapped is a child 13, the procedure for unlocking or opening the door may be simplified more than in the normal state. For example, the information presentation device 20 may change the procedure so that unlocking and door opening are simultaneously performed by operating only the inner handle of the door.

[0018] When the information presentation device 20 determines that a person is trapped inside the vehicle 12, it may output an alarm toward the outside of the vehicle 12. For example, the information presentation device 20 may collect the sound inside the vehicle 12 via a microphone inside the vehicle 12 and output it from a speaker outside the vehicle 12. Alternatively, the information presentation device 20 may operate the hazard lamp or the horn of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, the information presentation device 20 may display a message indicating that a person is trapped inside the vehicle 12 on a display outside the vehicle 12. In particular, the information presentation device 20 may output an alarm toward the outside of the vehicle 12 when it is determined to be dangerous based on the temperature inside the vehicle 12, the remaining amount of the battery of the vehicle 12, or the air conditioning of the vehicle 12.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the information presentation device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0020] The information presentation device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0021] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. While controlling each part of the information presentation device 20, the control unit 21 executes processing related to the operation of the information presentation device 20.

[0022] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. Information used for the operation of the information presentation device 20 and information obtained by the operation of the information presentation device 20 are stored in the storage unit 22.

[0023] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the driver's 11's mobile terminal, such as a smart key, mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, via a network such as the Internet. The communication unit 23 receives information used for the operation of the information display device 20 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the information display device 20.

[0024] The input unit 24 includes at least one input device. The input device may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, a visible light camera, a depth camera, LiDAR, or a microphone. "LiDAR" is an abbreviation for light detection and ranging. The input unit 24 accepts operations to input information used for the operation of the information display device 20. The input unit 24 may be connected to the information display device 20 as an external input device instead of being provided in the information display device 20. As a connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth® can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI®" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0025] The output unit 25 is installed inside the vehicle 12. The output unit 25 includes at least one output device. The output device is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescent. The output unit 25 outputs information obtained by the operation of the information display device 20. Instead of being provided in the information display device 20, the output unit 25 may be connected to the information display device 20 as an external output device, such as a display audio system. As a connection interface, an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth® can be used.

[0026] The functions of the information display device 20 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 21. In other words, the functions of the information display device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to perform the operations of the information display device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the information display device 20. That is, the computer functions as the information display device 20 by performing the operations of the information display device 20 according to the program.

[0027] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0028] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its main memory. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program".

[0029] Some or all of the functions of the information display device 20 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information display device 20 may be implemented by hardware.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, the operation of the information presentation device 20 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation described below corresponds to the information presentation method according to this embodiment. That is, the information presentation method according to this embodiment includes steps S1 to S6 shown in Figure 3.

[0031] Step S1 begins when the doors of vehicle 12 are locked by a locking operation performed outside of vehicle 12. The locking operation may be performed by the driver 11 using a key to lock the doors near vehicle 12, or by the driver 11 remotely locking the doors using a mobile device.

[0032] In S1, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a person is trapped inside the vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 uses an in-vehicle camera or seat sensor to determine whether or not a person is sitting in a seat, such as the passenger seat or rear seat, in the vehicle 12. The control unit 21 may further use the in-vehicle camera to determine whether or not a person is present in a space such as the floor or cargo area of ​​the vehicle 12.

[0033] If it is determined in S1 that a person is trapped inside vehicle 12, the step in S2 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that no person is trapped inside vehicle 12, the flow shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0034] In S2, the control unit 21 provides information via the output unit 25 indicating the procedure for unlocking and opening the door. Specifically, the control unit 21 displays a message explaining the procedure for unlocking and opening the door on the in-vehicle display, or outputs it as audio from the in-vehicle speaker. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may play a video explaining the procedure for unlocking and opening the door via the in-vehicle display and the in-vehicle speaker.

[0035] If the control unit 21 determines that the person trapped is a child 13, it may simplify the procedure for unlocking or opening the door compared to the normal procedure. In such a case, the control unit 21 will provide information indicating the simplified procedure via the output unit 25.

[0036] In S3, the control unit 21 determines whether the door has been unlocked and opened as a result of the steps in S2. Specifically, the control unit 21 uses a door sensor to determine whether one of the doors of the vehicle 12 has been unlocked and opened. The control unit 21 may further determine, using an in-vehicle camera or a seat sensor, whether the person who was trapped has escaped from the vehicle 12.

[0037] If it is determined in S3 that the door has been unlocked and opened, the flow shown in Figure 3 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S3 that the door has not been unlocked or opened, the steps in S4 are executed. Alternatively, if the door has been unlocked and opened in S3, but it is determined that the person trapped inside has not escaped from the vehicle 12, the steps in S4 may also be executed.

[0038] In S4, the control unit 21 initiates a call with the driver 11 via the communication unit 23. If the control unit 21 determines that the trapped person is a child 13, it may initiate a call with the child's parent, other than the driver 11, via the communication unit 23.

[0039] In S5, the control unit 21 determines whether the door has been unlocked and opened as a result of the steps in S4. Specifically, the control unit 21 uses a door sensor to determine whether one of the doors of the vehicle 12 has been unlocked and opened. The control unit 21 may further determine using an in-vehicle camera or a seat sensor whether the person who was trapped has escaped from the vehicle 12.

[0040] If it is determined in S5 that the door has been unlocked and opened, the flow shown in Figure 3 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5 that the door has not been unlocked or opened, the steps in S6 are executed. Alternatively, if the door has been unlocked and opened in S5, but it is determined that the person trapped inside has not escaped from the vehicle 12, the steps in S6 may also be executed.

[0041] In S6, the control unit 21 outputs an alarm to the outside of the vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 displays a message on the external display or outputs an audio message from the external speaker indicating that a person is trapped inside the vehicle 12. If the temperature inside the vehicle 12 exceeds a threshold, the control unit 21 may further display a message on the external display or output an audio message from the external speaker indicating danger.

[0042] Steps S3 and S4 may be executed after steps S5 and S6. Steps S3 and S4 may be omitted. Steps S5 and S6 may be omitted.

[0043] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 11. Driver 12 vehicles 13 children 20 Information presentation device 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Input section 25 Output section

Claims

1. The output unit installed inside the vehicle, When the doors of the vehicle are locked by a locking operation performed from outside the vehicle, it is determined whether or not a person is trapped inside the vehicle. If it is determined that a person is trapped inside the vehicle, information indicating the procedure for unlocking and opening the door is provided via the output unit. Control unit and An information display device equipped with the following features.

2. The vehicle further includes a communication unit that communicates with the driver's mobile device, The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, upon determining that a person is trapped inside the vehicle, initiates a call with the driver via the communication unit.

3. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that a person is trapped inside the vehicle and that the trapped person is a child, and the procedure for unlocking or opening the door is simplified compared to the normal procedure.

4. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, upon determining that a person is trapped inside the vehicle, outputs an alarm to the outside of the vehicle.

5. A vehicle equipped with an information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images