Emergency alarm devices, emergency alarm systems, and road equipment

Abstract

To provide an emergency notification device, an emergency notification system and road equipment which enable simple and quick notification of occurrence of an emergency.SOLUTION: In an emergency notification system S1, an emergency notification device A1 is installed along a road, and comprises: an acquisition unit 10; a communication unit 12; an output unit 13; and a processing unit 11. The acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information related to an emergency that occurs on a road from outside. The communication unit 12 communicates with a management device 2. The output unit 13 outputs an alarm. The processing unit 11 performs processing dependent on the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit 10, and if the acquisition unit 10 has acquired emergency information, makes the output unit 13 output an alarm dependent on the emergency information while transmitting the emergency information from the communication unit 12 to the management device 2, and if the communication unit 12 has received emergency information from the management device 2, makes the output unit 13 output an alarm dependent on the emergency information. The acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information from outside through wireless communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an emergency notification device, an emergency notification system, and road equipment, and more particularly to an emergency notification device, an emergency notification system, and road equipment that notify an emergency occurring on a road such as a traffic accident.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional example, a security lamp pole (road equipment) described in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. The security lamp pole described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the conventional example) is installed on roads and public facilities and transmits and receives signals including images and sounds to and from a monitoring center connected by a network. The conventional example includes a reporting device, a pinhole camera, a warning buzzer, a warning lamp, a movable monitoring camera, a fire detector, and a device connected to a network for transmitting and receiving signals and information. A transmission / reception unit provided in the device for transmitting and receiving signals and information is connected to the monitoring center via a network. Then, in the above conventional example, the reporter uses a reporting microphone and a reporting speaker provided in the reporting device to talk to an operator of the monitoring center to notify an abnormal situation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when an emergency such as an accident occurs on a road, it is necessary to notify the driver of a vehicle passing on the road of the occurrence of the emergency more simply and quickly.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an emergency notification device, an emergency notification system, and road equipment capable of notifying the occurrence of an emergency simply and quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An emergency notification device according to one aspect of this disclosure is installed along a road. An emergency notification device supported by one of several road equipment components The system comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring emergency information relating to an emergency occurring on the road from an external source, a communication unit capable of communicating with a management device, an output unit for outputting an alarm, and a processing unit for performing processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit. When the acquisition unit acquires the emergency information, the processing unit causes the communication unit to transmit the emergency information to the management device and outputs an alarm corresponding to the emergency information to the output unit, and when the communication unit receives the emergency information from the management device, it causes the output unit to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. The acquisition unit acquires the emergency information from an external source via wireless communication.

[0008] An emergency notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of emergency notification devices installed along a road, and a management device capable of communicating individually with each of the plurality of emergency notification devices. Each of the plurality of emergency notification devices includes an acquisition unit that acquires emergency information relating to an emergency occurring on the road from an external source, a communication unit capable of communicating with the management device, an output unit that outputs an alarm, and a processing unit that performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit. When the acquisition unit acquires the emergency information, the processing unit causes the communication unit to transmit the emergency information to the management device and outputs an alarm corresponding to the emergency information to the output unit, and when the communication unit receives the emergency information from the management device, it causes the output unit to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. The acquisition unit acquires the emergency information from an external source by wireless communication.

[0009] Road equipment relating to one aspect of this disclosure is installed on a road. A road equipment comprising a main body and the main body supported by the Emergency alarm system and, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The emergency notification devices, emergency notification systems, and road equipment disclosed herein have the effect of being able to notify of the occurrence of an emergency easily and quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of an emergency notification system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of an emergency notification device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a road where the aforementioned emergency notification system is installed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an emergency notification device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] An emergency notification device, an emergency notification system, and road equipment according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the embodiments below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (1) Embodiment 1 (1-1) Overview The emergency notification system S1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a plurality of emergency notification devices A1 installed along a road R1, and a management device 2 capable of communicating individually with each of the plurality of emergency notification devices A1 (see Figures 1 and 3). Here, each of the plurality of emergency notification devices A1 is an emergency notification device according to Embodiment 1. Road R1 is, for example, an expressway or other road exclusively for motor vehicles. However, the road may also be a general road other than an expressway (a road where vehicles other than motor vehicles and pedestrians can pass).

[0014] Each of the multiple emergency alarm devices A1 is supported by multiple road equipment installed at intervals along road R1 (see Figure 3). The road equipment is, for example, a pole 3 having a cylindrical pole body 30 erected on road R1. A lighting fixture 4 for road illumination is attached to the top of the pole 3 (the upper end of the pole body 30). However, the road equipment is not limited to lighting poles, but includes all road equipment installed along the road, such as sound barriers, utility poles, and guardrails.

[0015] Each of the multiple emergency notification devices A1 comprises an acquisition unit 10, a communication unit 12, an output unit 13, and a processing unit 11. The communication unit 12 can communicate with the management device 2. The acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information regarding emergencies occurring on road R1 from an external source via wireless communication. The output unit 13 outputs an alarm. The processing unit 11 performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit 10.

[0016] In this embodiment, emergencies occurring on road R1 include, for example, traffic accidents, a broken-down vehicle stopping on road R1, falling objects on road R1, damage to road R1 such as sinkholes, and the accumulation of soil and debris on road R1 due to landslides, etc.

[0017] Emergency information includes the details of one (or sometimes more than one) type of emergency from the multiple types of emergencies described above, such as textual information indicating a rear-end collision (traffic accident) and image information of the accident scene. Furthermore, the emergency information includes personally identifiable information of the person (notifier) ​​who transmitted the emergency information to the emergency notification device A1 using a communication terminal 5 such as a smartphone. Such information includes, for example, the phone number of the smartphone used by the notifier, and the personal identification number (so-called My Number) assigned to the individual under the Social Security and Tax Number System. Alternatively, if the notifier is the driver (party) of the vehicle involved in the traffic accident or breakdown, it includes personally identifiable information of the notifier's (party's) vehicle, such as the vehicle registration number and chassis number.

[0018] For example, the driver of a malfunctioning vehicle parked on road R1 uses their communication terminal 5 (e.g., a smartphone) to cause the acquisition unit 10 of the nearby emergency notification device A1 to acquire emergency information. When the acquisition unit 10 of the emergency notification device A1 acquires emergency information, the processing unit 11 of the emergency notification device A1 causes the communication unit 12 to transmit the emergency information to the management device 2 and causes the output unit 13 to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. Also, when the communication unit 12 receives emergency information from the management device 2, the processing unit 11 causes the output unit 13 to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information.

[0019] Thus, according to the emergency notification system S1 and the emergency notification device A1 according to Embodiment 1, compared with the case of notifying using a road information board or the like installed on road R1, the occurrence of an emergency can be notified simply and quickly.

[0020] (1-2) Details The emergency notification system S1 according to Embodiment 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as the emergency notification system S1) has a plurality of emergency notification devices A1 according to Embodiment 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as the emergency notification device A1) (see FIG. 1). However, the configurations of the plurality of emergency notification devices A1 are all common. Each emergency notification device A1 has a communication unit 1 and an output unit 13.

[0021] (1-2-1) Emergency Notification Device The communication unit 1 has an acquisition unit 10, a processing unit 11, and a communication unit 12.

[0022] The acquisition unit 10 has input devices such as a touch panel 100 and an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader 101. The touch panel 100 is housed in a rectangular box-shaped housing 14, with the screen exposed from the upper front of the housing 14 (see Figure 2). The NFC reader 101 has a communication antenna. The antenna of the NFC reader 101 is housed in the lower part of the housing 14. At least a portion of the front wall of the housing 14 that covers the front of the antenna of the NFC reader 101 is made of an insulator (e.g., synthetic resin) that can transmit the radio waves used by the NFC reader 101 (radio waves with a frequency of 13.56 MHz). However, the acquisition unit 10 may have another wireless communication device, such as a wireless communication device compliant with a standard such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, instead of the NFC reader 101, or together with the NFC reader 101.

[0023] The processing unit 11 comprises a microcontroller (hardware) and a program (software) executed by the microcontroller. The program is stored in the microcontroller's memory. In other words, the processing unit 11 is realized by executing the program on the microcontroller. The processing performed by the processing unit 11 will be described later.

[0024] The communication unit 12 performs bidirectional data communication (e.g., packet communication) with the management device 2 using a dedicated communication line Ls as the communication medium. The communication line Ls may be a metal wire or an optical fiber wire. However, the communication unit 12 may also perform wireless communication using radio waves as the communication medium instead of the communication line Ls. When the communication unit 12 performs wireless communication, it is preferable that the frequency band of the communication medium in the communication unit 12's wireless communication is different from the frequency band of the communication medium in the acquisition unit 10's short-range wireless communication. By making the frequency bands of the communication unit 12's wireless communication and the acquisition unit 10's short-range wireless communication different, interference between their wireless communications can be prevented.

[0025] The housing 14 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box made of metal plates. However, as described above, it is preferable that the lower part of the front wall of the housing 14 facing the NFC reader 101 be made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housing 14 houses the acquisition unit 10, the processing unit 11, and the communication unit 12. Although not shown in the figures, the housing 14 also houses power supply circuits for supplying power to the acquisition unit 10, the processing unit 11, and the communication unit 12, respectively.

[0026] The housing 14 is attached to the pole body 30 (see Figure 3). Preferably, the housing 14 is attached to the pole body 30 at a height of approximately 1m to 1.5m above the road R1. When the housing 14 is attached to the pole body 30 in this way, the communication unit 1 may be powered by the power supply unit for the lighting fixture 4, which is housed in the pole body 30. Furthermore, the housing 14 does not necessarily have to be located outside the pole body 30; part or all of the housing 14 may be housed inside the pole body 30. However, even when the housing 14 is housed inside the pole body 30, it is preferable that the front surface of the housing 14, where the touch panel 100 screen is exposed, is exposed outside the pole body 30.

[0027] The output unit 13 is provided outside the housing 14. However, the output unit 13 may be housed within the housing 14. The output unit 13 has a speaker and a drive circuit for driving the speaker. The output unit 13 may also have an electronic sign (digital signage). In other words, the output unit 13 outputs an alarm using sound emitted from the speaker as a medium, and also outputs an alarm using light as a medium by displaying an image, text, or both an image and text on the electronic sign. When the output unit 13 is provided outside the housing 14, it is preferable, for example, to install it below the lighting fixture 4 at the top of the pole body 30 (see Figure 3).

[0028] (1-2-2) Management device The management device 2 is installed, for example, in a facility of a road administrator that manages road R1. The management device 2 has, for example, a computer system. The computer system has, for example, a computer main unit equipped with one or more processors, memory, storage devices such as hard disk drives or solid-state drives, a display device, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0029] The computer system comprising the management device 2 has a communication function that uses the communication line Ls as the communication medium. In other words, the management device 2 can communicate individually and bidirectionally with multiple communication units 1 via the communication line Ls. The management device 2 communicates individually and bidirectionally with each communication unit 1 using unique address information (e.g., network address) assigned to each processing unit 11 of the multiple communication units 1. The management device 2 is also assigned unique address information, and the processing unit 11 of each communication unit 1 can send data from the communication unit 12 to the management device 2 by specifying the address information of the management device 2 as the destination address.

[0030] Here, each of the multiple poles 3 installed along road R1 is assigned a code (identification code) to identify it. The management device 2 then manages the address information of each communication unit 1, the identification code of the pole 3 on which each communication unit 1 is installed, and the location information of each pole 3 in a database stored in its memory device.

[0031] (1-2-3) Communication terminals Communication terminal 5 is a smartphone. However, communication terminal 5 is not limited to smartphones; it may also be a so-called tablet PC, a laptop computer, or an in-car infotainment system, which is one of the in-car computer systems installed in a vehicle. The in-car infotainment system is installed on the dashboard of the vehicle, has a touch panel that displays navigation maps, etc., and accepts various operation inputs via buttons (icons) displayed on the touch panel.

[0032] The communication terminal 5, a smartphone, is equipped with an NFC controller. When the communication terminal 5 is brought close to the lower front of the housing 14 of the communication unit 1, short-range wireless communication becomes possible between the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 and the communication terminal 5. When short-range wireless communication with the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 becomes possible, the communication terminal 5 launches a pre-installed communication application. This application allows the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 to acquire information about the owner of the communication terminal 5 (hereinafter referred to as second information), such as the telephone number assigned to the communication terminal 5 and the owner's email address. The application also allows the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 to acquire information about emergencies (hereinafter referred to as first information), such as the location information of the communication terminal 5 and still and moving images taken by the camera of the communication terminal 5.

[0033] (1-2-4) Operation of the emergency notification system Next, we will explain the operation of the emergency notification device A1 and the emergency notification system S1 in the case of an emergency occurring on road R1, specifically when a broken-down vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a broken-down vehicle) stops on road R1.

[0034] First, when the driver of the broken-down vehicle brings their communication terminal 5 close to the lower front of the housing 14 of the emergency notification device A1 (communication unit 1), which is located closest to the place where the vehicle is stopped (for example, the shoulder of road R1), a communication application is launched on the communication terminal 5. The launched application instructs the NFC controller of the communication terminal 5 to have the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 acquire second information about the driver (such as the telephone number of the communication terminal 5) via short-range wireless communication with the NFC reader 101. Furthermore, the processing unit 11 displays a screen on the touch panel 100 of the acquisition unit 10 prompting the input of additional information related to the first information. The screen at this time displays multiple buttons corresponding to the type of emergency (for example, a traffic accident, a breakdown, etc.), and a message prompting the driver to touch the button corresponding to the emergency that has occurred. When the driver of the broken-down vehicle touches the button corresponding to the breakdown, the acquisition unit 10 acquires first information about the emergency that has occurred (that the type of emergency that has occurred is a vehicle breakdown). Furthermore, if the emergency situation is a traffic accident, it is desirable for the acquisition unit 10 to acquire images (still images or moving images) of the accident scene taken by the camera of the communication terminal 5 from the communication terminal 5.

[0035] When the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 acquires emergency information (first information and second information) from the communication terminal 5, the processing unit 11 of the communication unit 1 generates audio data and display data representing an alarm message, such as "A broken-down vehicle is parked here. Drive with caution," based on the first information included in the emergency information. The processing unit 11 then provides the generated audio data and display data to the output unit 13. The output unit 13 outputs the alarm message as audio by driving a speaker according to the audio data received from the processing unit 11. Similarly, the output unit 13 displays the alarm message as a display by driving an electronic sign according to the display data received from the processing unit 11.

[0036] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information, the processing unit 11 of the communication unit 1 controls the communication unit 12 to transmit the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit 10 and the identification code of the pole 3 on which the communication unit 1 is installed to the management device 2.

[0037] When the management device 2 receives emergency information transmitted from the communication unit 12 of the communication unit 1, it stores the first and second pieces of information contained in the emergency information in the memory of the computer main unit. The management device 2 also refers to a database stored in the storage device and obtains the address information of the communication unit 1 (emergency notification device A1), which is the source of the emergency information, as well as the identification code and location information of the corresponding pole 3. Furthermore, the management device 2 obtains the location information and identification codes of other poles 3 near the source of the emergency information, and also obtains the address information of the emergency notification device A1 corresponding to the identification codes of those other poles 3.

[0038] Here, the management device 2 may use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to communicate with the communication unit 1. However, each communication unit 1 must have a microphone for voice input. It is desirable for the operator of the management device 2 to communicate with the caller (driver of the broken-down vehicle) through the communication unit 1, which is the source of the emergency information, and to directly hear additional information such as the details of the breakdown from the caller. However, by having the emergency notification device A1 and the emergency notification system S1 communicate for communication between the communication unit 12 and the management device 2, they can obtain details of the emergency more accurately and in a shorter time.

[0039] Based on the address information of one or more emergency alarm devices A1 (communication unit 1) obtained as described above, the management device 2 transmits emergency information to one or more emergency alarm devices A1 (communication unit 1) via the communication line Ls. The emergency information transmitted from the management device 2 to the emergency alarm devices A1 includes first information and information about the location where the emergency has occurred, such as the distance from the pole 3 on which each emergency alarm device A1 is installed to the pole 3 on which the transmitting emergency alarm device A1 is installed (hereinafter referred to as third information).

[0040] One or more emergency notification devices A1 receive emergency information transmitted from the management device 2 in the communication unit 12 of the communication unit 1, and the processing unit 11 performs processing according to the emergency information received by the communication unit 12. Specifically, the processing unit 11 generates audio data and display data representing a warning message, such as "A broken-down vehicle is parked on the shoulder of the road XX meters ahead. Drive with caution," based on the first and third pieces of information included in the emergency information. The processing unit 11 then provides the generated audio data and display data to the output unit 13. The output unit 13 outputs the warning message by driving a speaker according to the audio data received from the processing unit 11. Similarly, the output unit 13 displays the warning message by driving an electronic sign according to the display data received from the processing unit 11.

[0041] However, the emergency notification system S1 and emergency notification device A1 can ensure safety in the event of an emergency by issuing an emergency notification (warning) from the output unit 13 not only at the location where the broken-down vehicle is parked, but also at locations away from the location where the broken-down vehicle is parked.

[0042] (1-3) Advantages of Embodiment 1 As described above, the emergency notification system S1 and emergency notification device A1 allow for easy and rapid notification of emergencies. In other words, while road information signs and highway radios are used to inform drivers of accidents and other emergencies on expressways, road lighting fixtures are installed at shorter intervals (tens to hundreds of meters) than the installation intervals and audible ranges of these means. Therefore, by installing the emergency notification device A1 on the pole 3 where the lighting fixture 4 is installed, information regarding emergencies occurring on road R1 can be communicated more easily and quickly than when using road information signs, etc. Moreover, since the emergency notification device A1 is equipped with an acquisition unit 10 that acquires emergency information regarding emergencies via wireless communication, information regarding emergencies occurring on road R1 can be transmitted to the management device 2 more easily and quickly than when using an emergency telephone. Furthermore, the emergency notification system S1 and emergency notification device A1 acquire second information regarding the caller in the acquisition unit 10 of the emergency notification device A1, which not only makes it easier to identify the caller but also has the advantage of deterring prank calls.

[0043] Furthermore, in the emergency notification system S1 and emergency notification device A1, the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit 10 includes first information regarding an emergency occurring on road R1 and second information regarding the person reporting the emergency. This not only makes it easier to identify the person reporting the emergency, but also has the advantage of deterring prank reports.

[0044] Here, when the acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information, the processing unit 11 of the emergency notification device A1 controls the communication unit 12 to send the unique address information assigned to the processing unit 11 to the management device 2. Based on the received address information, the management device 2 can identify which of the multiple emergency notification devices A1 was used by the caller to make the call. By identifying the emergency notification device A1 used for the call, the emergency notification system S1 can more accurately determine the location where that emergency notification device A1 is installed, that is, the location where the emergency occurred. As a result, the emergency notification system S1 can take more appropriate action in response to the reported emergency. In addition, by storing the address information transmitted from the communication unit 12, the management device 2 can further deter prank calls.

[0045] In the emergency notification system S1, when the management device 2 receives emergency information from a specific emergency notification device A1, it transmits the emergency information to one or more emergency notification devices A1, including the emergency notification device A1 located closest to the specific emergency notification device A1, among the other multiple emergency notification devices A1 excluding the specific emergency notification device A1. Then, in each emergency notification device A1 that has received emergency information from the management device 2, each processing unit 11 outputs distance information (for example, an alarm message such as "A broken-down vehicle is parked on the shoulder of the road XX meters ahead") from the output unit 13, regarding the distance to the emergency notification device A1 acquired by the emergency information acquisition unit 10 among the multiple emergency notification devices A1. This allows the emergency notification system S1 to more accurately notify the location of an emergency and to further ensure safety in the event of an emergency.

[0046] (2) Embodiment 2 (2-1) Overview The emergency notification device A2 according to Embodiment 2 is installed along road R1. The emergency notification device A2 according to Embodiment 2 comprises an acquisition unit 10, a communication unit 12, an output unit 13, and a processing unit 11 (see Figure 4).

[0047] The acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information regarding emergencies occurring on road R1 from an external source via wireless communication. The output unit 13 outputs an alarm. The processing unit 11 performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit 10. The communication unit 12 can communicate with the communication unit 12 of another emergency notification device A2.

[0048] When the acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information and the communication unit 12 receives emergency information from another emergency notification device A2, the processing unit 11 causes the communication unit 12 to transmit the emergency information to a different emergency notification device A2, and also causes the output unit 13 to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. In other words, the emergency notification device A2 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the emergency notification device A1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it is configured to transmit emergency information to another emergency notification device A2 without going through the management device 2. However, the emergency notification device A2 according to Embodiment 2 can notify of the occurrence of an emergency simply and quickly, just like the emergency notification device A1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0049] (2-2) Details The emergency notification device A2 according to Embodiment 2 (hereinafter referred to as emergency notification device A2) differs from the emergency notification device A1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it can send and receive emergency information to and from other emergency notification devices A2 via a communication line Ls without going through the management device 2 (see Figure 4). The emergency notification device A2 has a communication unit 1 and an output unit 13, similar to the emergency notification device A1. However, the configuration of the output unit 13 is the same as the configuration of the output unit 13 in Embodiment 1, so a description will be omitted.

[0050] (2-2-1) Communication Unit The communication unit 1 includes an acquisition unit 10, a processing unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a housing 14. Note that the configurations of the acquisition unit 10, the communication unit 12, and the housing 14 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0051] The processing unit 11, like the processing unit 11 in Embodiment 1, includes a microcontroller (hardware) and a program (software) executed by the microcontroller. The program is stored in the microcontroller's memory. In other words, the processing unit 11 is realized by executing the program on the microcontroller.

[0052] The processing unit 11 manages the address information of each communication unit 1, the identification code of the pole 3 on which each communication unit 1 is installed, and the location information of the pole 3 on which each pole 3 is installed, in a database stored in the memory of the microcontroller.

[0053] (2-2-2) Operation of the emergency alarm system This section explains the operation of the emergency alert device A2 in the case where a broken-down vehicle is stopped on road R1.

[0054] First, when the driver of the broken-down vehicle brings their communication terminal 5 close to the lower front of the housing 14 of the emergency notification device A2 (communication unit 1), which is located closest to the place where the vehicle is stopped (for example, the shoulder of road R1), a communication application is launched on the communication terminal 5. The launched application instructs the NFC controller of the communication terminal 5 to have the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 acquire second information about the driver (such as the telephone number of the communication terminal 5) via short-range wireless communication with the NFC reader 101. Furthermore, the processing unit 11 displays a screen on the touch panel 100 of the acquisition unit 10 prompting the input of additional information related to the first information. The screen at this time displays multiple buttons corresponding to the type of emergency (for example, a traffic accident, a breakdown, etc.), and a message prompting the driver to touch the button corresponding to the emergency that has occurred. When the driver of the broken-down vehicle touches the button corresponding to the breakdown, the acquisition unit 10 acquires first information about the emergency that has occurred (that the type of emergency that has occurred is a vehicle breakdown). Furthermore, if the emergency situation is a traffic accident, it is desirable for the acquisition unit 10 to acquire images (still images or moving images) of the accident scene taken by the camera of the communication terminal 5 from the communication terminal 5.

[0055] When the acquisition unit 10 of the communication unit 1 acquires emergency information (first information and second information) from the communication terminal 5, the processing unit 11 of the communication unit 1 generates audio data and display data representing an alarm message, such as "A broken-down vehicle is parked here. Drive with caution," based on the first information included in the emergency information. The processing unit 11 then provides the generated audio data and display data to the output unit 13. The output unit 13 outputs the alarm message by driving a speaker according to the audio data received from the processing unit 11. Similarly, the output unit 13 displays the alarm message by driving an electronic sign according to the display data received from the processing unit 11.

[0056] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 10 acquires emergency information, the processing unit 11 of the communication unit 1 controls the communication unit 12 to transmit the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit 10 and the identification code of the pole 3 on which the communication unit 1 is installed to the other emergency notification devices A2. At this time, the processing unit 11 generates a transmission frame containing the emergency information and the identification code of the pole 3, and instructs the communication unit 12 to broadcast the generated transmission frame to all emergency notification devices A2 simultaneously.

[0057] Alternatively, the processing unit 11 may refer to a database stored in a storage device to obtain identification codes for one or more poles 3 located in the opposite direction of travel from the pole 3 on which it is installed, and address information for the communication unit 1 (emergency notification device A2) corresponding to those identification codes. The processing unit 11 may then have the communication unit 12 multicast the generated transmission frame to the one or more communication units 1 (emergency notification device A2) that it has obtained.

[0058] When the processing unit 11 of another emergency alarm device A2 receives a transmission frame sent from the emergency alarm device A2 that made the call via the communication unit 12, it obtains emergency information and the identification code of pole 3 from the transmission frame. Note that "another emergency alarm device A2" refers to emergency alarm devices A2 other than the emergency alarm device A2 that obtained emergency information from the caller (driver of the broken-down vehicle) (hereinafter referred to as the emergency alarm device A2 that made the call).

[0059] The processing unit 11 of the other emergency alarm device A2 refers to a database stored in a storage device and obtains the location information of pole 3 corresponding to the identification code of pole 3 obtained from the transmission frame. Furthermore, the processing unit 11 of the other emergency alarm device A2 calculates the distance to pole 3 where the emergency alarm device A2 that made the notification is installed, based on the obtained location information of pole 3. Then, the processing unit 11 of the other emergency alarm device A2 generates audio data and display data representing an alarm message, such as, "A broken-down vehicle is parked on the shoulder of the road XX meters ahead. Drive with caution." based on the calculated distance. Then, the processing unit 11 of the other emergency alarm device A2 provides the generated audio data and display data to the output unit 13. The output unit 13 outputs the alarm message by driving a speaker according to the audio data received from the processing unit 11. Similarly, the output unit 13 displays the alarm message by driving an electronic sign according to the display data received from the processing unit 11.

[0060] However, the emergency notification device A2 notifies (alarms) of the emergency from the output unit 13 not only at the location where the broken-down vehicle is parked, but also at locations away from the location where the broken-down vehicle is parked, thus ensuring safety in the event of an emergency.

[0061] (3) Advantages of the embodiment As described above, emergency notification devices A1 and A2 can notify of an emergency more easily and quickly than when notification is made using road information boards installed on the road R1. Specifically, road information boards installed on expressways are only installed in limited locations such as near interchanges and at tunnel entrances, while road lighting fixtures are installed at shorter intervals (tens to hundreds of meters) than road information boards. Therefore, by installing emergency notification devices A1 and A2 on the poles 3 on which the lighting fixtures 4 are installed, information regarding emergencies occurring on the road R1 can be notified more easily and quickly than when notification is made using road information boards. Moreover, since emergency notification devices A1 and A2 acquire emergency information via wireless communication using the acquisition unit 10, emergency information can be reported more easily and quickly than when emergency telephones installed on expressways are used to report emergency information.

[0062] Furthermore, the emergency notification system S1 sends emergency information acquired by the emergency notification device A1 to the management device 2, allowing the management device 2 to centrally manage emergency information. Moreover, since the emergency notification system S1 acquires secondary information about the caller in the acquisition unit 10 of the emergency notification device A1, it not only makes it easier to identify the caller but also has the advantage of deterring prank calls.

[0063] (4) Summary An emergency alarm device (A2) according to a first aspect of this disclosure is installed along a road (R1) and comprises an acquisition unit (10), a communication unit (12), an output unit (13), and a processing unit (11). The acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information from an external source regarding an emergency occurring on the road (R1). The output unit (13) outputs an alarm. The processing unit (11) performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit (10). The communication unit (12) can communicate with a communication unit (12) provided in another emergency alarm device (A2). When the acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information and when the communication unit (12) receives emergency information from another emergency alarm device (A2), the processing unit (11) causes the communication unit (12) to transmit the emergency information to another emergency alarm device (A2) different from the other emergency alarm device (A2), and causes the output unit (13) to output an alarm according to the emergency information. The acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information from an external source via wireless communication.

[0064] The emergency notification device (A2) according to the first embodiment can notify of the occurrence of an emergency more easily and quickly than notification using road information boards installed on the road.

[0065] An emergency notification device (A1) according to a second aspect of this disclosure is installed along a road and comprises an acquisition unit (10), a communication unit (12), an output unit (13), and a processing unit (11). The acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information from an external source regarding an emergency occurring on the road (R1). The communication unit (12) can communicate with a management device (2). The output unit (13) outputs an alarm. The processing unit (11) performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit (10). When the acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information, the processing unit (11) causes the communication unit (12) to transmit the emergency information to the management device (2) and outputs an alarm corresponding to the emergency information to the output unit (13). When the communication unit (12) receives emergency information from the management device (2), the processing unit (11) causes the output unit (13) to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. The acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information from an external source via wireless communication.

[0066] The emergency notification device (A1) according to the second embodiment can notify of the occurrence of an emergency more easily and quickly than notification using road information boards installed on the road.

[0067] An emergency notification system (S1) according to a third aspect of this disclosure comprises a plurality of emergency notification devices (A1) installed along a road (R1), and a management device (2) capable of communicating individually with each of the plurality of emergency notification devices (A1). Each of the plurality of emergency notification devices (A1) comprises an acquisition unit (10), a communication unit (12), an output unit (13), and a processing unit (11). The acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information from an external source regarding an emergency occurring on the road (R1). The communication unit (12) is capable of communicating with the management device (2). The output unit (13) outputs an alarm. The processing unit (11) performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit (10). When the acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information, the processing unit (11) causes the communication unit (12) to transmit the emergency information to the management device (2) and causes the output unit (13) to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. When the communication unit (12) receives emergency information from the management device (2), the processing unit (11) causes the output unit (13) to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. The acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information from an external source via wireless communication.

[0068] The third type of emergency notification system (S1) can notify of an emergency more easily and quickly than notification using road information boards installed on roads.

[0069] An emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure may be realized in combination with the first or second aspect. In the emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to the fourth aspect, the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit (10) preferably includes first information concerning an emergency occurring on the road (R1) and second information concerning the person reporting the emergency.

[0070] The emergency notification device (A1; A2) according to the fourth embodiment acquires second information about the caller in the acquisition unit (10), which not only makes it easier to identify the caller but also helps to deter prank calls.

[0071] An emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the first, second, or fourth aspects. In the emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the processing unit (11), when the acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information, controls the communication unit (12) to transmit the unique address information assigned to the processing unit (11) along with the emergency information.

[0072] The emergency notification device (A1; A2) according to the fifth aspect will enable more appropriate measures to be taken in response to the reported emergency.

[0073] An emergency alarm device (A1;A2) according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure may be implemented in combination with any of the first, second, fourth, or fifth aspects. In the emergency alarm device (A1;A2) according to the sixth aspect, the output unit (13) preferably outputs an alarm using at least one medium of light and sound.

[0074] The emergency notification device (A1; A2) according to the sixth embodiment can notify emergency information more quickly and accurately.

[0075] An emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure may be implemented in combination with the first, second, or fourth-sixth aspects. In the emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the communication unit (12) is capable of at least one of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0076] The emergency notification device (A1; A2) according to the seventh embodiment can communicate using an appropriate communication method depending on the environment in which it is used.

[0077] An emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the seventh aspect. In the emergency notification device (A1;A2) according to the eighth aspect, it is preferable that the frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the acquisition unit (10) is different from the frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the communication unit (12).

[0078] The emergency notification device (A1; A2) according to the eighth embodiment can prevent mutual interference between the wireless communication of the acquisition unit (10) and the wireless communication of the communication unit (12).

[0079] An emergency notification system (S1) according to the ninth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with the third aspect. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the ninth aspect, the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit (10) preferably includes first information concerning an emergency occurring on the road (R1) and second information concerning the person reporting the emergency.

[0080] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the ninth aspect acquires second information about the caller in the acquisition unit (10), which not only makes it easier to identify the caller but also helps to deter prank calls.

[0081] An emergency notification system (S1) according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure can be implemented in combination with the third or ninth aspect. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the tenth aspect, it is preferable that the processing unit (11), when the acquisition unit (10) acquires emergency information, controls the communication unit (12) to transmit the unique address information assigned to the processing unit (11) along with the emergency information.

[0082] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the tenth type enables more appropriate measures to be taken in response to reported emergencies.

[0083] An emergency notification system (S1) according to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure may be realized in combination with the third, ninth, or tenth aspect. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the eleventh aspect, it is preferable that the output unit (13) outputs an alarm using at least one medium of light and sound.

[0084] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the 11th embodiment can notify emergency information more quickly and accurately.

[0085] An emergency notification system (S1) according to a twelfth aspect of this disclosure may be implemented in combination with the third or any of the ninth to eleventh aspects. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the twelfth aspect, it is preferable that the communication unit (12) is capable of at least one of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0086] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the 12th embodiment can communicate using an appropriate communication method depending on the environment in which it is used.

[0087] An emergency notification system (S1) according to a thirteenth aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with a twelfth aspect. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the thirteenth aspect, it is preferable that the frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the acquisition unit (10) is different from the frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the communication unit (12).

[0088] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the 13th embodiment can prevent mutual interference between the wireless communication of the acquisition unit (10) and the wireless communication of the communication unit (12).

[0089] An emergency notification system (S1) according to a 14th aspect of this disclosure can be implemented in combination with any of the aspects of 9 to 13. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the 14th aspect, when the management device (2) receives emergency information from a specific emergency notification device (A1) among a plurality of emergency notification devices (A1), it is preferable that the management device (2) transmits emergency information to one or more emergency notification devices (A1), including the emergency notification device (A1) installed closest to the specific emergency notification device (A1) among the plurality of emergency notification devices (A1).

[0090] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the 14th embodiment can more accurately notify the location where an emergency has occurred.

[0091] An emergency notification system (S1) according to the 15th aspect of this disclosure can be realized in combination with any of the aspects of 9 to 14. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the 15th aspect, it is preferable that each processing unit (11) of a plurality of emergency notification devices (A1) outputs distance information relating to the distance to the emergency notification device (A1) acquired by the emergency information acquisition unit (10) from the output unit (13).

[0092] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the 15th aspect can provide further safety in the event of an emergency.

[0093] An emergency notification system (S1) according to the 16th aspect of this disclosure can be implemented in combination with any of the aspects described in 9 to 15. In the emergency notification system (S1) according to the 16th aspect, the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit (10) preferably includes first information concerning an emergency occurring on the road (R1) and second information concerning the person reporting the emergency. Each processing unit (11) of the multiple emergency notification devices (A1) preferably outputs the first information from the output unit (13).

[0094] The emergency notification system (S1) according to the 16th aspect can provide further safety in the event of an emergency.

[0095] A road equipment (pole 3) according to the 17th aspect of this disclosure is installed along a road (R1) and comprises a main body (pole body 30) that supports an emergency notification device (A1; A2) according to the first or second aspect.

[0096] The road equipment according to the 17th embodiment allows for the easy installation of multiple emergency alarm devices (A1; A2) along the road (R1). [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] A1 Emergency alarm system A2 Emergency notification device S1 Emergency Notification System R1 Road 1. Communication Unit 2 Management device 3. Poles (road equipment) 10 Acquisition Department 11 Processing Section 12 Communications Department 13 Output section 30 Pole body

Claims

1. An emergency notification device supported by one of several road equipment installed along a road, An acquisition unit that acquires emergency information from an external source regarding an emergency occurring on the aforementioned road, A communication unit capable of communicating with the management device, An output unit that outputs an alarm, A processing unit which performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit, Equipped with, When the acquisition unit acquires the emergency information, the processing unit causes the communication unit to transmit the emergency information to the management device and outputs an alarm corresponding to the emergency information to the output unit, and when the communication unit receives the emergency information from the management device, it causes the output unit to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. The acquisition unit acquires the emergency information from the outside via wireless communication. Emergency alarm system.

2. Multiple emergency alarm devices installed along the road, A management device capable of communicating individually with each of the aforementioned multiple emergency alarm devices, It has, Each of the aforementioned multiple emergency notification devices is: An acquisition unit that acquires emergency information from an external source regarding an emergency occurring on the aforementioned road, A communication unit capable of communicating with the aforementioned management device, An output unit that outputs an alarm, A processing unit which performs processing according to the emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit, Equipped with, When the acquisition unit acquires the emergency information, the processing unit causes the communication unit to transmit the emergency information to the management device and outputs an alarm corresponding to the emergency information to the output unit, and when the communication unit receives the emergency information from the management device, it causes the output unit to output an alarm corresponding to the emergency information. The acquisition unit acquires the emergency information from the outside via wireless communication. Emergency notification system.

3. The emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit includes first information concerning an emergency occurring on the road and second information concerning the person reporting the emergency. The emergency notification device according to claim 1.

4. When the acquisition unit acquires the emergency information, the processing unit controls the communication unit to transmit the unique address information assigned to the processing unit along with the emergency information. The emergency notification device according to claim 1 or 3.

5. The output unit outputs the alarm using at least one medium of light and sound. The emergency notification device according to claim 1 or 4.

6. The communication unit is capable of at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. The emergency notification device according to claim 1, 3, 4, or 5.

7. The frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the acquisition unit is different from the frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the communication unit. The emergency notification device according to claim 6.

8. The emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit includes first information concerning an emergency occurring on the road and second information concerning the person reporting the emergency. The emergency notification system according to claim 2.

9. When the acquisition unit acquires the emergency information, the processing unit controls the communication unit to transmit the unique address information assigned to the processing unit along with the emergency information. The emergency notification system according to claim 2 or 8.

10. The output unit outputs the alarm using at least one medium of light and sound. The emergency notification system according to claim 2, 8, or 9.

11. The communication unit is capable of at least one of wired communication and wireless communication. The emergency notification system according to claim 2, 8, 9, or 10.

12. The frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the acquisition unit is different from the frequency band of the communication medium in the wireless communication of the communication unit. The emergency notification system according to claim 11.

13. When the management device receives emergency information from a specific emergency alarm device among the plurality of emergency alarm devices, it transmits the emergency information to one or more emergency alarm devices, including the emergency alarm device located closest to the specific emergency alarm device among the plurality of emergency alarm devices. An emergency notification system according to any one of claims 8-12.

14. The processing unit of each of the plurality of emergency alarm devices outputs distance information relating to the distance to the emergency alarm device from which the emergency information has been acquired by the acquisition unit, among the plurality of emergency alarm devices. An emergency notification system according to any one of claims 8-13.

15. The emergency information acquired by the acquisition unit includes first information regarding an emergency occurring on the road and second information regarding the person reporting the emergency. The processing unit of each of the aforementioned multiple emergency notification devices causes the first information to be output from the output unit. An emergency notification system according to any one of claims 8-14.

16. Road equipment installed on roads, The main unit and An emergency notification device according to claim 1, supported on the main body, Equipped with, Road equipment.

Images