Control device, control method, control program, and storage medium

Abstract

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium that make it possible to automatically control an operation state of a monitoring function for preventing an individual from being left behind in a vehicle according to a situation when the vehicle is parked.　This control device controls the monitoring function for an individual left behind in a vehicle and includes: a schedule acquisition unit for acquiring a business schedule of a facility associated with the vehicle; a detection unit for detecting parking of the vehicle; and a monitoring control unit for performing control for disabling at least a part of the monitoring function on the basis of the business schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium, and more particularly to a control device, a control method, a control program, and a storage medium for controlling a monitoring function related to abandonment of a living body inside a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in response to the frequent occurrence of abandonment of living bodies such as children and pets inside vehicles, the development and practical application of safety devices for assisting in preventing abandonment have been promoted. On the other hand, even in vehicles equipped with the above-described safety devices, there may be situations where it is unnecessary to operate the safety device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control device including a living body detection unit and a vehicle control unit that issues an alarm when the vehicle reaches a predetermined state (when the shift is in parking and a living body is detected only in the rear seat while the driver's seat belt is released), and delays or cancels the output of the alarm when a predetermined operation on the living body detection unit by an occupant is received.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When using the vehicle control device as described above, one of the problems is that manual operation for delaying or canceling the output of the alarm may be an extra hassle for the occupant.

[0006] Furthermore, in cases where it is possible to stop the alarm from sounding at the user's discretion through a predetermined operation, as in the vehicle control system described above, one of the challenges is that there may be situations where an alarm does not sound when it is actually necessary.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and one of its objectives is to provide a control device, control method, control program, and storage medium that enable automatic control of the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing the abandonment of living organisms inside a vehicle, depending on the circumstances when the vehicle is parked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a control device for controlling a function to monitor for the abandonment of living organisms inside a vehicle, comprising: a schedule acquisition unit for acquiring the work schedule of a facility associated with the vehicle; a detection unit for detecting the parking of the vehicle; and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit.

[0009] The invention described in claim 7 is a control device for controlling a monitoring function for leaving living organisms unattended in vehicles used for business and private purposes, comprising: a schedule acquisition unit for acquiring the schedule of the business; a detection unit for detecting the parking of the vehicle; and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the schedule of the business and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit.

[0010] The invention described in claim 9 is a control method performed by a control device to control a function for monitoring the abandonment of living organisms in a vehicle, characterized in that it includes: a schedule acquisition step for acquiring the work schedule of a facility associated with the vehicle; a detection step for detecting the parking of the vehicle; and a monitoring control step for performing control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle was detected in the detection step.

[0011] The invention described in claim 10 is a control program that is executed by a control device equipped with a computer and controls a function for monitoring the abandonment of living persons in a vehicle, the control program causing the computer to execute a schedule acquisition step for acquiring the work schedule of a facility associated with the vehicle, a detection step for detecting the parking of the vehicle, and a monitoring control step for performing control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle was detected in the detection step.

[0012] The invention described in claim 11 is a computer-readable storage medium that stores a control program for causing a control device, which includes a computer and controls a function for monitoring the abandonment of living beings inside a vehicle, to execute a schedule acquisition step for acquiring the work schedule of a facility associated with the vehicle, a detection step for detecting the parking of the vehicle, and a monitoring control step for performing control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle was detected in the detection step. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the monitoring and control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle device according to Example 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the appearance of the terminal device according to Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to Example 1. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device according to Example 1. [Figure 7A] This figure shows an example of the information included in the map information related to Example 1. [Figure 7B] It is a diagram showing another example of information included in the map information according to Example 1. [Figure 7C] It is a diagram showing another example of information included in the map information according to Example 1. [Figure 7D] It is a diagram showing an example of the determination table according to Example 1. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the in-vehicle device according to Example 1. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the server device according to Example 1. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing a modified example of a routine executed by the server device according to Example 1. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of information indicating the schedule of the facility according to Example 2. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the server device according to Example 2. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of an area to be monitored according to Example 3. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the server device according to Example 3. [Figure 15A] It is a diagram showing an example of weather forecast information according to Example 4. [Figure 15B] It is a diagram showing an example of a determination criterion according to Example 4. [Figure 15C] It is a diagram showing an example of weather forecast information according to Example 4. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing an example of a routine executed by the server device according to Example 4. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing a modified example of a routine executed by the server device according to Example 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. In the following description and accompanying drawings, substantially identical or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. [Examples]

[0015] The configuration of the monitoring and control system 100, including the control device according to Example 1, will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 shows an overview of the configuration of the monitoring and control system 100. As shown in Figure 1, the monitoring and control system 100 consists of an in-vehicle device 10, a server 70 as a control device, and a registration terminal 50. In Figure 1, the in-vehicle device 10 is shown mounted on a shuttle bus M as an example of a vehicle.

[0017] The shuttle bus M is a bus used to transport children to and from educational facilities such as kindergartens, daycare centers, and other child welfare facilities or social welfare facilities. In this embodiment, we will describe the case where the shuttle bus M is the shuttle bus for K Kindergarten as an example.

[0018] The registration terminal 50 is a terminal device that receives notifications from the in-vehicle device 10. In Figure 1, a smartphone is shown as an example of the registration terminal 50.

[0019] The in-vehicle device 10, server 70, and registered terminal 50 can send and receive data from each other via a network NW using communication protocols such as TCP / IP or UDP / IP. The network NW can be constructed using, for example, a mobile communication network, wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and internet communication including wired communication.

[0020] The in-vehicle device 10 is a terminal device equipped with a monitoring function to prevent children, the elderly, pets, or other living beings from being left behind inside the shuttle bus M when the shuttle bus M is parked and, for example, the occupants, including the driver, are away from the shuttle bus M. Specifically, it has the function of emitting an alarm sound or notifying the registered terminal 50 if the occupants do not perform the operation required to check for any children left behind, or if a living being is detected inside the shuttle bus M after it has been parked.

[0021] On the other hand, the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 does not necessarily need to be operated at all times depending on the usage of the shuttle bus M. For example, if the bus is parked for a short time and then starts moving again, the patrol by the passengers when they get out of the bus and the operations that accompany this would be an unnecessary hassle. Also, for example, if a false detection of a living being occurs when the shuttle bus M is parked without any children on board, an alarm will be sounded and a notification will be sent to the registered terminal 50, even though no child has been left behind.

[0022] The monitoring and control system 100 is a system that automatically disables at least a portion of the monitoring functions of the in-vehicle device 10 in situations where there is a high probability that the above-mentioned monitoring functions are unnecessary.

[0023] In this embodiment, the server 70 communicates with the in-vehicle device 10 to obtain necessary information and, depending on the situation when the shuttle bus M is parked, performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10.

[0024] As described above, the registration terminal 50 receives notifications transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 when operations related to passengers disembarking are not performed, or when a living organism is detected inside the shuttle bus M after the shuttle bus M has been parked, and presents them to the user. The user of the registration terminal 50 is, for example, an employee of a facility where shuttle bus M is used for transportation, including, for example, the driver and other staff.

[0025] For example, the destinations of each terminal device used by one or more employees are registered in the in-vehicle device 10. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 10 may notify the server 70, and the server 70 may then notify the registered terminals 50 accordingly. In this case, the server 70 may have the destinations registered in the in-vehicle device 10 for sending information to the registered terminals 50.

[0026] The configuration of the in-vehicle device 10 and its monitoring function will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the shuttle bus M. The area A enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 2 is a transparent section showing the interior of the shuttle bus M. In Figure 2, as an example of installation, the in-vehicle device 10 is shown mounted on the inside of the windshield of the shuttle bus M, near the rearview mirror.

[0027] Speaker 11 is installed, for example, near the driver's seat and on the ceiling inside the shuttle bus M. Speaker 11 is capable of emitting sounds such as music and voices based on the control of the in-vehicle device 10. For example, speaker 11 can emit an announcement prompting passengers to check the inside of the vehicle before disembarking. Note that the location of speaker 11 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2, and it may be installed anywhere as long as the sound such as announcements emitted from speaker 11 can be heard by people inside the vehicle.

[0028] The alarm device 13 is located near the front bumper on the exterior side of the shuttle bus M. The alarm device 13 is, for example, a horn or buzzer, and emits an alarm sound controlled by the onboard device 10. The alarm device 13 can emit an alarm sound at a volume that can be heard by people within a radius of several tens of meters around the shuttle bus M. The alarm device 13 may be installed anywhere around the shuttle bus M as long as it can emit an alarm sound. For example, the alarm device 13 may be mounted near the rear bumper or on the roof.

[0029] The alarm device 13 may be, for example, a flat or spiral-shaped electric horn or air horn, or it may be, for example, an electromagnetic buzzer or a piezoelectric buzzer. For example, the alarm device 13 may also be a vibration speaker, and it may be a device that produces sound by vibrating the windshield, rear window, or door window, i.e., the interior side of the shuttle bus M.

[0030] The confirmation button 15 is a switch installed on the shuttle bus M. The confirmation button 15 is, for example, a push-button type switch, and is pressed by a passenger who has confirmed that no children have been left behind when the shuttle bus M is parked. The onboard device 10 can detect whether or not the confirmation button has been pressed.

[0031] The confirmation button 15 is located, for example, near the ceiling at the rear of the shuttle bus M. Because the confirmation button 15 is located at the rear, passengers will need to go to the back of the shuttle bus M to press it. At that time, passengers can check all the way to the back seats to ensure no children remain, thus preventing any oversights. Furthermore, it is preferable to place the confirmation button 15 in a location out of the reach of children.

[0032] The confirmation button 15 may be located at a position other than the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, the confirmation button 15 is not limited to a push-button type switch; it may be other types of switches, such as a toggle switch or a slide switch.

[0033] When the shuttle bus M is parked, the in-vehicle device 10 broadcasts an announcement from the speaker 11 prompting the driver to check the interior of the vehicle and to press the confirmation button after completing the check. Subsequently, if the confirmation button 15 is not pressed within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 to 10 minutes) after the shuttle bus M is parked, the in-vehicle device 10 will issue an alarm from the alarm device 13 and notify the registered terminal 50. In this specification, the monitoring function that helps to ensure a check is performed immediately after parking, i.e., when the driver disembarks, is referred to as the first monitoring function.

[0034] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 10 is configured to automatically detect living organisms inside the shuttle bus M via a device capable of detecting living organisms. When the in-vehicle device 10 detects living organisms inside the shuttle bus M after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shuttle bus M was parked (for example, after 15 minutes), it broadcasts an announcement from the speaker 11 in advance of the alarm being issued from the alarm device 13 and the notification being sent to the registration terminal 50. Subsequently, the in-vehicle device 10 issues an alarm from the alarm device 13 and sends a notification to the registration terminal 50. In this specification, the above-described monitoring function based on automatic detection of living organisms is referred to as the second monitoring function.

[0035] Furthermore, in the first and second monitoring functions, notification and announcement to the registered terminal 50 are not mandatory; only alarms may be issued from the alarm device 13.

[0036] In other words, the first monitoring function is a function that activates an external alarm or sends a notification to a terminal associated with the shuttle bus M if the confirmation button installed on the shuttle bus M is not pressed within a predetermined time after the shuttle bus M is parked.

[0037] Furthermore, the second monitoring function is a function that, if a living being is detected inside the shuttle bus M after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shuttle bus M was parked, will trigger an external alarm or notify a terminal associated with the shuttle bus M.

[0038] In the present invention, the monitoring control system 100 makes it possible to automatically disable at least a portion of the monitoring functions, including the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function, without any intentional operation by the user.

[0039] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 is a device in which an input unit 33, a storage unit 35, a control unit 37, a communication unit 39, and an output unit 41 cooperate via a system bus 31.

[0040] Furthermore, the on-board device 10 incorporates an in-vehicle camera 17, which is an imaging device capable of capturing images of the interior of the shuttle bus M. For example, the in-vehicle camera 17 is positioned to capture images of the entire interior of the shuttle bus M, including the driver's seat, passenger seat, and rear seats. Note that the in-vehicle camera 17 may be provided separately from the on-board device 10.

[0041] For example, the in-vehicle camera 17 may be installed anywhere that allows it to photograph the interior of the shuttle bus M. For example, the in-vehicle camera 17 may be located near the rearview mirror of the shuttle bus M, on the dashboard, or at the rear of the shuttle bus M. For example, multiple in-vehicle cameras 17 may be used to photograph all seats inside the shuttle bus M.

[0042] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 10 incorporates an external camera 19 capable of capturing images of the area around the shuttle bus M. In this embodiment, the external camera 19 is positioned so that its shooting direction is towards the front of the shuttle bus M. The external camera 19 can capture images of the area in front of the shuttle bus M through the windshield. For example, the external camera 19 may be located separately from the in-vehicle device 10, near the rearview mirror or on the dashboard. Also, for example, the shuttle bus M may be further equipped with external cameras capable of capturing images of the side or rear of the shuttle bus M.

[0043] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 10 incorporates a microphone 21 capable of receiving sounds from inside the shuttle bus M. The in-vehicle device 10 detects living beings inside the shuttle bus M based on the video from the in-vehicle camera 17 and the audio picked up by the microphone 21. For example, the microphone 21 may be installed anywhere as long as it can receive sounds from inside the shuttle bus M. For example, the microphone 21 may be located separately from the in-vehicle device 10, near the rearview mirror, on the dashboard, or at the rear of the shuttle bus M, and may be installed in multiple locations.

[0044] The touch panel 23 is a touch panel monitor that combines a display, such as an LCD capable of displaying images, with a touchpad. The touch panel 23 is located, for example, on the center console of the dashboard of the shuttle bus M. The touch panel 23 only needs to be located in a place that is visible to the driver and within the driver's reach.

[0045] The touch panel 23 can display screen information based on the control of the in-vehicle device 10. Furthermore, the touch panel 23 can transmit signals to the in-vehicle device 10 representing input operations received from the user.

[0046] For example, the touch panel 23 may display text indicating the content of an announcement prompting the driver to patrol the vehicle. Alternatively, the touch panel 23 may display an image captured by the in-vehicle camera 17.

[0047] The GPS receiver 25 is a device that receives signals (GPS signals) from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The GPS receiver 25 is located, for example, on the dashboard of the shuttle bus M. However, the GPS receiver 25 can be located anywhere as long as it can receive GPS signals. The GPS receiver 25 can transmit the received GPS signals to the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 uses the GPS signals to obtain the current location information of the shuttle bus M.

[0048] Furthermore, the shuttle bus M is equipped with an acceleration sensor 27. The acceleration sensor 27 is capable of measuring the acceleration of the shuttle bus M and outputting a signal indicating the measured acceleration. The acceleration sensor 27 is a sensor that can detect the acceleration in the direction of travel of the shuttle bus M, i.e., the longitudinal direction, when viewed from above the shuttle bus M. In addition, the acceleration sensor can detect acceleration in the lateral direction (width direction) perpendicular to the direction of travel of the shuttle bus M, for example.

[0049] The input unit 33 is an interface unit that enables communication between the in-vehicle device 10, the speaker 11, the alarm 13, the confirmation button 15, the in-vehicle camera 17, the out-of-vehicle camera 19, the microphone 21, the touch panel 23, the GPS receiver 25, and the acceleration sensor 27.

[0050] The in-vehicle device 10 can receive a signal via the input unit 33 indicating whether or not the confirmation button 15 is pressed (ON / OFF state). The in-vehicle device 10 can also acquire images captured by the in-vehicle camera 17 and the exterior camera 19 via the input unit 33. The in-vehicle device 10 can also acquire audio data of sound picked up by the microphone 21 via the input unit 33.

[0051] In this embodiment, the presence of a living being inside the shuttle bus M is detected based on images captured by the in-vehicle camera 17 and sound picked up by the microphone 21. However, the method for detecting a living being inside the shuttle bus M is not limited to the image and sound-based method described above. For example, load sensors or pressure sensors may be provided on the seat surfaces inside the shuttle bus M, and the presence or absence of a living being may be detected, for example, from the distribution of pressure applied to the seat surface.

[0052] Furthermore, the presence or absence of living organisms may be detected by, for example, a radar such as a millimeter-wave radar capable of detecting objects inside the shuttle bus M, or by a vibration sensor capable of detecting vibrations inside the shuttle bus M. In addition, the in-vehicle device 10 may detect the presence or absence of living organisms by combining multiple detection methods.

[0053] The in-vehicle device 10 can receive signals indicating input operations performed on the touchpad of the touch panel 23 via the input unit 33. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 can receive input from the user to the touch panel 23 regarding the destination of the registered terminal 50 via the input unit 33.

[0054] The in-vehicle device 10 receives GPS signals from the GPS receiver 25 via the input unit 33, and can obtain information on the current location of the in-vehicle device 10, that is, the current location of the shuttle bus M in this embodiment, from the GPS signals.

[0055] The in-vehicle device 10 can receive a signal indicating acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 27 via the input unit 33. The in-vehicle device 10 acquires the acceleration of the shuttle bus M based on the acceleration indicated by the sensor signal of the acceleration sensor 27, for example. The in-vehicle device 10 may also acquire the current location information of the shuttle bus M based on the acceleration indicated by the sensor signal of the acceleration sensor 27, in addition to the GPS signal from the GPS receiver 25, for example.

[0056] The storage unit 35 is a storage device composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The storage unit 35 stores various programs executed in the in-vehicle device 10, such as the operating system and terminal software.

[0057] The various programs include a program for executing processes that enable the in-vehicle device 10 to perform the monitoring functions described above. The various programs also include a program for sending and receiving information necessary for controlling the monitoring functions in the monitoring and control system 100 with the server 70, and a program for disabling at least a portion of the monitoring functions in accordance with instructions from the server 70.

[0058] Various programs may be acquired, for example, from other server devices via a network, or they may be recorded on a recording medium and read via various drive devices. In other words, the various programs stored in the storage unit 35 can be transmitted via a network, and they can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and transferred.

[0059] Furthermore, the storage unit 35 stores destination information for one or more registered terminals 50. This destination information is used when the in-vehicle device 10 sends a notification of abandonment to the registered terminals 50. For example, the storage unit 35 stores the telephone number, email address, or MAC address of the registered terminal 50 as destination information.

[0060] Furthermore, the memory unit 35 stores map information, including road maps. This map information is used, for example, to identify the vehicle's current location. For example, when the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 notifies the registration terminal 50, the current location of the shuttle bus M is notified as the parked location, along with a message indicating that the vehicle has been left behind.

[0061] The control unit 37 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 37A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 37B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 37C, etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU 37A reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 37B and the memory unit 35 to realize various functions.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 performs functions such as a first monitoring function and a second monitoring function for monitoring the abandonment of living organisms on the shuttle bus M, a function for sending and receiving information necessary for controlling the monitoring function with the server 70, and a function for disabling at least a part of the monitoring function according to instructions from the server 70. In other words, the control unit 37 is both a first monitoring function unit that performs the first monitoring and a second monitoring function unit that performs the second monitoring.

[0063] In this embodiment, control is performed to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is expected that the parking time of the shuttle bus M will be less than or equal to a predetermined time. For this reason, the in-vehicle device 10 transmits parking location information to the server 70 as information necessary for the monitoring control processing by the server 70. The parking location information is, for example, information indicating the location where the shuttle bus M is parked. Alternatively, the parking location information may be, for example, an image taken from the shuttle bus M of the surrounding area. In other words, the parking location information is information that helps determine whether or not the place where the shuttle bus M is parked is a place where it is expected that the parking time will be less than or equal to a predetermined time.

[0064] The control unit 37 detects, for example, whether or not the shuttle bus M is parked. For example, the control unit 37 detects the shuttle bus M being parked by detecting that the engine of the shuttle bus M has stopped. In this embodiment, the control unit 37 detects the shuttle bus M being parked by detecting that the ignition key of the shuttle bus M has been turned OFF.

[0065] For example, the on-board device 10 may be connected to the ignition power supply (IG) of the shuttle bus M and may also have a built-in battery. For example, when the engine of the shuttle bus M stops and the power supply from the IG power supply is cut off, the on-board device 10 switches to battery power. For example, the control unit 37 may determine whether or not the engine of the shuttle bus M has stopped based on whether or not the power supply from the IG power supply has been cut off.

[0066] When the control unit 37 detects the parking of the shuttle bus M, it transmits the parking location information to the server 70. Subsequently, the control unit 37 determines whether it has received a disabling instruction from the server 70 to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0067] The control unit 37 maintains the first monitoring function in an enabled state unless it receives an instruction from the server 70 to disable the first monitoring function, i.e., it is not under control to disable it. When the monitoring function is enabled, the control unit 37 performs the first monitoring and functions as the first monitoring function unit. For example, as the first monitoring function unit, the control unit 37 supplies audio data of an announcement prompting the passengers to patrol the inside of the shuttle bus M to the speaker 11. For example, the speaker 11 may emit an audio message such as, "The disembarkation confirmation function is active. Please press the safety confirmation button within 5 minutes of patrolling the inside of the vehicle. If the button is not pressed, an external alarm will sound. If the button is pressed, the automatic detection function will activate 15 minutes after the engine is turned off."

[0068] If the confirmation button 15 is not pressed within a predetermined time after the shuttle bus M is parked, the control unit 37 will emit an alarm sound from the alarm device 13. The control unit 37 will also send a notification to the registration terminal 50 that an unattended passenger has been found in the shuttle bus M. For example, the control unit 37 will continue to emit the alarm sound until the confirmation button 15 is pressed. For example, if the confirmation button 15 is pressed after the alarm sound has been emitted, the control unit 37 will stop the alarm sound. For example, if the engine of the shuttle bus M is started after the alarm sound has been emitted, the control unit 37 will also stop the alarm sound.

[0069] If the confirmation button 15 is pressed within a predetermined time after the shuttle bus M is parked, the control unit 37 terminates the first monitoring without sounding an alarm or notifying the registered terminal 50.

[0070] Furthermore, if the control unit 37 does not receive an instruction from the server 70 to disable the second monitoring function, i.e., it is not under control to disable the second monitoring function and the second monitoring function is enabled, it will execute the second monitoring function and function as the second monitoring function unit. For example, as the second monitoring function unit, the control unit 37 will start monitoring a predetermined time after the shuttle bus M is parked (for example, 15 minutes later) and will continue to detect living organisms inside the shuttle bus M until a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed. As described above, the control unit 37 will determine whether or not it has detected living organisms based on the video from the in-vehicle camera 17 and the audio picked up by the microphone 21.

[0071] For example, the control unit 37 determines that a living being has been detected if a child is visible in the image from the in-car camera 17, or if sounds emitted by a living being, such as a child crying or sounds emitted by movement, such as footsteps, are detected from the audio from the microphone 21. Various methods exist for detecting living beings by sound, but their explanation is omitted here.

[0072] If the control unit 37 determines that a living organism has been detected, it will emit an alarm sound from the alarm device 13 and send a notification to the registered terminal 50, similar to the first monitoring case. For example, the control unit 37 will continue to emit the alarm sound until the confirmation button 15 is pressed, at which point the alarm sound will stop.

[0073] When the control unit 37 receives an instruction from the server 70 to disable the monitoring function, it disables at least a portion of the monitoring function in accordance with the instruction. For example, the control unit 37 disables only the first monitoring function and leaves the second monitoring function enabled.

[0074] For example, the control unit 37 disables at least some of the monitoring functions, and then re-enables the disabled monitoring functions when the engine starts.

[0075] Furthermore, when the control unit 37 sends a notification to the registered terminal 50, it may also send an image from the in-vehicle camera 17 along with a message indicating that an abandoned vehicle has been found. In addition, when the control unit 37 sends the notification, it may also send an image from the exterior camera 19 to the registered terminal 50 along with the image from the in-vehicle camera 17.

[0076] The communication unit 39 is a communication device that sends and receives data with external devices according to instructions from the control unit 37. The communication unit 39 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) for connecting to a network NW.

[0077] The communication unit 39 is connected to the network NW described above and sends and receives various data to and from the server 70. The communication unit 39 also sends a notification of abandonment to the registered terminal 50 via the server 70.

[0078] For example, the control unit 37 transmits parking location information when the shuttle bus M is parked to the server 70 via the communication unit 39. The control unit 37 also receives a disabling instruction from the server 70 via the communication unit 39 to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0079] The output unit 41 is an output interface unit for the speaker 11, alarm device 13, and touch panel 23. The control unit 37 can send an audio signal to the speaker 11 via the output unit 41 to output sound, or supply a signal to the alarm device 13 to output an alarm sound. The control unit 37 can also send an image signal to the touch panel 23 via the output unit 41 to display an image.

[0080] Figure 4 is a front view showing the external appearance of the registration terminal 50. As described above, in Embodiment 1, the registration terminal 50 is a smartphone.

[0081] The touch panel 51 is a touch panel monitor that combines a display, such as an image-displaying liquid crystal display, with a touchpad. The touch panel 51 is capable of generating signals that represent input operations received from the user.

[0082] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the touch panel 51 displays a notification screen of abandonment transmitted by the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10. For example, the abandonment notification screen displays a message indicating that an abandoned living being has been found, along with, for example, the date and time of the incident and the address of the parking location.

[0083] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, a parking location display button 51A for displaying a map with the current location of the shuttle bus M superimposed is displayed on the touch panel 51. In addition, the notification screen may display an image from the in-vehicle camera 17 along with the message described above. The notification screen may also display more detailed information about the unattended vehicle, such as the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0084] Speaker 53 is capable of emitting sounds such as music and voice. For example, when a notification of abandonment is received, a notification sound is emitted from speaker 53. Microphone 55 is a microphone device that receives sounds emitted towards the registered terminal 50.

[0085] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration terminal 50. For example, the registration terminal 50 is a device in which a storage unit 59, a control unit 61, an input unit 63, an output unit 65, and a communication unit 67 cooperate via a system bus 57.

[0086] The storage unit 59 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, an SSD (solid state drive), flash memory, etc., and stores various programs such as the operating system and software for the registered terminal 50.

[0087] Furthermore, various programs may be acquired, for example, from other server devices via a network, or they may be recorded on a recording medium and read via various drive devices. In other words, the various programs stored in the storage unit 59 can be transmitted via a network, and they can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and transferred.

[0088] The control unit 61 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 61B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 61C, etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU 61A reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 61B and the memory unit 59 to realize various functions.

[0089] The control unit 61 has a function to display a notification screen like the one shown in Figure 4 when it receives a notification of being left behind from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0090] The input unit 63 is an input interface unit for the touch panel 51 and the microphone 55. The control unit 61 can receive signals indicating input operations to the touch panel 51 and audio input signals from the microphone 55 via the input unit 63. For example, the control unit 61 can accept registration information input from the user to the touch panel 51 via the input unit 63.

[0091] The output unit 65 is an output interface unit for the touch panel 51 and the speaker 53. The control unit 61 can transmit an image signal to the touch panel 51 via the output unit 65 to display an image, or transmit an audio signal to the speaker 53 to output sound.

[0092] For example, the control unit 61 transmits an image signal based on the abandoned vehicle notification sent from the in-vehicle device 10 to the touch panel 51 to display the notification screen.

[0093] The communication unit 67 is connected to the network NW described above and transmits and receives various data to and from the in-vehicle device 10 or to and from the server 70. For example, the control unit 61 receives a notification of being left behind from the in-vehicle device 10 via the communication unit 67. For example, the control unit 61 may receive the notification of being left behind transmitted from the in-vehicle device 10 via the server 70.

[0094] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server 70. For example, server 70 is a device in which a mass storage device 73, a control unit 75, and a communication unit 77 cooperate via a system bus 71.

[0095] As described above, the server 70 has a function to perform control that disables at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 based on the information received from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0096] In this embodiment, when the shuttle bus M is parked, the server 70 performs a control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function if the current parking time, i.e., the length of time from parking to departure, is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the parking location information. This predetermined time is a relatively short time, for example, enough to allow children to run errands without getting out of the bus, and is set to, for example, 5 to 15 minutes.

[0097] The large-capacity storage device 73 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive and an SSD (solid state drive), and stores various programs such as the operating system and software for the server 70.

[0098] Furthermore, the large-capacity storage device 73 contains a map information database (map information DB in the figure) 73A in which map information, including road maps, is stored. The map information in the map information database 73A includes setting information that indicates short-term parking locations, which are places where it is highly likely that a vehicle's parking time will be less than a predetermined time. The setting information is, for example, information that associates location information of a parking location where a vehicle can park with information indicating whether or not it is set as a short-term parking location. In this embodiment, short-term parking locations are set by the server 70.

[0099] Figure 7A shows an example of setting information SD1, which is setting information for short-term parking locations included in map information. In setting information SD1, each parking location where a vehicle can park is assigned an identifier (parking ID), and location information is associated with each parking ID. Parking locations include, for example, parking lots attached to facilities such as stores, independent parking lots not particularly related to facilities, or places on roads where parking is not prohibited.

[0100] Location information may, for example, be location information indicating the center point of the parking area, or it may be information indicating the area of ​​the parking area by multiple points. Location information may be represented by coordinates indicating a location on a map, or by latitude and longitude.

[0101] Furthermore, the "Average Parking Time of Unspecified Vehicles" in the configuration information SD1 indicates the average parking time per parking session for vehicles parked in the same parking location, based on the past movement history of the unspecified vehicles. The unspecified vehicles do not necessarily include the shuttle bus M. In other words, the past movement history of the unspecified vehicles is the past movement history of multiple vehicles, including other vehicles.

[0102] In Figure 7A, a "○" in the column for setting short-term parking spaces indicates that the corresponding parking space is set as a short-term parking space, while a "-" indicates that it is not set as a short-term parking space. The short-term parking spaces shown in Figure 7A are set based on the "average parking time of unspecified vehicles." In the example shown in Figure 7A, a parking space is set as a short-term parking space if the average parking time of unspecified vehicles is less than or equal to a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes or less).

[0103] For example, the settings information in Figure 7A is set based on the assumption that parking locations where unspecified vehicles have had short parking times in the past are also expected to have short parking times for the shuttle bus M in the current parking situation. Examples of parking locations with short parking times include convenience store parking lots and gas stations.

[0104] Figure 7B shows setting information SD2, which is another example of setting information for short-term parking locations included in map information. In Figure 7B, "target vehicle" refers to one or more vehicles that provide transportation to and from one facility. In this embodiment, the shuttle bus M that provides transportation to and from K Kindergarten is the target vehicle for K Kindergarten. For example, if there are multiple shuttle buses that provide transportation to and from K Kindergarten, then all of those multiple shuttle buses become the target vehicles for K Kindergarten.

[0105] In Figure 7B, "Cumulative number of times the target vehicle has parked" shows the cumulative number of times the target vehicle has parked in the same location in the past. In Figure 7B, "Average parking time of the target vehicle" shows the average parking time per instance when the target vehicle has parked in the same location in the past.

[0106] The short-term parking spaces shown in Figure 7B are determined based on the "cumulative number of times the target vehicle has been parked" and the "average parking time of the target vehicle." In the example shown in Figure 7B, a vehicle is designated as a short-term parking space if its cumulative number of parking times exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 10 times or more) and its average parking time is less than or equal to a predetermined time (15 minutes or less).

[0107] For example, the settings information in Figure 7B is set based on the assumption that parking locations where the target vehicle has parked more than a predetermined number of times in the past and where the parking time was short are expected to also have a short parking time for the shuttle bus M this time. Examples of such parking locations include bus stops along the shuttle route and gas stations. Note that, for example, in Figure 7B, the frequency of parking (for example, the number of parkings per predetermined period) may be used instead of the cumulative number of parkings.

[0108] For example, the setting information SD2 shown in Figure 7B may be stored in association with K Kindergarten, or it may be stored in association with the target vehicle.

[0109] Figure 7C shows setting information SD3, which is another example of setting information for short-term parking locations included in map information. In setting information SD3, each facility included in the map information is assigned a facility ID and associated with the type of facility. The location information in setting information SD3 indicates the location of a parking space related to a facility, such as a parking lot adjacent to or attached to a facility. This location information may also indicate the location of a parking lot on the premises of a facility or a parking space for stopping by the facility.

[0110] Furthermore, in the configuration information SD3, short-term parking spaces are set based on the type of facility. For example, the server 70 sets the configuration information SD3 according to a predetermined determination table that classifies whether or not each type of facility qualifies as a short-term parking space.

[0111] Figure 7D shows table TB1, which is an example of a determination table used for setting configuration information SD3. Figure 7D is stored, for example, in a large-capacity storage device 73. As shown in Figure 7D, convenience stores and gas stations are classified as short-term parking locations.

[0112] For example, the time spent at convenience stores or gas stations is generally relatively short, such as 15 minutes, so these parking spaces are designated as short-term parking areas. On the other hand, the time spent at department stores or hospitals is generally relatively long, such as several hours, so these parking spaces are not designated as short-term parking areas.

[0113] The control unit 75 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 75A, ROM (Read Only Memory) 75B, RAM (Random Access Memory) 75C, etc., and functions as a computer. The CPU 75A reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 75B and the mass storage device 73 to realize various functions.

[0114] The communication unit 77 is connected to the network NW described above and transmits and receives various data between the in-vehicle device 10 and the registered terminal 50.

[0115] For example, the control unit 75 receives information from the on-board device 10 via the communication unit 77 indicating that the shuttle bus M as a vehicle has been parked, and functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of the vehicle. For example, when the control unit 75 obtains information indicating that the ignition key of the vehicle on which the on-board device 10 is installed has been turned OFF, it detects that the vehicle has been parked.

[0116] For example, the control unit 75 functions as a parking location information acquisition unit that acquires parking location information regarding the location where the shuttle bus M is parked when the parking of the shuttle bus M as a vehicle is detected via the communication unit 77. For example, the parking location information includes information indicating the location where the vehicle is parked.

[0117] For example, parking location information may include information about the facility where the vehicle was parked. This information could be, for instance, an image taken around the shuttle bus M. For example, the information about the facility where the vehicle was parked could also include information indicating the type of facility.

[0118] In this embodiment, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that, when the parking of the shuttle bus M as a vehicle is detected, disables at least a part of the monitoring function for leaving a living person inside the vehicle if the parking time of the vehicle is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0119] In this embodiment, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, determines, based on the parking location information, whether the location where the vehicle is parked is a "location where the parking time is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time." If it determines that the location is a place where the parking time is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time, the control unit 75 performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function. Specifically, it transmits data to the in-vehicle device 10 that includes a command to disable at least a part of the monitoring function, and upon receiving this data, the in-vehicle device 10 disables at least a part of its own monitoring function.

[0120] In this embodiment, the server 70 stores information in a large-capacity storage device that locations where the parking time is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time are pre-set as short-term parking locations, as illustrated in Figures 7A to 7D.

[0121] The control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, determines, based on the parking location information, whether the location where the vehicle was parked when parking was detected is a location designated as a short-term parking location.

[0122] [Decision based on location information] For example, if the parking location information is information indicating the location where a vehicle is parked (location information), the control unit 75 refers to the setting information included in the map information stored in the map information database 73A of the mass storage device 73 and determines whether the parking location identified by the location information is set as a short-term parking location. If the control unit 75 determines that it is set as a short-term parking location, it performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0123] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information in which short-term parking locations are set based on the past movement history of the shuttle bus M. Then, the control unit 75 determines whether the parking location identified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking location in the referenced setting information. In other words, the control unit 75, as a monitoring control unit, performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is expected that the vehicle's current parking time will be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the vehicle's past movement history and the information indicating the location where the vehicle was parked, which is included in the parking location information.

[0124] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information in which short-term parking spaces are set based on the length of past parking times of the shuttle bus M. Then, the control unit 75 determines whether the parking space identified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking space in the referenced setting information. In other words, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring control unit, performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the current parking time of the vehicle is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the length of past parking times of the vehicle at the location where the vehicle is parked.

[0125] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information for each parking location, as illustrated in Figure 7B, which indicates that the number of times the shuttle bus M has parked there in the past is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, and that the average length of parking time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, thus setting it as a short-term parking location. Subsequently, the control unit 75 determines whether the parking location identified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking location in the referenced setting information.

[0126] In other words, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function if the location where the vehicle is parked is a place where the vehicle has been parked more than a predetermined number of times in the past, and the current parking time of the vehicle is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the average length of past parking times of the vehicle at that location.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 75 refers to setting information in which short-term parking locations are set based on the past movement history of unspecified vehicles, regardless of whether or not the shuttle bus M is included. Subsequently, the control unit 75 determines whether or not the parking location identified by the acquired location information is set as a short-term parking location in the referenced setting information. In other words, the control unit 75, as a monitoring control unit, can disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is expected that the current parking time of the vehicle will be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the past movement history of one or more other vehicles and the information indicating the location where the vehicle was parked, which is included in the parking location information.

[0128] For example, the control unit 75 refers to setting information for each parking spot, as illustrated in Figure 7A, which indicates that a parking spot is designated as a short-term parking spot if the average length of time spent by unspecified vehicles parked there in the past is less than or equal to a predetermined time. The control unit 75 then determines whether the parking spot identified by the acquired location information is designated as a short-term parking spot in the referenced setting information. In other words, the control unit 75, as a monitoring control unit, can disable at least part of the monitoring function if the average length of time spent by one or more other vehicles parked at the same location as the vehicle is less than or equal to a predetermined time.

[0129] For example, in the case of K Kindergarten, which is served by shuttle bus M, there may be one or more other vehicles that provide transportation to K Kindergarten in addition to shuttle bus M. In other words, shuttle bus M and one or more other vehicles may both be vehicles that provide transportation to the same facility. In that case, for example, control by the control unit 75 may be performed using setting information in which short-term parking locations are set based on the past movement history of multiple vehicles that provide transportation to the same facility. For example, each of the multiple vehicles that together provide transportation to the same facility may be equipped with an on-board device 10, and setting information based on the past movement history of the multiple vehicles may be shared among the multiple vehicles.

[0130] Alternatively, for example, the control unit 75 may refer to setting information that is associated with the location of the facility on a map, where short-term parking spaces are set based on the type of facility, as illustrated in Figure 7C. In that case, for example, the control unit 75 identifies the type of facility where the vehicle is parked based on the acquired location information, and determines whether the identified type of facility is set as a short-term parking space according to a determination table that defines whether or not each type of facility is a short-term parking space, as shown in Figure 7D, for example.

[0131] In other words, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is expected that the current parking time of the vehicle will be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the type of facility where the vehicle is parked and the information indicating the location where the vehicle is parked, which is included in the parking location information.

[0132] In this embodiment, the control unit 75 performs the setting of short-term parking spaces as shown in Figures 7A to 7C and functions as a setting unit. Note that short-term parking spaces are not limited to being set by the control unit 75, but may also be obtained, for example, via an external device or recording medium.

[0133] [Image-based diagnosis] For example, if surrounding images, which are images taken of the area around a vehicle when it is parked, are acquired as parking location information, the control unit 75 may determine, based on the surrounding images, whether the location where the vehicle was parked is set as a short-term parking location. For example, the control unit 75 may identify the type of facility adjacent to the location where the vehicle was parked based on the surrounding images, and determine whether the identified type of facility is set as a short-term parking location according to a determination table that defines whether each type of facility is a short-term parking location, such as shown in Figure 7D.

[0134] In other words, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, identifies the type of facility adjacent to the location where the vehicle is parked based on the surrounding image, and if the identified type is a predetermined type, it performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0135] [Disable at least some of the monitoring functions] The control unit 75, acting as a monitoring control unit, performs control to disable at least a portion of the monitoring functions of the in-vehicle device 10. As described above, the monitoring functions of the in-vehicle device 10 include a first monitoring function and a second monitoring function.

[0136] For example, the control unit 75 performs control to disable either the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function. In this embodiment, for example, since a situation is assumed where the parking time is short and there is no need to get the child out of the car, it is preferable to disable the first monitoring function and leave the second monitoring function enabled.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, if there is a high probability that the parking time will be short, the second monitoring function may also be disabled.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable a part of the first monitoring function or a part of the second monitoring function. For example, in the first monitoring function, if the confirmation button is not pressed within a predetermined time from parking, an alarm sound may not be emitted, and only a notification may be sent to the registered terminal 50. Also, for example, in the second monitoring function, if a living being is detected, an alarm sound may not be emitted, and only a notification may be sent to the registered terminal 50.

[0139] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the in-vehicle device 10 has a first monitoring function and a second monitoring function. However, the in-vehicle device 10 may be configured to have only the first monitoring function and not the second monitoring function. In that case, the control unit 75 will perform control to disable the first monitoring function or disable a part of the first monitoring function.

[0140] [Control routine] The following describes the control routines executed in the monitoring and control system 100 of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart of control routine RT1, which is an example of a control routine executed by the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10. In this embodiment, control routine RT1 is a control routine used by the control unit 37 to change or maintain the operating state of the monitoring function depending on whether or not there is a monitoring and control instruction from the server 70.

[0141] The control unit 37 starts control routine RT1 when the ignition key of the shuttle bus M on which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed is turned ON. When the ignition key of the shuttle bus M is turned ON, the control unit 37 notifies the server 70 that the ignition key of the shuttle bus M has been turned ON (step S101).

[0142] After step S101 is executed, the control unit 37 activates the monitoring functions (step S102). In step S102, for example, if any of the monitoring functions of the in-vehicle device 10 have been disabled, all monitoring functions, including those disabled, are activated. In other words, when the ignition key of the shuttle bus M is turned ON, the control unit 37 maintains all monitoring functions in an enabled state unless instructed otherwise by the server 70.

[0143] After step S102 is executed, the control unit 37 determines whether or not the ignition key has been turned OFF (step S103). In step S103, for example, if the power supply from the IG power source is stopped, it is determined that the ignition key has been turned OFF. In step S103, the control unit 37 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of the shuttle bus M.

[0144] In step S103, if it is determined that the ignition key is not turned OFF (step S103: NO), the control unit 37 repeatedly executes step S103 to determine again whether or not the ignition key has been turned OFF.

[0145] In step S103, if it is determined that the ignition key is turned OFF (step S103: YES), the control unit 37 transmits parking location information to the server 70 (step S104). In step S104, for example, information indicating the location where the shuttle bus M is parked is transmitted as parking location information. For example, in step S104, surrounding images taken by the in-vehicle camera 17 of the area around the shuttle bus M may be transmitted as parking location information.

[0146] After step S104 is executed, the control unit 37 determines whether or not it has received a monitoring disable instruction from the server 70 that instructs the server to disable at least a part of the monitoring function (step S105).

[0147] In step S105, if it is determined that an instruction to disable monitoring has been received (step S105: YES), the control unit 37 disables at least a part of the monitoring function in accordance with the instruction to disable monitoring (step S106).

[0148] In step S105, if it is determined that no instruction to disable monitoring has been received (step S105: NO), or after the execution of step S106, the control unit 37 determines whether the monitoring period during which the monitoring function should be continued has ended (step S107). In step S107, the control unit 37 determines that the monitoring period has ended if the period during which either the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function should be continued has ended.

[0149] If, in step S107, it is determined that the monitoring period has not ended (step S107: NO), the control unit 37 repeats step S107 to determine again whether or not the monitoring period has ended.

[0150] In step S107, if it is determined that the monitoring period has ended (step S107: YES), the control unit 37 terminates control routine RT1. However, even if the monitoring period has not ended in step S107, if the ignition key of the shuttle bus M is turned ON while control routine RT1 is running, the control unit 37 terminates control routine RT1 and starts a new control routine RT1.

[0151] According to this routine, the disabling of the monitoring function by the monitoring control of server 70 is reset when the ignition is turned ON (i.e., the engine is started and shuttle bus M departs), and all monitoring functions can be enabled.

[0152] For example, in step S103, instead of determining whether the ignition key has been turned OFF, parking of the shuttle bus M may be detected by detecting that the speed of the shuttle bus M has become zero and that the driver's side door has been opened. Alternatively, for example, a seating sensor may be provided in the driver's seat of the shuttle bus M, and parking of the shuttle bus M may be detected by detecting that a person has left the driver's seat based on the video from the in-vehicle camera 17 and the signal from the seating sensor.

[0153] Furthermore, if the ignition is not turned on for a certain period of time after the monitoring function has been disabled (for example, 12 hours), the disabling may be automatically reversed. Also, the server may issue a command to enable the monitoring function, in which case the monitoring function may be enabled in response to that command, rather than by turning the ignition on. Additionally, a command to disable the monitoring function may include a period of time for disabling the monitoring function, in which case the monitoring function may be enabled after that period of disabling has elapsed.

[0154] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a control routine RT2, which is executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70. For example, when power is turned on to the server 70, the control unit 75 repeatedly executes routine RT2.

[0155] When the control unit 75 starts routine RT2, it determines whether or not parking location information has arrived from any vehicle (step S201). For example, the parking location information includes the destination (e.g., MAC address) of the on-board device 10 installed on the shuttle bus M as a vehicle, and the location information of the shuttle bus M when the on-board device 10 detects that the shuttle bus M is parked (e.g., ignition OFF). For example, the parking location information may include identification information that can identify K Kindergarten, which is the facility that the shuttle bus M provides transportation for.

[0156] In step S201, when the parking of a vehicle is detected, the control unit 75 functions as a parking location information acquisition unit that includes information indicating the location where the vehicle is parked.

[0157] For example, the control unit 75 may receive a notification before step S201 indicating that the ignition key of one of the vehicles has been turned OFF. In that case, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of a vehicle.

[0158] Subsequently, the control unit 75 may send a request for parking location information to the on-board device 10 installed in the vehicle, thereby causing the on-board device 10 to transmit parking location information.

[0159] If it is determined in step S201 that parking position information has not arrived (step S201: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT2 and starts the next control routine RT2.

[0160] In step S201, if it is determined that parking location information has arrived (step S201: YES), the control unit 75 refers to the map information stored in the map information database 73A in the large-capacity storage device 73 (step S202). In step S202, for example, map information of the area including the location indicated by the parking location information is read out. In step S202, for example, map information including setting information for short-term parking spaces, as illustrated in Figures 7A-C, is read out.

[0161] After step S202 is executed, the control unit 75 determines whether the parking location of the vehicle indicated by the parking location information received in step S201 is a short-term parking location (step S203). In step S203, for example, it is determined whether the parking location of the vehicle indicated by the parking location information is set as a short-term parking location in the setting information included in the map information read in step S202 (for example, Figures 7A to 7C).

[0162] In step S203, if it is determined that the parking position is not set as a short-term parking location (step S203: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT2 and starts the next control routine RT2.

[0163] In step S203, if it is determined that the parking position is set to a short-term parking location (step S203: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device 10 to disable the first monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 (step S204). In step S204, for example, the control unit 75 transmits the control information to the destination of the in-vehicle device 10 included in the information received in step S201.

[0164] In steps S203 and S204, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the parking time of the vehicle for the current parking is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0165] After step S204 is executed, the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT2 and starts the next control routine RT2.

[0166] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a modified version of control routine RT3, which is executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70. For example, when power is turned on to the server 70, the control unit 75 repeatedly executes routine RT3.

[0167] When the control unit 75 starts routine RT3, it determines whether or not parking location information including surrounding images has arrived from any of the vehicles (step S301). For example, the parking location information including surrounding images includes the destination (e.g., MAC address) of the on-board device 10 installed on the shuttle bus M as a vehicle, and surrounding images taken of the area around the shuttle bus M when the on-board device 10 detects that the shuttle bus M has been parked (e.g., ignition OFF).

[0168] For example, the parking location information includes an image of the front of the shuttle bus M taken by an external camera 19 as a surrounding image. The surrounding image is used, for example, by the server 70 to identify the type of vehicle adjacent to the location where the vehicle is parked.

[0169] In step S301, when the parking of a vehicle is detected, the control unit 75 functions as a parking location information acquisition unit that includes information about the facility where the vehicle is parked.

[0170] For example, the control unit 75 may receive a notification before step S301 indicating that the ignition key of one of the vehicles has been turned OFF. In that case, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of a vehicle.

[0171] Subsequently, the control unit 75 may send a request for surrounding images to the in-vehicle device 10 installed in the vehicle, thereby causing the in-vehicle device 10 to transmit surrounding images.

[0172] If, in step S301, it is determined that parking location information including surrounding images has not arrived (step S301: NO), the control unit 75 terminates routine RT3 and starts the next routine RT3.

[0173] In step S301, if it is determined that parking location information including surrounding images has arrived (step S301: YES), the control unit 75 identifies the type of facility in the surrounding image (step S302). In step S302, for example, the control unit 75 uses a trained model that takes image data as input and outputs information indicating the type of facility to identify the type of facility shown in the surrounding image.

[0174] For example, in step S302, the type of facility in the surrounding image may be identified by pattern matching.

[0175] After step S302 is executed, the control unit 75 refers to a determination table in which short-term parking spaces have been set for a predetermined type of facility (step S303). In step S303, for example, the control unit 75 reads a determination table like the one shown in Figure 7D from the large-capacity storage device 73.

[0176] After step S303 is executed, the control unit 75 determines whether the type of facility identified in step S302 is a short-term parking space (step S304). In step S304, for example, it is determined whether the type identified in step S302 is set as a short-term parking space in the determination table read in step S303 (for example, Figure 7D).

[0177] In step S304, if it is determined that the identified type is not set to a short-term parking space (step S304: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT3 and starts the next control routine RT3.

[0178] In step S304, if it is determined that the identified type is set to a short-term parking location (step S304: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device 10 to disable the first monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 (step S305). In step S305, for example, the control unit 75 transmits the control information to the destination of the in-vehicle device 10 included in the parking location information received in step S301.

[0179] In steps S304 and S305, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the parking time of the vehicle for the current parking is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0180] After step S305 is executed, the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT3 and starts a new control routine RT3.

[0181] Although an example of disabling the first monitoring function in control routines RT2 and RT3 has been described, the method is not limited to this. It is sufficient if at least a part of the monitoring function is disabled in step S204 of control routine RT2 or step S305 of control routine RT3.

[0182] As described above, the control device according to Embodiment 1 is a control device that controls the function of monitoring whether a living organism is left behind in a vehicle, and comprises: a detection unit that detects when a vehicle is parked; a parking location information acquisition unit that acquires parking location information including information indicating the location where the vehicle is parked or information regarding the facility where the vehicle is parked when the detection unit detects when the vehicle is parked; and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the parking time of the vehicle in question is expected to be less than or equal to a predetermined time based on the parking location information.

[0183] For example, according to Embodiment 1, if the current parking time of the vehicle is expected to be short enough that it is permissible to run errands without having to get a child out of the vehicle, at least part of the monitoring function can be automatically disabled without human intervention.

[0184] Accordingly, according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to provide a control device, control method, control program, and storage medium that enable automatic control of the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing the abandonment of living organisms inside a vehicle, depending on the circumstances when the vehicle is parked.

[0185] For example, by disabling the first monitoring function, which triggers an alarm if the confirmation button—designed to be pressed after completing a vehicle inspection—is not pressed, it is possible to eliminate the unnecessary effort of pressing the confirmation button even when an inspection is not necessary. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the confirmation button from being used in a way that contradicts its original design, such as pressing the confirmation button even when no inspection is being performed (i.e., when children have not been allowed out of the vehicle).

[0186] For example, if a short parking period is planned for refueling at a gas station, disabling only the first monitoring function eliminates the need to press a confirmation button. On the other hand, keeping the second monitoring function enabled ensures that the vehicle is not left unattended if the parking period becomes longer due to unforeseen circumstances.

[0187] Although this embodiment describes an example where monitoring and control are performed by the server 70, it is not limited to this. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 may have some or all of the functions for performing the monitoring and control of this embodiment.

[0188] In this embodiment, the case of a kindergarten shuttle bus was used as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control of the monitoring function according to this embodiment can also be applied when the in-vehicle device 10 is installed in a passenger car. [Examples]

[0189] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the configuration and functions of the monitoring and control system 100, including the server 70 as a control device according to Embodiment 2, will be described.

[0190] The monitoring and control system 100 of Example 2 is configured similarly to the monitoring and control system 100 of Example 1, but the content of the monitoring and control performed by the server 70 is different. Specifically, when performing monitoring and control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10, Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that it uses the work schedule of K Kindergarten, the facility where the shuttle bus M provides transportation.

[0191] The control unit 75 of server 70 acquires the work schedule of K Kindergarten and stores it in, for example, a large-capacity storage device 73. The control unit 75 acquires, for example, an annual schedule or a monthly schedule as the work schedule of K Kindergarten. The control unit 75 functions as a schedule acquisition unit that acquires the work schedule of facilities associated with vehicles.

[0192] Figure 11 shows a monthly schedule MS1, which is an example of the work schedule for K Kindergarten stored in the large-capacity storage device 73. As shown in Figure 11, the work schedule is information that distinguishes between days on which work is scheduled to be performed at the facility and days on which it is closed. In the example shown in Figure 11, "closed days" and "compensatory holidays," which are days when the facility is closed, are displayed, and all other days are days on which work is scheduled to be performed.

[0193] Furthermore, the work schedule may include information such as the start and end times of work, and may also include information indicating the time periods during which transportation is provided by the shuttle bus M.

[0194] For example, schedule information is stored in association with the vehicle that provides transportation to and from the facility, the on-board device 10 installed in the vehicle, or the facility itself. In the example shown in Figure 11, it is displayed that it is the schedule for K Kindergarten, and the on-board device ID and the shuttle bus ID are associated with it.

[0195] Furthermore, the control unit 75 receives information from the on-board device 10 via the communication unit 77 that indicates the shuttle bus M has been parked, such as information indicating that the ignition key has been turned OFF, and functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of the vehicle.

[0196] The control unit 75 disables at least a portion of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 based on the K Kindergarten's work schedule and the date and time when the parking of the shuttle bus M was detected. The control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that disables at least a portion of the monitoring function based on the work schedule of the facility associated with the vehicle and the date and time when the vehicle's parking was detected by the detection unit.

[0197] For example, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, performs a control to disable at least part of its monitoring function if the day on which the parking of a vehicle is detected does not fall within the days on which facility operations are scheduled to be performed in the work schedule.

[0198] For example, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, performs control to disable at least a part of its monitoring function if the time when the parking of a vehicle is detected does not fall within the time period during which facility operations are scheduled to be performed in the work schedule.

[0199] For example, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, may specify the vehicle's operating schedule based on the work schedule. For example, if the work schedule includes start and end times, the control unit may specify a predetermined time before the start time (e.g., 1-2 hours) and a predetermined time after the end time (e.g., 1-2 hours) as the time period during which the vehicle is scheduled to operate.

[0200] For example, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring control unit, may perform control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function if the time when the vehicle's parking is detected does not fall within the time period during which the vehicle is in operation.

[0201] The days or times when the facility is scheduled to perform its operations are the days or times when the shuttle bus M is scheduled to carry children, and on other days or times, it is highly probable that there are no children on the shuttle bus M. In this embodiment, the control unit 75 can automatically disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on whether or not there is a high probability that there are no children on the shuttle bus M.

[0202] For example, the control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, performs control to disable the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function.

[0203] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable both the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function. This eliminates the need to patrol and press the confirmation button in the first monitoring function on days or times when there is a high probability that no children are on board, and also prevents malfunctions caused by the second monitoring function.

[0204] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the first monitoring function. This would allow the system to avoid the extra work associated with the first monitoring function on days or times when there is a high probability that no children are on board, while still allowing the second monitoring function to detect if children are actually on board.

[0205] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the second monitoring function. For instance, even on days or times when there is a high probability that no children are on board, the patrol upon disembarking can be performed, while preventing malfunctions caused by the second monitoring function.

[0206] In addition, as described above, the control unit 75 may disable part of the first monitoring function or part of the second monitoring function.

[0207] [Control routine] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine RT1 shown in Figure 8. In step S104 of Figure 8, instead of transmitting parking location information, the control unit 37 transmits information indicating that the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed has been parked. For example, in step S104, the control unit 37 transmits a notification indicating that the ignition key has been turned OFF. This notification includes, for example, the date or time the ignition key was turned OFF.

[0208] Furthermore, the notification transmitted in step S104 includes an identifier that identifies the in-vehicle device 10. For example, the notification may further include an identifier that identifies the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed, or an identifier that identifies the facility that the vehicle provides transportation services to.

[0209] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control routine RT4, which is executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70 in Embodiment 2. The control unit 75 repeatedly executes the control routine RT4, for example, when power is turned on to the server 70.

[0210] When the control unit 75 starts the control routine RT4, it determines whether or not the vehicle is parked (step S401). In step S401, for example, the control unit 75 determines that the vehicle is parked when it receives a notification indicating that the vehicle's ignition key has been turned OFF. In step S401, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of the vehicle.

[0211] In step S401, if it is determined that no vehicle is parked (step S401: NO), the control unit 75 terminates routine RT4 and starts the next routine RT4.

[0212] In step S401, if it is determined that a vehicle has been parked (step S401: YES), the control unit 75 refers to the scheduled information of the facility where the vehicle parked in step S401 will be picking up or dropping off passengers (step S402).

[0213] In step S402, for example, the control unit 75 reads the work schedule stored in the large-capacity storage device 73. For example, the work schedule is stored in association with a vehicle that provides transportation to and from a facility, an on-board device 10 installed in that vehicle, or a facility. For example, the control unit 75 reads the work schedule based on the identification information of the vehicle, the on-board device 10, or the facility included in the notification received in step S401.

[0214] After step S402 is executed, the control unit 75 determines whether the day or time the vehicle was parked falls within the facility's operating hours (step S403). In step S403, for example, if the time the vehicle was parked, as indicated by the notification received in step S401, falls within the day or time slot on which the work is scheduled to be performed according to the work schedule read in step S402, then it is determined that the day or time the vehicle was parked falls within the facility's operating hours.

[0215] In step S403, if it is determined that the system is in operation (step S403: YES), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT4 and starts a new control routine RT4.

[0216] In step S403, if it is determined that the vehicle is not in operation (step S403: NO), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device to disable the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function (step S404).

[0217] After step S404 is completed, the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT4 and starts a new control routine RT4.

[0218] For example, this embodiment can also be applied when the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device 10 is used for both business and private purposes. The control unit 75 acquires the vehicle's work schedule. For example, it can be assumed that the vehicle may carry children when used for private purposes, but not when used for business purposes.

[0219] In that case, the determination criteria for step S403 of control routine RT4 will be the opposite of those shown in Figure 12. Specifically, the control unit 75 executes step S404 if the day or time when the vehicle's parking is detected falls within the days or time period when the vehicle is used for business, i.e., if it determines in step S403 that the vehicle is in use for business (step S403: YES). This allows control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function on days or time periods when there is a high probability that no children will be in the vehicle.

[0220] As described above, the control device according to Embodiment 2 is a control device that controls the function of monitoring whether a living organism is left inside a vehicle, and comprises a schedule acquisition unit that acquires the work schedule of a facility associated with the vehicle, a detection unit that detects the parking of the vehicle, and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit.

[0221] For example, the monitoring control unit can disable at least part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the day or time when the vehicle's parking is detected by the detection unit, if the day or time when the vehicle's parking is detected does not fall within the days or time slots when the facility's operations are scheduled to take place. This allows, for example, the system to automatically disable at least part of the monitoring function if a shuttle bus is parked on a day or time slot when there is a high probability that no children are on board.

[0222] Accordingly, according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to provide a control device, control method, control program, and storage medium that enable automatic control of the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing the abandonment of living organisms inside a vehicle, depending on the circumstances when the vehicle is parked.

[0223] For example, according to Example 2, in situations where only adults are on the shuttle bus, such as a preliminary visit for a kindergarten field trip or staff training, the first monitoring function can eliminate the need for patrolling and operation of confirmation buttons, and the second monitoring function can prevent staff from being detected or unnecessary alarm sounds from being triggered due to malfunctions. [Examples]

[0224] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the configuration and functions of the monitoring and control system 100, including the server 70 as a control device according to Embodiment 3, will be described.

[0225] The monitoring and control system 100 of Example 3 is configured similarly to the monitoring and control system 100 of Example 1, but the content of the monitoring and control performed by the server 70 is different. Specifically, when performing monitoring and control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10, Example 3 differs from Example 1 in that it uses areas that require monitoring by the monitoring function.

[0226] In this embodiment, the area requiring monitoring is the area where the shuttle bus M may travel with children on board. The area requiring monitoring is the range of places where the monitoring function should be enabled when the shuttle bus M is parked, and it can be said that it is the range of places where it is not appropriate to disable the monitoring function, even partially.

[0227] Areas requiring monitoring include, for example, the area along the route used by the school bus M to pick up and drop off children, the grounds of K Kindergarten, facilities related to K Kindergarten such as the playground and parking lot, and parks and other facilities frequently used by K Kindergarten.

[0228] The control unit 75 of server 70 acquires the areas requiring monitoring for the shuttle bus M and stores them in the map information database 73A of the large-capacity storage device 73. The areas requiring monitoring are stored in association with, for example, Kindergarten K, which is a facility where shuttle bus M provides transportation. The control unit 75 functions as a monitoring area acquisition unit that acquires areas requiring monitoring by the monitoring function.

[0229] Figure 13 shows map data MD1, which is an example of map information in which areas requiring monitoring have been set. In Figure 13, area AR1 along the pick-up / drop-off route RO1 of K Kindergarten is set as an area requiring monitoring. In addition, in Figure 13, area AR2, which includes the grounds of K Kindergarten, and area AR3, which includes the parking lot P where the pick-up / drop-off bus M is parked, are set as areas requiring monitoring.

[0230] For example, the control unit 75 acquires areas requiring monitoring based on user input. The control unit 75 sets areas requiring monitoring as, for example, areas on a map specified by the user, or areas identified based on information such as place names and addresses entered by the user.

[0231] The user's input is made, for example, via the in-vehicle device 10, registration terminal 50, or other terminal device, and the entered information is transmitted to the server 70.

[0232] For example, the control unit 75 acquires areas requiring monitoring based on the past movement history of the shuttle bus M. For example, the control unit 75 acquires areas requiring monitoring based on the past movement history of the shuttle bus M within business hours. For example, the control unit 75 automatically sets the areas requiring monitoring as locations where the shuttle bus M has driven or parked within business hours in the past, and within a predetermined distance from those locations.

[0233] For example, if there are other vehicles besides the shuttle bus M that provide transportation to K Kindergarten, the control unit 75 may acquire areas requiring monitoring based on the past movement history of multiple transportation vehicles, including the shuttle bus M. In other words, the control unit 75 acquires areas requiring monitoring based on the past movement history of one or more vehicles, including the one vehicle that provides transportation to a facility associated with that vehicle.

[0234] Furthermore, the control unit 75 receives information from the on-board device 10 indicating that the shuttle bus M has been parked. The control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of a vehicle.

[0235] In this embodiment, when the shuttle bus M is parked (for example, when the ignition is turned off), the in-vehicle device 10 transmits the location information of the shuttle bus M to the server 70. This location information indicates the position of the shuttle bus M when it is parked. The control unit 75 of the server 70 detects the parking of the shuttle bus M by receiving the location information from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0236] The control unit 75 determines whether the position of the shuttle bus M, as indicated by the position information received from the in-vehicle device 10, is outside the monitoring area. The control unit 75 also functions as a parking position determination unit, determining whether the position of the vehicle when parking is detected by the detection unit is outside the monitoring area.

[0237] When the control unit 75 determines that the position of the shuttle bus M is outside the area requiring monitoring when parking is detected, it performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10. The control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when the position of the vehicle is outside the area requiring monitoring when parking is detected.

[0238] If the location where the shuttle bus M is parked is outside the area requiring monitoring, it can be said that there is a high probability that no children are on the shuttle bus M. In this embodiment, the control unit 75 can automatically disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on whether or not there is a high probability that no children are on the shuttle bus M.

[0239] In this embodiment, by ensuring that the area requiring monitoring, which is the area where the shuttle bus M may be traveling with children on board, is acquired sufficiently and without omission, it becomes more reliable to perform control that disables at least part of the monitoring function when there are no children on the shuttle bus M. For example, a criterion for the acquisition status of the area requiring monitoring may be established, and the control unit 75 may not disable the monitoring function if the acquisition status of the area requiring monitoring does not meet the criterion.

[0240] For example, if the area requiring monitoring is automatically set based on the past travel history of the shuttle bus M, the criterion for acquiring the area requiring monitoring may be whether the period or time for which the shuttle bus M has provided transportation services exceeds a predetermined amount (for example, one month or more, or the number of days attended in one month). For example, the transportation history is stored in association with the area requiring monitoring.

[0241] For example, if the areas requiring monitoring are set based on user input, the criterion for the acquisition status of the areas requiring monitoring may be that the total area of ​​the set areas requiring monitoring is greater than or equal to a predetermined area.

[0242] The control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, performs control to disable the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function, control to disable a part of the first monitoring function, or control to disable a part of the second monitoring function.

[0243] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable both the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function. This eliminates the need to patrol and press the confirmation button in the first monitoring function when there is a high probability that no children are on board, and also prevents malfunctions caused by the second monitoring function.

[0244] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the first monitoring function. This would allow, for example, situations where there is a high probability that no child is on board, to avoid the extra work associated with the first monitoring function, while still allowing the second monitoring function to detect if a child is actually on board.

[0245] For example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable only the second monitoring function. For instance, even in situations where there is a high probability that no children are on board, the system can still perform a check upon disembarking while preventing malfunctions caused by the second monitoring function.

[0246] [Control routine] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine RT1 shown in Figure 8. In step S104 of Figure 8, the control unit 37 transmits parking position information to the server 70, indicating the position of the vehicle when the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed is parked.

[0247] Furthermore, the parking location information transmitted in step S104 includes an identifier that identifies the in-vehicle device 10. The parking location information may also further include an identifier that identifies the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed, or an identifier that identifies the facility that the vehicle provides pick-up and drop-off services for.

[0248] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a control routine RT5 executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70 in Embodiment 3. The control unit 75 repeatedly executes the control routine RT5, for example, when power is turned on to the server 70.

[0249] When the control routine RT5 is started, the control unit 75 determines whether or not parking position information has arrived (step S501). In step S501, for example, the control unit 75 determines that parking position information has arrived when it receives parking position information from the in-vehicle device 10, which indicates the position of the shuttle bus M when the shuttle bus is parked. In step S501, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of a vehicle.

[0250] If it is determined in step S501 that parking position information has not arrived (step S501: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT5 and starts the next control routine RT5.

[0251] In step S501, if it is determined that parking location information has arrived (step S501: YES), the control unit 75 determines whether the acquisition status of the area requiring monitoring meets the criteria (step S502). In step S502, for example, the control unit 75 reads the area requiring monitoring stored in the map information database 73A linked to K Kindergarten. Subsequently, the control unit 75 determines that the acquisition status of the area requiring monitoring meets the criteria, for example, if the pick-up / drop-off record is for a predetermined period or longer, or if an area requiring monitoring of a predetermined size or larger is set.

[0252] In step S502, if it is determined that the acquisition status of the area requiring monitoring does not meet the criteria (step S502: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT5 and starts the next control routine RT5.

[0253] In step S502, if it is determined that the acquisition status of the area requiring monitoring meets the criteria (step S502: YES), the control unit 75 determines whether the parking position received in step S501 is outside the area requiring monitoring (step S503).

[0254] In step S503, if it is determined that the parking position is not outside the area requiring monitoring (i.e., it is within the area requiring monitoring) (step S503: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT5 and starts the next control routine RT5.

[0255] In step S503, if it is determined that the parking position is outside the area requiring monitoring (step S503: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device 10 to disable the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function (step S504).

[0256] After step S504 is completed, the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT5 and starts a new control routine RT5.

[0257] As described above, the control device according to Embodiment 3 is a control device that controls a function for monitoring the presence of living organisms inside a vehicle, and comprises: a monitoring area acquisition unit that acquires a monitoring area which is an area that requires monitoring by the monitoring function; a detection unit that detects the parking of a vehicle; a parking position determination unit that determines whether the vehicle's position when the parking is detected by the detection unit is outside the monitoring area; and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function when it is determined that the vehicle's position is outside the monitoring area.

[0258] In Example 3, for example, if the vehicle's position when parking is detected is outside the area requiring monitoring, there is a high probability that no children are in the vehicle. According to Example 3, it is possible to infer whether there are living beings, such as children, that should be protected by the monitoring function inside the vehicle based on the vehicle's parking position, and if there is a high probability that no living beings are present, at least a part of the monitoring function can be automatically disabled.

[0259] Accordingly, according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to provide a control device, control method, control program, and storage medium that enable automatic control of the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing the abandonment of living organisms inside a vehicle, depending on the circumstances when the vehicle is parked.

[0260] For example, according to Example 3, in situations such as a reconnaissance trip for a kindergarten field trip or staff training, when the shuttle bus M is traveling outside the area requiring monitoring and only adults are on board, the first monitoring function can eliminate the need for patrolling and operation of confirmation buttons, and the second monitoring function can prevent staff from being detected or unnecessary alarm sounds from being triggered due to malfunctions. [Examples]

[0261] Referring to Figures 15A to 17, the configuration and functions of the monitoring and control system 100, including the server 70 as a control device according to Embodiment 4, will be described.

[0262] The monitoring and control system 100 of Embodiment 4 is configured similarly to the monitoring and control system 100 of Embodiment 1, but the content of the monitoring and control performed by the server 70 is different. Specifically, when performing monitoring and control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10, Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it uses weather forecast information about the vehicle's position when the vehicle is parked.

[0263] The control unit 75 of the server 70 receives information from the on-board device 10 indicating that the shuttle bus M has been parked. The control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of a vehicle.

[0264] In this embodiment, when the shuttle bus M is parked (for example, when the ignition is turned off), the in-vehicle device 10 transmits the location information of the shuttle bus M to the server 70. This location information indicates the position of the shuttle bus M when it is parked. The control unit 75 of the server 70 detects the parking of the shuttle bus M by receiving the location information from the in-vehicle device 10.

[0265] The control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for the area around the location of the shuttle bus M, or the area surrounding that location, as indicated by the location information received from the in-vehicle device 10. The control unit 75 functions as a weather forecast information acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information for the vehicle's location when parking of the vehicle is detected.

[0266] Furthermore, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on weather forecast information.

[0267] In this embodiment, the weather forecast information includes temperature forecast information and sky condition forecast information. In this embodiment, for example, if a vehicle is parked and left in a closed state, and the temperature inside the vehicle becomes dangerously high or low for living organisms, the monitoring function is kept active to prevent accidents caused by leaving a vehicle unattended.

[0268] The temperature inside the vehicle is affected not only by the outside temperature but also by the weather conditions, such as whether it is sunny or cloudy. For example, even with the same outside temperature, the temperature rises faster when it is sunny than when it is cloudy, resulting in a difference in the temperature inside the vehicle several hours later. Therefore, in this embodiment, the combination of temperature forecast information and weather forecast information is used as an indicator for the control unit 75 to decide whether or not to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0269] Figure 15A shows weather forecast information WD1, which is an example of weather forecast information acquired by the control unit 75. The control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information from, for example, an external server device that provides weather information. For example, the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 3 hours) from the time when the parking of a vehicle is detected.

[0270] In the example shown in Figure 15A, the weather forecast information WD1 includes forecast information on the sky conditions and the predicted maximum temperature, which is forecast information for up to 3 hours from the time the parking of the shuttle bus M is detected.

[0271] The control unit 75, acting as a monitoring and control unit, performs monitoring and control using information that sets a predetermined acceptable temperature range for each type of weather condition. Specifically, when the temperature indicated by the temperature forecast information falls within a predetermined temperature range set for the type of weather condition indicated by the weather forecast information, it performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function.

[0272] FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a table TB2 which is an example of setting the allowable temperature range for each type of sky pattern. For example, the table TB2 is stored in the mass storage device 73. The allowable temperature range is set based on the allowable temperature range inside the vehicle.

[0273] The control unit 75, for example, refers to the table TB2, identifies the temperature range set for the type of sky pattern indicated by the predicted sky pattern information included in the acquired weather prediction information, and determines whether the temperature indicated by the temperature prediction information is within the temperature range. Thereby, when it is predicted that the vehicle interior temperature will not reach a dangerous temperature, at least a part of the monitoring function can be automatically disabled. Note that the allowable temperature range may be changed, for example, according to the season.

[0274] Also, when the sky pattern indicated by the predicted sky pattern information is a specific sky pattern, the control unit 75 as the monitoring control unit does not perform control to disable the monitoring function regardless of the temperature. The specific sky pattern is, for example, a severe weather such as thunder, hail, or a storm that can affect a living body from a psychological perspective rather than temperature. For example, when a severe weather that children are afraid of is predicted, it is preferable to prevent abandonment.

[0275] In the example shown in FIG. 5B, no allowable temperature range is set for thunder, hail, and storms, and the control unit 75 does not determine that the temperature prediction information is within the allowable temperature range even when referring to FIG. 5B, and does not perform control to disable the monitoring function.

[0276] FIG. 15C is a diagram showing weather prediction information WD2 which is another example of the weather prediction information acquired by the control unit 75. In the weather prediction information WD2, the three hours after the vehicle is parked are divided every 30 minutes, and for each time division, the predicted sky pattern information and the predicted maximum temperature are associated.

[0277] The control unit 75 as the monitoring control unit acquires weather prediction information such as that shown in FIG. 15C, The monitoring function may be disabled based on the length or percentage of time within a predetermined period from the time parking is detected during which the weather indicated by the weather forecast information meets a predetermined standard.

[0278] For example, the control unit 75 may disable at least a part of the monitoring function if, within a predetermined time period from the time parking is detected, the length or percentage of time during which the weather meets a predetermined standard is greater than or equal to a threshold set from the perspective of interior temperature, and it is expected that the interior temperature will be maintained at a temperature appropriate for living organisms.

[0279] For example, the control unit 75 performs control to disable either the first monitoring function or the second monitoring function. In this embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the interior temperature of the vehicle is maintained appropriately for a predetermined time after parking, so it is preferable to disable the first monitoring function and leave the second monitoring function enabled.

[0280] For example, to prevent malfunctions caused by the second monitoring function during a predetermined period of time after parking when the vehicle's interior temperature is properly maintained, the second monitoring function may also be disabled.

[0281] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 75 may perform control to disable a part of the first monitoring function or a part of the second monitoring function.

[0282] [Control routine] In this embodiment, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine RT1 shown in Figure 8. In step S104 of Figure 8, the control unit 37 transmits parking position information to the server 70, indicating the position of the vehicle when the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed is parked.

[0283] Furthermore, the parking location information transmitted in step S104 includes an identifier that identifies the in-vehicle device 10. The parking location information may also further include an identifier that identifies the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device 10 is installed, or an identifier that identifies the facility that the vehicle provides pick-up and drop-off services for.

[0284] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a control routine RT6 executed by the control unit 75 of the server 70 in Embodiment 4. The control unit 75 repeatedly executes the control routine RT6, for example, when power is turned on to the server 70.

[0285] When the control routine RT6 is started, the control unit 75 determines whether or not parking position information has arrived (step 601). In step S601, for example, the control unit 75 determines that parking position information has arrived when it receives parking position information from the in-vehicle device 10, which indicates the position of the shuttle bus M when it is parked. In step S601, the control unit 75 functions as a detection unit that detects the parking of a vehicle.

[0286] If, in step S601, it is determined that parking position information has not arrived (step S601: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT6 and starts the next control routine RT6.

[0287] In step S601, if it is determined that parking location information has arrived (step S601: YES), the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for the area surrounding the location indicated by the parking location information (step S602). In step S602, for example, the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for a predetermined time period from the time the shuttle bus M is parked. In step S602, the control unit 75 functions as a weather forecast information acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information about the vehicle's location when the vehicle's parking is detected.

[0288] After step S602 is executed, the control unit 75 determines whether the weather forecast information acquired in step S602 meets predetermined criteria (step S603). In step S603, for example, if the temperature indicated by the temperature forecast information is within a predetermined temperature range set for the type of weather condition indicated by the weather forecast information, it is determined that the predetermined criteria are met.

[0289] Furthermore, in step S603, for example, if the type of weather indicated by the weather forecast information is a weather condition other than a specific weather condition such as thunderstorms, hailstorms, or storms, it is determined that the predetermined criteria are met.

[0290] In step S603, if it is determined that the weather forecast information does not meet the predetermined criteria (step S603: NO), the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT6 and starts the next control routine RT6.

[0291] In step S603, if it is determined that the weather forecast information meets a predetermined criterion (step S603: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device 10 to disable the first monitoring function (step S604).

[0292] In steps S603 and S604, the control unit 75 functions as a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on weather forecast information.

[0293] After step S604 is completed, the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT6 and starts a new control routine RT6.

[0294] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a modified version of control routine RT7, which is executed by the control unit 75. In control routine RT7, steps S701 to S703 proceed in the same way as steps 601 to S603 of control routine RT6, so some of the explanation is omitted.

[0295] The control unit 75 starts the control routine RT7, and in step S701, it determines that parking location information has arrived (step S701: YES), and then acquires weather forecast information for the area around the location indicated by the parking location information (step S702). In step S702, the control unit 75 acquires weather forecast information for a control period that is within a predetermined time from the time the shuttle bus M was parked. The control period is, for example, 1 to 3 hours, but may be longer.

[0296] After the execution of step S702, the control unit 75 determines whether the weather prediction information obtained in step S702 satisfies a predetermined criterion (step S703). If it is determined in step S703 that the weather prediction information satisfies the predetermined criterion (step S703: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information for disabling the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function to the in-vehicle device 10 (step S704).

[0297] After the execution of step S704, the control unit 75 determines whether the ignition key of the shuttle bus M has been turned on (step S705). In step S705, for example, when information indicating that the ignition key has been turned on, which is transmitted in step S101 of the control routine RT1 of the in-vehicle device 10 shown in FIG. 8, is received, it is determined that the ignition key has been turned on.

[0298] If it is determined in step S705 that the ignition key has been turned on (step S705: YES), the control unit 75 ends the control routine RT7 and newly starts the next control routine RT7. As described in FIG. 8, when the ignition key is turned on, the monitoring functions that have been disabled in the in-vehicle device 10 are enabled (step S102). Specifically, the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function are enabled.

[0299] If it is determined in step S705 that the ignition key has not been turned on (step S705: NO), the control unit 75 determines whether the control period has ended (step S706).[[ID=?]]

[0300] If it is determined in step S706 that the control period has not ended (step S706: NO), the control unit 75 returns to step S705 and determines again whether the ignition key has been turned on.

[0301] In step S706, if it is determined that the control period has ended (step S706: YES), the control unit 75 transmits control information to the in-vehicle device 10 to enable the second monitoring function (step S707).

[0302] After step S707 is completed, the control unit 75 terminates control routine RT7 and starts the next control routine RT7.

[0303] In control routine RT7, since control based on weather forecast information is not performed after the control period ends, it is unclear whether the interior temperature of the vehicle will be maintained appropriately. According to control routine RT7, if the vehicle remains parked after the control period ends, the second monitoring function can be enabled to detect if a living being has been left inside the vehicle.

[0304] Alternatively, in control routine RT7, instead of step S707, all monitoring functions may be enabled, the process may return to step S702, weather forecast information may be acquired again, and control may be performed to disable at least some of the monitoring functions based on the weather forecast information.

[0305] As described above, the control device according to Embodiment 4 is a control device that controls the function of monitoring whether a living organism is left behind inside a vehicle, and comprises a detection unit that detects when a vehicle is parked, a weather forecast information acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information about the location of the vehicle when parking is detected, and a monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the weather forecast information.

[0306] According to Example 4, for example, if the temperature inside the vehicle is expected to be maintained appropriately for living organisms based on weather forecast information, at least part of the monitoring function can be disabled.

[0307] Accordingly, according to Embodiment 4, it is possible to provide a control device, control method, control program, and storage medium that enable automatic control of the operating state of a monitoring function for preventing the abandonment of living organisms inside a vehicle, depending on the circumstances when the vehicle is parked.

[0308] The configurations, routines, etc., of the in-vehicle device 10, server 70, and registration terminal 50 in the above-described embodiment are merely illustrative examples and can be appropriately selected, combined, or modified depending on the application.

[0309] For example, two or more of Examples 1 to 4 may be combined, thereby more reliably determining situations where it is acceptable to disable at least a portion of the monitoring function. For instance, by combining Example 1 and Example 2, at least a portion of the monitoring function can be disabled when the vehicle is expected to be parked for a short time and there is a high probability that no children are in the vehicle.

[0310] For example, by combining Example 1 and Example 4, at least part of the monitoring function can be disabled when the vehicle's parking time is expected to be short and the interior temperature is expected to be maintained appropriately. This makes it possible to more reliably determine situations where, for example, there is no problem even if the patrol in the first monitoring function is not performed.

[0311] For example, by combining Example 2 and Example 3, it is possible to more reliably determine situations in which there is a high probability that no children are in the vehicle.

[0312] For example, by combining Example 2 and Example 4, at least part of the monitoring function can be disabled when there is a high probability that no children are in the vehicle and the interior temperature is expected to be maintained appropriately.

[0313] The in-vehicle device 10 may have all or part of the functions of the server related to the monitoring and control described above. For example, if the in-vehicle device 10 has all of the server functions, the control unit 37 of the in-vehicle device 10 executes a control routine similar to the control routine executed by the server 70. Depending on the result, the control unit 37 either maintains the monitoring function in an enabled state or disables at least part of the monitoring function.

[0314] In the above embodiments 1 to 4, an example was described in which the in-vehicle device 10 has a first monitoring function and a second monitoring function. However, the in-vehicle device 10 may be configured to have only the first monitoring function and not the second monitoring function. In that case, the control unit 75 will perform control to disable the first monitoring function or disable a part of the first monitoring function. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 10 may be configured to have only the second monitoring function and not the first monitoring function. In that case, the control unit 75 will perform control to disable the second monitoring function or disable a part of the second monitoring function.

[0315] In the above embodiment, the case where the registration terminal 50 is a smartphone was described, but it is not limited to this. The registration terminal 50 can be any terminal device configured to receive notifications of abandonment from the monitoring function of the in-vehicle device 10 and present them to the user via a display screen or audio. For example, the registration terminal 50 may be a tablet, PC, wearable device, or other terminal device.

[0316] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which vehicle parking is detected by detecting that the ignition key has been turned OFF. However, the invention is not limited to this, and vehicle parking may be detected by other methods. For example, vehicle parking may be detected by detecting that the vehicle's speed has become zero and that the driver's side door has been opened. Alternatively, for example, a seat sensor may be provided in the driver's seat of the vehicle, and vehicle parking may be detected by detecting that a person has left the driver's seat based on the image from the in-vehicle camera and the signal from the seat sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0317] 10 Onboard equipment 11 speakers 13 Alarm 15 Confirmation button 17. In-car camera 19. External car camera 21 Mike 23 Touch panel 25 GPS receivers 27 Accelerometer 33 Input section 35 Storage section 37 Control Unit 39 Communications Department Output section 41 50 Registered terminals 51 Touch panel 53 speakers 59 Memory section 61 Control Unit 63 Input section 65 Output section 67 Communications Department 70 servers 73 Mass storage 73A Map Information Database 75 Control Unit 77 Communications Department

Claims

1. A control device that controls the monitoring function for leaving living organisms unattended inside a vehicle, A schedule acquisition unit that acquires the operational schedule of the facility associated with the aforementioned vehicle, A detection unit for detecting the parking of the aforementioned vehicle, A monitoring control unit that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the aforementioned work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit, It has, The monitoring function includes a first monitoring function that, if the confirmation button provided on the vehicle is not pressed within a predetermined time after the vehicle is parked, issues an external alarm or sends a notification to a terminal associated with the vehicle. The control device is characterized in that the monitoring control unit performs control to disable the first monitoring function based on the work schedule and the time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring control unit performs control to disable the first monitoring function when the day on which parking is detected does not fall within the days on which the facility's operations are scheduled to be performed in the work schedule.

3. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring control unit performs control to disable the first monitoring function when the time at which parking is detected does not fall within the time period during which the facility's operations are scheduled to be performed in the work schedule.

4. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring control unit identifies the vehicle's operating schedule based on the work schedule, and performs control to disable the first monitoring function if the time at which parking is detected does not fall within the time period in which the vehicle is operating according to the operating schedule.

5. The monitoring function includes the first monitoring function and the second monitoring function which, when a biological presence is detected inside the vehicle after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle was parked, issues an external alarm or notifies a terminal associated with the vehicle. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring control unit performs control to disable only the first monitoring function based on the work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection unit.

6. A control method, executed by a control device, that controls the function of monitoring whether a living organism is left behind inside a vehicle, A schedule acquisition step to acquire the operational schedule of the facility associated with the aforementioned vehicle, A detection step for detecting the parking of the aforementioned vehicle, A monitoring and control step that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle was detected in the detection step, Includes, The monitoring function includes a first monitoring function that, if the confirmation button provided on the vehicle is not pressed within a predetermined time after the vehicle is parked, issues an external alarm or sends a notification to a terminal associated with the vehicle. The monitoring and control step is characterized by performing control to disable the first monitoring function based on the work schedule and the time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection step.

7. A control program that is executed by a control device equipped with a computer and controls the function of monitoring whether a living organism is left behind inside a vehicle, wherein the computer has, A schedule acquisition step to acquire the operational schedule of the facility associated with the aforementioned vehicle, A detection step for detecting the parking of the aforementioned vehicle, A monitoring and control step that performs control to disable at least a part of the monitoring function based on the work schedule and the date or time when the parking of the vehicle was detected in the detection step, Make it run, The monitoring function includes a first monitoring function that, if the confirmation button provided on the vehicle is not pressed within a predetermined time after the vehicle is parked, issues an external alarm or sends a notification to a terminal associated with the vehicle. The monitoring and control step is a control program characterized by performing control to disable the first monitoring function based on the work schedule and the time when the parking of the vehicle is detected by the detection step.

8. A storage medium readable by a computer that stores the control program described in Claim 7.

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