Processing device and processing method

Abstract

To improve safety more appropriately, a processing device 13 for detecting leaving of a target (child P1) in a vehicle 1 comprises: a determination unit for determining whether or not the target has been left; and a control unit for executing notification control for notifying an occupant (guardian P2) having exited the vehicle 1, if it is determined by the determination unit that the target has been left. The control unit executes the notification control on the basis of behavior information that is information on the behavior of the occupant.

Description

[0001] [Document name] Statement

[0002] [Title of invention] Processing device and processing method

[0003] [Technical Field]

[0004]

[001] The present invention relates to a processing device and a processing method.

[0005] [Background technology]

[0006]

[002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technology has been proposed for detecting whether an object such as a child has been left behind in a vehicle in order to improve safety in the vehicle. With this technology, for example, a warning is issued to the guardian or other person of a child who has been left behind in the vehicle, thereby improving safety.

[0007] [Prior art documents]

[0008] [Patent documents]

[0009]

〇 0 0 3

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-142718

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] [0 0 0 4] When an abandonment is detected, an alarm is issued by, for example, emitting sound and light from the vehicle to occupants such as guardians who have exited the vehicle. Here, to prevent false detection of abandonment, a certain amount of time is required to detect abandonment. As a result, when an alarm is issued in response to the detection of abandonment, the guardian or other occupant may be far away from the vehicle, and may not notice the alarm. Such a situation could reduce safety.

[0014]

[0005] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a processing device and a processing method that can more appropriately improve safety.

[0015] [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] [0 0 0 6] In order to solve the above problem, the processing device is a processing device that detects whether an object has been left inside a vehicle, and includes a determination unit that determines whether an object has been left behind, and a control unit that executes notification control to notify occupants who have disembarked from the vehicle when the determination unit determines that an object has been left behind, and the control unit executes notification control based on behavior information, which is information related to the behavior of the occupants.

[0017] [0 0 0 7] In order to solve the above problem, the processing method is a processing method for detecting whether an object has been left behind in a vehicle, in which a determination unit of the processing device determines whether an object has been left behind, and a control unit of the processing device executes notification control to notify occupants who have disembarked from the vehicle when the determination unit determines that an object has been left behind, and the control unit executes notification control based on behavior information which is information regarding the behavior of the occupants.

[0018] [Effects of the Invention]

[0019]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve safety more appropriately.

[0020] [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021]

〇 0 0 9

[0022] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of processing performed by the processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing related to notification control performed by the processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 5] A graph showing an example of the transition of the level of perceptibility of a notification in notification control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0028]

[0011] <Vehicle configuration> With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the configuration of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0029]

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a vehicle 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle interior sensor 11, a sound output device 12, and a processing device 13.

[0030]

[0013] The cabin sensor 11 detects the state inside the cabin of the vehicle 1. An example of the cabin sensor 11 is a radar. In the following, an example is described in which the cabin sensor 11 is a radar. However, as will be described later, the cabin sensor 11 may be a sensor other than a radar. The cabin sensor 11 is provided inside the cabin of the vehicle 1. For example, the cabin sensor 11 is provided near the rearview mirror inside the cabin of the vehicle 1 and facing downward and rearward. In particular, the cabin sensor 11 can detect occupants in the vehicle 1, as will be described later. The number of cabin sensors 11 is not particularly limited and may be one or two or more.

[0031]

[0014] The sound output device 12 outputs sound to the outside of the vehicle 1. For example, the sound output device 12 is provided in a portion outside the cabin of the vehicle 1 (for example, the bottom of the vehicle 1).

[0032]

[0015] The processing device 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an arithmetic processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a memory element that stores programs used by the CPU, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Read Only Memory), which is a memory element that temporarily stores parameters that change as the CPU executes. The processing device 13 may be, for example, a single device, or may be divided into multiple devices. When the processing device 13 is divided into multiple devices, the various functions described below may be shared among multiple devices.

[0033]

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the processing device 13. As shown in Fig. 2, the processing device 13 includes, for example, a determination unit 13a and a control unit 13b. The processing device 13 acquires information from each device in the vehicle 1. For example, the processing device 13 acquires information from the vehicle interior sensor 11. In this specification, acquiring information may include extracting or generating information (for example, performing calculations), etc.

[0034]

[0017] The determination unit 13a performs various determinations. In particular, the determination unit 13a determines whether or not a subject such as a child has been left behind in the vehicle 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a situation may occur in which a child P1 remains in the vehicle 1, and the guardian P2 of the child P1 gets off the vehicle 1, leaves the vehicle 1, and heads toward a destination such as a commercial facility. The determination unit 13a determines whether or not the child P1 has been left behind in the vehicle 1.

[0035]

[0018] In the following, a child P! corresponds to the person who is left behind. The age of the passenger who is left behind is not particularly limited, and is, for example, an age corresponding to that of a young child. However, the passenger who is left behind may also be an elderly person or a physically disabled person. Furthermore, the person who is left behind is not limited to a person, but may also be an animal such as a pet. Details of the determination by the determination unit 13a as to whether a child P! has been left behind will be described later.

[0036]

[0019] The control unit 13b executes various controls. In particular, when the determination unit 13a determines that a child P1 has been left behind, the control unit 13b executes notification control to notify the guardian P2, who is an occupant who has disembarked from the vehicle 1. For example, in the notification control, the control unit 13b issues a notification using a sound output device 12 mounted on the vehicle 1. Specifically, the control unit 13b transmits a control command to the sound output device 12 to cause the sound output device 12 to output a sound indicating that the child P1 has been left behind. This allows the guardian P2 to recognize that the child P1 has been left behind. As will be described later, in the notification control, the control unit 13 b may, in addition to the notification using the sound output device 12, also perform notification using an optical output device (e.g., a hazard lamp, etc.) not shown that is mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0037] Hereinafter, the guardian P2 corresponds to the occupant who is notified by the notification control that a person has been left behind. The occupant who is notified by the notification control that a person has been left behind is, for example, an adult who has exited the vehicle 1 (more specifically, the last adult to exit the vehicle 1). In other words, such an adult can be considered to be the guardian P2. Details of the notification control by the control unit 13b will be described later.

[0038]

[0021] <Operation of Processing Apparatus> The operation of the processing apparatus 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

[0039]

[0022] As described above, the processing device 13 detects that a child P1 has been left inside the vehicle 1 and issues a notification to the guardian P2 when the child P1 has been left behind. Here, in order to prevent false detection of abandonment, it takes a certain amount of time to detect abandonment. As a result, when the notification is issued when the child P1 has been left behind, the guardian P2 may be far away from the vehicle 1 and may not notice the notification. This situation can reduce safety.

[0040]

[0023] In this embodiment, as will be described below, the control unit 13b of the processing device 13 executes notification control based on behavior information, which is information about the behavior of the guardian P2. This makes it possible to more appropriately improve safety, as will be described later. Below, an example of processing performed by the processing device 13 will be described.

[0041]

[0024] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall flow of processing performed by the processing device 13. Step S101 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the start of the processing flow shown in Fig. 3. Step S106 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the end of the processing flow shown in Fig. 3. The processing flow shown in Fig. 3 starts, for example, while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0042]

[0025] When the processing flow shown in FIG. 3 starts, in step S102, the processing device 13 detects the occupancy status of occupants in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1.

[0043]

[0026] Specifically, in step S12, the determination unit 13a determines the number of occupants in the cabin of the vehicle 1 and whether each occupant is a child P1. The determination unit 13a makes this determination based on, for example, the detection result of the cabin sensor 11. For example, a radar serving as the cabin sensor 11 can detect the distance between an object in the cabin of the vehicle 1 and the cabin sensor 11. Therefore, the cabin sensor 11 can detect chest contractions of the occupants of the vehicle 1 that accompany their breathing. Therefore, the determination unit 13a detects an object experiencing such chest contractions as an occupant based on the detection result of the cabin sensor 11, and can further determine whether the detected occupant is a child P1 based on the amplitude and period of the chest contractions. As will be described later, the determination method in step S!O2 is not limited to the above example.

[0044]

[0027] After step S102, in step S103, the processing device 13 detects whether the occupants have exited the vehicle when the vehicle 1 stops.

[0045]

[0028] As will be described later, steps S103 and subsequent steps are steps for determining whether or not a child P1 has been left behind in the vehicle 1. Therefore, if it is determined in step S102 that a child P1 is not in the vehicle 1, steps S103 and subsequent steps are not performed.

[0046]

[0029] Specifically, in step S103, when the vehicle 1 stops, the determination unit 13a determines which of the occupants has disembarked and which occupants remain in the vehicle 1. For example, the determination unit 13a can determine whether the vehicle 1 has stopped based on the activation state of the drive source or power source of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 13a can determine whether the door is open / closed and whether the door is locked based on the detection result of a sensor provided on the door of the vehicle 1. Then, the determination unit 13a determines which occupants have disembarked based on the detection result of the compartment sensor 11 during the period from when the vehicle 1 stops and the door of the vehicle 1 opens to when the door of the vehicle 1 closes and the door is locked.

[0047]

[0030] After step S!03, in step S104, the processing device 13 acquires behavior information, which is information regarding the behavior of the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1.

[0048]

[0031] As will be described later, steps S104 and subsequent steps are steps for determining whether or not a child P1 has been left behind in vehicle 1. Therefore, if it is not determined in step S103 that all adults have disembarked while a child P1 remains in vehicle 1, steps S104 and subsequent steps are not performed.

[0049]

[0032] As shown in the example of Figure 1, if there is only one adult aboard the vehicle 1, in step S104 the processing device 13 acquires behavior information relating to the behavior of the adult who is considered to be the guardian P2. If there are multiple adults aboard the vehicle 1, in step S104 the processing device 13, for example, identifies the last adult to dismount from the vehicle among the adults considered to be the guardian P2, and acquires behavior information relating to the behavior of the last adult to dismount.

[0050]

[0033] In step S104, the processing device 13 acquires, as behavior information, speed information, which is information about the moving speed of the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1. The speed information may be information that directly indicates the moving speed of the guardian P2, or may be information that can be substantially converted into the moving speed of the guardian P2. For example, if the detection range of the vehicle interior sensor 11 extends to the periphery of the vehicle 1 (at least the range near the door), the processing device 13 can acquire the speed information based on the detection result of the vehicle interior sensor 11. The processing device 13 may also acquire the speed information based on the detection result of a sensor other than the vehicle interior sensor 11 (for example, an ambient environment sensor installed outside the vehicle 1). The following mainly describes an example in which speed information is used as behavior information. However, as will be described later, behavior information is not limited to this example.

[0051]

[0034] After step S104, in step S105, the processing device 13 detects whether a child P1 has been left inside the vehicle 1 and notifies the guardian P2 of the detection, and the processing flow shown in Fig. 3 ends. Details of the processing in step S105 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0052]

[0035] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow related to notification control performed by the processing device 13. The process flow shown in Fig. 4 is executed in step S1.5 of the process flow shown in Fig. 3. Step S201 in Fig. 4 corresponds to the start of the process flow shown in Fig. 4. Step S208 in Fig. 4 corresponds to the end of the process flow shown in Fig. 4.

[0053]

[0036] When the processing flow shown in FIG. 4 starts, in step S202, the judgment unit 13a judges whether the moving speed of the guardian P2 who got off the vehicle 1 (specifically, the adult who got off last) is higher than a speed threshold.

[0054]

[0037] In the processing flow shown in Fig. 4, when a child P1 is left behind in a vehicle 1, the timing to start the notification control varies depending on the moving speed of the guardian P2, as will be described later. Specifically, as will be described later, when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is higher than the speed minimum value, the timing to start the notification control is earlier than when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is equal to or lower than the speed minimum value. This makes it possible to prevent the guardian P2 from noticing the notification in the notification control. Therefore, the speed minimum value is set to a value that allows for determining whether or not a situation in which the guardian P2 is likely to not notice the notification in the notification control will occur.

[0055]

[0038] If it is determined that the moving speed of the guardian P2 is equal to or less than the speed threshold (Step S202 / NO), the process proceeds to Step S203. Then, in Step S203, the control unit 13b sets the time threshold to the first time. If it is determined that the moving speed of the guardian P2 is higher than the speed threshold (Step S202 / YES), the process proceeds to Step S204. Then, in Step S204, the control unit 13b sets the time threshold to the second time, which is shorter than the first time.

[0056]

[0039] The time minus value is the minus value used in the determination in step S206, which will be described later. In the processing flow shown in FIG. 4, as will be described later, the control unit 13b executes notification control to notify the guardian P2 when the duration of the state in which it is determined that the child P! has been left behind (i.e., the time the state continues) exceeds the time minus value. By executing notification control in such cases, it is possible to prevent false detection of abandonment. Therefore, the shorter the time minus value, the earlier the start timing of the notification control. Therefore, when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is higher than the speed minus value, the time minus value is shorter, and as a result, the start timing of the notification control is earlier than when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is equal to or lower than the speed minus value.

[0057]

[0040] After step S203 or step S204, in step S205, the judgment unit 13a judges whether or not a child P1 has been left behind in the vehicle 1.

[0058]

[0041] In step S205, the determination unit 13a can determine whether or not a child P1 has been left behind based on, for example, the detection result of the vehicle interior sensor 11. The determination unit 13a can determine that a child P1 has been left behind when there is no adult in the vehicle 1 but the child P1 remains. As will be described later, the determination method in step S205 is not limited to the above example.

[0059]

[0042] If it is determined that child P1 has been left behind (step S205 / YES), proceed to step S206. On the other hand, if it is determined that child P1 has not been left behind (step S205 / NO), the processing flow shown in Figure 4 ends.

[0060]

[0043] If the determination in step S205 is YES, in step S206 the determination unit 13a determines whether the duration of the state in which it is determined that child P1 has been left behind exceeds the time limit.

[0044] If it is determined that the duration of the state in which it is determined that child P1 has been left behind does not exceed the time limit (step S206 / NO), return to step S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the duration of the state in which it is determined that child P1 has been left behind exceeds the time limit (step S206 / YES), proceed to step S207.

[0061]

[0045] If the determination in step S206 is YES, in step S207, the control unit 13b executes notification control, and the processing flow shown in Fig. 4 ends. Details of the notification control will be described later with reference to Fig. 5.

[0062]

[0046] As described above, when the determination unit 13a determines that a child P1 has been left behind, the control unit 13b executes notification control to notify the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1. The control unit 13b then executes notification control based on behavior information (in the above example, speed information, which is information about the movement speed of the guardian P2) that is information about the behavior of the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1. Specifically, the control unit 13b changes the timing of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information. This makes it possible to change the timing of the notification in the notification control according to the behavior of the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1, thereby preventing the guardian P2 from noticing the notification. This makes it possible to more appropriately improve safety.

[0063]

[0047] Details of the notification control will be explained below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the level of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control. The horizontal axis T of Fig. 5 represents time, and the vertical axis L represents the level of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control. The perceptibility of the notification in the notification control is an index that indicates how easily the notification in the notification control is recognized by the guardian P2.

[0064]

[0048] The higher the level of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control, the stronger the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control. In the example of Figure 5, when the level of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control is 0, it corresponds to the case where the notification control is not being performed. On the other hand, when the level of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control is higher than 0, it corresponds to the case where the notification control is being performed.

[0065]

[0049] Figure 5 shows the transition of the perceptibility level after the processing flow shown in Figure 4 is started in a state where a child P1 is left behind in the vehicle 1. In the example of Figure 5, the state in which the determination unit 13a determines that a child P1 has been left behind continues after the processing flow shown in Figure 4 is started.

[0066]

[0050] The transition in the level of perceptibility shown by the solid line in Figure 5 is an example of the transition in the level of perceptibility when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is equal to or less than the speed minimum value. As described above, when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is equal to or less than the speed minimum value, the time minimum value is set to the first time T1. Therefore, notification control is executed when the duration of the state in which it is determined that the child P1 has been left behind exceeds the first time T!. In the example shown by the solid line in Figure 5, the state in which notification control is not executed continues before the duration exceeds the first time T1, and notification control begins when the duration exceeds the first time T!.

[0067]

[0051] The transition in the level of perceptibility indicated by the dashed line in Figure 5 is an example of the transition in the level of perceptibility when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is higher than the speed minimum value. As described above, when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is higher than the speed minimum value, the time minimum value is set to the second time T2. Therefore, notification control is executed when the duration of the state in which it is determined that the child P! has been left behind exceeds the second time T2, which is shorter than the first time T!. In the example shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, notification control remains inactive before the duration exceeds the second time T2, and notification control begins when the duration exceeds the second time T2.

[0052] In the example shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, the level of perceptibility is lower in the period from when the duration exceeds the second time T2 to when the duration exceeds the first time T1 than after the duration exceeds the first time T1. Hereinafter, the notification in the period from when the duration exceeds the second time T2 to when the duration exceeds the first time T! is referred to as the pre-notification, and the notification after the duration exceeds the first time T! is also referred to as the main notification.

[0068]

[0053] As described above, in the example of FIG. 5, the control unit 13b weakens the perceptibility of the advance notification compared to the perceptibility of the main notification. This makes the perceptibility of the advance notification unnecessarily strong, thereby preventing the guardian P2 from feeling annoyed. For example, the volume of the sound output device 12 may be lower in the advance notification compared to the main notification. Also, for example, if the main notification involves turning on the hazard lights of the vehicle 1 in addition to outputting a sound from the sound output device 12, the advance notification may not involve turning on the hazard lights. However, the control unit 13b may make the perceptibility of the advance notification the same as that of the main notification, or may make it stronger than that of the main notification.

[0069]

[0054] Here, the control unit 13 b may change the intensity of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the reliability of the determination made by the determination unit 13 a as to whether or not a child P1 has been left behind. The processing unit 13 can obtain the reliability of the determination as to whether or not a child P1 has been left behind, for example, based on the detection result of the vehicle interior sensor 11. For example, the processing unit 13 can determine that the higher the degree of approximation of the characteristics of the occupant's chest contraction, such as the amplitude and period, detected by the vehicle interior sensor 11, to the representative characteristics of the child P1, the higher the reliability.

[0070]

[0055] For example, when the reliability is higher than the standard, the control unit 13b may strengthen the perceptibility of the advance notification compared to when the reliability is lower than the standard, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5. In this case, the example shown by the dashed line in Fig. 5 corresponds to an example when the reliability is lower than the standard, and the example shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5 corresponds to an example when the reliability is higher than the standard. By weakening the perceptibility of the advance notification when the reliability is lower than the standard, it is possible to prevent the perceptibility of the advance notification from becoming unnecessarily strong even when the need for advance notification is low, and to prevent the parent / guardian P2 from feeling annoyed.

[0071]

[0056] The control unit 13 b may change the perceptibility of the advance warning in multiple stages or continuously depending on the reliability. For example, the control unit 13 b may gradually increase the perceptibility of the advance warning as the reliability increases.

[0072]

[0057] The control unit 13b may also change the intensity of the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the communication status with the external device. The external device refers to a device external to the vehicle 1, such as a terminal carried by the guardian P2. For example, if the processing device 13 can communicate with the terminal, the control unit 13b can use the terminal to issue a notification in the notification control. Specifically, the control unit 13b sends a control command to the terminal to cause the terminal to notify the guardian P2 that the child P1 has been left behind. The terminal can notify the guardian P2 that the child P1 has been left behind by using at least one of sound, vibration, and display, for example.

[0073] For example, when the processing device 13 cannot communicate with the external device, the control unit 13 b may strengthen the perceptibility of the advance notification compared to when the processing device 13 can communicate with the external device, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5. In this case, the example shown by the dashed line in Fig. 5 corresponds to an example when the processing device 13 can communicate with the external device, and the example shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5 corresponds to an example when the processing device 13 cannot communicate with the external device. By increasing the perceptibility of the advance warning when the processing device 13 cannot communicate with an external device, the advance warning can more reliably notify the guardian P2 that the child P1 has been left behind.

[0059] Note that the control unit 13b may stop the advance warning if it is determined that the child P1 has not been left behind during the execution of the advance warning in the period from when the duration exceeds the second time T2 to when the duration exceeds the first time T1. Furthermore, the control unit 13b may stop the advance warning if the moving speed of the guardian P2 becomes equal to or less than a speed minimum value during the execution of the advance warning in the period from when the duration exceeds the second time T2 to when the duration exceeds the first time T1.

[0074]

[0060] The above describes an example of the processing performed by the processing device 13 with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. However, the processing performed by the processing device 13 may be a modified version of the processing example described above.

[0075] For example, the control unit 13 b may prohibit notification control based on the positional relationship between the vehicle 1 and the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1. Specifically, when the distance between the vehicle 1 and the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1 is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance, the control unit 13 b may not execute notification control even if the duration of the state in which it is determined that the child P! has been left behind exceeds a time limit. This makes it possible to prevent notification control from being executed unnecessarily in a situation where the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1 can understand the situation inside the vehicle 1.

[0076]

[0062] In the above example, in steps S202, S203, and S204 of Fig. 4, the control unit 13b sets the time value to the first time when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is equal to or less than the speed value, and sets the time value to the second time when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is higher than the speed value. However, the control unit 13b may change the time value in more stages or continuously according to the moving speed of the guardian P2. For example, the control unit 13b may gradually shorten the time value as the moving speed of the guardian P2 increases.

[0077]

[0063] In the above example, for example, the behavior information of the guardian P2 who has gotten off the vehicle 1 is speed information, which is information about the guardian P2's moving speed. However, the behavior information may be information other than the above information. For example, direction information, which is information about the guardian P2's moving direction, may be used as the behavior information. For example, if the detection range of the cabin sensor 11 extends to the periphery of the vehicle 1 (at least the range near the door), the processing device 13 can obtain direction information based on the detection result of the cabin sensor 11. Note that the processing device 13 may obtain direction information based on the detection result of a sensor other than the cabin sensor 11 (for example, an ambient environment sensor provided outside the vehicle 1).

[0078]

[0064] When direction information is used as behavior information, for example, in step S202 of Fig. 4, the determination unit 13a may determine whether the angle between the movement direction of the guardian P2 and the direction along the outer surface of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle. If the angle between the movement direction of the guardian P2 and the direction along the outer surface of the vehicle 1 is smaller than the predetermined angle, the control unit 13b sets the time value to the first time, and if the angle between the movement direction of the guardian P2 and the direction along the outer surface of the vehicle 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit 13b sets the time value to the second time. However, the control unit 13b may change the time value in more steps or continuously depending on the movement direction of the guardian P2. For example, the control unit 13b may gradually shorten the time interval value as the angle between the direction of movement of the guardian P2 and the direction along the outer surface of the vehicle 1 increases.

[0079]

[0065] The control unit 13 b may change the timing of the notification in the notification control based on both the speed information and the direction information. For example, the comparison target with the speed value in step S202 of Fig. 4 may be replaced with the component of the moving speed of the guardian P2 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the vehicle 1.

[0066] Also, for example, in the above example, the control unit 13 b changes the timing of the notification in the notification control based on behavior information. However, the control unit 13 b may change the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information.

[0080] For example, when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is higher than the speed minimum value, the control unit 13 b may strengthen the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control compared to when the moving speed of the guardian P2 is equal to or lower than the speed minimum value. Also, for example, the control unit 13 b may gradually strengthen the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control as the moving speed of the guardian P2 increases.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, when the angle between the moving direction of the guardian P2 and the direction along the outer surface of the vehicle 1 is equal to or larger than a predetermined angle, the control unit 13 b may strengthen the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control compared to when the angle between the moving direction of the guardian P2 and the direction along the outer surface of the vehicle 1 is smaller than the predetermined angle. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 13 b may gradually strengthen the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control as the angle between the moving direction of the guardian P2 and the direction along the outer surface of the vehicle 1 increases.

[0082]

[0069] The control unit 13 b may change the intensity of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on both the speed information and the direction information. Also, the control unit 13 b may change both the timing of the notification in the notification control and the intensity of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information.

[0083]

[0070] Also, for example, in the above example, the control unit 13b changes the strength of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the reliability of the determination by the determination unit 13a as to whether or not an object has been left behind. However, the control unit 13b may change the timing of the notification in the notification control based on the reliability of the determination by the determination unit 13a as to whether or not an object has been left behind. For example, when the reliability is higher than a standard, the control unit 13b may advance the start timing of the advance notification compared to when the reliability is lower than the standard. Note that the control unit 13b may change the start timing of the advance notification in more stages or continuously according to the reliability. For example, the control unit 13b may gradually advance the start timing of the advance notification as the reliability increases. The control unit 13 b may change both the strength of perceptibility due to the notification in the notification control and the timing of the notification in the notification control based on the reliability.

[0084] 〇

[0085]

[0071] Also, for example, in the above example, the control unit 13b changes the intensity of perceptibility due to notification in the notification control based on the communication state with the external device. However, the control unit 13b may change the timing of notification in the notification control based on the communication state with the external device. For example, when the processing device 13 cannot communicate with the external device, the control unit 13b may advance the start timing of the advance notification compared to when the processing device 13 can communicate with the external device. Note that the control unit 13b may change both the intensity of perceptibility due to notification in the notification control and the timing of notification in the notification control based on the communication state with the external device.

[0086]

[0072] In the above example, the vehicle interior sensor 11 is a radar. However, the vehicle interior sensor 11 may be a sensor other than a radar. For example, the vehicle interior sensor 11 may be a camera that captures an image of the interior of the vehicle 1. In this case, in steps S102 and S205, the determination unit 13a can detect an occupant in the vehicle 1 and determine whether the detected occupant is a child P1 by, for example, performing image processing on the image captured by the camera serving as the vehicle interior sensor 11.

[0087]

[0073] In the above example, the control unit 13b performs notification control using a notification device (sound output device 12 in the above example) installed in the vehicle 1. However, in the notification control, the control unit 13b may perform notification using a terminal carried by the guardian P2 in addition to or instead of the notification device installed in the vehicle 1.

[0088]

[0074] <Effects of the Processing Apparatus> The effects of the processing apparatus 1-3 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0089]

[0075] The processing device 13 is a device that detects whether an object (in the above example, a child P1) has been left behind in the vehicle 1, and includes a determination unit 13a that determines whether an object has been left behind, and a control unit 13b that executes notification control to issue a notification to an occupant (in the above example, a guardian P2) who has gotten off the vehicle 1 when the determination unit 13a determines that an object has been left behind. The control unit 13b executes notification control based on behavior information that is information about the behavior of the occupant. For example, the control unit 13b changes at least one of the timing of the notification in the notification control and the intensity of the perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information. This makes it possible to execute notification control according to the behavior of the occupant who has gotten off the vehicle 1, thereby preventing the occupant from noticing the notification. Therefore, safety can be improved more appropriately.

[0090]

[0076] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the behavior information includes speed information, which is information about the moving speed of the occupant (in the above example, the guardian P2). This allows notification control to be performed according to the moving speed of the occupant who has gotten off the vehicle 1, thereby appropriately preventing the occupant from noticing the notification. Therefore, safety can be further appropriately improved.

[0091]

[0077] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the behavior information includes direction information, which is information about the moving direction of the occupant (in the above example, the guardian P2). This allows notification control to be performed according to the moving direction of the occupant who has gotten off the vehicle 1, thereby appropriately preventing the occupant from noticing the notification. Therefore, safety can be further appropriately improved.

[0092] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13 b changes the timing of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information. This makes it possible to change the timing of the notification in the notification control according to the behavior of the occupant who has gotten off the vehicle 1, thereby appropriately preventing the occupant from noticing the notification. Therefore, it is possible to further appropriately improve safety.

[0093] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13 b changes the intensity of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information. This makes it possible to change the intensity of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control according to the behavior of the occupant who has gotten off the vehicle 1, thereby appropriately suppressing a situation in which the occupant does not notice the notification. Therefore, it is possible to further appropriately improve safety.

[0094]

[0080] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13b executes notification control based on the behavior information as well as the reliability of the determination made by the determination unit 13a as to whether or not a person has been left behind. This allows notification control to be executed according to the behavior of the occupant who has gotten off the vehicle 1 as well as the reliability, thereby appropriately suppressing a situation in which the occupant does not notice the notification. Therefore, safety can be further appropriately improved.

[0095]

[0081] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13 b changes the strength of perceptibility of the notification in the notification control based on the reliability. This more appropriately prevents the occupant from noticing the notification. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively and appropriately improve safety.

[0082] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13 b changes the timing of the notification in the notification control based on the reliability. This more appropriately prevents the occupant from noticing the notification. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively and appropriately improve safety.

[0096]

[0083] Preferably, in the processing device 13, the control unit 13b executes notification control based on the communication status with the external device in addition to the behavior information. This allows notification control to be executed according to the communication status with the external device in addition to the behavior of the occupant who has gotten off the vehicle 1, thereby appropriately suppressing the situation where the occupant does not notice the notification. Therefore, safety can be further improved. P 2 Parent (Occupant)

[0097] T1 1st Hour

[0098] T2 Second Hour

Claims

[Document name] Scope of claims

1. A processing device (13) for detecting an object (P1) left behind in a vehicle (1), comprising: a determination unit (13a) for determining whether the object has been left behind; and when the determination unit (13a) determines that the object has been left behind, and a control unit (13 b) that executes notification control to notify an occupant (P2) who has dismounted from a seatbelt (P3), wherein the control unit (13 b) executes the notification control based on behavior information that is information on the behavior of the occupant (P2).

2. The processing device described in claim 1, wherein the behavior information includes speed information which is information regarding the movement speed of the occupant (P2).

3. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the behavior information includes directional information which is information regarding the direction of movement of the occupant (P2).

4. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (13b) changes a timing of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information.

5. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (13b) changes a perceptibility intensity of the notification in the notification control based on the behavior information.

6. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (13b) executes the notification control based on a reliability of the determination of the presence or absence of the abandoned object made by the determination unit (13a) in addition to the behavior information.

7. The processing device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (13b) changes a strength of perceptibility due to the notification in the notification control based on the reliability.

8. The processing device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (13b) changes a timing of the notification in the notification control based on the reliability.

9. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (13b) executes the notification control based on a communication state with an external device in addition to the behavior information.

10. The processing device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (13b) changes a strength of perceptibility caused by the notification in the notification control based on the communication state.

11. The processing device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (13b) changes the timing of the notification in the notification control based on the communication state. [Claim 1 2] 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (13b) prohibits the notification control based on a positional relationship between the occupant (P2) and the vehicle (1).

13. A processing method for detecting an object (P1) left behind in a vehicle (1), comprising: a determination unit (13a) of a processing device (13) determines whether or not the object has been left behind; a control unit (13b) of the processing device (13) executes notification control for issuing a notification to an occupant (P2) who has disembarked from the vehicle (1) when the determination unit (13a) determines that the object has been left behind; and the control unit (13b) executes the notification control based on behavior information that is information on the behavior of the occupant (P2).

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