Information processing method, helmet, program, and emergency notification system

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing method capable of outputting an emergency notification, which is based on the degree of an impact to the head of a user, from a portable terminal device (2) to a first notification destination registered in advance.　In this information processing method: the degree of an impact to the head of the user is detected by a sensor provided to a helmet (1); a notification corresponding to the detected degree of impact is transmitted to the portable terminal device (2); and an emergency notification, that indicates the occurrence of an emergency and that corresponds to the notification, is output from the portable terminal device (2) to the first notification destination registered in advance.

Description

Information processing method, helmet, program, and emergency reporting system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, a helmet, a program, and an emergency notification system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an emergency communication system for reporting details of an accident from a vehicle in which a user is riding to an emergency rescue center or the like when the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident or the like.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-219488

[0004] However, the invention of Patent Document 1 had a problem in that when an emergency such as a traffic accident occurs, an emergency call based on the degree of impact to the user's head cannot be output from the mobile terminal device to the pre-registered first notification destination.

[0005] In one aspect, an object is to provide an information processing method, etc., for outputting an emergency call based on the degree of impact to the user's head from a mobile terminal device to a first notification destination registered in advance.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect detects the degree of impact on a user's head using a sensor provided in a helmet, sends a notification according to the detected degree of impact to a mobile terminal device, and outputs an emergency call indicating the occurrence of an emergency corresponding to the notification from the mobile terminal device to a first notification destination registered in advance.

[0007] In one aspect, an emergency call based on the degree of impact to the user's head can be output from the mobile terminal device to a first notification destination registered in advance.

[0008] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an emergency call system; FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a helmet; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a helmet; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a smartphone; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a user's selection; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting input of detailed information; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an emergency call system according to embodiment 1; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first screen for notifying a user of damage to the helmet; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a second screen for notifying a user of damage to the helmet; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an emergency call system according to embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an emergency call system according to embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a smartphone according to embodiment 3; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a record layout of a user DB; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an emergency call system according to embodiment 3.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an emergency notification system. The emergency notification system includes a helmet 1 and a mobile terminal device 2. When the helmet 1 transmits a notification (hereinafter referred to as an impact notification) to the mobile terminal device 2 according to the degree of impact on the user's head while the user is wearing the helmet 1, the emergency notification system outputs an emergency notification indicating the occurrence of an emergency from the mobile terminal device 2 to a pre-registered first notification destination. Furthermore, when the user transmits a notification (hereinafter referred to as an abnormality notification) to the mobile terminal device 2 according to the degree of a decrease in pulse rate while the user is wearing the helmet 1, the emergency notification system outputs an emergency notification from the mobile terminal device 2 to a pre-registered first notification destination.

[0011] The mobile terminal device 2 is a terminal device operated by a user who uses the emergency notification system, and is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 2 is described as a smartphone 2. The first notification destination is, for example, a fire command center, a medical institution, the user's company, or the user's relatives. In this embodiment, the first notification destination is described as a fire command center. The helmet 1 and the smartphone 2 transmit and receive information via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and infrared communication. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the helmet 1 and the smartphone 2 use Bluetooth (registered trademark), but this is not limited to this.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a helmet. The helmet 1 is, for example, substantially hemispherical. The helmet 1 includes a helmet body that covers and protects the head and an impact absorbing material that covers the interior of the helmet body. The helmet 1 is equipped with a pulse wave sensor 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a strain gauge 16, and a pressure sensor 17. The pulse wave sensor 14 is disposed on the surface of the impact absorbing material in a position facing the user's right and / or left head. The acceleration sensor 15 is disposed on the outer surface of the helmet 1 on an axis extending from the top to the back of the user's head. The strain gauge 16 is disposed on the surface of the helmet body that contacts the impact absorbing material, facing the user's forehead, temporal region, top, and back of the head via the impact absorbing material. The pressure sensor 17 is sheet-shaped and disposed on the surface of the impact absorbing material in a position that contacts the user's head.

[0013] The helmet 1 may be a full-face type. The helmet 1 may include a string for stably attaching the helmet 1 to the head. The strain gauge 16 may be disposed on the surface of the helmet body that comes into contact with the shock absorbing material, at any one of positions facing the forehead, sides, top, and back of the head of the user, with the shock absorbing material in between.

[0014] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the helmet 1. The helmet 1 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a short-range communication unit 13, a pulse wave sensor 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a strain gauge 16, and a pressure sensor 17. The above-mentioned units are interconnected via a bus. The control unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the short-range communication unit 13 are housed inside an impact absorbing material. The control unit 11 is configured using one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 11 executes various information processing operations performed by the helmet 1 by appropriately executing a control program 12P (program product) stored in the memory unit 12.

[0015] The storage unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 12 pre-stores a control program 12P executed by the control unit 11 and various data required for executing the control program 12P. The storage unit 12 temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 11 executes the control program 12P. The short-range communication unit 13 performs short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 2 through a pairing process. The pulse wave sensor 14 includes a light-emitting unit that emits light such as an LED and a light-receiving unit that receives light reflected from the body. The pulse wave sensor 14 acquires the user's pulse wave by irradiating light such as an LED onto the superficial temporal artery in the temporal region and receiving the reflected light after the light is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood. The pulse wave sensor 14 measures the pulse rate from the acquired pulse wave.

[0016] The acceleration sensor 15 measures acceleration in the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions. The control unit 11 calculates the total value of the acceleration at a certain point in time. The control unit 11 uses the calculated total value of the acceleration as the degree of impact to the user's head.

[0017] A gyro sensor or a pressure sensor may be used as a sensor for detecting an impact instead of the acceleration sensor 15. The control unit 11 may use the accelerations in the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions, the average value of each acceleration, and the square root of the sum of the squares of each acceleration as the degree of impact to the user's head instead of the total acceleration value.

[0018] The strain gauge 16 measures the degree of deformation of the helmet 1 as an electrical resistance value. The control unit 11 calculates the ratio between the current electrical resistance value of the helmet 1 and the electrical resistance value measured before the helmet 1 was sold. The calculated ratio is used as the degree of damage to the helmet 1.

[0019] Instead of the calculated ratio, the control unit 11 may use the difference between the current electrical resistance value and the electrical resistance value measured before sale as the degree of damage to the helmet 1.

[0020] The pressure sensor 17 detects the contact pressure when the user's head comes into contact with the inner surface of the helmet 1. Based on the detected contact pressure, the control unit 11 can determine whether or not the user is wearing the helmet 1. A weight sensor or a pressure sensor may be used instead of the pressure sensor 17.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the smartphone 2. The smartphone 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, a short-range communication unit 24, a communication unit 25, a GPS sensor 26, a display unit 27, and a reading unit 28. The above-described units are interconnected via a bus. The control unit 21 is configured using one or more processors, such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. The control unit 21 executes various information processing operations performed by the smartphone 2 by appropriately executing a control program 22P (a program product) stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores various data and the like required for the processing performed by the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 pre-stores the control program 22P executed by the control unit 21 and various data and the like required for executing the control program 22P. The storage unit 22 temporarily stores data and the like generated when the control unit 21 executes the control program 22P. The input unit 23 is an input interface, such as a touch panel, and receives operational input from the user. The short-range communication unit 24 performs short-range wireless communication with the helmet 1. The communication unit 25 transmits information to a fire command center or the like via a network. The GPS sensor 26 acquires location information of the user who owns the smartphone 2. The user's location information is acquired in longitude and latitude. The display unit 27 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The display unit 27 may be a touch panel integrated with the input unit 23.

[0022] The reading unit 28 reads information stored in a portable storage medium 2a, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or an SD (Secure Digital) card. The control program 22P and various data stored in the storage unit 22 may be read by the control unit 21 from the portable storage medium 2a via the reading unit 28 and stored in the storage unit 22. The control program 22P and various data stored in the storage unit 22 may also be downloaded by the control unit 21 from an external device via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0023] The first embodiment describes a method in which the emergency notification system outputs an emergency notification from the smartphone 2 to a fire command center when the degree of impact on the user's head exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0024] The user of the smartphone 2 inputs the user's personal information and an emergency contact number through the input unit 23. The user's personal information includes, for example, the user's name, date of birth, gender, blood type, any chronic illnesses the user has, contact information for relatives, and intentions regarding organ donation. The emergency contact number is, for example, the telephone number (119) of an emergency command center. The emergency contact number may also be, for example, the telephone numbers and email addresses of a medical institution, the user's company, the user's relatives, etc. In this embodiment, the emergency contact number is described as the telephone number (119) of the emergency command center. The control unit 21 stores the input personal information and the telephone number of the emergency command center in the memory unit 22.

[0025] The control unit 11 uses the pressure sensor 17 to acquire the contact pressure when the user's head comes into contact with the inner surface of the helmet 1. If the detected contact pressure does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the control unit 11 determines that the user is not wearing the helmet 1. The predetermined threshold is set, for example, based on the contact pressure when the user is wearing the helmet 1, measured in a safety test of the helmet 1. If the control unit 11 determines that the user is not wearing the helmet 1, it simply ends the processing. If the detected contact pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control unit 11 determines that the user is wearing the helmet 1. If the control unit 11 determines that the user is wearing the helmet 1, it uses the acceleration sensor 15 to acquire acceleration in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions at a certain point in time. The control unit 11 sums the acquired accelerations. The control unit 11 measures the user's pulse rate using the pulse wave sensor 14.

[0026] The control unit 11 determines whether the total acceleration value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is, for example, a reference value set in a safety test of the helmet 1 to distinguish between normal and emergency situations. If the control unit 11 determines that the total acceleration value exceeds the reference value, it transmits an impact notification and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2. If the control unit 11 determines that the total acceleration value does not exceed the reference value, it determines whether the user's pulse rate is within a predetermined range. If the control unit 11 determines that the user's pulse rate is within the predetermined range, it again acquires the acceleration in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions. If the control unit 11 determines that the user's pulse rate is not within the predetermined range, it transmits an abnormality notification and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2. Even after transmitting the impact notification or abnormality notification to the smartphone 2, the control unit 11 continues to measure the user's pulse rate at predetermined time intervals. The control unit 11 transmits the measured pulse rate to the smartphone 2 at predetermined time intervals.

[0027] The control unit 21 receives the impact notification and pulse rate transmitted from the helmet 1. Alternatively, the control unit 21 receives the abnormality notification and pulse rate transmitted from the helmet 1. The control unit 21 acquires the user's location information using the GPS sensor 26. The control unit 21 reads out the user's personal information and the telephone number of the emergency command center stored in the memory unit 22. The control unit 21 displays a screen on the display unit 27 that accepts the user's selection.

[0028] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen that accepts a user's selection. The selection screen d01 includes a message d011 for the user, a call button d012, a comment button d013, and a cancel button d014. When an operation input to the call button d012 is accepted, the control unit 21 performs a call process to the telephone number of the emergency command center via an external wireless base station. The user can report the accident situation to an operator at the fire command center. When an operation input to the comment button d013 is accepted, the control unit 21 displays a screen (see FIG. 6) that accepts detailed information on the display unit 27. When an operation input to the cancel button d014 is accepted, the control unit 21 simply ends the processing. When a predetermined time has elapsed without accepting an operation input to any of the call button d012, comment button d013, and cancel button d014, the control unit 21 notifies the emergency command center of the emergency call, pulse rate, location information, and personal information. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs a call process to the telephone number of the emergency command center, in the same manner as when an operation input to the call button d012 is received. The control unit 21 transmits the emergency call, pulse rate, location information, and personal information to an operator at the fire command center by automated voice. Note that when the control unit 21 receives input from the call button d012 while transmitting an emergency call or the like by automated voice, it can switch from the automated voice to a call by the user's voice. In addition, when the control unit 21 receives input from the comment button d013 while transmitting an emergency call or the like by automated voice, it can display a screen (see FIG. 6 ) for receiving detailed information on the display unit 27. The user can use the selection screen to select a means of reporting to the emergency command center according to their own situation.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting input of detailed information. The details screen d02 includes a message d021 for the user, a response field d022, and a send button d023. When an operation input to the response field d022 is accepted, the control unit 21 acquires detailed information about a traffic accident or the like entered by the user. When an operation input to the send button d023 is accepted, the control unit 21 reports the emergency call, pulse rate, location information, personal information, and detailed information to a fire command center. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs a call process to the telephone number of the emergency command center, similar to when an operation input to the call button d012 in FIG. 5 is accepted. The control unit 21 transmits the emergency call, pulse rate, location information, personal information, and detailed information to an operator at the fire command center by automated voice. By using the details screen d02, the user can report detailed information about a traffic accident or the like to a fire command center even when a call is unavailable.

[0030] The control unit 11 may use the accelerations in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions at a given point in time as the degree of impact to the user's head. In this case, the control unit 11 compares each acceleration with a preset reference value. The control unit 11 determines that an emergency, such as a traffic accident, has occurred if at least one of the accelerations exceeds the preset reference value. The control unit 11 determines that an emergency, such as a traffic accident, has not occurred if none of the accelerations exceeds the preset reference value.

[0031] The control unit 11 may determine whether an emergency, such as a traffic accident, has occurred based on the estimation result by the machine learning model. In this case, training data in which each acceleration at a certain point in time is associated with information indicating whether an emergency has occurred is used to generate the machine learning model. The information indicating whether an emergency has occurred is, for example, "An emergency has occurred" and "No emergency has occurred." When each acceleration at a certain point in time is input, the machine learning model outputs a probability value that an emergency has occurred and a probability value that an emergency has not occurred. The control unit 11 acquires the higher of the two output probability values ​​as the estimation result. Each acceleration in a time series (for example, one second) may be input to the machine learning model.

[0032] Instead of using an automated voice message, the control unit 21 may also use email, fax, short message service, pre-registered apps, etc. to report emergency information, pulse rate, location information, personal information, etc. to the fire command center.

[0033] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the emergency call system according to embodiment 1. The control unit 21 stores personal information of the user and the telephone number of the emergency command center in the storage unit 22 (step S101).

[0034] The control unit 21 uses the pressure sensor 17 to acquire the contact pressure when the user's head comes into contact with the inner surface of the helmet 1 (step S201). The control unit 11 determines whether the detected contact pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S202). If the control unit 11 determines that the detected contact pressure does not exceed the predetermined threshold (step S202: NO), it terminates the process. If the control unit 11 determines that the detected contact pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold (step S202: YES), it uses the acceleration sensor 15 to acquire accelerations in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions at a certain point in time (step S203). The control unit 11 sums the acquired accelerations (step S204). The control unit 11 uses the pulse wave sensor 14 to acquire the user's pulse rate (step S205).

[0035] The control unit 11 determines whether the sum of the accelerations exceeds a reference value (step S206). If the control unit 11 determines that the sum of the accelerations exceeds the reference value (step S206: YES), it transmits an impact notification and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2 (step S207). If the control unit 11 determines that the sum of the accelerations does not exceed the reference value (step S206: NO), it determines whether the user's pulse rate is within a predetermined range (step S208). If the control unit 11 determines that the user's pulse rate is within the predetermined range (step S208: YES), it returns the process to step S203. If the control unit 11 determines that the user's pulse rate is not within the predetermined range (step S208: NO), it transmits an abnormality notification and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2 (step S209).

[0036] The control unit 21 receives the impact notification and pulse rate transmitted from the helmet 1 (step S102). Alternatively, if the control unit 21 receives the abnormality notification and pulse rate transmitted from the helmet 1, the process proceeds to step S103. The control unit 21 acquires the user's location information using the GPS sensor 26 (step S103). The control unit 21 reads the user's personal information and the telephone number of the emergency command center stored in the storage unit 22 (step S104).

[0037] The control unit 21 displays the selection screen shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 27 (step S105). The control unit 21 determines whether the call button has been selected (step S106). If the control unit 21 determines that the call button has not been selected (step S106: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether the comment button has been selected (step S107). If the control unit 21 determines that the comment button has not been selected (step S107: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether the cancel button has been selected (step S108). If the control unit 21 determines that the cancel button has been selected (step S108: YES), the control unit 21 ends the process. If the control unit 21 determines that the cancel button has not been selected (step S108: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S109). If the control unit 21 determines that the predetermined time (e.g., 45 seconds) has not elapsed (step S109: NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S106. If the control unit 21 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S109: YES), it acquires (step S110) the latest pulse rate transmitted from the helmet 1. The control unit 21 then reports the emergency call, the latest pulse rate, the location information, and the personal information to the fire command center (step S111).

[0038] If the control unit 21 determines that the call button has been selected (step S106: YES), it performs a call process to the fire command center via an external wireless base station (step S112). If the control unit 21 determines that the comment button has been selected (step S107: YES), it displays the details screen shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 27 (step S113). The control unit 21 acquires detailed information about the traffic accident or the like entered in the reply field (step S114). The control unit 21 determines whether the send button has been selected (step S115). If the control unit 21 determines that the send button has been selected (step S115: YES), it proceeds to step S110. If the control unit 21 determines that the send button has not been selected (step S115: NO), it determines whether the cancel button has been selected (step S116). If the control unit 21 determines that the cancel button has been selected (step S116: YES), it ends the process. If the control unit 21 determines that the cancel button has not been selected (step S116: NO), it determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 120 seconds) has elapsed (step S117). If the control unit 21 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S117: NO), it returns the process to step S115. If the control unit 21 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S117: YES), it proceeds to step S110.

[0039] According to the first embodiment, the emergency notification system can send an emergency call from the smartphone 2 to a fire command center when the degree of impact on the user's head detected by the sensor provided in the helmet 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0040] According to the first embodiment, the emergency notification system can not only notify an emergency call, but also notify the user's pulse rate and personal information from the smartphone 2 to a fire command center.

[0041] According to the first embodiment, the emergency notification system can send an emergency notification or the like to the fire command center from the smartphone 2 even if the user loses consciousness.

[0042] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 describes a method in which, when the degree of damage to the helmet 1 is outside a predetermined range, the emergency notification system outputs a notification regarding damage to the helmet 1 (hereinafter referred to as a damage notification) to a second notification destination pre-registered from the smartphone 2.

[0043] The second notification destination is, for example, a company that manages / owns the helmet 1 and a sales company of the helmet 1. In this embodiment, the second notification destination is described as a company that manages / owns the helmet 1.

[0044] The user of the smartphone 2 inputs the user's personal information and the contact information to be notified in the event of an emergency via the input unit 23. The user's personal information is, for example, the user's name and employee number. The contact information to be notified in the event of an emergency is, for example, the email address and telephone number of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1. The contact information to be notified in the event of an emergency may also be, for example, the email address and telephone number of the sales company of the helmet 1. In this embodiment, the contact information to be notified in the event of an emergency will be described as the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1. The control unit 21 stores the input personal information and the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 in the memory unit 22.

[0045] The control unit 11 acquires the electrical resistance value of the helmet 1 using the strain gauge 16. The control unit 11 calculates the ratio between the acquired electrical resistance value and an electrical resistance value measured in advance through a safety test of the helmet 1. The control unit 11 determines whether the calculated ratio is within a predetermined range. If the control unit 11 determines that the calculated ratio is within the predetermined range, it determines that the damage to the helmet 1 is small. The control unit 11 acquires the electrical resistance value of the helmet 1 again after a certain period of time. If the control unit 11 determines that the calculated ratio is not within the predetermined range, it determines that the damage to the helmet 1 is large. The control unit 11 sends a damage notification to the smartphone 2. The damage notification includes an indicator indicating the degree of damage (large damage level or small damage level). If the calculated ratio is significantly outside the predetermined range, the indicator indicating the degree of damage becomes large damage level. If the calculated ratio is not significantly outside the predetermined range, the indicator indicating the degree of damage becomes small damage level. There are, for example, two types of indicators indicating the degree of damage: large damage level and small damage level. There may be two or more types of indicators indicating the extent of damage.

[0046] The control unit 21 receives the damage notification transmitted from the helmet 1. The control unit 21 displays a screen notifying the user of the helmet damage on the display unit 27. The screen notifying the user of the helmet damage changes according to an index indicating the extent of the damage.

[0047] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first screen notifying the user of helmet damage. The first screen d03 is displayed on the display unit 27 when the indicator indicating the extent of damage indicates a high damage level. The first screen d03 includes a message d031 for the user, a contact button d032, and a cancel button d033. When an operation input to the contact button d032 is received, the control unit 21 reads out the user's personal information and the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1, which are stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 notifies the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 that the helmet 1 has been severely damaged and the user's personal information. When an operation input to the cancel button d033 is received, the control unit 21 simply ends the processing.

[0048] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the second screen notifying the user of helmet damage. The second screen d04 is displayed on the display unit 27 when the indicator indicating the extent of damage indicates a small level of damage. The second screen d04 includes a message d041 for the user, a contact button d042, and a cancel button d043. When an operation input to the contact button d042 is received, the control unit 21 reads out the user's personal information and the notification destination in the event of an abnormality, which are stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 notifies the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 that the helmet 1 has been damaged and the user's personal information. When an operation input to the cancel button d043 is received, the control unit 21 simply ends the processing. The company that manages / owns the helmet 1 can select maintenance or an order for the helmet 1 depending on the degree of damage, etc.

[0049] The control unit 11 may use the difference between the electrical resistance value of the helmet 1 and the electrical resistance value measured in advance in a safety test as the degree of damage to the helmet 1. In this case, if the control unit 11 determines that the calculated difference is not within a predetermined range, it determines that the damage to the helmet 1 is large. If the control unit 11 determines that the calculated difference is within a predetermined range, it determines that the damage to the helmet 1 is small.

[0050] Instead of email, the control unit 21 may use voice communication, short message service, or a pre-registered app to notify the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 of the damage notification and personal information, etc.

[0051] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the emergency notification system according to embodiment 2. The control unit 21 stores the input personal information of the user and the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 in the storage unit 22 (step S301).

[0052] The control unit 11 acquires the electrical resistance value of the helmet 1 using the strain gauge 16 (step S401). The control unit 11 calculates the ratio between the acquired electrical resistance value and a previously measured electrical resistance value (step S402). The control unit 11 determines whether the calculated ratio is within a predetermined range (step S403). If the control unit 11 determines that the calculated ratio is within the predetermined range (step S403: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S401. If the control unit 11 determines that the calculated ratio is not within the predetermined range (step S403: NO), the control unit 11 sends a damage notification to the smartphone 2 (step S404).

[0053] The control unit 21 receives the damage notification sent from the helmet 1 (step S302). The control unit 21 determines whether the indicator indicating the extent of damage is a high damage level (step S303). If the indicator indicating the extent of damage is a high damage level (step S303: YES), the control unit 21 displays the first screen shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 27 (step S304). The control unit 21 determines whether the contact button has been selected (step S305). If the control unit 21 determines that the contact button has been selected (step S305: YES), the control unit 21 reads out the user's personal information and the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 stored in the storage unit 22 (step S306). The control unit 21 notifies the email address of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 that the helmet 1 has been severely damaged and the user's personal information (step S307). If the control unit 21 determines that the contact button has not been selected (step S305: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether the cancel button has been selected (step S308). If the control unit 21 determines that the Cancel button has been selected (step S308: YES), the control unit 21 ends the process. If the control unit 21 determines that the Cancel button has not been selected (step S308: NO), the control unit 21 returns the process to step S305.

[0054] If the indicator indicating the extent of damage is not a high damage level (step S303: NO), the control unit 21 displays the second screen shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 27 (step S309). The control unit 21 determines whether the Contact button has been selected (step S310). If the control unit 21 determines that the Contact button has been selected (step S310: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S306. If the control unit 21 determines that the Contact button has not been selected (step S310: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether the Cancel button has been selected (step S311). If the control unit 21 determines that the Cancel button has been selected (step S311: YES), the control unit 21 ends the process. If the control unit 21 determines that the Cancel button has not been selected (step S311: NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S310.

[0055] According to embodiment 2, the emergency notification system can send a damage notification from the smartphone 2 to the contact point of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 if the ratio between the electrical resistance value of the helmet 1 and the pre-measured electrical resistance value exceeds a reference value.

[0056] According to the second embodiment, the emergency notification system can notify the contact point of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 from the smartphone 2 even if the user is not aware of the damage to the helmet 1.

[0057] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 describes a method in which, when an emergency notification system receives an impact notification from a helmet 1, it outputs an emergency notification or the like including personal information of multiple users corresponding to the received impact notification from a smartphone 2 to an emergency command center.

[0058] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an emergency call system according to a third embodiment. The emergency call system includes helmets 1, 1... and a smartphone 2. Although the third embodiment describes an example in which two helmets 1 are used, this is not limiting. There may be three or more users wearing the helmets 1. In the third embodiment, the helmet 1 worn by a first user who owns a smartphone 2 is referred to as the first helmet 1, and the helmet 1 worn by the other second user is referred to as the second helmet 1. The second user is, for example, a friend or relative of the first user. The short-range communication unit 13 of the first helmet 1 or the second helmet 1 performs short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 2 of the first user through pairing processing.

[0059] 12 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the smartphone according to embodiment 3. The storage unit 22 includes a user DB 221. The user DB 221 stores personal information of the first user and the second user, the telephone number of the emergency command center, and the like.

[0060] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a record layout of a user DB. The user DB 221 includes a first helmet ID column, a second helmet ID column, a first personal information column, a second personal information column, and an emergency call destination column. The first helmet ID column stores a helmet ID (hereinafter referred to as the first helmet ID) for identifying the first helmet 1 used by the first user. The second helmet ID column stores a helmet ID (hereinafter referred to as the second helmet ID) for identifying the second helmet 1 used by the second user. The helmet ID is, for example, the model number of the helmet 1. The first personal information column stores personal information of the first user (hereinafter referred to as the first personal information). The second personal information column stores personal information of the second user (hereinafter referred to as the second personal information). The first personal information and the second personal information store, for example, the user's name, date of birth, gender, blood type, chronic illnesses the user has, contact information for relatives, and intentions regarding organ donation. The emergency call destination column stores, for example, the telephone number of an emergency command center.

[0061] If the second user is a friend or relative of the first user, or if the second helmet is used in common, the second personal information may be stored in the second personal information column without personal information of the second user (hereinafter referred to as "public"). The emergency call destination column may additionally store different contact information, such as contact information for family members and company contact information.

[0062] The first user inputs the first helmet ID, the second helmet ID, the first personal information, the second personal information, and the telephone number of the emergency command center into the first user's smartphone 2 by inputting the information into the input unit 23 .

[0063] The first user may cause the smartphone 2 to read the first helmet ID and the second helmet ID from two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) attached to the outer surfaces of the first helmet 1 and the second helmet 1. The first helmet ID and the second helmet ID may be read by the smartphone 2 during a pairing process between the first helmet 1 and the second helmet 1 and the smartphone 2.

[0064] The control unit 21 stores the input first helmet ID, second helmet ID, first personal information, second personal information, and the telephone number of the emergency command center in the user DB 221.

[0065] The control unit 11 of the first helmet 1 executes the same process as in the first embodiment, from acquiring the contact surface pressure using the pressure sensor 17 to acquiring the first user's pulse rate using the pulse wave sensor 14. The control unit 11 determines whether the total acceleration value exceeds a reference value. If the control unit 11 determines that the total acceleration value exceeds the reference value, it transmits the first helmet ID, an impact notification, and the first user's pulse rate to the smartphone 2. If the control unit 11 determines that the total acceleration value does not exceed the reference value, it determines whether the first user's pulse rate is within a predetermined range. If the control unit 11 determines that the first user's pulse rate is within the predetermined range, it again acquires the acceleration in the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions. If the control unit 11 determines that the first user's pulse rate is not within the predetermined range, it transmits the first helmet ID, an abnormality notification, and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2.

[0066] The control unit 21 receives the first helmet ID, impact notification, and pulse rate transmitted from the first helmet 1. Alternatively, the control unit 21 receives the first helmet ID, abnormality notification, and pulse rate transmitted from the first helmet 1. The control unit 21 acquires location information of the first user using the GPS sensor 26. The control unit 21 reads out the first personal information, second personal information, and phone number of the emergency command center corresponding to the first helmet ID from the user DB 221. The subsequent processing is the same as in embodiment 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] In the third embodiment, an example has been described in which the first helmet transmits an impact notification and the like to the smartphone 2 of the first user, but the present invention is not limited to this. The second helmet may transmit an impact notification and the like to the smartphone 2 of the first user. In this case, the control unit 11 of the second helmet 1 transmits the second helmet ID, the impact notification, and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2 of the first user. Alternatively, the control unit 11 transmits the second helmet ID, the abnormality notification, and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2 of the first user.

[0068] The control unit 21 receives the second helmet ID, impact notification, and pulse rate transmitted from the second helmet 1. Alternatively, the control unit 21 receives the second helmet ID, abnormality notification, and pulse rate transmitted from the second helmet 1. The control unit 21 acquires location information of the first user using the GPS sensor 26. The control unit 21 reads out the first personal information, second personal information, and phone number of the emergency command center corresponding to the second helmet ID from the user DB 221. The subsequent processing is the same as in embodiment 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the emergency call system according to embodiment 3. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 14, steps S207, S209, S101, S102, and S104 in the processing shown in Fig. 7 are replaced with steps S607, S609, S501, S502, and S504. Explanations of steps similar to those in Fig. 7 will be omitted. The control unit 21 stores the input first helmet ID, second helmet ID, first personal information, second personal information, and the telephone number of the emergency command center in the user DB 221 (step S501).

[0070] The control unit 11 executes the processes from steps S201 to S206 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If the control unit 11 determines that the total acceleration value exceeds the reference value (step S206: YES), it transmits the first helmet ID, the impact notification, and the pulse rate of the first user to the smartphone 2 (step S607). If the control unit 11 determines that the total acceleration value does not exceed the reference value (step S206: NO), it determines whether the pulse rate is within a predetermined range (step S208). If the control unit 11 determines that the pulse rate is within the predetermined range (step S208: YES), it returns the process to step S203. If the control unit 11 determines that the pulse rate is not within the predetermined range (step S208: NO), it transmits the first helmet ID, the abnormality notification, and the pulse rate to the smartphone 2 (step S609).

[0071] The control unit 21 receives the first helmet ID, impact notification, and pulse rate transmitted from the first helmet 1 (step S502). Alternatively, if the control unit 21 receives the first helmet ID, abnormality notification, and pulse rate transmitted from the first helmet 1, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S103. The control unit 21 acquires location information of the first user using the GPS sensor 26 (step S103). The control unit 21 reads out the first personal information, second personal information, and the telephone number of the emergency command center corresponding to the first helmet ID from the user DB 221 (step S504). The control unit 21 proceeds to step S105.

[0072] According to embodiment 3, when the emergency notification system receives an impact notification from the helmet 1, it can report the location information of the first user who owns the smartphone 2, personal information of multiple users, emergency notifications, etc. to an emergency command center from the smartphone 2.

[0073] The emergency notification system of the third embodiment may be used at a factory site, etc. In this case, personal information of a worker wearing the helmet 1 is input into the smartphone 2 of a representative of the factory site.

[0074] The emergency notification system of embodiment 3 can also be applied to embodiment 2. Specifically, when any of a plurality of helmets 1 paired with the smartphone 2 transmits a damage notification and a helmet ID to the smartphone 2, the emergency notification system reads the user's personal information and contact information of the sales company corresponding to the helmet ID from the smartphone 2. The emergency notification system notifies the contact information of the company that manages / owns the helmet 1 of the damage notification and the user's personal information, etc. from the smartphone 2.

[0075] The matters described in each of the above embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used.

[0076] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0077] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Helmet 11 Control unit 12 Memory unit 12P Control program 221 User DB 13 Near field communication unit 14 Pulse wave sensor 15 Acceleration sensor 16 Strain gauge 17 Pressure sensor 2 Portable terminal device (smartphone) 21 Control unit 22 Memory unit 22P Control program 23 Input unit 24 Near field communication unit 25 Communication unit 26 GPS sensor 27 Display unit 28 Reading unit 2a Portable storage medium

Claims

1. An information processing method for detecting the degree of impact on a user's head by a sensor provided in a helmet, transmitting a notification corresponding to the detected degree of impact to a mobile terminal device, and outputting an emergency report indicating the occurrence of an emergency corresponding to the notification from the mobile terminal device to a first notification destination registered in advance.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein a control unit provided in the helmet determines whether the degree of impact exceeds a predetermined threshold, and when it is determined that the threshold is exceeded, the notification is transmitted to the mobile terminal device.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pulse wave sensor provided in the helmet acquires the user's pulse rate, transmits the acquired pulse rate to the mobile terminal device, and outputs the transmitted pulse rate and the emergency report from the mobile terminal device to the first notification destination.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein personal information including the user's name, date of birth, gender, blood type, medical history, contact information, and intention regarding organ donation registered in advance in the mobile terminal device is read out, and the read personal information and the emergency report are output from the mobile terminal device to the first notification destination.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein a strain gauge provided in the helmet detects the degree of damage to the helmet, determines whether the detected degree of damage is within a predetermined range, and when it is determined that it is not within the range, transmits a notification regarding the damage to the helmet to the mobile terminal device, and outputs the transmitted notification from the mobile terminal device to a second notification destination registered in advance.

6. A helmet comprising a control unit and a sensor for detecting the degree of impact on a user's head, wherein the control unit transmits a notification corresponding to the degree of impact to a mobile terminal device that outputs an emergency report indicating the occurrence of an emergency to a first notification destination when the degree of impact detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

7. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of acquiring a notification corresponding to the degree of impact from a helmet provided with a sensor for detecting the degree of impact on a user's head, and outputting an emergency report indicating the occurrence of an emergency corresponding to the notification to a first notification destination registered in advance.

8. An emergency notification system comprising a helmet and a mobile terminal device, wherein the helmet includes a control unit and a sensor for detecting the degree of impact on the user's head, and the control unit transmits a notification corresponding to the degree of impact detected by the sensor to the mobile terminal device; the mobile terminal device includes a second control unit, and the second control unit receives the notification transmitted from the helmet and outputs an emergency notification indicating the occurrence of an emergency corresponding to the received notification to a first organization registered in advance. An emergency notification system.

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