JP2008203980A - Emergency notification device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an occupant number notification device allowing an emergency notification center to certainly acquire the accurate number of occupants of a vehicle in accident occurrence of the vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: This emergency notification device 100 has an emergency notification ECU 10, a seating sensor 12, an in-cabin camera 13, a communication device 16, and an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) on-vehicle machine 20 or the like. The emergency notification ECU 10 detects the number of the occupants of one's own vehicle by the seating sensor 12 and the in-cabin camera 13, stores an occupant number signal showing the number of the occupants in a storage device 19, decides whether communication with an ETC entrance gate is started or not by confirming a communication state of the ETC on-vehicle machine 20 so as to decide whether to transmit a vehicle information signal (an identification information signal and the occupant number signal) to the emergency notification center or not, and transmits the vehicle information signal (the identification information signal and the occupant number signal) stored in the storage device 19 to the emergency notification center by use of the communication device 16 when deciding that the communication with the ETC entrance gate (an ETC roadside machine) is started. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an emergency call device.

  Conventionally, as an example of an apparatus for notifying an emergency call center of the number of passengers when a vehicle accident occurs, there is an emergency call apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1.

The emergency call device shown in Patent Document 1 automatically calls the vehicle in the event of a vehicle accident or emergency, and allows a vehicle occupant to directly interact with the operator of the emergency call center. And the emergency call device shown in patent document 1 is information, such as the number of passengers based on the presence or absence of opening and closing of the door of the vehicle, the image of the passenger captured by the in-vehicle imaging camera, the operating state of the airbag device, when the accident of the vehicle occurs Is automatically transmitted to the emergency call center, so that even if the passenger loses consciousness or goes out of the vehicle and cannot directly talk to the emergency call center, the emergency call center will use the information automatically sent. And urgent information can be accurately grasped.
JP 2001-43469 A

  However, when the emergency notification device shown in Patent Document 1 automatically transmits information such as the number of occupants to the emergency notification center when a vehicle accident occurs, the communication device breaks down due to the impact of the accident, and the information on the occupants etc. You may not be able to send. In addition, when the in-vehicle imaging camera or the like breaks down due to the impact of the accident, there is a possibility that the accurate number of passengers cannot be transmitted. In this case, the emergency call center may not be able to accurately grasp the number of passengers and may not be able to grasp how many ambulances are required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an occupant number notifying device that allows an emergency call center to accurately grasp the number of occupants of a vehicle when a vehicle accident occurs. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the emergency call device according to claim 1 is an emergency call device for making an emergency call to a predetermined emergency call center using a communication device mounted on the own vehicle when an accident of the own vehicle occurs. Occupant number detecting means for detecting the number of occupants and outputting an occupant number signal indicating the number of occupants, vehicle information storage means for storing a vehicle information signal including an identification information signal of the own vehicle and an occupant number signal, and pay ETC vehicle-mounted device capable of communicating with an ETC roadside device on a road, and communication control means for transmitting a vehicle information signal to an emergency call center using a communication device when the ETC vehicle-mounted device communicates with the ETC roadside device. It is characterized by.

  Thus, when the ETC vehicle-mounted device communicates with the ETC roadside device, the vehicle information signal is transmitted to the emergency call center by the communication device, so that the accuracy of the own vehicle traveling on the toll road such as an expressway can be accurately determined. The emergency call center can be surely notified of the number of passengers. In other words, as shown in claim 1, by transmitting the number of passengers of the own vehicle to the emergency call center in advance, the exact number of passengers of the own vehicle traveling on a toll road such as an expressway can be determined. The emergency call center can be surely notified.

  Further, the number of passengers usually does not increase or decrease on toll roads such as expressways. In other words, there is a possibility that the number of passengers at the start of driving on toll roads such as expressways (the number of passengers when the ETC in-vehicle device communicates with the ETC roadside device) and the number of passengers at the time of the accident are the same. Is expensive.

  Therefore, even if an accident occurs on the own vehicle on a toll road such as an expressway and the communication device or the number of passenger detection means breaks down due to the impact of the accident, the emergency call center can accurately detect the vehicle at the time of the accident. The number of passengers can be ascertained with certainty.

  In order to achieve the above object, the emergency call device according to claim 2 is an emergency call device for making an emergency call to a predetermined emergency call center using a communication device mounted on the own vehicle when an accident of the own vehicle occurs. Occupant number detection means for detecting the number of occupants of the own vehicle and outputting an occupant number signal indicating the number of occupants; vehicle information storage means for storing a vehicle information signal including an identification information signal of the own vehicle and an occupant number signal; And a communication control means for transmitting a vehicle information signal to an emergency call center before the occurrence of an accident by a communication device.

  In this way, by transmitting the vehicle information signal to the emergency call center before the accident occurs by the communication device, it is possible to reliably notify the emergency call center of the correct number of passengers of the own vehicle. Therefore, even when an accident occurs in the own vehicle and the communication device or the occupant number detecting means breaks down, the emergency call center can surely grasp the exact number of occupants of the own vehicle at the time of the accident.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the vehicle is provided with a traveling state detecting means for detecting the traveling state of the own vehicle, and the communication control means sends a vehicle information signal to the emergency call center via the communication device when the traveling of the own vehicle is detected. You may make it transmit to.

  There is a low possibility that an accident will occur at the time when the traveling of the host vehicle is detected. Therefore, it is possible to regard the time when the traveling of the host vehicle is detected as being before the occurrence of the accident. As described above, when the traveling of the host vehicle is detected, the vehicle information signal is transmitted to the emergency call center by the communication device, so that the number of passengers can be notified to the emergency call center before the accident occurs. Further, the number of passengers is fixed when the host vehicle starts to travel even if the host vehicle stops (parks) and increases or decreases. Therefore, by making it as shown in claim 3, it is possible to inform the emergency call center of a more accurate number of passengers.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of a vehicle door in the own vehicle, and the communication control means transmits a vehicle information signal when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the own vehicle is detected. May be sent to the emergency call center.

  When the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected, the possibility of an accident is low. Therefore, the time point when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected can be regarded as before the occurrence of the accident. As described above, when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected, the number of passengers can be notified to the emergency call center before the accident occurs by transmitting a vehicle information signal to the emergency call center through the communication device. . Further, the number of passengers is fixed when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected, even if the host vehicle temporarily stops (parks) and increases or decreases. Therefore, by making it as shown in claim 4, it is possible to inform the emergency call center of a more accurate number of passengers.

  The number of occupants detected by the occupant detection means may be detected every predetermined time as shown in claim 5, or the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected as shown in claim 6. When it is done, it may be detected. However, a more accurate number of passengers can be detected by detecting when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the vehicle door in the own vehicle, and the occupant detection means detects the number of passengers of the own vehicle when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the own vehicle is detected. The communication control means may detect the opening / closing of the door of the own vehicle, and when the number of passengers of the own vehicle is detected, the communication control means may transmit a vehicle information signal to the emergency call center by the communication device.

  Thus, since the number of passengers at the time when the opening / closing of the vehicle door is detected can be transmitted to the emergency call center, it is possible to notify the emergency call center of a more accurate number of passengers.

  Further, as shown in claim 8, the occupant detection means includes a seat switch provided in each seat of the host vehicle, and an output signal of the seat switch may be output as the occupant number signal.

  The number of passengers can also be detected by doing so.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the occupant number detection means includes an imaging device that images the passenger compartment of the host vehicle, and the imaging signal of the imaging device may be output as the occupant number signal.

  The number of passengers can also be detected by doing so. In the case of a seat switch, there is a possibility that an occupant cannot be detected when a child seat is provided (detection omission), or erroneously detected when a luggage is placed on the seat. However, in the case of an imaging device, such detection omissions and false detections can be reduced. Furthermore, the detection accuracy can be further improved by using both the output signal of the seat switch and the imaging signal of the imaging device as occupant number signals.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an emergency call device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the storage operation of the emergency call device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the communication operation of the emergency call device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The emergency notification device 100 according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle, and automatically (actuates the airbag device 17) or simple manual operation (the notification switch 18) when a traffic accident or an emergency occurs in the vehicle. )), The communication device 16 to be described later establishes communication connection to the mobile communication network and informs the emergency call center of the situation.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the emergency call device 100 includes an emergency call ECU 10, an IG switch 11, a seating sensor (seat switch) 12, a vehicle interior camera (imaging device) 13, a microphone 14, a speaker 15, a communication device 16, an air A bag device 17, a notification switch 18, a storage device 19, an ETC in-vehicle device 20, and the like are provided.

  The emergency call ECU 10 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and a bus line for connecting these configurations. The emergency notification ECU 10 includes an IG switch 11, a seating sensor (seat switch) 12, a vehicle interior camera (imaging device) 13, a microphone 14, a speaker 15, a communication device 16, an airbag device 17, a notification switch 18, and a storage device 19. The ETC in-vehicle device 20 is connected.

  Further, the emergency call ECU 10 performs arithmetic processing for the emergency call device 100 to execute various functions. For example, when the emergency call ECU 10 detects the operation of the airbag device 17 described later, the emergency call ECU 10 uses the communication device 16 to establish communication connection with the mobile communication network, or stores the detection signal from the seating sensor 12 in the storage device 19. Or The processing operation of the emergency call ECU 10 will be described in detail later.

  The IG switch 11 is operated by the user, and outputs a signal indicating the on / off state of the IG switch to the emergency call ECU 10.

  The seating sensor (seat switch) 12 corresponds to the occupant detection means in the claims of the present invention, and is provided on each seat of the host vehicle. Then, the seating sensor 12 is turned on while a person is sitting on the seat, and outputs an output signal (occupant number signal) indicating the number of passengers to the emergency call ECU 10.

  The vehicle interior camera (imaging device) 13 corresponds to the occupant detection means in the claims of the present invention, and is composed of a CCD camera or the like that images the state of the vehicle interior. Since the vehicle interior camera 13 is for detecting the number of passengers in the vehicle, it is preferable to provide the vehicle interior camera in a place where the entire vehicle interior can be imaged, such as an indoor mirror or an overhead console. The vehicle interior camera 13 outputs the captured image signal (passenger number signal), that is, an image capture signal (passenger number signal) in which the passengers present in the vehicle interior are imaged to the emergency notification ECU 10. The operator of the emergency call center can confirm the number of occupants by looking at the image signal obtained by imaging the occupants present in the passenger compartment.

  The microphone 14 inputs an occupant's transmission voice signal to the vehicle when performing a hands-free call using the communication device 16. The speaker 15 makes a sound of a received voice signal from an emergency call center or the like when performing a hands-free call using the communication device 16. That is, the microphone 14 and the speaker 15 are for performing a voice conversation with the operator of the emergency call center by performing a hands-free call.

  The communication device 16 performs line connection to and disconnection operation from the mobile communication network for performing communication with the emergency call center according to a command from the emergency call ECU 10, and operates the mobile communication network. A unique communication telephone number is given based on a telephone line contract with a telecommunications carrier. The communication device 16 can be configured exclusively for the emergency call device 100, but can also be configured using a car phone or a mobile phone.

  For example, the airbag device 17 detects a collision of an airbag embedded in the center of the vehicle handle, the passenger seat side of the vehicle instrument panel, the left side of the passenger seat of the vehicle, the right side of the driver seat of the vehicle, and the own vehicle. A collision sensor including an acceleration sensor to detect, a control circuit for instructing deployment of the airbag, and the like are provided. The control circuit of the airbag device 17 is an airbag at an appropriate position depending on the magnitude of the collision based on the detection signal from the collision sensor, the direction of the collision based on the detection signal from the collision sensor, and the position of the occupant based on the detection signal from the seating sensor 12. Expand. When the airbag device is deployed, the airbag device 17 outputs a signal indicating that the airbag has been deployed to the emergency notification ECU 10.

  The notification switch 18 is operated by an occupant (driver, passenger) in an emergency, and outputs an operation signal indicating an emergency to the emergency notification ECU 10 when operated.

  The storage device 19 corresponds to the vehicle information storage means in the claims of the present invention, and includes an identification information signal such as the ID of the host vehicle and the vehicle number, and an occupant number signal output by the seating sensor 12 and the vehicle interior camera 13. A vehicle information signal including (an output signal indicating the number of passengers, an imaging signal), a telephone number of an emergency call center, and the like are stored. Although not shown, a position detection device for detecting the current position of the host vehicle by a GPS receiver or the like is provided, and a position signal indicating the current position of the host vehicle detected by the position detection device is stored. Also good.

  The ETC in-vehicle device 20 is a vehicle-side communication device in an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system, which is a well-known technology, and performs wireless communication with an ETC roadside device installed at a toll gate on a toll road such as an expressway. The ETC in-vehicle device 20 needs to have a dedicated IC card in which information related to tolls, ID, etc. are registered.

  Here, the processing operation of the emergency call device 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

  When a signal indicating deployment of the airbag is output from the airbag device 17 or an operation signal indicating an emergency is output from the notification switch 18, the emergency notification ECU 10 causes the mobile communication network to communicate with the communication device 16. By making a communication connection, the operator of the emergency call center and the passenger of the own vehicle can make a call.

  Further, the emergency call device 100 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that a vehicle information signal (identification information signal, number of passengers signal) is transmitted to the emergency call center in advance (before an accident occurs).

  Therefore, first, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, a storage operation of the emergency call device 100 (an operation for storing a passenger number signal to be transmitted to the emergency call center) will be described. The flow chart shown in FIG. 2 starts when a signal indicating the ON state of the IG switch is output from the IG switch 11, and is repeatedly executed every predetermined time.

  In step S <b> 10 shown in FIG. 2, the emergency call ECU 10 detects the number of passengers using the seating sensor 12. In step S11 shown in FIG. 2, the emergency call ECU 10 stores an output signal indicating the number of passengers output from the seating sensor 12 in the storage device 19 as a part of the passenger number signal.

  In step S <b> 12 shown in FIG. 2, the emergency call ECU 10 images the vehicle interior with the vehicle interior camera 13. In step S13 shown in FIG. 2, the emergency call ECU 10 stores the imaging signal output from the vehicle interior camera 13 in the storage device 19 as a part of the passenger number signal.

  As described above, by repeating Steps S10 to S13 every predetermined time, the latest occupant number signal (an output signal indicating the number of occupants, an imaging signal) is always stored in the storage device 19. Therefore, the emergency call device 100 can be in a state in which a vehicle information signal (identification information signal, number of passengers signal) can be transmitted to the emergency call center in advance (before an accident occurs).

  Next, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the communication operation of the emergency call device 100 (the operation of transmitting a passenger number signal to the emergency call center) will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed every predetermined time while the emergency call apparatus 100 is supplied with power.

  In step S21, the emergency notification ECU 10 confirms the communication state of the ETC in-vehicle device 20 to determine whether or not to transmit a vehicle information signal (identification information signal, number of passengers signal) to the emergency notification center. It is determined whether or not communication with the entrance gate is started. When the emergency call ECU 10 determines that the ETC vehicle-mounted device 20 has started communication with the ETC entrance gate (ETC roadside device) in response to a signal from the ETC roadside device provided at the ETC entrance gate, step S22. If it is determined that communication with the ETC entrance gate has not started, the process ends.

  In step S22, the ETC in-vehicle device 20 transmits information related to the payment of the fee.

  In step S <b> 23, the emergency call ECU 10 transmits the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, passenger number signal) stored in the storage device 19 to the emergency call center using the communication device 16. In addition, you may make it transmit to the emergency call center by the communication apparatus 16 the position signal which shows the present position of the own vehicle memorize | stored in the memory | storage device 19 with this vehicle information signal.

  Thus, when the ETC in-vehicle device 20 communicates with the ETC roadside device, the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, occupant number signal) is transmitted to the emergency call center by the communication device 16, so It is possible to reliably notify the emergency call center of the exact number of passengers traveling on the toll road. In other words, by sending the number of passengers (vehicle information signal) of the vehicle to the emergency call center in advance (before the accident), the exact number of passengers traveling on toll roads such as expressways can be determined. The emergency call center can be surely notified. In addition, the imaging signal output from the vehicle interior camera 13 can grasp | ascertain the passenger | crew number of the own vehicle by reproducing | regenerating in an emergency call center.

  Further, the number of passengers usually does not increase or decrease on toll roads such as expressways. In other words, the number of passengers when starting to drive on a toll road such as an expressway (the number of passengers when the ETC in-vehicle device 20 communicates with the ETC roadside device) and the number of passengers at the time of the accident can be the same. High nature.

  Therefore, even if an accident occurs in the own vehicle on a toll road such as an expressway and the communication device 16, the seating sensor 12, the vehicle interior camera 13, and the storage device 19 break down due to the impact of the accident, the emergency call center The exact number of passengers of the vehicle at the time of the accident can be surely grasped.

  As a result, the emergency call center that received a report from a passenger in the vehicle around the accident site, etc., confirms the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, occupant number signal) that was sent in advance if the vehicle number was known. This makes it possible to know how many ambulances are required.

  Even if the passenger loses consciousness or goes out of the vehicle and cannot talk to the operator, the emergency call center can accurately determine the number of passengers.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the seating sensor 12 and the vehicle interior camera 13 are used to detect an occupant of the host vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. Only the seating sensor 12 may be used, or only the vehicle interior camera 13 may be used. However, in the case of a seating sensor, there is a possibility that an occupant cannot be detected when a child seat is provided (detection omission), or erroneously detected when a luggage is placed on the seat. However, in the case of the vehicle interior camera 13, such omission of detection or erroneous detection can be reduced. Furthermore, the detection accuracy of the number of passengers can be further improved by using both the seating sensor 12 and the vehicle interior camera 13.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the example which detects a passenger | crew number signal for every predetermined time was shown, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a vehicle door opening / closing sensor may be provided to detect the occupant number signal when the opening / closing of the vehicle door is detected, that is, every time the vehicle door is opened / closed. The number of passengers is fixed when the vehicle door is opened or closed even if the host vehicle stops (parks) and increases or decreases. Therefore, by detecting the occupant number signal when the vehicle door is opened and closed, it is possible to inform the emergency call center of the correct number of occupants.

  Further, the traveling state of the host vehicle may be detected based on the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, the position of the shift lever, etc. (running state detecting means), and the occupant number signal may be detected when the host vehicle starts traveling. That is, the number of occupants is fixed when the host vehicle starts running even if the host vehicle stops (parks) and increases or decreases. Therefore, by detecting the occupant number signal when the host vehicle starts traveling, it is possible to notify the emergency call center of the correct number of occupants.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, passenger number signal) is directly transmitted to the emergency call center. However, the vehicle information signal is transmitted from the ETC in-vehicle device 20 to the ETC roadside device. It may be. And you may make it transmit to an emergency call center via an internet network etc. from an ETC roadside machine. That is, the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, passenger number signal) may be indirectly transmitted to the emergency call center.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the emergency call device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the communication operation of the emergency call device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Since the emergency notification device 200 in the second embodiment is often in common with that in the first embodiment described above, a detailed description of common parts will be omitted, and different parts will be described mainly. . The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that the vehicle door opening / closing sensor 30 is provided without providing the ETC in-vehicle device 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the emergency call device 200 includes an emergency call ECU 10, an IG switch 11, a seating sensor (seat switch) 12, a vehicle interior camera (imaging device) 13, a microphone 14, a speaker 15, a communication device 16, and an airbag. The device 17, the notification switch 18, the storage device 19, and further includes a vehicle door open / close sensor 30 configured to detect opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle and including a courtesy switch.

  Here, the processing operation of the emergency call apparatus 200 in the present embodiment will be described.

  Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the emergency notification ECU 10 outputs a signal indicating the deployment of the airbag from the airbag device 17 or outputs an operation signal indicating an emergency from the notification switch 18. The communication device 16 is connected to the mobile communication network to make it possible for the operator of the emergency call center and the passenger of the own vehicle to talk.

  The emergency notification device 200 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that a vehicle information signal (identification information signal, number of passengers signal) is transmitted to the emergency notification center in advance (before an accident occurs).

  Therefore, the emergency call device 200 performs an operation of detecting a passenger number signal to be transmitted to the emergency call center and storing it in the storage device 19, similarly to the flow shown in FIG. 2 of the above-described embodiment. As in the above-described embodiment, the occupant number signal may be detected every predetermined time, or may be detected when the opening / closing of the vehicle door is detected. It may be detected when the vehicle starts traveling.

  Next, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the communication operation of the emergency call device 200 (the operation of transmitting a passenger number signal to the emergency call center) will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed every predetermined time while power is supplied to the emergency call device 200.

  In step S31, the emergency notification ECU 10 confirms the detection signal from the vehicle door opening / closing sensor 30 in order to determine whether or not to transmit a vehicle information signal (identification information signal, number of passengers signal) to the emergency notification center. To determine whether the vehicle door has been opened or closed. If the emergency call ECU 10 determines that the vehicle door has been opened and closed, the emergency call ECU 10 regards it as before the occurrence of the accident and proceeds to step S32. If the emergency call ECU 10 determines that the vehicle door has not been opened and closed, the processing ends. That is, since the possibility of an accident occurring when the vehicle door is opened and closed is low, the time when the vehicle door is opened and closed can be regarded as before the accident.

  In step S <b> 32, the emergency notification ECU 10 transmits the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, passenger number signal) stored in the storage device 19 to the emergency notification center using the communication device 16. In addition, you may make it transmit to the emergency call center by the communication apparatus 16 the position signal which shows the present position of the own vehicle memorize | stored in the memory | storage device 19 with this vehicle information signal.

  In this way, by transmitting the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, occupant number signal) when the vehicle door is opened and closed, the vehicle information signal can be transmitted to the emergency call center before the accident occurs. In addition, the passenger nest is fixed when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected even if the host vehicle temporarily stops (parks) and increases / decreases. Therefore, it is possible to inform the emergency call center of a more accurate number of passengers.

  Thus, by transmitting a vehicle information signal to the emergency call center before the accident occurs, it is possible to reliably notify the emergency call center of the exact number of passengers of the vehicle. Therefore, even if an accident occurs in the own vehicle and the communication device 16, the seating sensor 12, the vehicle interior camera 13, and the storage device 19 break down due to the impact of the accident, Accurate number of passengers can be ascertained.

  As a result, the emergency call center that received a report from a passenger in the vehicle around the accident site, etc., confirms the vehicle information signal (identification information signal, occupant number signal) that was sent in advance if the vehicle number was known. This makes it possible to know how many ambulances are required.

  Even if the passenger loses consciousness or goes out of the vehicle and cannot talk to the operator, the emergency call center can accurately determine the number of passengers.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle information signal is transmitted when the vehicle door is opened and closed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the travel state of the host vehicle is detected based on the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, the position of the shift lever, etc. (running state detecting means), and when the host vehicle starts traveling, an occupant number signal is transmitted by the communication device 16 to the emergency call center. You may make it transmit to. In other words, the possibility of an accident occurring at the time when the host vehicle detects traveling is low. Therefore, the time point when the host vehicle detects traveling can be regarded as before the occurrence of the accident. As described above, when the traveling of the host vehicle is detected, the number of passengers can be notified to the emergency call center before the accident occurs by transmitting the vehicle information signal to the emergency call center through the communication device 16. . Further, the number of passengers is fixed when the host vehicle starts to travel even if the host vehicle stops (parks) and increases or decreases. Therefore, it is possible to inform the emergency call center of a more accurate number of passengers.

  Further, the emergency call ECU 10 detects the number of passengers (passenger number signal) of the own vehicle when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the own vehicle is detected (occupant detection means), and detects the opening / closing of the door of the own vehicle. When the number of passengers is detected, a vehicle information signal may be transmitted (communication control means) to the emergency call center by the communication device.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the seating sensor 12 and the vehicle interior camera 13 are used to detect an occupant of the host vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. Similar to the above-described embodiment, only the seating sensor 12 may be used, or only the vehicle interior camera 13 may be used. However, in the case of a seating sensor, there is a possibility that an occupant cannot be detected when a child seat is provided (detection omission), or erroneously detected when a luggage is placed on the seat. However, in the case of the vehicle interior camera 13, such omission of detection or erroneous detection can be reduced. Furthermore, the detection accuracy of the number of passengers can be further improved by using both the seating sensor 12 and the vehicle interior camera 13.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the emergency call apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the memory | storage operation | movement of the emergency call apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the communication operation | movement of the emergency call apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the emergency call apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the communication operation | movement of the emergency call apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 emergency call ECU, 11 IG switch, 12 seating sensor (seat switch), 13 in-vehicle camera (imaging device), 14 microphone, 15 speaker, 16 communication device, 17 airbag device, 18 notification switch, 19 storage device, 20 ETC in-vehicle device, 30 Vehicle door open / close sensor, 100, 200 Emergency call device

Claims (9)

In an emergency call device that makes an emergency call to a predetermined emergency call center with a communication device installed in the own vehicle when an accident occurs in the own vehicle,
Occupant number detecting means for detecting the occupant number of the host vehicle and outputting an occupant number signal indicating the occupant number;
Vehicle information storage means for storing a vehicle information signal including the identification information signal of the host vehicle and the occupant number signal;
An ETC in-vehicle device that can communicate with an ETC roadside device on a toll road,
A communication control means for transmitting the vehicle information signal to the emergency call center at the communication hand device when the ETC in-vehicle device communicates with the ETC roadside device;
An emergency call device comprising: In an emergency call device that makes an emergency call to a predetermined emergency call center with a communication device installed in the own vehicle when an accident occurs in the own vehicle,
Occupant number detecting means for detecting the occupant number of the host vehicle and outputting an occupant number signal indicating the occupant number;
Vehicle information storage means for storing a vehicle information signal including the identification information signal of the host vehicle and the occupant number signal;
Communication control means for transmitting the vehicle information signal to the emergency call center before an accident occurs in the communication device;
An emergency call device comprising:   The vehicle is provided with a driving state detecting unit that detects a driving state of the host vehicle, and the communication control unit transmits the vehicle information signal to the emergency call center by the communication device when the driving of the host vehicle is detected. The emergency call device according to claim 2.   Door opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of a vehicle door in the own vehicle, wherein the communication control means sends the vehicle information signal to the emergency notification by the communication device when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the own vehicle is detected. The emergency call device according to claim 2, wherein the emergency call device is transmitted to a center.   The emergency notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the occupant detection means detects the number of occupants of the host vehicle every predetermined time.   Door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of a vehicle door in the host vehicle, wherein the passenger detection means detects the number of passengers of the host vehicle when opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected. The emergency call device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   Door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of a vehicle door in the host vehicle, wherein the passenger detection means detects the number of passengers in the host vehicle when the opening / closing of the vehicle door of the host vehicle is detected, and the communication control The means for detecting the opening / closing of the door of the host vehicle and transmitting the vehicle information signal to the emergency call center by the communication device when the number of passengers of the host vehicle is detected. The emergency call device described in 1.   8. The occupant detection means includes a seat switch provided on each seat of the host vehicle, and outputs an output signal of the seat switch as the occupant number signal. The emergency call device according to any one of the above.   9. The occupant number detection means includes an imaging device that images a passenger compartment of the host vehicle, and outputs an imaging signal of the imaging device as the occupant number signal. The emergency call device according to any one of the above.

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