JP2009253350A - Emergency reporting system terminal unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an emergency reporting system terminal unit capable of suitably changing the sound volume of a loudspeaker and the sensitivity of a microphone, according to the operating condition. <P>SOLUTION: The emergency reporting system terminal unit comprises the loudspeaker and the microphone. Upon receipt of an operation signal from an emergency call switch, an airbag sensor, or a collision sensor, the terminal unit enables a user to talk with an emergency call center through the loudspeaker and the microphone using its telephone facility, while enabling the user to report an emergency call to the center. The terminal unit comprises an output control means for controlling the sound volume of the loudspeaker and the sensitivity of the microphone. When the terminal unit is operated by input from the emergency call switch, the output control means lowers the sound volume of the loudspeaker and the sensitivity of the microphone, compared with a case when it is operated by output from the airbag sensor or the collision sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an emergency call system terminal device.

  Conventionally, there is an emergency call system that makes an emergency call from a vehicle to a center using a wireless communication system when an airbag is activated, such as when an accident occurs, or when an emergency call button for an emergency call is pressed. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When an emergency call destination such as a police station or a fire department is registered in advance through the center and an emergency call is transmitted, an emergency call is made from the vehicle to the registered emergency call destination through the center. In this system, a conversation with an operator at the center is also possible through a microphone, a speaker, a display screen and the like mounted on the vehicle.

  When the emergency call system is activated, a voice guidance such as “Start the emergency call system” is played from the speaker together with an operation start sound. In addition, the conversation voice with the center operator is also played from the speaker, and the volume at this time is often set to be output at a relatively high volume. There are several other reasons for this, not just because of an emergency.

For example, in the event of a vehicle accident, if it is dangerous to stay inside the vehicle, it is necessary to evacuate quickly outside the vehicle, especially in the case of an accident on a highway, etc. And evacuate to a safe place such as outside the guardrail. Even in such a case, the volume is set to a large volume because the sound from the emergency call system can be heard from outside the vehicle. Also, in situations where the emergency call system is operating, it is an emergency situation, such as an accident or a sudden illness, so it will not be possible to adjust the sound volume as if operating the audio. It depends. Therefore, the emergency call system terminal device (terminal device mounted on the vehicle side) in the emergency call system often has specifications that cannot adjust the volume.
JP 2004-282300 A

  However, as described above, the emergency call system terminal device described in the related art and Patent Document 1 does not consider the output sound volume. That is, sometimes the sound volume may be unnecessarily too high, and the sound quality may be degraded due to the sound cracking of the speakers, which may make the user feel uncomfortable. For example, when an emergency system is operated manually by a passenger, it is assumed that there is a sudden illness rather than a collision accident. However, the passenger is in the vehicle, and the emergency system operation sound and the conversation volume with the operator are not always high. There is no need for volume. In addition, from the viewpoint of the operator, if the microphone sensitivity for picking up voice is high, noise and the like are picked up, so it becomes rather difficult to hear the conversation.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an emergency call system terminal device that suitably changes speaker volume and microphone sensitivity in accordance with operating conditions.

In order to achieve the above object, an emergency call system terminal device according to a first invention has a speaker and a microphone, and receives an operation signal from an emergency call switch, an airbag sensor or a collision sensor and sends an emergency call to an emergency call center. And an emergency call system terminal device capable of making a call via the center and the speaker and microphone,
Output control means for controlling the volume of the speaker and the sensitivity of the microphone;
When the emergency call system terminal device is activated by an input from the emergency call switch, the output control means is more sensitive than the volume of the speaker and the microphone than when activated by an output from an airbag sensor or a collision sensor. It is characterized by lowering.

An emergency call system terminal device according to a second invention has a speaker and a microphone, receives an operation signal from an emergency call switch, an airbag sensor, or a collision sensor and makes an emergency call to an emergency call center and An emergency call system terminal device capable of calling through a speaker and a microphone,
An operation confirmation switch for confirming the operation of the emergency call system terminal device;
Output control means for controlling the volume of the speaker and the sensitivity of the microphone;
When the emergency call system terminal device is activated by an input from the operation confirmation switch, the output control means is more sensitive than the sound volume of the speaker and the microphone than when it is activated by an output from an airbag sensor or a collision sensor. It is characterized by lowering.

An emergency call system terminal device according to a third invention has a speaker and a microphone, receives an operation signal from an emergency call switch, an airbag sensor, or a collision sensor, makes an emergency call to an emergency call center, and An emergency call system terminal device capable of making a call via a speaker and a microphone,
An operation confirmation switch for confirming the operation of the emergency call system terminal device;
Output control means for controlling the volume of the speaker and the sensitivity of the microphone;
When the emergency call system terminal device is activated by an input from the emergency call switch or the operation confirmation switch, the output control means is more effective than the output from the airbag sensor or the collision sensor. And lowering the sensitivity of the microphone.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the emergency call system terminal device which changes a speaker volume and microphone sensitivity suitably according to the operating condition can be provided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, the emergency call system will be briefly explained. FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of an emergency call system according to an embodiment. The emergency call system is a vehicle equipped with the emergency call system terminal device of the present invention and an emergency call center (help net operation center, hereinafter referred to as a center) that receives an emergency call via a wireless communication system mounted on the vehicle. ) And emergency call destinations such as police stations, fire departments, JAFs, hospitals, etc., which receive emergency calls from the center and deal with the emergency situation. The emergency call system according to the present embodiment appropriately makes an emergency call from the center to the emergency call destination mainly when an emergency call is made from the vehicle to the center. In addition, an operator is stationed at the center, and voice and video calls are possible using an emergency call system terminal device mounted on the vehicle.

(Configuration of emergency call system terminal device)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of an emergency call system terminal device 1 according to the present invention. The emergency call system terminal device 1 is configured to include an emergency call ECU (Electrical Control Unit) 101, an emergency call switch 102, an operation check switch 103, a speaker 104, and a microphone 105 as main components. Further, the emergency notification system terminal device 1 according to the present invention is configured to receive an operation signal from the collision sensor 106 and the airbag sensor 107. Further, communication is performed with the center using the communication device 108 mounted on the vehicle. Note that the collision sensor 106, the airbag sensor 107, and the communication device 108 are configured as the vehicle generally has a separate mechanism from the emergency call system terminal device 1. Of course, it is good also as a structure included in the emergency call system terminal device 1. FIG. A description will be given below.

  The emergency call ECU 101 is configured as a well-known computer in which a CPU that executes a program, a storage device (such as a hard disk drive or ROM) that stores a navigation program, and a RAM that temporarily stores data or a program are connected via a bus. Is done.

  The emergency call switch 102 is a switch for starting the operation of the emergency call system terminal device 1. Operated by the passenger. The operation confirmation switch 103 is a switch for confirming the operation of the emergency call system terminal device 1 and is a switch for starting the operation of the emergency call system terminal device 1. For example, it is operated by a maintenance inspector during maintenance inspection.

  The collision sensor 106 is a sensor for detecting the collision of the vehicle. For example, the collision sensor 106 is an acceleration sensor of a piezoresistive type, a capacitance type, or a magnetic sensor type. The direction acceleration is measured, and the vehicle motion is determined from the measured acceleration in each direction to detect the presence or absence of a collision.

  The airbag sensor 107 detects the operation of an airbag device system that operates in the event of a collision. The vehicle includes an airbag device system that operates and deploys an airbag for protecting a passenger at the time of a vehicle collision. The airbag sensor 107 is configured to operate an emergency notification system (automatic emergency notification) in conjunction with the airbag device system.

  The speaker 104 is a device that outputs sound including sound from the emergency call system terminal device 1. The microphone 105 is a device that inputs sound including voice to the emergency call system terminal device 1. For example, the speaker 104 outputs emergency call system operation start guidance, an emergency call sound, and a call sound with the operator. The microphone 105 inputs a call sound from the rider to the operator. Note that the speaker 104 and the microphone 105 may be used for audio equipment.

  The communication device 108 is a wireless communication device that performs communication with a center or an emergency communication destination. The vehicle can transmit various information of the vehicle to the center through the communication network using the communication device 108, and can receive information transmitted from the center through the communication network. The voice of the passenger input to the microphone can be transmitted to the center, and the voice of the center operator can be received from the speaker.

(function)
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the emergency call system terminal device 1 according to the present invention. The emergency call system terminal device 1 has a function including a signal input unit 201, an emergency call system control unit 202, and an output control unit 203.

  The signal input unit 201 receives input of operation signals from the emergency call switch 102, the operation check switch 103, the collision sensor 106, and the airbag sensor 107. The signal input unit 201 inputs the input operation signal to the emergency call system control unit 202 and the output control unit 203.

  The emergency call system control unit 202 provides functions related to the emergency call system. When the emergency call system control unit 202 detects the operation signal, the emergency call system control unit 202 turns on the emergency call flag provided for itself and starts the emergency call process as the entire operation of the emergency call system terminal device 1. For example, in response to an operation signal from the signal input unit 201, the communication device 108 is used to make an emergency call to the emergency call center. Also, a voice and video call (remote call) with the center operator is realized.

  The output control unit 203 performs volume control of the speaker 104 and sensitivity control of the microphone 105 based on the operation signal from the signal input unit 201. For example, when an operation signal is received from the collision sensor 106, control is performed such that the volume of the speaker 104 is set to “high” and the sensitivity of the microphone 105 is set to “high”. Further, when an operation signal is received from the emergency call switch 102, control is performed so that the volume of the speaker 104 is set to “medium” and the sensitivity of the microphone 105 is set to “medium”. The output control unit 203 receives control (of the speaker 104 and the microphone 105) from the emergency call system control unit 202 that controls the emergency call system for control other than volume control of the speaker 104 and sensitivity control of the microphone 105.

  Note that each functional unit described above is actually realized by a program executed by the CPU.

(Operation)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an embodiment which is an example of a flow of main processes realized by the emergency call system terminal device 1 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, an operation signal is input to the signal input unit 201 from the emergency call switch 102, the operation confirmation switch 103, the collision sensor 106, and the airbag sensor 107 in step S <b> 301.

  Proceeding to step S <b> 302, the emergency call system control unit 202 starts an emergency call process as the overall operation of the emergency call system terminal device 1.

  The process proceeds to step S303, and if the input operation signal is a signal from the operation check switch 103, the process proceeds to step S304. If the input operation signal is not a signal from the operation check switch 103, the process proceeds to step S305. move on.

  In step S304, the output control unit 203 sets the speaker volume and the microphone sensitivity to “medium” or “small”. In this case, the emergency call system terminal device 1 is a case where the operation is started to confirm the operation, and the necessity of setting the speaker volume and the microphone sensitivity to “high” is weak, rather, the “medium” or “small” level. Appropriate volume and sensitivity are preferred. The operation check includes, for example, a maintenance check for checking the operation of the emergency call system terminal device 1. At the time of maintenance inspection, a maintenance inspector operates the emergency call system terminal device 1 on a test basis, and system operation check is performed such as whether an emergency call is made or a call with a center operator is possible.

  On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S305, and if the input operation signal is a signal from the emergency call switch 102, the process proceeds to step S306, and if the input operation signal is not a signal from the emergency call switch 102, the process proceeds to step S306. The process proceeds to S307.

  In step S306, the output control unit 203 sets the speaker volume and the microphone sensitivity to “medium”. In this case, the emergency call system terminal device 1 is a case where the operation is started by the emergency call switch operation (manual operation) of the rider, but the situation may be, for example, a sudden illness of the rider. The passenger stays in the vehicle and talks with the center operator in the vehicle. Therefore, the necessity of setting the speaker volume and the microphone sensitivity to “large” more than necessary is weak, and the “medium” level appropriate volume and appropriate sensitivity are preferable.

  In step S307, the output control unit 203 sets the speaker volume and the microphone sensitivity to “high”. In this case, the emergency call system terminal device 1 is a case where the operation is started by the collision detection by the collision sensor 106 and the airbag device system operation detection by the airbag sensor 107. As the situation, for example, at the time of an accident such as a collision, etc. Can be considered. If the passenger loses his or her coolness due to the accident, the passenger may not be able to move in the car. If it is dangerous to stay inside the vehicle as described above, it is necessary to evacuate quickly from the vehicle. Must be evacuated to a safe place such as outside the guardrail. Therefore, there is a strong need for the speaker volume and microphone sensitivity to be “high”, and a “large” level appropriate volume and appropriate sensitivity are suitable.

  The speaker volume and microphone sensitivity have been expressed as “high”, “medium”, and “small” so far, but they are relative volume and sensitivity. For example, the volume set to “medium” or “small” The volume is lower than the volume set to “Large”.

  As described above, according to the emergency notification system terminal device 1 of the present embodiment, depending on the operating situation, such as when confirming an operation such as during a maintenance check, when starting an operation due to a manual operation by a passenger, or during an emergency such as a vehicle collision. Thus, it is possible to provide an emergency call system that suitably changes the speaker volume and the microphone sensitivity. Therefore, the emergency call system terminal device does not cause the user to feel uncomfortable because the volume is not excessively high and the sound quality deterioration due to the cracking of the speaker is prevented.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions are made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. be able to.

It is a system configuration | structure figure which shows the main structures of one Embodiment of the emergency call system terminal device by this invention. It is a functional block diagram of one Embodiment of the emergency call system terminal device by this invention. It is a flowchart of the main processes of the emergency call system terminal device of a present Example. It is a whole block diagram of the emergency call system which is one Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Emergency call system terminal device 102 Emergency call switch 103 Operation check switch 104 Speaker 105 Microphone 106 Collision sensor 107 Air bag sensor 108 Communication apparatus 201 Signal input part 202 Emergency call system control part 203 Output control part

Claims (3)

An emergency call system terminal device having a speaker and a microphone, receiving an operation signal from an emergency call switch, an airbag sensor or a collision sensor and making an emergency call to an emergency call center and making a call via the center and the speaker and microphone Because
Output control means for controlling the volume of the speaker and the sensitivity of the microphone;
When the emergency call system terminal device is activated by an input from the emergency call switch, the output control means is more sensitive than the volume of the speaker and the microphone than when activated by an output from an airbag sensor or a collision sensor. Lowering,
An emergency call system terminal device. An emergency call system terminal device having a speaker and a microphone, receiving an operation signal from an emergency call switch, an airbag sensor or a collision sensor and making an emergency call to an emergency call center and making a call via the center and the speaker and microphone Because
An operation confirmation switch for confirming the operation of the emergency call system terminal device;
Output control means for controlling the volume of the speaker and the sensitivity of the microphone;
When the emergency call system terminal device is activated by an input from the operation confirmation switch, the output control means is more sensitive than the sound volume of the speaker and the microphone than when it is activated by an output from an airbag sensor or a collision sensor. Lowering,
An emergency call system terminal device. An emergency call system terminal device having a speaker and a microphone, receiving an operation signal from an emergency call switch, an airbag sensor or a collision sensor and making an emergency call to an emergency call center and making a call via the center and the speaker and microphone Because
An operation confirmation switch for confirming the operation of the emergency call system terminal device;
Output control means for controlling the volume of the speaker and the sensitivity of the microphone;
When the emergency call system terminal device is activated by an input from the emergency call switch or the operation confirmation switch, the output control means is more effective than the output from the airbag sensor or the collision sensor. And lowering the sensitivity of the microphone,
An emergency call system terminal device.

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