JP2003109161A - Emergency report system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an emergency report system in which an emergency call can be surely originated even when a main controller can not be used. SOLUTION: This system has a communication equipment 120 for transmitting emergency information and a main controller 110 for controlling the communication equipment 120 so that the communication equipment 120 can transmit the emergency information when emergency information of a vehicle is inputted. A communication control line 105 is connected to the communication equipment for transmitting the emergency information of the vehicle so that the emergency information can be transmitted even when the main controller 110 is not operated. The communication equipment 120 is provided with an incorporated battery 126. The communication equipment 120 is equipped with a fault detecting part 123 for detecting the fault of the main controller 110 and between the main controller 110 and the communication equipment 120, a communication control line 106 is connected for reporting the fault of the main controller 110 to the communication equipment 120.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an emergency call device which, when an emergency such as an accident occurs in a vehicle, automatically transmits information related to this to an emergency call partner station to enable an early response. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, with the development of information and communication technology, an emergency call system for vehicles has been implemented. This is because the acceleration sensor installed in each part of the vehicle detects the operation of the airbag and the vehicle's fall due to a collision accident, and triggered by this, the emergency notification device installed in the vehicle detects the vehicle number and vehicle position. Information is automatically transmitted to the emergency call partner stations such as service centers, police stations, and fire stations. The emergency call partner station informs the police station and fire department of the information, and the emergency vehicle goes to the accident site. With this system, after an accident occurs,
The time required for the emergency vehicle to reach the accident site can be shortened, and the injured person can be rescued more quickly.

As an on-vehicle emergency call device used in such an emergency call system, for example, the following has been proposed. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the emergency notification device includes a main control device 110 connected to the vehicle computer 100 and a communication device 120 controlled by the main control device 110. The vehicle computer 100 includes an acceleration sensor 101 for detecting an impact that operates an airbag or a seat belt tensioner, a vehicle rollover, etc., and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 102 for detecting the current position of a vehicle. Etc. are connected. This vehicle computer 1
00 is connected to the main control device 110 of the emergency notification device via a communication control line 103.

The main control unit 110 has a memory 111 for storing emergency information for notifying an emergency call partner station, and an emergency information output unit 11 for outputting the emergency information to the communication unit 120.
2 and a control switch 113 for operating the main controller 110 and the communication device 120 and changing the settings. The emergency information includes not only the chassis number registered in advance but also the accident occurrence position information indicated by the GPS receiving device 102. The information on the location of the accident can also be obtained from a vehicle-mounted navigation system.

The main controller 110 is connected to the communication device 120 via the serial interface 104. The communication device 120 establishes a connection to the emergency call partner station via the telephone antenna 107, and a communication control unit 121 capable of transmitting and receiving information, and processing such as adjustment and amplification of a voice signal via the handset 108. And a call voice control unit 122 for performing. As the communication control unit 121,
A built-in mobile phone module or the like can be used.
The call voice control unit 122 includes an amplifier circuit that amplifies the received voice and the transmitted voice, a filter circuit that cuts ambient noise and passes only a human voice, and the like. further,
The main controller 110 and the communication device 120 are powered by the vehicle-mounted battery 109, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the audio function unit 114 such as a radio, the memory 111, the control switch 113, and the communication control unit 121 described above.
There is also proposed an emergency notification device E in which the call voice control unit 122 and the case are integrally configured.

In the conventional emergency notification device as described above, the signal of the operation of the airbag or the fall of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor 101 due to the occurrence of the accident is input to the vehicle computer 100 to detect the accident detection signal and The current position information detected by the GPS receiver 102 is the communication control line 1
Is input to the main control unit 110 via the memory 11
It is stored in 1. In the main controller 110, the emergency information output unit 112 outputs, to the communication device 120, the emergency information such as the chassis number and the accident occurrence position, which is the current position, which are registered in advance. In the communication device 120, the input emergency information is transmitted to the emergency call partner station by the communication control unit 121.

At the emergency call partner station, position information (address of the accident site, target near the accident site, names of front and rear intersections, etc.) registered in advance in the database based on the received chassis number and the accident occurrence position. , Vehicle information (vehicle registration number, vehicle type, vehicle color, etc.), personal information (driver's name, address, phone number, date of birth, blood type, etc.) are searched for, transfer to the accident site, first aid Will be used for the flight.

[0008]

By the way, the above-mentioned FIG.
In the emergency notification device shown in (1), main controller 110 and communication device 120 are configured separately. The signal output from the vehicle computer 100 at the time of an accident is input only to the main controller 110. Therefore, if the main controller 110 breaks down with the occurrence of an accident, an accident detection signal, current position information, etc. cannot be obtained, and an emergency call cannot be made.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
In the case where is integrated with the case together with the audio function unit 114 such as a radio, since it is installed near the driver's seat, there is a high probability of failure when an accident occurs. If a failure occurs in such a case, the entire device becomes unusable, and there is a possibility that it cannot serve as the emergency notification device E.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to ensure an emergency call even when the main control unit becomes unusable. It is to provide an emergency notification device that can be made to.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides an emergency by the communication unit for transmitting emergency information and an emergency by the communication unit when the emergency information of the vehicle is input. In an emergency notification device having a main control unit for controlling a communication unit so that the information is transmitted, the communication unit can transmit the emergency information even when the main control unit does not operate. Is connected to a first communication control line for transmitting emergency information of the vehicle. In the invention according to claim 1 as described above, the communication unit obtains the emergency information input from the first communication control line even when the main control unit fails and becomes unusable at the time of an accident. Can be transmitted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the emergency notification device according to the first aspect, different power supplies are connected to the main control unit and the communication unit, respectively. In the invention according to claim 2 as described above, even if the power supply on the main control unit side becomes unusable due to a voltage drop or the like, the communication unit can be operated by a power supply different from this.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the emergency notification device according to the second aspect, the power source of the communication section is a built-in battery. In the invention according to claim 3 as described above, since the communication unit can use a built-in battery different from the vehicle-mounted battery, it is unlikely to be affected by an accident.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the emergency notification device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the communication section has a failure detection section for detecting a failure of the main control section,
A signal line for transmitting a failure of the main control unit to the communication unit is connected between the main control unit and the communication unit. According to the invention described in claim 4 as described above, the communication unit can immediately perform the corresponding operation according to the failure of the main control unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the emergency notification device according to the fourth aspect, when the failure detection section detects a failure of the main control section, it has notification means. To do. In the invention according to claim 5 as described above, even if the main control unit fails, the communication unit is informed that the communication unit will make an emergency call independently, so the user is relieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the emergency notification device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a second communication control line for inputting vehicle emergency information to the main control unit. Is connected. According to the invention described in claim 6 as described above, even if either one of the first communication control line and the second communication control line is disconnected, an emergency call can be made. Can be dealt with.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. [1. Configuration of Embodiment] First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the present embodiment, and the present invention can be understood as software for realizing each of these functions by a computer. The description of the same components as those of the conventional technique shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be omitted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment comprises a main controller 110 and a communication device 120 connected to a vehicle computer 100. The main control device 110 is provided with a communication device start switch 115 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and is connected to the communication device 120 by a communication control line 106.

The communication device 120 includes a failure detection section 123, a voltage detection section 124, a power supply section 125, a built-in battery 126, an alarm control section 127, a buzzer 128, and a memory 129 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. Vehicle computer 1
00 and the communication control line 105. The failure detection unit 123 is means for detecting a failure of the main control device 110 via the communication control line 106. The failure detection unit 1 can also be operated by switching the communication device start switch 115.
A failure is detected by 23. The voltage detector 124
It is a means for detecting a drop or abnormality in the battery power supply voltage of the vehicle.

The power supply unit 125 is means for supplying power from the built-in battery 126, and when the voltage detection unit 124 detects a voltage abnormality of the on-vehicle battery 109,
It is set to work. The built-in battery 126 is a power supply that can operate the communication device 120 independently even if an abnormal situation such as a voltage drop of the vehicle-mounted battery occurs. In particular, as in the case where power is supplied from the on-vehicle battery 109, a voltage having a voltage that enables not only transmission of emergency information by the communication control unit 121 but also communication by the call voice control unit 122 is used.

The alarm control unit 127 is means for causing the buzzer 128 to output an alarm sound in response to a failure of the main controller 110. The buzzer 128 is means for notifying the user that a failure has occurred in the main control device 110 and that only the communication device 120 can make a notification by outputting an alarm sound. The memory 129 is the main controller 110.
Similar to the memory 111 of FIG. 3, the memory 111 is means for storing emergency information for making a call to the emergency call partner station. Further, the communication control line 105 connecting the communication device 120 and the vehicle computer 100, like the communication control line 103 of the main control device 110, displays the accident detection signal and the current position information detected by the GPS receiving device 102. It is for inputting.

[2. Operation of Embodiment] The operation of the present embodiment as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3. That is, when the accessory switch of the vehicle is turned on, the emergency notification device is activated, and then the vehicle starts traveling. Then, when an accident occurs, the signals of the airbag operation and the vehicle fall detected by the acceleration sensor 101 are input to the vehicle computer 100. Then, the detection signal of the accident and the current position information are input from the vehicle computer 100 to the main control unit 110 via the communication control line 103 (step 401), and the memory 111.
Stored in. In the main control device 110, emergency information such as a chassis number and an accident occurrence position that are registered in advance is output to the communication device 120 by the emergency information output unit 112 and transmitted to the emergency call partner station by the communication control unit 121 in the communication device 120. (Step 501).

Even if an accident occurs, the accident detection signal and the current position information from the vehicle computer 100 are
If the data is input to the communication device 120 only through the communication control line 105 (step 402), this is stored in the memory 12
9 is stored. Then, by the failure detection unit 123,
When the failure of the main control device 110 is not detected (step 502), the emergency information is transmitted from the communication device 120 to the emergency call partner station in the same manner as above (step 50).
1).

The main controller 1 is controlled by the failure detector 123.
When the failure of 10 is detected, the voltage detection unit 124 detects whether or not the vehicle-mounted battery 109 is abnormal such as a voltage drop (step 503). If the voltage of the on-vehicle battery 109 is abnormal, the power supply unit 125 turns on the power supply unit 125 (step 504), and the communication device 120 transmits the emergency information to the emergency call partner station by using the built-in battery 126 as a power source. (Step 505). At this time, the alarm controller 127 sounds the buzzer 128 to notify the user that the communication with the communication device 120 is possible although the main controller 110 has failed (step 506). In addition, the user uses the handset 10
8 can be used to make a voice call with the emergency call partner station. When the communication device 120 finishes the transmission (step 507), the power supply unit 125 is turned off (step 508).

In step 503, when the voltage of the on-vehicle battery 109 is not abnormal, the communication device 120 transmits the emergency information to the emergency call partner station (step 50).
9). In this process, when the voltage abnormality of the on-vehicle battery 109 occurs, if it is detected by the voltage detection unit 124 (step 510), the processing of step 504 and thereafter is performed. When the communication device 120 ends the transmission without the occurrence of the voltage abnormality (step 510), the process is ended.

Further, even if there is no input from the communication control lines 103 and 105, if the user presses the communication device activation switch 115 (step 403), the communication device activation switch is not activated when the emergency notification device is not activated. When the user presses 115 (step 512), the processing from step 502 onward is performed. The communication control lines 103, 10
If there is no input from 5, and the communication device activation switch 115 is not operated, the normal standby operation continues until the user turns off the accessory switch to stop the emergency notification device (steps 404, 405). .

[3. Effect of Embodiment] According to the present embodiment as described above, when an accident occurs, main controller 11
Even if 0 fails, only the communication device 120
Since the emergency information can be transmitted to the emergency call partner station, delay of the call is prevented. In particular, the communication device 1
By installing the 20 in a place that is not easily affected by the accident, for example, in the trunk of the vehicle, the possibility that the emergency notification device will be disabled can be greatly reduced.

Further, even if either one of the communication control lines 103 is disconnected, the transmission by the main control unit 110 and the communication unit 120, or the transmission only by the communication unit 120 can be performed. Further, even if both of the communication control lines 103 are disconnected, the failure detection unit 123 detects this and, for example, transmits the information registered in advance in the memory 129 of the communication device 120, and the detailed information can be transferred to the handset 108. Since it is possible to notify the emergency call partner station via the system, various types of accidents can be dealt with. This is a vehicle computer 100
The same applies when both the main controller 110 and the main controller 110 fail.

Further, even if the vehicle battery 109 is abnormal or the power is cut off, the built-in battery enables the communication device 120 to transmit emergency information and makes a call through the handset 108, so that a notification cannot be made. The possibility of
It can be further reduced.

When the user is sick or the like and the main control unit 110 is normal, the communication switch 120 can be manually operated by the control switch 113 to make an emergency call. Even when is not activated, the communication device 120 can be operated to make an emergency call by operating the communication device activation switch 115. Further, at this time, since it is possible to make a call using the handset 108, detailed information can be notified.

In addition, the fact that a failure has occurred in the main control device 110 and that the communication device 120 can make a notification,
Since the user can be notified by the buzzer 128, the user does not have to worry about whether or not the notification is surely made.

[4. Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the main controller 110 and the communication device 120 are completely
It does not have to be divided into two parts, but it may be contained in an integral case and divided into two parts inside. Further, the communication control line from the vehicle computer may be connected only to the communication device 120. In this case, the main controller 11
When performing control at 0, signals can be exchanged via the communication control line 106. Further, the position information of the vehicle may be directly acquired by the main control device 110 or the communication device 120. In that case, a navigation system can also be used.

As the communication control unit 121, a user's mobile phone, PHS, PDA or other computer having a telephone function can be used. In addition, the communication device 120 or the main controller 1 is provided with an audio function such as a radio.
It can also be provided in 10. In this case, exchange of audio signals and the like can be performed via the serial interface 104. Further, the power supply for continuing the operation of the communication device 120 may be separate from the main control device 110, and may be the internal battery 126 or an external battery. Moreover, the tone and sound pattern of the buzzer can be freely set. As means for notifying the user, in addition to a buzzer, a siren from a speaker, a light emitting body, etc.,
Various types are applicable. Further, a buzzer sound or a siren sound may be emitted to the outside or a light emitting display may be performed so that the outside of the vehicle can be notified.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an emergency call device capable of surely making an emergency call even when the main control unit becomes unusable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of emergency call processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of emergency call processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a conventional emergency notification device.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing another example of a conventional emergency notification device.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Computer for vehicle 101 ... Acceleration sensor 102 ... GPS receiver 103, 105, 106 ... Communication control lines 104 ... Serial interface 107 ... Telephone antenna 108 ... Handset 109 ... In-vehicle battery 110 ... Main controller 111, 129 ... Memory 112 ... Emergency information output section 113 ... Control switch 114 ... Audio function unit 115 ... Communication device starting switch 120 ... Communication device 121 ... Communication control unit 122 ... Call voice control unit 123 ... Failure detection unit 124 ... Voltage detection unit 125 ... Power supply unit 126 ... Built-in battery 127 ... Alarm control unit 128 ... Buzzer

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04B 1/16 H04B 1/16 Z H04Q 7/38 7/26 109A F term (reference) 5C086 AA32 BA22 CA02 CB27 DA06 DA25 EA45 FA02 5C087 AA03 AA09 AA10 AA24 AA25 AA42 BB12 BB21 BB62 BB74 DD08 DD14 EE05 EE19 FF01 FF05 FF17 FF19 FF20 GG07 GG11 GG83 5K061 AA03 AA03 AA15 CC45 EE01 FF03 HH04 BB01A41A41 A41 ABB03 BB06A05

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A communication unit that transmits emergency information, and a main control unit that controls the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits the emergency information when the emergency information of the vehicle is input. In the emergency notification device, the communication unit, even when the main control unit does not operate,
An emergency notification device characterized in that a first communication control line for transmitting emergency information of a vehicle is connected so that emergency information can be transmitted. 2. The emergency notification device according to claim 1, wherein different power supplies are connected to the main control unit and the communication unit, respectively. 3. The emergency notification device according to claim 2, wherein the power source of the communication unit is a built-in battery. 4. The communication unit includes a failure detection unit that detects a failure of the main control unit, and the communication unit detects a failure of the main control unit between the main control unit and the communication unit. The emergency notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a signal line connected to the signal line. 5. The emergency notification device according to claim 4, further comprising notifying means for notifying a failure of the main control section when the failure detection section detects the failure. 6. The emergency control according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit is connected to a second communication control line for inputting emergency information of the vehicle. Notification device.