DE102024200437A1 - Emergency system and method for making an emergency call and passenger transport vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an emergency system (1) for making an emergency call in a passenger transport vehicle (5) having at least one passenger compartment, wherein an interaction terminal (3) is provided, wherein the interaction terminal (3) comprises various modes and is designed to select the various modes and to manually input information in the respective selected modes, wherein the various modes comprise at least one emergency mode, and wherein an emergency operating unit is provided which is arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the emergency operating unit is coupled to the interaction terminal (3), and wherein the emergency operating unit is designed to activate the interaction terminal (3) upon manual actuation,
wherein the interaction terminal (3) is designed to switch to emergency mode when activated by the emergency control unit or is designed to switch to emergency mode when the emergency mode is manually activated, and to send an emergency call to a predefined emergency call center (7) and to establish a bidirectional connection to an emergency site (6), for the input of information by the vehicle occupant for forwarding to the emergency site (6) and/or for establishing an interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency site (6).
Furthermore, the invention relates to a passenger transport vehicle

Description

The invention relates to an emergency system and a method for making an emergency call in a passenger transport vehicle with at least one passenger compartment, as well as to a passenger transport vehicle.

The utility of a highly automated vehicle for passenger transport arises from the replacement of the human bus driver with a technical system. For cost and capacity reasons, there is no need for a permanent on-board monitor who can perform tasks such as admission control, answering minor travel inquiries, de-escalating conflicts, or intervening in physical altercations. Furthermore, this also eliminates the deterrent effect, the witness function in cases of crime, etc.

This means that highly automated road traffic for (public) passenger transport poses a significant security risk and inherent potential for crime. This goes far beyond aspects of functional safety, behavioral safety, and information security (cybersecurity).

Autonomous vehicles are therefore increasingly being equipped with so-called emergency call systems. Depending on their design, such emergency call systems offer the option of sending manually triggered emergency calls and/or automatic emergency calls upon the occurrence of a specific event. Typically, an automated emergency call (e-call) transmits a single set of data at the beginning of the emergency call and then switches to voice mode, in which the emergency call is then completed.

For example, there are emergency call systems that were specifically developed for ridesharing to increase the safety of drivers and passengers. These emergency call systems include a camera and a cloud connection, as well as a wireless SOS button that can be used to request assistance.

The DE 10 2020 201 629 A1 discloses an emergency call system for a vehicle, comprising a transmitting and receiving unit which is designed to connect the emergency call system to an emergency call center, a microphone device, a loudspeaker device and a control and computing unit coupled to the aforementioned components with an execution program for the emergency call system, wherein at least a portion of the execution program can be switched on and/or off and set in a user-defined manner by means of at least one received signal from the emergency call center.

An improved emergency call system for automated passenger transport vehicles is therefore desirable.

It is a task to provide an improved emergency system, especially for passenger transport such as buses or trains, as well as an improved passenger transport vehicle.

The object is achieved by an emergency system having the features of claim 1 and a passenger transport vehicle having the features of claim 14 and a method having the features of claim 19.

Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims, the description and the figures.

The object is achieved by an emergency system for making an emergency call in a passenger transport vehicle having at least one passenger compartment, wherein an interaction terminal is provided, wherein the interaction terminal comprises various modes and is designed to select the various modes and to manually enter information in the respective selected modes, wherein the various modes comprise at least one emergency mode,
and wherein an emergency control unit is provided which is arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the emergency control unit is coupled to the interaction terminal, and wherein the emergency control unit is designed to activate the interaction terminal upon manual operation,
wherein the interaction terminal is designed to switch to emergency mode when activated by the emergency control unit or is designed to switch to emergency mode when the emergency mode is manually activated, and to send an emergency call to a predefined emergency call center as well as to establish a bidirectional connection to an emergency site, for the input of information by the vehicle occupant for forwarding to the emergency site and/or for establishing an interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency site.

The incident site and the emergency call center can be the same, for example the police.

In addition to the emergency mode for dropping off or calling for help, various other modes can be, for example: queries about the satisfaction of the trip or the condition of the passenger transport vehicle, entertainment, etc. Other modes can also be provided.

The emergency call or the connection can be made, for example, by radio.

An interaction terminal can, for example, have a monitor as a touchscreen, a camera for recording the vehicle occupant, a microphone, a speaker, and optional control buttons for manual input, as well as fastening elements, a housing, and a privacy screen, such as a polarization filter. The privacy screen ensures that only the direct user can see the inputs.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal has, for example, connections to a vehicle control unit in the passenger transport vehicle, for transmitting and executing commands to and by the vehicle control unit and, for example, for establishing and implementing the bidirectional connection with the emergency site/emergency call center via a corresponding interface/antenna system/mobile network as a communication interface to the smartphone.

The interaction terminal for entering an emergency call/message can be a component of a larger protection system.

According to the invention, the emergency control unit is coupled to the interaction terminal, i.e., connected to it for data transmission. This can be a cable connection or a radio connection.

The emergency control unit is designed, for example, as a push button/emergency button, which is arranged in a housing and must be pressed to trigger.

According to the invention, when the emergency control unit is manually operated, the interaction terminal is activated and automatically switched to emergency mode.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal can be automatically put into emergency mode by its own activation.

The interaction terminal is designed to send an emergency call to an emergency call center in emergency mode and to contact a predefined emergency location.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a bidirectional connection to an emergency site is established, allowing the vehicle occupant to input information for forwarding to the emergency site. This information can be entered manually (via touchscreen), for example, allowing preselected threat situations to be displayed for selection.

Interaction between the vehicle occupant and the scene can also be established. This can be done, for example, through acoustic interaction, via microphone, loudspeaker, and camera.

This authorises the occupants of the passenger transport vehicle to send an emergency call to the emergency call centre or a message to the operator/emergency site, depending on the threat risk and the expected severity or the subjective sense of security, and to add further information to the emergency call.

The emergency system according to the invention can provide faster information about the expected severity and type of emergency by making it possible to differentiate the emergency call, such as an accident, heart attack, threat from an attacker, fire, etc. A further differentiation of the emergency call can be, for example, in the case of a threatening situation: attacker with a knife, multiple attackers, etc., so that the responsible emergency call center / emergency site is already comprehensively informed in advance about the severity and type of emergency, so that immediate targeted intervention is possible.

For example, the emergency system according to the invention enables the 5-W questions (what, how, which, who, where) to be queried in order to enable an adequate response, for example by the police or fire brigade, through the answers.

Such an interactive emergency system according to the invention has a strong deterrent factor for perpetrators and serves as a safeguard for vulnerable vehicle occupants.

Thanks to the dual possibility of making an emergency call, namely through the emergency control unit and the interaction terminal, and the automated switching of an interaction terminal into emergency mode with the possibility of establishing, for example, verbal and visual interaction between the vehicle occupant and the scene of the incident, or through the possibility of entering information into the touchscreen, for example, even older or younger, non-technical vehicle occupants have the opportunity to quickly make an emergency call.

The emergency system according to the invention allows specific threat scenarios to be categorised, for example according to the most serious The damages can be categorized as financial damage, damage to the person's well-being, personal damage (psychological or without physical injury), personal damage - minor physical injury, etc.

In emergency situations, the emergency system according to the invention quickly authorizes the vehicle occupants to send an emergency call to the emergency call center or a message to the operator/emergency site, depending on the emergency risk and the expected severity or the subjective sense of security.

The emergency system according to the invention allows for differentiation of the message.

In further development, the interaction terminal is configured to activate a microphone, a loudspeaker, and a camera in emergency mode for image transmission and acoustic input of information and/or acoustic interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency scene. This allows, for example, a video call to be activated with an operator at the scene in emergency mode. This can have a deterrent effect on an attacker or serve to ensure the safety/reassurance of the vehicle occupants, for example, in the event of an accident. Automated speech recognition can also be used for acoustic interaction.

In a further embodiment, the interaction terminal is designed to activate an existing interior sensor system, wherein the interior sensor system comprises at least one interior camera, but preferably several cameras, for image recording of the passenger compartment as interior data, wherein the interaction terminal is designed to permanently store at least the interior data recorded during the activated emergency mode. For example, general storage in a ring buffer can be provided, the data from which is transferred and stored in a permanent memory in emergency mode in order to secure it. In addition to cameras, interior sensors can also have, for example, microphones for recording acoustics.

In further training, the interaction terminal is designed to query whether a threat situation exists and, if a threat situation exists, to query the type of threat and/or the perceived severity of the threat. The query can be implemented, for example, by selecting predefined threat situations and selecting the appropriate one, or by an acoustic query. Threat situations can include theft, physical threat, etc.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal can be designed to contact an appropriate emergency location and/or emergency call center depending on the entered strength and/or type of threat situation.

Furthermore, external sensors may also be present, such as lidar/radar sensors/cameras for recording the outdoor environment as outdoor data. This outdoor data can also be transferred from the ring buffer to the permanent storage in emergency mode, for example.

The interaction terminal can provide a trigger signal to, for example, a data recorder, for the permanent storage of previously recorded data that was temporarily stored in the ring buffer and for the recording of all subsequent relevant monitoring data and for storing this in the permanent memory.

This stored data can, for example, serve as evidence for criminal prosecution or civil proceedings, etc.

In a further development, the interaction terminal is configured to transmit the indoor data recorded during the activated emergency mode to an external server. The recorded data, for example, indoor and outdoor data, can be combined with recordings from the ring buffer to form data packets. The data packets can then be uploaded to an external server, for example, a cloud. Specific identifiers can then be generated for the data packet and assigned to the data packet.

Using the identifiers, affected vehicle occupants and/or the emergency site/emergency call center can, for example, authenticate themselves and access the data packet via the identifier and then use it, for example, as evidence.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal can be configured to transmit the interior data recorded during the activated emergency mode at least to the scene of the incident. The exterior data can also be transmitted. This can also be transmitted to the scene of the incident. This allows for faster assistance, since The emergency situation at the scene is known. For example, in the event of a serious accident, several ambulances or a rescue helicopter can be dispatched, or the technical relief agency can be informed.

In a further embodiment, the interaction terminal is designed to transmit further messages to the emergency call center and/or the scene of the incident, whereby the further messages can be selected from the following group: adding the current location or an updated location, adding the vehicle route still to be covered, adding an ID (vehicle ID identification number) of the passenger transport vehicle, adding a current seat number related to the interaction terminal.

For example, the vehicle or seat has an identification number that is displayed to the vehicle occupants or is attached in front of their seat or on the interaction terminal.

In the event of an emergency call, the vehicle occupant can provide the ID to the emergency call center to establish a bidirectional connection.

The ID can also be seat-specific, allowing the emergency response center/emergency call center to immediately determine the position of the vehicle occupant in the passenger transport vehicle. If the seat location is also transmitted in the ID, a marker can be placed over the live stream, showing the emergency response center/emergency call center the seat location/position of the vehicle occupant within the image.

In particular, in a further development, the emergency control unit can be configured to send a separate emergency call to the emergency call center if a connection to the interaction terminal cannot be established. For example, if the emergency control unit is signaled that a connection to the interaction terminal cannot be established, it can send a separate emergency call to a predefined emergency call center, such as the police. At least data from the passenger transport vehicle can be included to determine the origin of the emergency call. This allows an emergency call to be sent reliably even if the connection to the interaction terminal is disrupted or the interaction terminal itself is disrupted.

Furthermore, the emergency control unit can be designed as a multi-emergency button and have several input buttons for different types of emergencies.

The multiple input buttons can reflect a level of threat, which is transmitted with the emergency call, depending on the perceived threat. The call can also be configured for different types of emergency calls to different emergency call centers, for example, police or fire department in the event of a fire in a passenger transport vehicle, etc.

In further training, the interaction terminal is designed to display several predefined emergency situations for selection in emergency mode and/or to display various emergency locations for selection.

Examples of such emergency situations include: accident, fire, attacker/threat by people, illness, for example, if a vehicle occupant suffers a heart attack.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal can be configured, for example, to display at least the fire department, hospital (which also includes doctor/paramedic/ambulance), or police as emergency locations for selection, and, upon manual selection, to establish a connection to the correspondingly stored emergency location. This can, for example, provide a quick and visual initial differentiation of the emergency situation and, for example, allow first aid to be provided by the vehicle occupants in the event of a heart attack.

In further development, the interaction terminal can be configured to establish a connection to a predefined emergency location if no emergency situation or location is selected. An emergency call can also be made. The time span from selection to automatic connection can be set very short, for example, so that very little valuable time is lost.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal can be designed to establish a connection to a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch of the vehicle occupant in emergency mode.

The connection to the mobile device can be established via a vehicle ID, QR code and/or automatically via NFC (Near Field Communication) that has been entered into the mobile device in advance.

In addition, an emergency call/message can also be supported via, for example, the vehicle occupant's smartphone, making it easier to locate the vehicle, the occupant in the vehicle, and assess the situation. A connection between between vehicle and smartphone via a QR code or automatically via, for example, NearFieldCommunication via Bluetooth or via the entered vehicle ID.

The vehicle ID identification number is the number that is displayed to a vehicle occupant when boarding, for example, or is attached to the seats in a passenger transport vehicle, for example.

The vehicle ID number can be simplified to the license plate number of the passenger transport vehicle, for example. In the event of an emergency call, the vehicle occupant can provide the ID to the emergency services, or it can be transmitted automatically. The interaction terminal can then be activated, for example, to initiate a video call with the emergency services.

The emergency site can thus, for example, establish a communication interface with the vehicle using the ID for identification.

In addition, further information available about the vehicle, the interior sensors, the vehicle occupant's smartphone, etc. can also be included in the emergency call by the activating emergency system.

In such an emergency, personal emergency data stored on the mobile device, such as medical history information, previous illnesses, blood type, any disabilities, etc., as well as emergency contacts, can also be transmitted to the scene via the interaction terminal. This allows first responders, for example, to be informed directly in advance about the blood type of injured persons or other illnesses, etc.

Conversely, when the interaction terminal is activated, the mobile device can transmit information about emergency contacts and first responder information.

This means that the smartphone can be used to make an emergency call, and the call can be supported via the interaction terminal, for example, through a video call with the emergency services.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a passenger transport vehicle with at least one passenger compartment comprising an emergency system as described above or several emergency systems, each with an interaction terminal.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment, a vehicle ID (identification number) is assigned to each emergency system or the passenger transport vehicle, wherein the interaction terminal is designed to attach the vehicle ID (identification number) to an emergency call and/or the vehicle ID (identification number) to the information to an emergency site.

In particular, such a passenger transport vehicle can be an autonomous bus/train or taxi.

In a further embodiment, the passenger transport vehicle has an interior sensor system, wherein the interior sensor system is designed to continuously generate interior data for continuous interior monitoring of the passenger compartment, wherein the passenger transport vehicle is designed to detect a threat situation based on the continuous interior monitoring and to activate the at least one emergency system and to transmit at least the interior data to a predefined location.

The interior sensors can primarily be implemented as cameras. The passenger transport vehicle or an evaluation unit detects potential threats by continuously monitoring the interior and, if necessary, the exterior. If, for example, a vehicle occupant is prevented from making an emergency call, the emergency system can take action itself. This increases safety. Furthermore, when an emergency call is made, the most likely threat scenarios can be displayed first for selection on the interaction terminal.

The passenger transport vehicle can have an evaluation unit designed to detect a threat situation in the interior data based on artificial intelligence. This can, for example, be an artificially trained neural network or a convolutional neural network for evaluating image data.

• - Bereitstellen eines Interaktionsterminals, wobei das Interaktionsterminal verschiedene Modi umfasst und zur Auswahl der verschiedenen Modis sowie zur manuellen Eingabe von Informationen in dem jeweiligen ausgewählten Modi ausgebildet ist, wobei die verschiedenen Modi zumindest ein Notfallmodus umfassen,
• - Bereitstellen einer Notfallbedieneinheit, welche im Fahrgastraum angeordnet ist, wobei die Notfallbedieneinheit an das Interaktionsterminal gekoppelt ist, und wobei die Notfallbedieneinheit bei manueller Betätigung eine Aktivierung des Interaktionsterminals bewerkstelligt, wobei das Interaktionsterminal sich bei Aktivierung durch die Notfallbedieneinheit in den Notfallmodus versetzt oder sich bei manueller Aktivierung des Notfallmodus in den Notfallmodus versetzt, und eine Notrufmeldung an eine vorab definierte Notrufzentrale absetzt als auch eine bidirektionale Verbindung zu einer Einsatzstelle herstellt, zur Eingabe von Informationen durch den Fahrzeuginsassen zur Weiterleitung an die Einsatzstelle und/oder zum Herstellen einer Interaktion zwischen dem Fahrzeuginsassen und der Einsatzstelle.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for making an emergency call in a passenger transport vehicle with at least one passenger compartment by an emergency system comprising the steps:

• - Providing an interaction terminal, wherein the interaction terminal comprises different modes and is designed to select the different modes and to manually enter information in the respective selected modes, wherein the different modes comprise at least one emergency mode,
• - Providing an emergency control unit which is arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the emergency control unit is connected to the interaction terminal is coupled, and wherein the emergency control unit activates the interaction terminal when manually operated, wherein the interaction terminal switches to emergency mode when activated by the emergency control unit or switches to emergency mode when emergency mode is manually activated, and sends an emergency call to a predefined emergency call center and also establishes a bidirectional connection to an emergency site, for the input of information by the vehicle occupant for forwarding to the emergency site and/or for establishing an interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency site.

Furthermore, as a further step, the interaction terminal can query whether a threat situation exists and, if a threat situation exists, query what type of threat exists and/or query the perceived strength of the threat and, depending on the entered strength and/or the type of threat situation, contact an appropriate emergency location and/or emergency call center.

• 1: ein Notfallsystem schematisch,
• 2: einen Multi- Notfallknopf schematisch,
• 3: ein Interaktionsterminal schematisch,
• 4: ein Personentransportfahrzeug,
• 5: verschiedene Fahrzeug ID(Identifikationsnummer) im Personentransportfahrzeug
• 6: Starten eines Videocalls bei Bedrohung.
• 7: das Verfahren anhand einer Bedrohungssituation.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, which schematically show:

• 1 : an emergency system schematically,
• 2 : a multi-emergency button schematically,
• 3 : an interaction terminal schematically,
• 4 : a passenger transport vehicle,
• 5 : various vehicle ID (identification number) in the passenger transport vehicle
• 6 : Start a video call in case of threat.
• 7 : the procedure based on a threatening situation.

1 shows schematically an emergency system 1 for making an emergency call in a passenger transport vehicle 5 with at least one passenger compartment.

The emergency system 1 comprises, on the one hand, an emergency control unit located in the passenger compartment. This can be designed as a multi-emergency button 2a, 2b and have several input keys 13 for different types of emergency calls.

The multi-emergency button 2a, 2b comprises a connection via cable or radio to an interaction terminal 3 for making an emergency call as well as a communication interface 14 to make an emergency call directly to a predetermined emergency call center 7, such as the police or fire department, if the connection to the interaction terminal 3 cannot be established.

The multi-emergency button 2a,2b can be arranged in a housing with a fastening element.

Furthermore, the multi-emergency button 2a, 2b can have various input buttons 13.

2 shows a multi-emergency button 2a,2b in detail.

The multi-emergency button 2a can have multiple input buttons 13 to transmit a threat level with the emergency call depending on the perceived threat. The input buttons 13 can each reflect a different threat level.

Alternatively or additionally, the multi-emergency button 2b has further input buttons 13, which reflect various emergencies such as medical emergency, accident, fire or other threats and which, when pressed, establish a connection to a different emergency call center, such as police, fire department, hospital/paramedic, etc.

The multi-emergency button 2a,2b can also be designed to enter further information on request via different buttons, similar to a machine query when making a call: Press the orange button if other people are in danger.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal 3 is provided, 3 This includes a monitor as a touchscreen 15, a camera 16 for recording the vehicle occupant, a microphone 17, a loudspeaker 20, and, for example, optional buttons for manual input, fastening elements, a housing, and, for example, a privacy screen, such as a polarization filter. Through the privacy screen, for example, only the direct user can see the inputs. Furthermore, control buttons 18 can be provided.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal 3 has a connection to a vehicle control unit 4 in the passenger transport vehicle 5, for transmitting and executing commands to and by the vehicle control unit 4 via a communication interface 14, for example for establishing and implementing a bidirectional connection with an emergency site 6 or emergency call center via a corresponding communication interface/antenna system/mobile network 19.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal 3 has different modes 21 and is configured for selecting the different modes 21. Such modes 21 can, for example, serve merely for information purposes without being connected to an emergency site 6. For example, a mode 21: vehicle status, satisfaction, entertainment, etc., can be available to enter the various messages without the emergency call center 7 or emergency site 6. The messages can, for example, be entered using the touchscreen of the interaction terminal 3. Such messages can include, for example, the vehicle position, the vehicle status (dirty, clean), the planned route, or other traffic information.

Furthermore, the interaction terminal 3 has an emergency mode. This can be activated directly, for example, by selecting it on the touchscreen or by pressing the multi-emergency button 2a, 2b.

When activated, the interaction terminal 3 switches to emergency mode and sends an emergency call to a predefined emergency call center and establishes a bidirectional connection to the emergency site 6 for the input of information by the vehicle occupant for forwarding to the emergency site 6 and/or for establishing an interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency site 6.

The interaction terminal 3 can transmit further messages to the emergency call center 7 and/or to the emergency site 6, whereby the further information is, for example: adding the current location or an updated location, adding the vehicle route still to be covered, adding an identifier of the passenger transport vehicle 5, adding a current seat number related to the interaction terminal 3, the vehicle status, traffic information, vehicle occupant information, etc.

If the interaction terminal 3 is activated, it can establish a connection to an operator as the emergency site 6. The microphone 17 and the loudspeaker 20, as well as the camera 16, are activated for image transmission and to establish a video call and for the acoustic input of information and/or acoustic interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency site 6.

For example, the emergency system according to the invention enables the operator/emergency site 6 to query the 5-W questions (what, how, which, who, waiting) in order to enable an adequate response, for example by the emergency site 6 or the emergency call center 7.

The interaction can thus, for example, have a deterrent effect on an attacker or serve to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants, for example, in the event of an accident in the passenger transport vehicle 5. The interaction terminal 3 can also be designed to recognize/estimate the origin and possible languages of the vehicle occupant based on the language, booking, skin color, etc.

These languages can be suggested to the vehicle occupant by the interaction terminal 3, along with the most likely ones.

Alternatively or additionally, in addition to the acoustic input via video call, a query via display and input into the touchscreen 15 may also be possible.

If the interaction terminal 3 is activated, this in turn activates an existing interior sensor 8 and exterior sensor if these were not previously activated.

The interior sensor system 8 and exterior sensor system comprise at least one interior camera or several cameras for image recording of the passenger compartment as interior data and of the exterior as exterior data.

During the activated emergency mode, the interaction terminal 3 is prompted to at least permanently store the indoor/outdoor data recorded during the activated emergency mode.

For this purpose, the interaction terminal 3 can transmit a trigger signal to a data recorder 10 (permanent memory) for storing previously recorded data, which was temporarily stored, for example, in a ring buffer, and for recording all subsequent relevant monitoring data and storing them in the permanent memory.

In every emergency call/report, this stored data can ultimately serve as evidence for, for example, criminal prosecution or civil proceedings.

The recorded indoor and outdoor data can also be transmitted to the emergency site 6, which will enable them to better assess the emergency.

The interaction terminal 3 can also transmit the stored outdoor data and indoor data or at least the indoor data recorded during the activated emergency mode to an external server. The recorded indoor and outdoor data can be combined into data packets, for example, with recordings from the ring buffer.

The data packets can then be uploaded to an external server, such as Cloud 9. A specific identifier can then be generated and assigned to the data packet.

Using the identifier, affected vehicle occupants and/or the emergency call center 6/emergency call center 7 can, for example, authenticate themselves and access the data packet via the identifier and then use it, for example, as evidence.

In emergency mode, the interaction terminal 3 can also display several predefined emergency situations for selection and/or display different deployment locations 6 for selection.

Examples of such emergency situations include: accident, fire, attacker/threat by people, illness, for example if a vehicle occupant suffers a heart attack.

For example, the fire department, hospital/doctor, or police can be displayed as emergency locations 6 for selection, and upon manual selection, a connection can be established to the correspondingly stored emergency location 6. This allows, for example, a quick and visual initial differentiation of the emergency situation to be achieved and first aid to be provided.

Furthermore, in emergency mode, the interaction terminal 3 can establish a connection to a mobile device, for example a smartphone 11 of the vehicle occupant.

The connection to the smartphone 11 can be established via a passenger transport vehicle 5 ID, QR code and/or automatically via NFC (Near Field Communication) previously entered into the smartphone 11.

The vehicle ID identification number is the number which is displayed, for example, to a vehicle occupant when boarding or which is attached, for example, to the seats in the passenger transport vehicle 5.

The vehicle ID number can be simplified to the license plate number of passenger transport vehicle 5, for example. In the event of an emergency call, the vehicle occupant can provide the ID to emergency site 6, or it can be transmitted automatically. The interaction terminal can then be activated, for example, to initiate a video call with emergency site 6.

The deployment site 6 can thus, for example, use the ID for identification to establish a communication interface with the passenger transport vehicle 5.

In addition, an emergency call/message can also be supported via, for example, the vehicle occupant's smartphone 11, so that locating the passenger transport vehicle 5, locating the vehicle occupant in the passenger transport vehicle 5 and assessing the situation is easier.

In addition, further information available about the passenger transport vehicle 5, the interior sensors 8, the vehicle occupant's smartphone 11, etc. can also be included in the emergency call.

For example, in such a case, the personal emergency data 12 stored on the mobile device/smartphone 11, such as medical history information such as previous illnesses, blood type, any disabilities, etc., as well as emergency contacts, can be transmitted via the interaction terminal to the emergency site 6. This way, for example, first responders can be informed directly in advance about the blood type of accident victims or other illnesses, etc.

Furthermore, the smartphone 11 can be used to make an emergency call, and this can be supported via the interaction terminal 3, for example, with a video call to the emergency site 6.

If a dangerous situation exists for the vehicle occupant, a threat report can be made using the emergency system 1 according to the invention via the multi-emergency button 2a, 2b or the interaction terminal 3 or the smartphone 11 linked to the interaction terminal 3. Pressing the emergency button 2a, 2b directly notifies an emergency call center 7. This activates the interaction terminal 3 for further input and starts a transmission to an emergency site 6. Furthermore, data storage of exterior and interior data is enabled in the data recorder 10, the transmission of the stored data to a cloud 9 is ensured, and at least the interior data is securely transmitted to the emergency site 6.

The vehicle occupant can use the emergency system 1 according to the invention to assess the threat situation by inputting it via the interaction key terminal 3 (video call, touchscreen input). On this basis, the emergency site 6 can select appropriate measures and forward them to the emergency call center 7.

4 shows a schematic representation of a passenger transport vehicle 5 with at least one passenger compartment comprising an emergency system 1 or several emergency systems 1, each with an interaction terminal 3. In particular, such a passenger transport vehicle 5 can be an autonomously driving bus/train or taxi.

Each emergency system 1 or the passenger transport vehicle 5 is assigned a vehicle ID (identification number). This can, for example, be the license plate number of the passenger transport vehicle 5 as well as an additional number that indicates the seat location or the arrangement of the emergency system 1 in the vehicle ( 5 ).

The interaction terminal 3 can attach this vehicle ID (identification number) to an emergency call and/or the vehicle ID (identification number) to the information to an emergency site 6 so that the passenger transport vehicle 5 can be easily identified.

Furthermore, the passenger transport vehicle 5 has the interior sensor system 8 and exterior sensor system for the continuous generation of interior data and exterior data.

In addition, an evaluation unit is provided that detects a threat situation. Based on the detected threat situation, it can inform a predefined emergency location 6 and connect the interaction terminal(s) 3 to start, for example, a video call ( 6 ).

The evaluation unit thus detects potential threats through continuous indoor and outdoor monitoring and determines whether anyone is prevented from making an emergency call. Interaction Terminal 3 can be activated as a deterrent.

The inventive emergency system 1 allows specific threat scenarios to be initially categorized, for example, according to the most severe damage imaginable. The damage can be categorized according to financial damage, damage to the person's well-being, damage to the person (psychological or without physical injury), damage to the person - minor physical injury, etc.

With regard to emergency situations, the emergency system 1 according to the invention quickly authorizes the vehicle occupants to send an emergency call to the emergency call center 7 or a message to the operator/emergency site 6, depending on the emergency risk and the expected severity or the subjective sense of security.

The emergency system 1 according to the invention allows for differentiation of the emergency call.

7 shows the method according to the invention in a threat situation. In a first step S1, the threat is entered via the multi-emergency button 2a, 2b or the interaction terminal 3. It is also possible to enter whether a threat to another person exists. The other person can also be specified more precisely, for example, based on their seat location.

In a second step S2, the threat situation is queried in detail. This can be done with the assistance of an operator/emergency site 6/emergency call center 7 or exclusively via input on the touchscreen 15. Mode 21, which sends an emergency call to the operator/emergency site 6/emergency call center 7, can also be provided as a permanent selection button. In step S2, the type of threat can be identified more precisely, such as theft, physical, verbal, etc.

In a third step S3, the perceived strength of the threat is queried.

In a fourth step S4, for example, an emergency call to the police can be initiated based on the selected threat type and/or severity. Additional information such as vehicle position, vehicle status, planned route, traffic information, passenger information, and possibly other sensor information is transmitted.

If the emergency call is not answered due to overload, an emergency call can be made to the operator, for example.

List of reference symbols

1

Emergency system

2a,2b

Multi-emergency button

3

Interaction terminal

4

Vehicle control unit

5

Passenger transport vehicle

6

Deployment site

7

Emergency call center

8

Interior sensors

9

Cloud

10

Data Recorder

11

smartphone

12

Emergency data

13

Input keys

14

Communication interface

15

touchscreen

16

camera

17

microphone

18

Control buttons

19

antenna

20

Speaker

21

Modes

QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10 2020 201 629 A1 [0006]

Claims (20)

Emergency system (1) for making an emergency call in a passenger transport vehicle (5) with at least one passenger compartment, characterized in that an interaction terminal (3) is provided, wherein the interaction terminal (3) comprises various modes (21) and is designed for selecting the various modes (21) and for manually entering information in the respective selected modes, wherein the various modes comprise at least one emergency mode, and wherein an emergency operating unit is provided which is arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the emergency operating unit is coupled to the interaction terminal (3), and wherein the emergency operating unit is designed to activate the interaction terminal (3) upon manual actuation, wherein the interaction terminal (3) is designed to switch to emergency mode upon activation by the emergency operating unit or is designed to switch to emergency mode upon manual activation of the emergency mode, and to send an emergency call to a predefined emergency call center (7) as well as to establish a bidirectional connection to an emergency site (6). to establish, for the input of information by the vehicle occupant for forwarding to the emergency site (6) and/or for establishing an interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency site (6). Emergency system (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to activate a microphone (17), a loudspeaker (20) and a camera (16) in an emergency mode for image transmission and for acoustic input of the information and/or acoustic interaction between the vehicle occupant and the emergency site (6) or emergency call center (7). Emergency system (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to query whether a threat situation exists and, if a threat situation exists, to query what type of threat exists and/or to query the perceived strength of the threat. Emergency system (1) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to contact a corresponding emergency site (6) and/or emergency call center (7) depending on the entered strength and/or the type of threat situation. Emergency system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to activate an existing interior sensor system (8), wherein the interior sensor system (8) comprises at least one interior camera for image recording of the passenger compartment as interior data and wherein the interaction terminal (3) is designed to effect permanent storage of at least the interior data recorded during the activated emergency mode. Emergency system (1) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to transmit the interior data recorded during the activated emergency mode to an external server. Emergency system (1) according to Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to transmit the interior data recorded during the activated emergency mode to the site (6). Emergency system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to transmit further messages to the emergency call center (7) and/or the emergency site (6), wherein the further messages can be selected from the following group: adding the current location or a respectively updated location, adding the vehicle route still to be covered, adding an ID (ID identification number) of the passenger transport vehicle (5), adding a current seat number related to the interaction terminal (3). Emergency system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency control unit is designed to make a separate emergency call to the emergency call center (7) if a connection to the interaction terminal (3) cannot be established. Emergency system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency control unit is designed as a multi-emergency button (2a, 2b) and has several input buttons (13) for different types of emergencies. Emergency system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to display, in emergency mode, a plurality of predefined emergency situations for selection and/or to display various deployment locations (6) for selection. Emergency system (1) according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to display at least the fire brigade, hospital or police as emergency locations (6) for selection and, upon corresponding manual selection, to establish a connection to the correspondingly stored emergency location (6). Emergency system (1) according to Claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to establish a connection to a predefined stored deployment location (6) if no emergency situation or deployment location (6) is selected. Emergency system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to establish a connection to a mobile terminal of the vehicle occupant in emergency mode. Emergency system (1) according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) is designed to establish a connection to the mobile terminal via a vehicle ID, QR code and/or automatically via NFC (Near Field Communication) entered into the mobile terminal. Passenger transport vehicle (5) with at least one passenger compartment comprising one emergency system (1) or several emergency systems (1), each with an interaction terminal (3) according to one of the preceding claims. Passenger transport vehicle (5) to Claim 16 , characterized in that each emergency system (1) or the passenger transport vehicle (5) is assigned a vehicle ID (identification number), wherein the interaction terminal (3) is designed to attach the vehicle ID (identification number) to an emergency call and/or the vehicle ID (identification number) to the information to an emergency site (6). Passenger transport vehicle (5) to Claim 16 or 17 , characterized in that the passenger transport vehicle (5) has an interior sensor system 8), wherein the interior sensor system 8) is designed to continuously generate interior data for continuous interior monitoring of the passenger compartment, wherein the passenger transport vehicle (5) is designed to detect a threat situation on the basis of the continuous interior monitoring and to activate the at least one emergency system (1) and to transmit at least the interior data to a predefined deployment location (6). A method for making an emergency call in a passenger transport vehicle (5) with at least one passenger compartment via an emergency system (1), comprising the steps of: - providing an interaction terminal (3), wherein the interaction terminal (3) comprises various modes and is configured for selecting the various modes and for manually entering information in the respective selected modes, wherein the various modes include at least one emergency mode, - providing an emergency control unit arranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the emergency control unit is coupled to the interaction terminal (3), and wherein the emergency control unit, upon manual actuation, activates the interaction terminal (3), wherein the interaction terminal (3) switches to emergency mode upon activation by the emergency control unit, or switches to emergency mode upon manual activation of the emergency mode, and sends an emergency call to a predefined emergency call center (7) and establishes a bidirectional connection to an emergency site (6) for the input of information by the vehicle occupant for forwarding to the emergency site (6). and/or to establish an interaction between the vehicle occupant and the scene of the incident (6). Procedure according to Claim 19 characterized in that the interaction terminal (3) queries whether a threat situation exists and, if a threat situation exists, queries what type of threat exists and/or queries the perceived strength of the threat and, depending on the entered strength and/or the type of threat situation, contacts a corresponding emergency location (6) and/or emergency call center (7).