Patent Publication Number: US-2023156861-A1

Title: Wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-185027, filed on Nov. 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program. 
     Related Art 
     Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2015-69516 discloses an invention in which plural onboard terminals and plural mobile terminals are utilized to configure a safety information transmission system (communication network) in a case in which a communication infrastructure of an area where a vehicle is positioned has failed. 
     In a case in which an occupant of a vehicle in JP-A No. 2015-69516 does not possess a mobile terminal, the occupant is unable to notify a communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle of their safety information. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that may enable a vehicle occupant who does not possess a mobile terminal to notify a communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle. 
     A first aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication system including: a memory; a wireless communication unit provided at a vehicle that wirelessly communicates with an external communication device positioned externally to the vehicle; and a processor that is provided at the vehicle and is coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: cause the wireless communication unit to notify a communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle, based on an instruction received from an occupant of the vehicle or based on disaster information received from the external communication device by the wireless communication unit. 
     In the wireless communication system according to the first aspect, the processor controls the wireless communication unit so as to notify the communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle based on the instruction received from the occupant, or on the disaster information received from the external communication device by the wireless communication unit. Thus, in a case in which a disaster has occurred, the wireless communication unit of the vehicle notifies the communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle based on the instruction by the occupant or on the disaster information received by the wireless communication unit. Thus, the wireless communication system of the first aspect may enable an occupant of the vehicle who does not possess a mobile terminal to notify the communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle. 
     A second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, may further include: a detection device that detects whether the occupant is present inside the vehicle, wherein the processor may be configured to cause the wireless communication unit to notify the communication terminal, in a case in which a determination is made that all occupants have exited the vehicle based on a detection result of the detection device and the wireless communication unit has received the disaster information from the external communication device. 
     In the second aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless communication unit notifies the communication terminal in a case in which the processor determines that all the occupants have exited the vehicle based on the detection result of the detection device, and also the wireless communication unit has received the disaster information from the external communication device. Thus, for example, even in a case in which the occupants are incapable of making rational decisions after a disaster has occurred and have not issued the instruction to the processor, the wireless communication unit notifies the communication terminal after all the occupants have moved out of the vehicle. This may reduce the risk of the notification not being sent from the vehicle to the communication terminal. 
     A third aspect of the present disclosure is the second aspect, the processor may be configured to cause the wireless communication unit to notify the communication terminal in a case in which a disaster rank of a disaster indicated by the disaster information transmitted by the external communication device to the wireless communication unit is a predetermined rank or above. 
     In the third aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless communication unit notifies the communication terminal in a case in which the disaster rank of the disaster indicated by the disaster information transmitted by the external communication device to the wireless communication unit is the predetermined rank or above. Thus, the wireless communication unit may not notify the communication terminal in a case in which a disaster ranked below the predetermined rank has occurred. 
     A fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the above aspects, may further include at least one sensor provided at the vehicle, wherein the processor may be configured to cause the wireless communication unit to transmit sensor information acquired by the sensor to the communication terminal when notifying the communication terminal. 
     In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless communication unit transmits the sensor information acquired by the sensor provided to the vehicle to the communication terminal when the wireless communication unit is notifying the communication terminal. This may enable a user of the communication terminal to ascertain the sensor information for the vehicle. 
     A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the fourth aspect, the sensor may include an air pressure sensor configured to detect an air pressure of a tire of the vehicle. 
     In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor information includes information relating to the air pressure of the vehicle tire. This may enable a user of the communication terminal to ascertain the state of the vehicle tire. 
     A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, the sensor may include a camera that images at least one imaging subject out of an imaging subject positioned inside the vehicle or an imaging subject positioned externally to the vehicle. 
     In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor information includes at least one type of image information acquired by the camera out of image information regarding the imaging subject positioned inside the vehicle or image information regarding the imaging subject positioned externally to the vehicle. This may enable a user of the communication terminal to ascertain at least one type of image information out of vehicle interior image information or vehicle exterior image information. 
     A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the above aspects, the vehicle may include an operation device enabling the occupant to input information indicating the instruction. 
     In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the occupant may notify the communication terminal using the wireless communication unit by issuing the instruction to the processor through the operation device provided to the vehicle. 
     An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the seventh aspect, the operation device may be a switch provided at a steering wheel of the vehicle; and the processor may be configured to control the wireless communication unit to notify to the communication terminal in a case in which the switch has been operated. 
     In the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the notification is sent from the wireless communication unit to the communication terminal when the occupant has operated the switch provided to the steering wheel. This may enable the occupant to easily execute the operation to make the wireless communication unit notify the communication terminal while performing driving operations of the vehicle. 
     A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication method, including, by a processor provided at a vehicle: causing a wireless communication unit provided at the vehicle to send a notification to a communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle, based on an instruction received from an occupant of the vehicle or based on disaster information received from an external communication device positioned externally to the vehicle by the wireless communication unit. 
     A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program executable by a processor provided at a vehicle to execute processing including: causing a wireless communication unit provided at the vehicle to notify a communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle, based on an instruction received from an occupant of the vehicle or based on disaster information received from an external communication device positioned externally to the vehicle by the wireless communication unit. 
     In the above aspects, the wireless communication system, the wireless communication method, and the non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program of the present disclosure may enable a vehicle occupant who does not possess a mobile terminal to notify the communication terminal positioned externally to the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a control block diagram of the vehicle ECU and the external server illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a functional block diagram of the ECU illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a functional block diagram of the external server illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating a main image on a display provided to the vehicle illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating a display when a notification application has been activated; 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating a display when an amend message button has been touch-operated; 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating a display when an add message button has been touch-operated; 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram illustrating a display when an enter button has been touch-operated; 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating a display when an amend transmission destination button has been touch-operated; 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram illustrating a display when an add transmission destination button has been touch-operated; 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating a display when an enter button has been touch-operated; 
         FIG.  13    is a diagram illustrating a rank determination map; 
         FIG.  14    is a diagram illustrating a display when a vehicle has received disaster information and information indicating a disaster rank from an external server; 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by an external server; 
         FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by an ECU; 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by an ECU; 
         FIG.  18    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by an ECU; 
         FIG.  19    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by an ECU; and 
         FIG.  20    is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by an ECU. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Explanation follows regarding an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program according to the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a wireless communication system  10  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a vehicle  20 , an external server (external communication device)  30 , and plural communication terminals  50  positioned externally to the vehicle  20 . Note that only a single communication terminal  50  is illustrated in  FIG.  1    for simplicity. Furthermore, plural occupants (not illustrated in the drawings) are present inside the vehicle  20 . 
     The vehicle  20  is capable of performing data communication with the external server  30  over a network (such as the internet). As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the vehicle  20  includes an electronic control unit (ECU)  21 , a display (operation device)  22  including a touch panel, a speaker  23 , a first camera (detection device; sensor)  24 , a second camera (sensor)  25 , a global positioning system (GPS) receiver  26 , four vehicle wheels  27 , air pressure sensors (sensors)  28 , and a steering wheel  29 . 
     The display  22  is provided to an instrument panel (not illustrated in the drawings) and is capable of displaying various images. The speaker  23  is capable of outputting various audio. 
     The first camera  24  is capable of imaging any imaging subjects positioned inside the vehicle  20 . Namely, the first camera  24  is capable of imaging the occupants positioned inside the vehicle  20 . Image data acquired by the first camera  24  is hereafter referred to as “vehicle interior image data”. The second camera  25  is capable of imaging any imaging subjects positioned externally to the vehicle  20  (in the surroundings). Image data acquired by the second camera  25  is hereafter referred to as “vehicle exterior image data”. The GPS receiver  26  acquires information relating to the position where the vehicle  20  is traveling (hereafter referred to as “position information”) by receiving GPS signals transmitted by GPS satellites. The first camera  24  transmits the acquired vehicle interior image data to the ECU  21  whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. The second camera  25  transmits the acquired vehicle exterior image data to the ECU  21  whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. The GPS receiver  26  transmits the acquired position information to the ECU  21  whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. The vehicle interior image data and the vehicle exterior image data transmitted to the ECU  21  are associated with the position information and time information and sequentially recorded in storage  21 D of the ECU  21 , described later. 
     The four vehicle wheels  27  each include a tire  27 A. Each of the tires  27 A is a hollow annular member made of an elastic material, and air is filled into a space inside the tire  27 A. Note that the two vehicle wheels  27  configuring left and right front wheels are steered wheels. The air pressure sensors  28  provided to each of the vehicle wheels  27  periodically measure the air pressure of the corresponding tire  27 A at predetermined intervals. The respective air pressure sensors  28  also include a wireless communication function. The respective air pressure sensors  28  periodically transmit information relating to the acquired air pressure together with ID information for the corresponding vehicle wheel  27  to the ECU  21  (to a wireless communication I/F  21 E) at predetermined intervals. 
     The steering wheel  29  is rotatably supported by the instrument panel. When the steering wheel  29  is rotation-operated, a steering angle of the left and right steered wheels  27  changes. A push button switch  29   a  is provided to the steering wheel  29 . The switch  29   a  is can be moved between an initial position illustrated in  FIG.  1    and an operation position (not illustrated in the drawings). The switch  29   a  is positioned at the initial position when no external force is applied to the switch  29   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the ECU  21  is configured including a central processing unit (CPU; processor)  21 A, read only memory (ROM)  21 B, random access memory (RAM)  21 C, the storage  21 D, the wireless communication interface (I/F) (wireless communication unit)  21 E, an internal communication I/F  21 F, and an input/output I/F  21 G. The CPU  21 A, the ROM  21 B, the RAM  21 C, the storage  21 D, the wireless communication I/F  21 E, the internal communication I/F  21 F, and the input/output I/F  21 G are connected so as to be capable of communicating with one another through an internal bus  21 Z. The ECU  21  is capable of acquiring time-related information from a timer. The display  22 , the speaker  23 , the first camera  24 , the second camera  25 , the GPS receiver  26 , and the switch  29   a  are connected to the ECU  21  (input/output I/F  21 G). 
     The CPU  21 A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls respective sections. The CPU  21 A reads a program from the ROM  21 B or the storage  21 D and executes the program using the RAM  21 C as a workspace. The CPU  21 A controls the respective configuration elements and performs various arithmetic processing according to the programs recorded in the ROM  21 B or the storage  21 D. 
     The ROM  21 B holds various programs and various data. For example, plural applications (programs) are installed in the ROM  21 B. For example, a notification application, described later, is installed in the ROM  21 B. The RAM  21 C acts as a workspace to temporarily store programs or data. The storage  21 D is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and holds various programs and various data. For example, map data for the entire country in which the vehicle  20  is positioned is recorded in the storage  21 D. 
     The wireless communication I/F  21 E is an interface for performing wireless communication with various equipment. For example, the wireless communication I/F  21 E is capable of wireless communication with the external server  30 . Furthermore, the air pressure-related information for the respective tires  27 A that has been wirelessly transmitted by the respective air pressure sensors  28  is received by the wireless communication I/F  21 E. The wireless communication I/F  21 E employs a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The wireless communication I/F  21 E is capable of sending and receiving emails. 
     The internal communication I/F  21 F is an interface for connecting to separate ECUs to the ECU  21  provided to the vehicle  20  through an external bus. 
     The input/output I/F  21 G is an interface for communicating with various devices. For example, the input/output I/F  21 G is capable of communicating with the display  22 , the speaker  23 , the first camera  24 , the second camera  25 , the GPS receiver  26 , and the switch  29   a.    
       FIG.  3    is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional configuration of the ECU  21 . The ECU  21  includes as functional configuration a display control section  211 , a speaker control section  212 , a vehicle interior state determination section  213 , a tire state determination section  214 , an information recognition section  215 , and a notification processing section  216 . The display control section  211 , the speaker control section  212 , the vehicle interior state determination section  213 , the tire state determination section  214 , the information recognition section  215 , and the notification processing section  216  are implemented by the CPU  21 A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM  21 B. 
     The display control section  211  controls the display  22 . Plural applications (programs) are installed in the ECU  21 . Thus, when the display  22  is in an ON state, the display control section  211  is capable of displaying a main image (initial image)  22 MD including application images (hereafter referred to as AP images)  22 AP 1 ,  22 AP 2 ,  22 AP 3  to  22 AP 8  representing eight applications on the display  22  as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . The AP image  22 AP 1  is an image representing the notification application. 
     The speaker control section  212  controls the speaker  23 . 
     The vehicle interior state determination section  213  determines whether or not any occupants are present inside the vehicle  20  based on imaging data acquired by the first camera  24 . 
     The tire state determination section  214  determines whether or not the vehicle  20  is in a state capable of travel based on the air pressure-related information for the respective tires  27 A received from the respective air pressure sensors  28 . For example, in a case in which a determination is made that the air pressure of two or more of the tires  27 A is a predetermined threshold or below, the tire state determination section  214  determines that the vehicle  20  is in a “travel-incapacitated state”. Hereafter, information relating to whether or not the vehicle  20  is in a state capable of travel based on the air pressure of the tires  27 A is referred to as “travel-capability information”. The travel-capability information is associated with the position information and time information and recorded in the storage  21 D. 
     When the wireless communication I/F  21 E has received disaster information for the area where the vehicle  20  is positioned and information relating to a disaster rank indicating a magnitude of the disaster from the external server  30 , the information recognition section  215  recognizes this information. This information recognized by the information recognition section  215  is displayed on the display  22 . 
     The notification processing section  216  implements functionality included in the notification application in a case in which a predetermined touch operation has been performed on the display  22  in a state in which the notification application has been activated. The notification processing section  216  also executes notification processing, described later, in a case in which the switch  29   a  has been moved to the operation position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the external server  30  illustrated in  FIG.  1    is configured including as hardware configuration a CPU (processor)  30 A, ROM  30 B, RAM  30 C, storage  30 D, a wireless communication I/F  30 E, an internal communication I/F  30 F, and an input/output I/F  30 G. The CPU  30 A, the ROM  30 B, the RAM  30 C, the storage  30 D, the wireless communication I/F  30 E, the internal communication I/F  30 F, and the input/output I/F  30 G are connected to communicate with one another through an internal bus  30 Z. The external server  30  acquire time-related information from a timer. 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional configuration of hardware of the external server  30 . The hardware of the external server  30  includes a transmission/reception control section  301  and a rank determination section  302  as functional configuration. The transmission/reception control section  301  and the rank determination section  302  are implemented by the CPU  30 A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM  30 B. 
     The transmission/reception control section  301  controls the wireless communication I/F  30 E and the internal communication I/F  30 F. The wireless communication I/F  30 E receives disaster information generated in the corresponding area that has been wirelessly transmitted by a local authority server (not illustrated in the drawings) managed by a local authority for the area in which the vehicle  20  is positioned. In the present exemplary embodiment, examples of disasters include earthquakes, heavy rain, tornadoes, and tsunamis. 
     The transmission/reception control section  301  determines the disaster rank of the disaster indicated by the received disaster information based on the disaster information that the wireless communication I/F  30 E received from the local authority server, and on a rank determination map  31  (see  FIG.  13   ) stored in the ROM  30 B. Disaster ranks relating to earthquakes, heavy rain, and so on are specified in the rank determination map  31 . Note that although disaster ranks relating to tornadoes, tsunamis, and so on are also specified in the rank determination map  31 , this is omitted from  FIG.  13    for simplicity. The greater the scale of the disaster, the larger the figure indicating the disaster rank. 
     The communication terminal  50  illustrated in  FIG.  1    is for example a smartphone. A display  51  including a touch panel is provided to the communication terminal  50 . The communication terminal  50  includes as hardware configuration a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage, a wireless communication I/F, an internal communication I/F, an input/output I/F, and an internal bus. The communication terminal  50  is capable of transmitting and receiving emails. 
     Next, explanation follows regarding operation of the present exemplary embodiment. 
     First, explanation follows regarding a flow of processing performed by the external server  30 , with reference to the flowchart in  FIG.  15   . The external server  30  periodically executes the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  15    whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. 
     First, at step S 10 , the transmission/reception control section  301  of the external server  30  determines whether or not the wireless communication I/F  30 E has received disaster information relating to the area where the vehicle  20  is positioned from the local authority server. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 10  the external server  30  proceeds to step S 11 , whereupon the rank determination section  302  determines a disaster rank of the disaster indicated by the received disaster information based on the received disaster information and the rank determination map  31 . For example, in a case in which the external server  30  has received disaster information such as “An earthquake with a seismic intensity of 4 has occurred” at step S 10 , the rank determination section  302  determines that the disaster rank of the disaster indicated by the disaster information is “4”. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 11  the external server  30  proceeds to step S 12 , whereupon the transmission/reception control section  301  causes the wireless communication I/F  30 E to wirelessly transmit the received disaster information and the disaster rank-related information to the vehicle  20 . 
     After finishing the processing of step S 12  or in a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 10 , the external server  30  ends the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  15   . 
     Next, explanation follows regarding flows of processing performed by the ECU  21  of the vehicle  20 , with reference to the flowcharts in  FIG.  16    to  FIG.  20   . First, explanation follows regarding the flowchart in  FIG.  16   . The ECU  21  periodically executes the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  16    whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. 
     At step S 20 , the information recognition section  215  of the ECU  21  determines whether or not the wireless communication I/F  21 E has received disaster information for the area where the vehicle  20  is positioned and the corresponding disaster rank-related information from the external server  30 . 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 20  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 21 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays the disaster information and the disaster rank-related information on the display  22  as illustrated in  FIG.  14   . Note that when an occupant performs a touch operation on a main image display button  22 R illustrated in  FIG.  14   , the main image  22 MD illustrated in  FIG.  5    is displayed on the display  22 . 
     After finishing the processing of step S 21  or in a case in which negative determination is made at step S 20 , the ECU  21  ends this round of the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  16   . 
     The ECU  21  also periodically executes the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  17    whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. 
     At step S 30 , the notification processing section  216  of the ECU  21  determines whether or not the notification application has been activated and an app initial image  22 MI illustrated in  FIG.  6    is being displayed on the display  22 . Namely, the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the AP image  22 AP 1  included in the main image  22 MD illustrated in  FIG.  5   . The app initial image  22 MI includes a transmit message button  22 - 1 MI, an amend message button  22 - 2 MI, an amend transmission destination button  22 - 3 MI, and a display main image button  22 R. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 30  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 31 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the transmit message button  22 - 1 MI by an occupant of the vehicle  20 . 
     For example, in a case in which an occupant performs a touch operation on the transmit message button  22 - 1 MI having seen the disaster information and the disaster rank-related information displayed on the display  22  during the processing of step S 21 , the ECU  21  makes affirmative determination at step S 31  and proceeds to step S 32 . At step S 32 , the wireless communication I/F  21 E wirelessly transmits an email to the respective communication terminals  50  under the control of the notification processing section  216 . A message, position information for the vehicle  20 , as well as the travel-capability information, the vehicle interior image data, and the vehicle exterior image data recorded in the storage  21 D are included in this email. Note that the transmitted vehicle interior image data and vehicle exterior image data may be data acquired between a time that is a predetermined time prior to the processing timing of step S 32  and this processing timing. For example, vehicle interior image data and vehicle exterior image data acquired between a time one minute prior to the processing timing and this processing timing may be transmitted together with message. The received message, the position information for the vehicle  20 , the travel-capability information, an image depicting the vehicle interior image data, and an image depicting the vehicle exterior image data are displayed on the display  51  of each of the communication terminals  50  that received the email from the vehicle  20 . 
     Note that, as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , plural messages that the vehicle  20  is capable of transmitting to the respective communication terminals  50  are recorded in the storage  21 D of the ECU  21 . Namely, the vehicle  20  is capable of transmitting a first message  22 MS- 1 , a second message  22 MS- 2 , or a third message  22 MS- 3  included in an message amendment image  22 MR illustrated in  FIG.  7    to the respective communication terminals  50 . The contents of the first message  22 MS- 1 , the second message  22 MS- 2 , and the third message  22 MS- 3  are as follows.
         1 st  message: safe   2 nd  message: at this location   3 rd  message: going to an evacuation area       

     As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , transmission destination information corresponding to three communication terminals  50  is recorded in the storage  21 D of the ECU  21 . Namely, first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1 , second transmission destination information  22 DR- 2 , and third transmission destination information  22 DR- 3  depicts information relating to respective owners (their names) and email addresses of the three communication terminals  50 . 
     When the notification application is in an initial setting state, the first message  22 MS- 1  is selected (registered) as a transmission target message, and the first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1  is selected (registered) as target transmission destination information. Thus, in a case in which the processing of step S 32  is executed while the application notification is in the initial setting state, the wireless communication I/F  21 E transmits an email message stating “We&#39;re safe” to the communication terminal  50  corresponding to the first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1 . Note that plural items of transmission destination information may be selected as the target transmission destination information. 
     In a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 30  or step S 31 , or the processing of step S 32  has ended, the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 33 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not the switch  29   a  has been moved from the initial position to the operation position. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 33  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 34  and executes the same processing as in step S 32 . 
     After finishing the processing of step S 34  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 35 , and determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the display main image button  22 R illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 35  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 36 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays the main image  22 MD illustrated in  FIG.  5    on the display  22 . 
     After finishing the processing of step S 36  or in a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 35 , the ECU  21  ends this round of the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  17   . 
     The ECU  21  also periodically executes the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  18    whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. 
     At step S 40 , the information recognition section  215  of the ECU  21  executes the same processing as at step S 20 . 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 40  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 41 , whereupon the information recognition section  215  determines whether or not the received disaster rank is a predetermined rank or above. The predetermined rank may for example be a rank of 3. However, the predetermined rank may be any desired rank of rank 2 or above. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 41  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 42 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not the processing of steps S 32  and S 34  has been executed within a predetermined duration. This predetermined duration may for example be five minutes. 
     In a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 42  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 43 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not any occupants are present inside the vehicle  20  based on the vehicle interior image data received from the first camera  24 . In other words, the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not all the occupants have moved from inside the vehicle to outside the vehicle. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 43  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 44 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  executes the same processing as at step S 32 . Namely the wireless communication I/F  21 E of the vehicle  20  wirelessly transmits the email to the communication terminals  50  without consulting the occupants. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 44 , in a case in which a negative determination is made at steps S 40 , S 41 , or S 43 , or in a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 42 , the ECU  21  ends this round of the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  18   . 
     The ECU  21  also periodically executes the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  19    whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. 
     At step S 50 , the notification processing section  216  of the ECU  21  determines whether or not the notification application has been activated and the app initial image  22 MI illustrated in  FIG.  6    is being displayed on the display  22 . 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 50  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 51 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the amend message button  22 - 2 MI. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 51  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 52 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays the message amendment image  22 MR illustrated in  FIG.  7    on the display  22 . The message amendment image  22 MR includes the first message  22 MS- 1 , the second message  22 MS- 2 , the third message  22 MS- 3 , three select buttons  22 SL, three delete buttons  22 DT, and an add message button  22 AD. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 52  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 53 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the add message button  22 AD. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 53  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 54 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays a message creation image  22 MM illustrated in  FIG.  8    on the display  22 . The message creation image  22 MM includes a keyboard  22 KY, a message display region  22 DS, and an enter button  22 MK. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 54  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 55 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on at least one out of plural text images (not illustrated in the drawings) included in the keyboard  22 KY. These text images may for example include the alphabet. Namely, the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not an occupant has created a new message using the keyboard  22 KY. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 55  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 56 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays the text input using the keyboard  22 KY on the message display region  22 DS. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 56  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 57 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the enter button  22 MK. In a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 57 , the ECU  21  repeats the processing of step S 55 . 
     For example, in a case in which a new message such as “We&#39;ll be home within 3 hours” has been input using the keyboard  22 KY as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , after which affirmative determination is made at step S 57 , the notification processing section  216  records the created new message in the storage  21 D. The ECU  21  then proceeds to step S 58 . 
     At step S 58 , the display control section  211  displays a message amendment image  22 MR illustrated in  FIG.  9    on the display  22 . This message amendment image  22 MR includes a fourth message  22 MS- 4  depicting the message created at step S 55 , in addition to a select button  22 SL and a delete button  22 DT corresponding to the fourth message  22 MS- 4 . 
     After finishing the processing of step S 58  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 59 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the select buttons  22 SL. 
     For example, in a case in which a touch operation has been performed on the select button  22 SL corresponding to the fourth message  22 MS- 4 , the ECU  21  makes affirmative determination at step S 59  and proceeds to step S 60 . In such cases, the notification processing section  216  selects (registers) the fourth message as the transmission target message instead of the first message. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 60  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 61 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the delete buttons  22 DT. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 61  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 62 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  deletes the message (first message  22 MS- 1 , second message  22 MS- 2 , third message  22 MS- 3 , or fourth message  22 MS- 4 ) corresponding to the delete button  22 DT that was touch-operated from the storage  21 D. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 62  or in a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 50  or S 51 , the ECU  21  ends this round of the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  19   . 
     Thus, in a case in which for example the fourth message has been selected as the transmission target message, after which the processing of step S 32  or step S 44  is executed, the wireless communication I/F  21 E wirelessly transmits the fourth message together with the email to the corresponding communication terminals  50 . 
     The ECU  21  also periodically executes the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  20    whenever a predetermined duration has elapsed. 
     At step S 70 , the information recognition section  215  of the ECU  21  executes the same processing as at step S 50 . 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 70  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 71 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the amend transmission destination button  22 - 3 MI illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 71  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 72 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays a transmission destination amendment image  22 SD illustrated in  FIG.  10    on the display  22 . The transmission destination amendment image  22 SD includes the first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1 , the second transmission destination information  22 DR- 2 , the third transmission destination information  22 DR- 3 , three select buttons  22 SL, three delete buttons  22 DT, and an add transmission destination button  22 AS. The first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1 , the second transmission destination information  22 DR- 2 , and the third transmission destination information  22 DR- 3  each include information relating to a name and an email address. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 72  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 73 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the add transmission destination button  22 AS. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 73  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 74 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays a transmission destination creation image  22 SM illustrated in  FIG.  11    on the display  22 . The transmission destination creation image  22 SM includes a keyboard  22 KY, a transmission destination display region  22 DD, and an enter button  22 MK. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 74  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 75 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on at least one out of plural text images included in the keyboard  22 KY. Namely, the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not an occupant has created new transmission destination information using the keyboard  22 KY. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 75  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 76 , whereupon the display control section  211  displays the text input using the keyboard  22 KY on the transmission destination display region  22 DD. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 76  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 77 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the enter button  22 MK. In a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 77 , the ECU  21  repeats the processing of step S 75 . 
     For example, in a case in which a new transmission destination information has been input using the keyboard  22 KY as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , after which affirmative determination is made at step S 77 , the notification processing section  216  records the created new transmission destination information in the storage  21 D. The ECU  21  then proceeds to step S 78 . 
     At step S 78 , the display control section  211  displays a transmission destination amendment image  22 SD illustrated in  FIG.  12    on the display  22 . This transmission destination amendment image  22 SD includes fourth transmission destination information  22 DR- 4  depicting the transmission destination information created at step S 75 , in addition to a select button  22 SL and a delete button  22 DT corresponding to the fourth transmission destination information  22 DR- 4 . 
     After finishing the processing of step S 78  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 79 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the select buttons  22 SL. 
     For example, in a case in which a touch operation has been performed on the select button  22 SL corresponding to the fourth transmission destination information  22 DR- 4 , the ECU  21  makes affirmative determination at step S 79  and proceeds to step S 80 . In such cases, the notification processing section  216  selects (registers) the fourth transmission destination information  22 DR- 4  as the target transmission destination information in addition to the first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1 . 
     After finishing the processing of step S 80  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 81 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on any of the delete buttons  22 DT. 
     In a case in which affirmative determination is made at step S 81  the ECU  21  proceeds to step S 82 , whereupon the notification processing section  216  deletes the transmission destination information (first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1 , second transmission destination information  22 DR- 2 , third transmission destination information  22 DR- 3 , or fourth transmission destination information  22 DR- 4 ) corresponding to the delete button  22 DT that was touch-operated from the storage  21 D. 
     After finishing the processing of step S 82  or in a case in which a negative determination is made at step S 70  or S 71 , the ECU  21  ends this round of the processing of the flowchart in  FIG.  20   . 
     Thus, in a case in which for example the fourth transmission destination information  22 DR- 4  has been selected as the target transmission destination information in addition to the first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1 , after which the processing of step S 32  or step S 44  is executed, the wireless communication I/F  21 E under the control of the notification processing section  216  wirelessly transmits the corresponding message together with the email to the two communication terminals  50  corresponding to the first transmission destination information  22 DR- 1  and the fourth transmission destination information  22 DR- 4 . 
     As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the ECU  21  controls the wireless communication I/F  21 E so as to notify the corresponding communication terminals  50  based on an instruction made to the ECU  21  by an occupant through the display  22  (transmit message button  22 - 1 MI), or on disaster information received from the external server  30  by the wireless communication I/F  21 E. Thus, even in a case in which the occupants of the vehicle  20  do not possess a mobile terminal, the occupants are able to notify the communication terminals  50  of a message indicating their safety by using the wireless communication I/F  21 E of the vehicle  20 . A person viewing their communication terminal  50  is thereby able to ascertain safety information regarding the occupants of the vehicle  20 . 
     Furthermore, after activating the notification application, an occupant of the vehicle  20  can cause the wireless communication I/F  21 E to transmit a message by performing a touch operation on the transmit message button  22 - 1 MI displayed on the display  22 . Namely, the occupant can cause the wireless communication I/F  21 E to transmit a message by performing a simple operation. 
     Furthermore, the occupant of the vehicle  20  can also cause the wireless communication I/F  21 E to transmit a message by moving the switch  29   a  provided to the steering wheel  29  from the initial position to the operation position. The occupant is therefore able to cause the wireless communication I/F  21 E to transmit a message by performing a simple operation while performing driving operations of the vehicle  20 . Furthermore, even in a state in which the notification application is not activated, the occupant can cause the wireless communication I/F  21 E to transmit a message by moving the switch  29   a  to the operation position. 
     Furthermore, the position information for the vehicle  20  is transmitted from the vehicle  20  to the corresponding communication terminals  50  together with the message for notifying the communication terminals  50 . A person viewing their communication terminal  50  is thereby able to ascertain the current position of the vehicle  20 . 
     Furthermore, the travel-capability information is transmitted from the vehicle  20  to the corresponding communication terminals  50  together with the message for notifying the communication terminals  50 . A person viewing their communication terminal  50  is thereby able to ascertain whether or not the vehicle  20  (its tires  27 A) is in a state capable of travel. 
     Furthermore, the vehicle interior image data and vehicle exterior image data is transmitted from the vehicle  20  to the corresponding communication terminals  50  together with the message for notifying the communication terminals  50 . A person viewing their communication terminal  50  is thereby able to ascertain the conditions of the occupants of the vehicle  20 . The person viewing their communication terminal  50  is also able to ascertain the conditions outside the vehicle. For example, this person is able to ascertain the weather outside the vehicle  20  and the state of the road surface of the road where the vehicle  20  is positioned. 
     Furthermore, in a case in which the ECU  21  has determined that all of the occupants have exited the vehicle based on the detection results of the first camera  24 , and the wireless communication I/F  21 E has received disaster information from the external server  30  indicating a disaster with a disaster rank of rank 3 or above, the wireless communication I/F  21 E notifies the corresponding communication terminals  50  without consulting the occupants. Thus, for example, even in a case in which the occupants are incapable of making rational decisions after a disaster has occurred and have not executed an operation on the display  22  or the switch  29   a,  the wireless communication I/F  21 E notifies the corresponding communication terminals  50  when all the occupants have moved out of the vehicle. There is accordingly a high likelihood of the corresponding communication terminals  50  being notified by the vehicle  20 , even in a case in which the occupants are incapable of making rational decisions. 
     Furthermore, the wireless communication I/F  21 E only notifies the corresponding communication terminals  50  in a case in which the wireless communication I/F  21 E has received disaster information from the external server  30  indicating a disaster with a disaster rank of 3 or above. In other words, the wireless communication I/F  21 E does not notify the corresponding communication terminals  50  in a case in which the wireless communication I/F  21 E has received disaster information from the external server  30  indicating a disaster with a disaster rank of less than rank 3. Thus, the wireless communication I/F  21 E does not notify the communication terminals  50  without consulting the occupants in a case in which a minor natural event that has less of a need for notification has occurred. 
     Although a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a program according to an exemplary embodiment have been described above, various design modifications may be implemented with respect to the wireless communication system, the wireless communication method, and the program as appropriate within a range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. 
     A communication terminal  50  may be any device that is capable of wireless communication with the vehicle  20 . For example, a tablet computer or a personal computer may be employed as a communication terminal  50 . 
     The vehicle  20  may notify the corresponding communication terminals  50  using a communication means other than email. For example, the vehicle  20  may notify the communication terminals  50  using a social networking service (SNS) or a short message service (SMS). 
     Configuration may be such that the information included in the notification that the vehicle  20  makes to the corresponding communication terminals  50  includes only some information out of the above-described message, position information for the vehicle  20 , travel-capability information, vehicle interior image data, or vehicle exterior image data. Alternatively, configuration may be such that the information included in the notification includes different information than the above-described message, position information for the vehicle  20 , travel-capability information, vehicle interior image data, and vehicle exterior image data. 
     Configuration may be such that the sensor provided to the vehicle  20  is at least one sensor out of the first camera  24 , the second camera  25 , or the air pressure sensors  28 . For example, the vehicle  20  may include only one camera out of the first camera  24  or the second camera  25 . Alternatively, the vehicle  20  may include a different sensor than the first camera  24 , the second camera  25 , and the air pressure sensors  28 . 
     Configuration may be such that the ECU  21  determines whether or not there are any occupants present inside the vehicle based on detection results of a motion sensor (detection device) provided to the vehicle  20 . 
     Configuration may be such that the processing of step S 21  of the flowchart in  FIG.  16    is processing in which the speaker control section  212  outputs the disaster information and the disaster rank as audio through the speaker  23 . 
     Furthermore, the vehicle  20  may be equipped with a speech recognition device (operation device). In such cases, an occupant issues a vocal instruction to cause the wireless communication I/F  21 E to perform notification. In such cases, the speech recognition device recognizes the vocal instruction, and the recognized instruction content is transmitted from the speech recognition device to the ECU  21 . 
     Configuration may be such that the ECU  21  of the vehicle  20  includes the same functionality as the rank determination section  302 . In such cases, the ECU  21  determines the disaster rank bases on the disaster information received from the external server  30  and on the rank determination map  31  recorded in the ROM  21 B or the storage  21 D of the ECU  21 . 
     Configuration may be such that the vehicle  20  does not include one out of the notification application or the switch  29   a.    
     Configuration may be such that the switch  29   a  is provided to a different location of the vehicle  20  than the steering wheel  29 . For example, the switch  29   a  may be provided to the instrument panel. 
     Configuration may be such that the vehicle  20  includes a receiver that is capable of receiving information from satellites of a global navigation satellite system other than GPS (such as Galileo) instead of the GPS receiver  26 .