Patent Publication Number: US-2021188162-A1

Title: Vehicle state alert apparatus and vehicle state alert method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is based on and claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-228314 filed on Dec. 18, 2019. 
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a vehicle state alert apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     PTL 1 discloses a vehicle state alert apparatus which, when an abnormality with a driver has been detected, provides information so that people outside the vehicle can take appropriate actions such as avoiding the vehicle. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-115144 
     SUMMARY 
     However, the vehicle state alert apparatus according to PTL 1 can be improved upon. 
     In view of this, the present disclosure provides a vehicle state alert apparatus capable of further improving upon the related art. 
     A vehicle state alert apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a vehicle including a vehicle exterior alert apparatus capable of making an alert to a person outside the vehicle, and includes: a state determiner that determines a state of a driver of the vehicle and a state of the vehicle; and an alert controller that causes the vehicle exterior alert apparatus to make a state alert for communicating the states determined by the state determiner. The states determined by the state determiner include a first state in which an emergency situation is likely to occur and a second state in which the first state is likely to occur, and the alert controller controls a travel state of the vehicle in accordance with the states determined by the state determiner. 
     A vehicle state alert method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a vehicle including a vehicle exterior alert apparatus capable of making an alert to a person outside the vehicle, and includes: determining a state of a driver of the vehicle and a state of the vehicle; and causing the vehicle exterior alert apparatus to make a state alert for communicating the determined states, and controlling a travel state of the vehicle in accordance with the determined states. The determined states include a first state in which an emergency situation is likely to occur and a second state in which the first state is likely to occur. 
     Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be implemented by any desired combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. 
     The vehicle state alert apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is capable of further improving upon the related art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       These and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations in state alert processing according to Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle according to Embodiment 2. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations in state alert processing according to Embodiment 2. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings where appropriate. However, descriptions which are more detailed than necessary will not be given. For example, detailed descriptions of matters which are already well-known, redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations, and so on may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the descriptions and facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. 
     Note that the accompanying drawings and the following descriptions have been provided so that those skilled in the art can sufficiently understand the present disclosure, and as such the content of the scope of claims is not intended to be limited by the drawings and descriptions in any way. 
     Embodiment 1 
     A vehicle state alert apparatus according to Embodiment  1  will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. 
     1-1. Configuration 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , vehicle  100  includes vehicle state alert apparatus  110 , driver information obtainer  120 , vehicle information obtainer  130 , memory  140 , vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150 , and travel controller  160 . 
     Vehicle state alert apparatus  110  determines a state of a driver and a state of vehicle  100 , alerts the exterior of the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  100  in accordance with a determination result (a first state, a second state, or another state), and controls the travel of vehicle  100 . Vehicle state alert apparatus  110  is an electric circuit. Vehicle state alert apparatus  110  can be implemented by, for example, one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. In other words, by executing one or more programs stored in one or more memories, the one or more processors function as the vehicle state alert apparatus. The one or more programs may be stored in memory in advance, or may be provided over a telecommunication line such as the Internet or having been recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. 
     Vehicle state alert apparatus  110  includes state determiner  111  and alert controller  112 . State determiner  111  and alert controller  112  are not physical configurations, but are rather functions realized by vehicle state alert apparatus. 
     State determiner  111  determines the state of the driver driving the vehicle and the state of the vehicle on the basis of driver information output by driver information obtainer  120 , vehicle information output by vehicle information obtainer  130 , and data recorded in memory  140 . The states determined by state determiner  111  include the first state, which is a state in which an emergency situation is likely to occur, and the second state, which is a state in which the first state is likely to occur. 
     Alert controller  112  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  also controls a travel state of vehicle  100  in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  outputs a control signal for causing vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  and travel controller  160  to make the state alert based on the state determined by state determiner  111 . The “state alert” mentioned here is an alert made automatically by vehicle state alert apparatus  110  after determining the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  100 , and does not include alerts made in response to an operation made by the driver in response to a determination made by the driver. Passing, sounding the horn, and so on can be given as examples of alerts made in response to an operation by the driver. Additionally, operations of vehicle  100  according to the determined condition are speed control for reducing accidents, moving to a safe location and stopping, and so on. 
     Driver information obtainer  120  obtains the driver information indicating the state of the driver. Driver information obtainer  120  outputs the obtained driver information to state determiner  111  of vehicle state alert apparatus  110 . In the present embodiment, camera  121  is used as the driver information obtainer. Driver information obtainer  120  may include a biometric sensor, a heartbeat sensor, a pressure sensor installed in the driver&#39;s seat, or the like, in addition to camera  121 . 
     Camera  121  is an image sensor such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor. Camera  121  is installed in a position at which the driver&#39;s face can be captured from the front. Camera  121  captures an image of the driver&#39;s face and outputs the image to state determiner  111 . 
     Vehicle information obtainer  130  is constituted by a sensor that detects a state of operations made by the driver with respect to vehicle  100 , a sensor that detects a state of the vehicle, and the like, and outputs a result of the detection to state determiner  111  of vehicle state alert apparatus  110 . In the present embodiment, steering angle sensor  131 , pedal sensor  132 , shift sensor  133 , and seating sensor  134  serve as vehicle information obtainer  130 . 
     Steering angle sensor  131  detects a steering angle of a steering wheel of vehicle  100  and outputs a result of the detection to state determiner  111 . Pedal sensor  132  detects an amount by which an accelerator pedal of vehicle  100  is being depressed and outputs a result of the detection to state determiner  111 . Shift sensor  133  detects an operation position (shift position) of a shift lever operated by the driver and outputs a result of the detection to state determiner  111 . Seating sensor  134  detects whether or not a person is sitting in the driver&#39;s seat and outputs a result of the detection to state determiner  111 . Note that vehicle information obtainer  130  is not limited to steering angle sensor  131 , pedal sensor  132 , shift sensor  133 , and seating sensor  134 , and a vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle, a sensor or the like that detects the tilt of the vehicle, or the like may be included as well. 
     Memory  140  is used to store various types of information required by vehicle state alert apparatus  110 . Memory  140  is read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or the like. Memory  140  records data of past operation states of vehicle  100 . Memory  140  may record statistical data created from the data of past operation states, various types of data calculated from the data of past operation states, and the like. 
     Vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  is an apparatus capable of making a state alert to a person outside vehicle  100  (a pedestrian, the driver of another vehicle, and the like). Vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  according to Embodiment  1  includes light emitter  151 , first audio outputter  152 , and communicator  153 . 
     Light emitter  151  makes a state alert to the exterior by emitting light. Light emitter  151  is, for example, a headlight, a taillight, a brake light, a hazard light, a turn signal light, or the like, for example, which is capable of making a state alert by flashing. 
     First audio outputter  152  makes a state alert to the exterior by outputting audio. First audio outputter  152  is, for example, a speaker capable of making an alert by outputting audio, a horn capable of making an alert by sounding, or the like. 
     Communicator  153  has a wireless communication function for communicating wirelessly using a mobile communication network (not shown), and also has a function for performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication with another vehicle present outside vehicle  100  using the mobile communication network, a function for communicating with a mobile terminal present outside vehicle  100 , and a function for performing road-to-vehicle communication with roadside equipment (e.g., VICS (registered trademark) or the like). 
     The vehicle exterior alert apparatus is not limited to light emitter  151 , first audio outputter  152 , and communicator  153 , and may also be a display installed on the outside of vehicle  100  and capable of making a state alert using text, images, or the like. 
     Travel controller  160  controls the travel of vehicle  100 . Travel controller  160  includes a vehicle driving system, such as motors and the like, which control the steering, speed, braking, and so on of vehicle  100 . 
     1-2. State Determination 
     The state of the driver and the state of vehicle  100  determined by state determiner  111  will be described next. 
     1-2-1. State of Driver 
     In the present embodiment, state determiner  111  determines whether or not the driver is in a distracted state. “Distracted state” refers to a state in which the driver&#39;s concentration or attention is reduced. In the present embodiment, a highly-drowsy state in the distracted state corresponds to the first state in which it is highly likely that an emergency situation will arise, and the distracted state is determined by determining whether or not the driver is in a highly-drowsy state. The highly-drowsy state is a state in which the driver&#39;s drowsiness level is at least a predetermined level. State determiner  111  determines whether the driver&#39;s eyes are open or closed in an image of the driver&#39;s face captured by camera  121 , and determines that the driver is in a highly-drowsy state when the driver&#39;s eyes have remained closed for at least a predetermined length of time. The predetermined length of time is five seconds, for example. The highly-drowsy state may be determined on the basis of the degree to which the driver&#39;s eyes are open, how frequently the driver yawns, how frequently the driver blinks, and so on. 
     Note that the highly-drowsy state and a state in which the highly-drowsy state is likely to occur (the distracted state) may be determined using information on the steering angle obtained from steering angle sensor  131 , the direction in which the driver&#39;s face is facing detected from an image of the driver&#39;s face captured by camera  121 , a heart rate obtained from the heartbeat sensor (not shown), and a slope of the driver&#39;s posture detected from the pressure sensor (not shown) installed in the driver&#39;s seat. 
     1-2-2. State of Vehicle 
     In the present embodiment, state determiner  111  determines whether or not vehicle  100  is in an extended travel state. 
     State determiner  111  determines whether or not vehicle  100  has been traveling for an extended period of time. The extended travel state is a state in which vehicle  100  has been traveling for at least a predetermined length of time. The extended travel state corresponds to the second state in which the first state (the highly-drowsy state) is likely to occur. State determiner  111  determines whether or not the driver is sitting in the driver&#39;s seat on the basis of a result of a determination made using seating sensor  134 . Additionally, state determiner  111  determines a state of the shift position on the basis of a detection signal from shift sensor  133 , obtained by vehicle information obtainer  130 . State determiner  111  determines that the state of vehicle  100  is the extended travel state when the shift position is in “drive” and the driver has been sitting in the driver&#39;s seat for at least a predetermined length of time. The predetermined length of time is two hours, for example. If state determiner  111  determines from a navigation device (not shown) or the like that the vehicle is traveling on a monotonous road, such as a highway or the like having continuous straight sections of road, the driver is more likely to fall into a distracted state in a short length of time, and thus the predetermined length of time may be shortened. 
     1-3. Operations 
     Operations of vehicle state alert apparatus  110  according to Embodiment 1 will be described next. 
     1-3-1. Flow of Operations 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations for the state alert according to Embodiment  1 . 
     The state alert processing from steps S 201  to S 205  illustrated in  FIG. 2  starts when an ignition switch of vehicle  100  is turned on, and is repeated until the ignition switch is turned off. 
     When the ignition switch is turned on, camera  121  captures an image of the driver&#39;s face and outputs the captured face image to state determiner  111 . Additionally, steering angle sensor  131 , pedal sensor  132 , shift sensor  133 , and seating sensor  134  obtain the operation state of vehicle  100 , a state within the vehicle, and so on, and output the obtained sensor information to state determiner  111 . The face image, the sensor information, and the like may be recorded as historical data in memory  140 . 
     State determiner  111  determines the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  100  on the basis of the face image output from camera  121  and the sensor information input from the sensors. When the result of the previous determination (the first state, the second state, or another state), recorded in memory  140 , is different from the result of the current determination, state determiner  111  determines that the state has changed (step S 201 ). Note that state determiner  111  determines that the state has changed if, in the first determination, the state of the driver is the first state (the distracted state, which in the present embodiment is the highly-drowsy state), or if the state of vehicle  100  is the second state (the extended travel state). 
     If it is determined that the state has not changed (“No” in step S 202 ), state determiner  111  records the determination result in memory  140 , and the sequence returns to step S 201 . At this time, state determiner  111  may output an indication that the state has not changed to alert controller  112 . If a determination result indicating that there are no changes in the states of the driver and vehicle  100  has been input, alert controller  112  continues the current alert control. 
     If it is determined that the state has changed (“Yes” in step S 202 ), state determiner  111  outputs the result of the determination to alert controller  112 . Alert controller  112  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  to make different state alerts for the first state and the second state. Alert controller  112  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  to make the state alerts in formats so that the alert for the first state has a higher urgency than the alert for the second state. Note that alert controller  112  may perform control so that the state alert is made to the exterior of the vehicle only when the state has changed to the first state (step S 203 ). 
     Alert controller  112  controls the travel state of vehicle  100  in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . When making an alert of the first state, alert controller  112  controls travel controller  160  to decelerate vehicle  100 . When making an alert of the second state, alert controller  112  sets an upper limit speed on the basis of the speed limit of the road on which vehicle  100  is currently traveling, the state outside vehicle  100 , and so on, and controls vehicle  100  when the current speed of vehicle  100  exceeds the upper limit speed. Note that alert controller  112  may control the travel state only when the state has changed to the first state. 
     Additionally, alert controller  112  may control travel controller  160  to stop vehicle  100  when making an alert of the first state, and may control travel controller  160  to decelerate vehicle  100  when making an alert of the second state. 
     Furthermore, alert controller  112  may control travel controller  160  to stop vehicle  100  when making an alert of the first state, and may control travel controller  160  to avoid suddenly accelerating vehicle  100  when making an alert of the second state. 
     Further still, alert controller  112  may control travel controller  160  to stop vehicle  100  when making an alert of the first state, and may control travel controller  160  to control the steering of vehicle  100  when making an alert of the second state. 
     Additionally, alert controller  112  may control travel controller  160  to perform autonomous travel (steering control, speed control, lane change control) on the basis of the state outside vehicle  100  when making an alert of the first state, and may set an upper limit speed on the basis of the speed limit of the road on which vehicle  100  is currently traveling, the state outside vehicle  100 , and so on, and control the speed of vehicle  100  so that the current speed of vehicle  100  does not exceed the upper limit speed, when making an alert of the second state. 
     Additionally, alert controller  112  may control travel controller  160  to stop vehicle  100  on the shoulder when making an alert of the first state, and may control vehicle  100  to change lanes so as to move to a traveling lane (the lane closest to the shoulder) when making an alert of the second state. 
     Additionally, when making an alert of the first state, alert controller  112  may control travel controller  160  to stop vehicle  100 . Alert controller  112  may determine whether or not to cause vehicle  100  to perform an evacuation operation before causing vehicle  100  to stop, on the basis of the state outside vehicle  100 . “Evacuation operation” refers to moving vehicle  100  to an evacuation location where vehicle  100  will not inhibit traffic. The evacuation location is, for example, the shoulder of the road, but if the shoulder is narrow, the evacuation location may be a straight portion of the road or a portion of the road where the lane section is wider than the rest of the road. When it is determined that the evacuation operation can be performed before stopping vehicle  100 , alert controller  112  outputs, to travel controller  160 , a control signal for causing vehicle  100  to perform the evacuation operation of moving to the evacuation location and stopping. However, when it is determined that vehicle  100  cannot perform the evacuation operation, alert controller  112  outputs a control signal to travel controller  160  for causing vehicle  100  to stop without vehicle  100  performing the evacuation operation. In this case, travel controller  160  causes vehicle  100  to stop on the road on which vehicle  100  is currently traveling at the shortest possible distance, for example, without causing vehicle  100  to perform the evacuation operation (step S 204 ). 
     State determiner  111  determines whether or not the ignition switch is off (step S 205 ). If state determiner  111  determines that the ignition switch is off (“Yes” in step S 205 ), the determination result is recorded into memory  140  and the state determination processing ends; if it is determined that the ignition switch is not off (“No” in step S 205 ), the determination result is recorded into memory  140 , the sequence returns to step S 201 , and the processing from step S 201  and on is repeated. 
     1-3-2. Examples of Operations 
     Alert operations which alert controller  112  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  to perform will be described hereinafter. 
     Alert Using Light Emitter 
     Alert controller  112  causes light emitter  151  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  outputs a control signal to light emitter  151 . The control signal includes parameter information such as the brightness, color, and display interval of the light emitted by light emitter  151 . Alert controller  112  controls at least one of the parameter information according to the state determined by state determiner  111 . 
     Alert controller  112  may control light emitter  151  only when making an alert of the first state. For example, alert controller  112  may cause light emitter  151  to change brightness only when making an alert of the first state. Alternatively, alert controller  112  may cause light emitter  151  to change color only when making an alert of the first state. Furthermore, alert controller  112  may cause light emitter  151  to flash only when making an alert of the first state. 
     Alert controller  112  may cause light emitter  151  to perform different types of alerts between the first state and the second state. Alert controller  112  may control the brightness of light emitter  151  when making an alert of the first state to be brighter than the brightness used when making an alert of the second state. Additionally, alert controller  112  may control the interval of flashing of light emitter  151  when making an alert of the first state to be shorter than the interval of flashing used when making an alert of the second state. Furthermore, alert controller  112  may make the color of the light emitted by light emitter  151  when making an alert of the first state a color evoking a greater sense of urgency (e.g., red or a color close to red) than the color of the light emitted when making an alert of the second state. 
     For example, alert controller  112  may make the state alert to the outside of the vehicle by controlling the brightness and interval of flashing of the headlights. Additionally, alert controller  112  may make the state alert to the outside of the vehicle by flashing the hazard lights or controlling the interval of the flashing. Furthermore, alert controller  112  may make the state alert to the outside of the vehicle by lighting the brake lights, flashing the brake lights, or controlling the interval of the flashing. Additionally, alert controller  112  may light or control the flashing of the brake lights when the travel state is controlled, such as when decelerating. Furthermore, alert controller  112  may make the state alert by flashing the turn signal light in the direction of steering when the steering is controlled. 
     Alert Using Audio Outputter 
     Alert controller  112  causes first audio outputter  152  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  may cause first audio outputter  152  to output audio only when making an alert of the first state. Alert controller  112  causes first audio outputter  152  to output audio to alert other vehicles, pedestrians, and the like outside vehicle  100 . For example, alert controller  112  may sound the horn only when the first state is determined. Additionally, when travel control is performed, alert controller  112  may cause audio indicating the details of the travel control to be output. 
     Alert Using Communicator 
     Alert controller  112  makes a state alert, for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 , through communicator  153 . Alert controller  112  makes the state alert to another vehicle outside through vehicle-to-vehicle communication via communicator  153 . The other vehicle that receives the state alert can alert the driver in the vehicle using devices installed in the vehicle (a speaker, a navigation device, or the like). Alert controller  112  may make the state alert to a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, held by a pedestrian outside the vehicle, an occupant of another vehicle, or the like, via communicator  153 . The format of the state alert made by alert controller  112  to the outside of the vehicle is an image, audio, a text message, or the like. Furthermore, when travel control is performed, alert controller  112  may make a state alert indicating the details of the travel control to other vehicles outside through vehicle-to-vehicle communication performed via communicator  153 . 
     1-4. Effects, Etc. 
     As described thus far, in the present embodiment, state determiner  111  determines the state of the driver driving vehicle  100  and the state of vehicle  100 , and alert controller  112  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  also controls a travel state of vehicle  100  in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . 
     Accordingly, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the state of the driver driving vehicle  100  and in the state of vehicle  100 , an alert of the state of the driver driving vehicle  100  and of the state of vehicle  100  can be made to other vehicles, pedestrians, and so on outside vehicle  100 . Vehicle  100  itself can also travel in accordance with the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  100 . 
     This enables those outside vehicle  100  and vehicle  100  itself to take appropriate action to avoid danger. Furthermore, the driver of vehicle  100  is aware that their own state is being communicated to the exterior, which encourages the driver to drive safely. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, state determiner  111  determines the first state, in which an emergency situation is likely to occur, and the second state, in which the first state is likely to occur, and alert controller  112  communicates the first state and the second state to the exterior. 
     Accordingly, vehicle  100  and those outside vehicle  100  can foresee, at an early stage, the possibility of an emergency situation occurring. This provides more time for vehicle  100  and those outside vehicle  100  to consider measures, such as evasive action, to respond to the emergency situation. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  112  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  to continually make the state alert based on the result of the determination by state determiner  111 , at least while the driver is driving vehicle  100 . This makes it possible for state determiner  111  to determine not only the first state, but also the second state in which the first state is likely to occur. As such, vehicle  100  and those outside vehicle  100  can foresee, at an early stage, the possibility of an emergency situation occurring. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  112  controls vehicle  100  to decelerate when state determiner  111  makes an alert of the first state. This makes it possible for the vehicle itself to travel appropriately when the driver driving vehicle  100  is in an abnormal state. This in turn makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of accidents. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  112  controls vehicle  100  to stop when state determiner  111  makes an alert of the first state. This makes it possible for the vehicle itself to travel appropriately when the driver driving vehicle  100  is in an abnormal state. This in turn makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of accidents. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  112  makes the state alert by causing light emitter  151  to emit light. Alternatively, alert controller  112  makes the state alert by changing the brightness, interval of flashing, or color of the light emitted by light emitter  151 . This makes it possible for an effective alert to be made to the exterior of vehicle  100  even when it is dark around vehicle  100 , such as at night. When light emitter  151  is a hazard light or a brake light, the driver of a following vehicle can recognize the possibility of an emergency situation at an early stage, and therefore can take action to avoid a collision at an early stage. This is particularly effective when alert controller  112  controls the travel state, such as deceleration. Alternatively, alert controller  112  makes the state alert by flashing a turn signal light, which serves as light emitter  151 , in the direction of steering. As such, pedestrians outside vehicle  100  and drivers of other vehicles can predict the direction in which vehicle  100  will travel and can therefore take appropriate action for avoiding a collision with vehicle  100 . Alternatively, alert controller  112  causes first audio outputter  152  to output the details of the travel control using audio. As such, pedestrians outside vehicle  100  and drivers of other vehicles can predict the travel state of vehicle  100  and can therefore take appropriate action for avoiding a collision with vehicle  100 . Alternatively, when travel control is performed, alert controller  112  makes a state alert indicating the details of the travel control to other vehicles outside through vehicle-to-vehicle communication performed via communicator  153 . As such, other vehicles outside vehicle  100  and drivers of other vehicles can predict the travel state of vehicle  100  and can therefore take appropriate action for avoiding a collision with vehicle  100 . 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  112  makes the state alert by causing first audio outputter  152  to output audio. Through this, a state alert of vehicle  100  can be made to pedestrians and other vehicles outside vehicle  100  even without the pedestrians and other vehicles looking at vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150 . This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of disturbing the walking and driving of pedestrians outside vehicle  100  and drivers of other vehicles. When the audio output is the sound of the horn, everyone is more likely to believe that an emergency situation is occurring, and can therefore be aware of the possibility of an emergency situation at an early stage. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  112  communicates an alert to an external device via communicator  153 . 
     Through this, a state alert of vehicle  100  can be made to pedestrians and other vehicles outside vehicle  100 . As such, pedestrians outside vehicle  100  and drivers of other vehicles can take appropriate action in accordance with the state of vehicle  100 . When it is difficult to notice the audio output from the vehicle, such as when a pedestrian outside is listening to music on headphones, making the state alert through the pedestrian&#39;s headphones makes it possible to alert the pedestrian of the possibility that an emergency situation is occurring. Furthermore, making the state alert to the cabin of another vehicle makes it possible to alert the driver of the other vehicle that an emergency situation is occurring, even when the other vehicle has robust sound insulation. As such, even if there are visual obstructions that make it difficult to notice the state alert output from the vehicle, the possibility that an emergency situation will occur can be noticed from an early stage. 
     Embodiment 2 
     A vehicle state alert apparatus according to Embodiment  2  will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. 
     2-1. Configuration 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle according to Embodiment  2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , vehicle  200  includes vehicle state alert apparatus  210 , driver information obtainer  120 , vehicle information obtainer  130 , memory  140 , vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150 , travel controller  160 , and in-vehicle apparatuses  170 . In  FIG. 3 , constituent elements that perform the same operations as those in  FIG. 1  are given the same reference signs, and will not be described. 
     Vehicle state alert apparatus  210  determines a state of a driver and a state of vehicle  200 , determines the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  200  in accordance with a determination result (a first state, a second state, or another state), alerts the exterior of the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  200  in accordance with the determination result, and controls the travel of vehicle  200 . Vehicle state alert apparatus  210  is an electric circuit. Vehicle state alert apparatus  210  can be implemented by, for example, one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. In other words, by executing one or more programs stored in one or more memories, the one or more processors function as the vehicle state alert apparatus. The one or more programs may be stored in memory in advance, or may be provided over a telecommunication line such as the Internet or having been recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. 
     Vehicle state alert apparatus  210  includes state determiner  111  and alert controller  212 . State determiner  111  and alert controller  212  are not physical configurations, but are rather functions realized by vehicle state alert apparatus. 
     Alert controller  212  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  and in-vehicle apparatuses  170  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  also controls a travel state of vehicle  200  in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  112  outputs a control signal for causing vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150 , in-vehicle apparatuses  170 , and travel controller  160  to operate in accordance with the result of the determination by state determiner  111 . The “state alert” mentioned here is an alert made automatically by vehicle state alert apparatus  210  after determining the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  200 , and does not include alerts made in response to an operation made by the driver in response to a determination made by the driver. Passing, sounding the horn, and so on can be given as examples of alerts made in response to an operation by the driver. Additionally, travel performed in accordance with the determination result are speed control for reducing accidents, moving to a safe location and stopping, and so on. 
     In-vehicle apparatuses  170  are various devices included in vehicle  200  and which can make an alert to the driver or an occupant of vehicle  200 . In Embodiment  2 , light emitter  171 , display  172 , second audio outputter  173 , air conditioning device  174 , lighting device  175 , steering wheel  176 , and safety apparatus  177  are included as in-vehicle apparatuses  170  capable of making an alert. However, in-vehicle apparatuses  170  are not limited thereto, and may be a seat, a window, or the like. 
     Light emitter  171  is provided in, for example, an instrument panel, and makes an alert to the driver by emitting light. Display  172  is a display device capable of displaying various types of information to the driver, such as a navigation device, a heads-up display, or the like. Second audio outputter  173  outputs audio to the driver, such as a buzzer sound, an alert sound, a guidance sound, or the like. Air conditioning device  174  controls the temperature, airflow, a location where the temperature and airflow are controlled, and so on within vehicle  200 . 
     Lighting device  175  includes a light source such as an LED, and is installed in the ceiling of the vehicle, the instrument panel, a pad part of the steering wheel, or the like. Safety apparatus  177  is a locking mechanism for locking the doors of vehicle  200 , a seatbelt, or the like. 
     2-2. Operations 
     Operations of vehicle state alert apparatus  210  according to Embodiment 2 will be described next. 
     2-2-1. Flow of Operations 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations for the state alert according to Embodiment  2 . In  FIG. 4 , operations that are the same as in the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 2  are given the same reference signs, and will not be described. 
     If it is determined that the state has changed (“Yes” in step S 202 ), state determiner  111  outputs the result of the determination (the first state, the second state, or another state) to alert controller  212 . Alert controller  212  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  and in-vehicle apparatuses  170  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  may cause vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  and in-vehicle apparatuses  170  to make different types of alerts. Vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  and in-vehicle apparatuses  170  may be caused to make the same type of state alert, or may be caused to make different types of state alerts. Alert controller  212  performs control so that the state alerts are made in formats in which the alert for the first state has a higher urgency than the alert for the second state. Note that alert controller  212  may perform control so that the state alert is made to the exterior of the vehicle only when the state has changed to the first state (step S 403 ). 
     2-2-2. Examples of Operations 
     The state alerts using vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  are the same as in Embodiment  1 , and thus the following will describe state alerts made by alert controller  212  using in-vehicle apparatuses  170 . Alert controller  212  makes at least one of the following state alerts in order to communicate the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  may cause a plurality of in-vehicle apparatuses  170  to make state alerts in tandem with each other. 
     Alert Using Light Emitter 
     Alert controller  212  causes light emitter  171  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  outputs a control signal to light emitter  171 . The control signal includes parameter information such as the brightness, color, and display interval of the light emitted by light emitter  171 . Alert controller  212  controls at least one of the parameter information according to the state determined by state determiner  111 . 
     Alert controller  212  may control light emitter  171  only when making an alert of the first state. For example, alert controller  212  may cause light emitter  171  to change brightness only when the first state has been determined. Alternatively, alert controller  212  may cause light emitter  171  to change color only when making an alert of the first state. Furthermore, alert controller  212  may cause light emitter  171  to flash only when making an alert of the first state. 
     Alert controller  212  may cause light emitter  171  to perform different types of alerts between the first state and the second state. Alert controller  212  may control the brightness of light emitter  171  when making an alert of the first state to be brighter than the brightness used when making an alert of the second state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may control the interval of flashing of light emitter  171  when making an alert of the first state to be shorter than the interval of flashing used when making an alert of the second state. Furthermore, alert controller  212  may make the color of the light emitted by light emitter  171  when making an alert of the first state a color evoking a greater sense of urgency (e.g., red or a color close to red) than the color of the light emitted when making an alert of the second state. 
     Alert Using Display 
     Alert controller  212  causes display  172  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  causes display  172  to display text, an image, or the like indicating the state alert. Alert controller  212  may control the display in display  172  only when making an alert of the first state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may cause different details to be displayed in display  172  between when making an alert of the first state and when making an alert of the second state. Alert controller  212  may use symbols, colors, images, text, or the like communicating a higher level of urgency when making an alert of the first state than when making an alert of the second state. 
     For example, alert controller  212  displays an image expressing the first state or the second state in an intuitive manner in a heads-up display. 
     Additionally, alert controller  212  may display the details of travel control performed by travel controller  160  in display  172 . 
     Alert Using Second Audio Outputter 
     Alert controller  212  causes second audio outputter  173  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  may cause second audio outputter  173  to output audio only when making an alert of the first state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may cause the audio to be output at a higher volume when making an alert of the first state than when making an alert of the second state. Furthermore, alert controller  212  may cause second audio outputter  173  to output different audio for the first state and for the second state. Furthermore, alert controller  212  may cause second audio outputter  173  to output audio at different intervals for the first state and for the second state. At this time, the output interval of the audio for the first state may be made shorter than the output interval of the audio in the second state. 
     Additionally, alert controller  212  may cause second audio outputter  173  to output details of the travel control performed by travel controller  160  as audio. 
     Alert Using Safety Apparatus 
     Alert controller  212  controls a safety apparatus in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . In the present embodiment, alert controller  212  controls the tension of a seatbelt serving as safety apparatus  177 . For example, alert controller  212  may control an amount of winding of the seatbelt so as to increase the tension of the seatbelt only when making an alert of the first state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may perform control to increase the tension of the seatbelt (increase the amount of winding) more when making an alert of the first state than when making an alert of the second state. Increasing the tension of the seatbelt can alert the driver of the states in a tactile manner. Increasing the tension of the seatbelt also makes it possible to secure (restrain) the driver to the seat to protect the driver&#39;s cervical spine in the event of a collision. The tension of the seatbelts may be increased for occupants aside from the driver as well. 
     Alert Using Air Conditioning Device 
     Alert controller  212  causes air conditioning device  174  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  causes air conditioning device  174  to change the cabin temperature of vehicle  200  only when making an alert of the first state. Alternatively, alert controller  212  may cause air conditioning device  174  to lower the cabin temperature of vehicle  200  only when making an alert of the first state. Alternatively, alert controller  212  may control air conditioning device  174  to lower the cabin temperature more when making an alert of the first state than when making an alert of the second state. Alternatively, alert controller  212  may cause air conditioning device  174  to operate (turn the power on) when the power of air conditioning device  174  is turned off and only when making an alert of the first state. Alternatively, alert controller  212  may cause air conditioning device  174  to operate (turn the power on) when air conditioning device  174  is turned off and when making an alert of the first state or the second state. At this time, air conditioning device  174  may be controlled to emit cool air in the case of the first state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may control air conditioning device  174  to increase the strength of the air flow only when making an alert of the first state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may control air conditioning device  174  near the driver&#39;s seat to lower the temperature or strengthen the airflow. 
     Alert Using Lighting Device 
     Alert controller  212  causes lighting device  175  to make a state alert for communicating the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  outputs a control signal to lighting device  175 . The control signal includes parameter information such as the brightness, color, and display interval of light emitted by lighting device  175 . Alert controller  212  controls at least one of the parameter information according to the state determined by state determiner  111 . 
     Alert controller  212  may control lighting device  175  only when making an alert of the first state. For example, alert controller  212  may cause lighting device  175  to change brightness only when the first state has been determined. Alternatively, alert controller  212  may cause lighting device  175  to change color only when making an alert of the first state. Furthermore, alert controller  212  may cause lighting device  175  to flash only when making an alert of the first state. 
     Alert controller  212  may cause lighting device  175  to perform different types of alerts between the first state and the second state. Alert controller  212  may control the brightness of lighting device  175  when making an alert of the first state to be brighter than the brightness used when making an alert of the second state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may control the interval of flashing of lighting device  175  when making an alert of the first state to be shorter than the interval of flashing used when making an alert of the second state. Furthermore, alert controller  212  may make the color of the light emitted by lighting device  175  when making an alert of the first state a color evoking a greater sense of urgency (e.g., red or a color close to red) than the color of the light emitted when making an alert of the second state. 
     Note that alert controller  212  may set the brightness of the light emitted by lighting device  175  in accordance with the brightness outside the vehicle. The brightness of the light may be set lower the darker it is outside the vehicle, e.g., by setting the brightness of the light to be lower at night than during the day. 
     Alert Using Steering Wheel 
     Alert controller  212  vibrates steering wheel  176  in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . Alert controller  212  may control the strength, interval, or the like of the vibration of steering wheel  176 . 
     Alert controller  212  may vibrate steering wheel  176  only when making an alert of the first state. For example, alert controller  212  may change the strength of the vibration of steering wheel  176  only when making an alert of the first state. Alert controller  212  may vary the vibration state of the steering wheel between an alert of the first state and an alert of the second state. Alert controller  212  may control the vibration of steering wheel  176  when making an alert of the first state to be stronger than the vibration used when making an alert of the second state. Additionally, alert controller  212  may control the interval of vibrations of steering wheel  176  when making an alert of the first state to be shorter than the interval of vibrations used when making an alert of the second state. 
     2-3. Effects, etc. 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, alert controller  212  also causes in-vehicle apparatuses  170 , which are included in vehicle  200 , to make a state alert. This makes it possible to communicate the state of the driver and the state of vehicle  200  to the driver. This makes it possible to encourage the driver to drive safely. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  212  causes vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  and in-vehicle apparatuses  170  to make different types of alerts for the state alerts. Accordingly, types of alerts that are respectively suited to the driver driving vehicle  200 , and to vehicles, pedestrians, and the like outside vehicle  200 , can be made. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  212  causes second audio outputter  173  to output audio in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . This makes it possible for the driver to receive the state alert even without looking at the device making the in-vehicle alert. The driver can therefore receive the alert while looking to the front of vehicle  200 , which makes it possible to avoid interfering with the driving. The driver can also notice the alert even when in a highly-drowsy state. 
     Additionally, alert controller  212  causes at least one of display  172  and second audio outputter  173  to output the details of travel control performed by travel controller  160 . This makes it possible for the driver, or an occupant other than the driver, to know the current travel state or a future travel state of vehicle  200 . In particular, if the driver has been rendered unconscious and is unable to drive, an occupant aside from the driver can know the travel state or the future travel state of vehicle  200 , which provides peace of mind to the occupant. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  212  controls a safety apparatus in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . This makes it possible to secure (restrain) the driver and occupants aside from the driver in their seats when in a state in which an emergency situation is likely to occur. This makes it possible to protect the driver&#39;s cervical spine and so on in the event of a collision. This is particularly effective when alert controller  212  controls the travel state, such as deceleration and steering, independent of the driver&#39;s intentions. Additionally, tightening the seatbelts makes it more likely that everyone will realize that the vehicle may decelerate, which makes it possible to them to brace for impact. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  212  controls an air conditioning device to make a state alert in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  212  controls a lighting device to make a state alert in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . Additionally, in the present embodiment, alert controller  212  vibrates a steering wheel in accordance with the state determined by state determiner  111 . This makes it possible for the driver to receive the alert even without looking at the device making the in-vehicle alert. The driver can therefore receive the alert while looking to the front of vehicle  200 , which makes it possible to avoid interfering with the driving. 
     Other Embodiments 
     The foregoing embodiments have been described as examples of the technique disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied in embodiments in which modifications, replacements, additions, or omissions have been made as appropriate. New embodiments can also be made by combining the constituent elements described in the foregoing embodiments with those described in the other embodiments below. 
     Examples of other embodiments will therefore be described next. 
     Although the embodiments describe the state determiner as determining a distracted state as a state of the driver, the driver state is not limited thereto. A state of looking to the side, a state of driving while focusing on the vehicle surroundings, i.e., in a place where many people are around the vehicle, such as a downtown area, an intoxicated state, an unconscious state, or the like may be determined as states of the driver. 
     Additionally, although an extended travel state is determined as a state of the vehicle by the state determiner, the state of the vehicle is not limited thereto. The state of the vehicle may include a driving mode, being in a hurry, abnormal speed, low fuel, low tire pressure, slipping, approaching an obstruction, successfully entering another lane, traveling backward, and the like. Here, “driving mode” is, for example, a sport mode, an eco mode, an autonomous driving mode, a semi-autonomous driving mode, or the like. “Abnormal speed” refers to a state in which the vehicle is traveling above or below the speed limit. “Being in a hurry” is a state in which the driver is in a hurry for a reason such as not being able to arrive at the destination by the scheduled time, for example. “Low fuel” is a state in which the vehicle has little fuel remaining. “Low tire pressure” is a state in which at least one of the tires of the vehicle has low air pressure. The states may also include a state where the vehicle is undergoing almost no meandering. Alternatively, the states may include a state where the vehicle is meandering significantly. 
     Control may also be performed so that an upper limit speed is set so as to reduce the likelihood of an accident when the state determiner has determined that the driver is in a hurry. The upper limit speed may be set based on the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, traffic conditions, and the like. 
     Although the alert controller causes the vehicle exterior alert apparatus and the in-vehicle apparatus to make an alert of the state of the driver and the state of the vehicle, it is also possible to make an alert of only one of those states. 
     In Embodiment 2, the driver is alerted by vibrating the steering wheel, but a pedal, a seat, or the like may be vibrated instead. 
     The alerts from a plurality of the in-vehicle apparatuses may be linked to each other. For example, the light emitter may be caused to emit light, or the second audio outputter may be caused to output audio, along with the steering wheel vibrating. 
     Additionally, alert controller  212  may link the alert from vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150  with the alert from in-vehicle apparatuses  170 . For example, the tension of the seatbelt may be controlled when vehicle  200  is stopped. 
     Additionally, alert controller  212  may control only in-vehicle apparatuses  170  to make an alert, without controlling vehicle exterior alert apparatus  150 . 
     The foregoing embodiments have been described as examples of the technique according to the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions have been provided to that end. 
     As such, the constituent elements indicated in the accompanying drawings and the detailed descriptions include not only constituent elements necessary to solve the technical problem, but also constituent elements not necessary to solve the problem but used to exemplify the above-described technique. Those unnecessary constituent elements being included in the accompanying drawings, the detailed description, and so on should therefore not be interpreted as meaning that the unnecessary constituent elements are in fact necessary. 
     Additionally, the foregoing embodiments are provided merely as examples of the technique according to the present disclosure, and thus many changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like are possible within the scope of the claims or a scope equivalent thereto. 
     Further Information about Technical Background to this Application 
     The disclosure of the following Japanese Patent Application including specification, drawings and claims are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-228314 filed on Dec. 18, 2019. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure is useful in technology which is installed in a vehicle and communicates a state of a driver driving the vehicle and a state of the vehicle to the vehicle interior and the vehicle exterior.