JP2020094838A - Vehicle support system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicle support system capable of reducing anxiety of a user.SOLUTION: A vehicle support system includes: an information acquisition section 216b which acquires reference information including at least schedule information of a user having time information and place information ; a prediction section 216e which predicts a required power amount in a vehicle for each of a plurality of different periods on the basis of at least the schedule information acquired by the information acquisition section 216b; and a charging plan section 216f which determines a charging plan for the vehicle on the basis of the required power amount in the plurality of different periods predicted by the prediction section 216e.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle support system.

In the case of a vehicle that travels by consuming electric power charged in a battery mounted on the vehicle, it is necessary to charge the electric power before the vehicle cannot run. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric power transfer system in which another vehicle supplies electric power to a vehicle in which electric power is insufficient.

JP, 2013-78168, A

If the battery is not charged in a planned manner, there is a risk of frequent power shortage during traveling, and the user may feel uneasy during driving.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle support system that can reduce user's anxiety.

In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle assistance system of the present invention provides an information acquisition unit that acquires reference information including at least schedule information of a user having time information and location information, and reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit. Based on at least the above, for each of the plurality of different periods, a prediction unit that predicts the required power amount in the vehicle, and a charging plan for the vehicle based on the required power amounts in the different periods predicted by the prediction unit. And a charging planning unit for determining.

In addition, the prediction unit may predict, as the required power amount, the running power amount consumed when the vehicle is running and the living power amount consumed when the vehicle is not running.

The charge planning unit may determine a charge plan including at least one of the amount of charge to the vehicle, the timing to start the charge to the vehicle, and the position information to charge the vehicle.

Further, the reference information may include map information including at least position information of the self-propellable charging station.

An instruction information determination unit that determines instruction information including at least position information for arranging the charging station based on the charging plan determined by the charging plan unit and the reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and an instruction information determination unit. And a communication unit that transmits the instruction information determined by to the charging station.

Further, the instruction information may include the amount of charge in the vehicle.

Further, the instruction information determination unit identifies the charging station to which the instruction information is transmitted based on the reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and the communication unit transmits the instruction information to the charging station specified by the instruction information determination unit. You may make a call.

In addition, a destination determining unit that determines the destination based on the schedule information acquired by the information acquiring unit may be provided.

A travel route determination unit that determines a travel route of the vehicle based on the destination determined by the destination determination unit and the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit may be provided.

Further, the vehicle may include a traveling control unit that causes the vehicle to travel along the traveling route determined by the traveling route determination unit.

According to the present invention, anxiety of the user can be reduced.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the schematic structure of a vehicle assistance system. It is a schematic diagram explaining a vehicle provided with a vehicle information terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a vehicle information terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a portable information terminal and a server. It is the schematic explaining the self-propelled charging station. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a charging station information terminal. It is a 1st sequence diagram of a vehicle assistance system. It is a figure which shows an example of a schedule information list interface and a new schedule creation interface. It is a flow chart explaining schedule information registration processing. It is a 2nd sequence diagram of a vehicle assistance system. It is the schematic which showed an example of the display mode of a vehicle information terminal display part. (A) is a figure showing an example of running electric energy, living electric energy, and required electric energy predicted by a prediction part, and (b) is a figure showing an example of a charging plan and a travel route. It is a figure which shows an example of map information. It is a flow chart explaining schedule information acquisition processing. It is a flow chart explaining map information acquisition processing.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted. To do.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle support system S. The vehicle support system S includes a portable information terminal 100, a vehicle 200a having a vehicle information terminal 200, a server 300, a communication network 400 having a communication base station 400a, and a self-propelled charging station having a charging station information terminal 500. And 500a.

Portable information terminal 100, vehicle information terminal 200, and charging station information terminal 500 broadly include electronic devices that can establish communication with server 300 via communication base station 400a and communication network 400. Examples of the mobile information terminal 100 include a mobile phone such as a smartphone and a personal computer. The vehicle information terminal 200 may be a navigation system or the like. Further, the charging station information terminal 500 may be a personal computer or the like. In this embodiment, a case where a smartphone is used as the mobile information terminal 100, a car navigation system is used as the vehicle information terminal 200, and a personal computer is used as the charging station information terminal 500 will be described.

The communication base station 400a is connected to the communication network 400 and wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from the mobile information terminal 100 or the vehicle information terminal 200. Further, the communication base station 400a transmits information wirelessly transmitted from the mobile information terminal 100 or the vehicle information terminal 200 to the server 300 via the communication network 400. The communication base station 400a also transmits the information generated by the server 300 to the mobile information terminal 100 or the vehicle information terminal 200. The communication network 400 includes a mobile phone network, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a dedicated line, and the like, and the mobile information terminal 100 and the server 300 or the vehicle information terminal 200 and the server 300 via the communication base station 400a. Connect communication. The server 300 also stores information input from the mobile information terminal 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle 200 a including the vehicle information terminal 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle information terminal 200. The vehicle 200a includes a vehicle information terminal 200, a battery 221, a traveling motor 222, a charging unit 223, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 224, and a traveling control unit 225.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle 200a is composed of an engine (not shown) and a hybrid vehicle that travels using the traveling motor 222 as a power source. However, vehicle 200a may be an automobile that runs only by the engine or an electric vehicle that runs only by traveling motor 222.

The battery 221 stores electric power supplied from the outside. The traveling motor 222 is driven by the electric power stored in the battery 221. The charging unit 223 is provided on the rear side of the vehicle 200a and charges the battery 221 with electric power transmitted from the outside.

The GPS receiver 224 receives the position information of the vehicle 200a from the satellite. The traveling control unit 225 controls the automatic traveling of the vehicle 200a.

The vehicle information terminal 200 is provided in the vehicle interior of the vehicle 200a. As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle information terminal 200 includes a vehicle information terminal display unit 211, a vehicle information terminal operation unit 212, a vehicle information terminal communication unit 213, a vehicle information terminal buffer 214, a vehicle information terminal storage device 215, and a vehicle information terminal. The controller 216 is provided.

The vehicle information terminal display unit 211 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and various images are displayed under the control of the vehicle information terminal control unit 216.

The vehicle information terminal operation unit 212 receives an operation of the vehicle information terminal 200, and includes a button, a touch panel provided on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211, or a combination thereof. Here, a case where the vehicle information terminal operation unit 212 is configured by a touch panel will be described. However, the vehicle information terminal operation unit 212 is not particularly limited in its configuration as long as it can receive the operation of the user.

The vehicle information terminal communication unit 213 performs processing related to output of information to the communication base station 400a and input of information from the communication base station 400a.

The vehicle information terminal buffer 214 functions as a storage area for temporarily holding various information when the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 performs processing.

The vehicle information terminal storage device 215 stores reference information required when determining a traveling condition described later.

The vehicle information terminal control unit 216 controls the entire vehicle information terminal 200 to determine traveling conditions and perform navigation. The vehicle information terminal control unit 216 includes a current location acquisition unit 216a, an information acquisition unit 216b, a display control unit 216c, a destination determination unit 216d, a prediction unit 216e, a charging planning unit 216f, an instruction information determination unit 216g, and a battery remaining amount acquisition unit 216h. , And functions as the traveling route determination unit 216i.

The current location acquisition unit 216a analyzes the signal received by the GPS receiver 224 and identifies the current location.

The information acquisition unit 216b analyzes the reference information received from the vehicle information terminal communication unit 213. As the reference information, which will be described in detail later, the user's schedule information having time information and location information, and map information having location information of the plurality of charging stations 500a are acquired.

The display control unit 216c controls display of an image on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211.

The destination determination unit 216d determines the destination based on the schedule information acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b.

The prediction unit 216e predicts the required power amount in the vehicle 200a for each of the plurality of different periods based on the reference information (schedule information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b. Specifically, the amount of running electric power consumed when the vehicle 200a is running and the amount of living electric power consumed when the vehicle 200a is not running are predicted. In the present embodiment, the traveling electric energy mainly indicates the electric energy for driving the traveling motor 222. In addition, the amount of power consumed by living includes the amount of power consumed by the use of so-called household appliances such as a television, a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, and a cooking appliance (not shown).

The charging plan unit 216f determines a charging plan for the vehicle 200a based on the required power amounts in a plurality of different periods predicted by the prediction unit 216e. In the present embodiment, the charging plan includes the amount of charge to vehicle 200a, the timing to start charging to vehicle 200a, and the position information for charging vehicle 200a.

The instruction information determination unit 216g determines the instruction information to be transmitted to the charging station 500a based on the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f and the reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b. In addition, the instruction information determination unit 216g specifies the charging station 500a to which the instruction information is transmitted, based on the reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b. Then, the vehicle information terminal communication unit 213 transmits the instruction information to the charging station 500a specified by the instruction information determination unit 216g. It should be noted that as the instruction information, position information for arranging charging station 500a and the amount of charge to vehicle 200a are determined.

The battery remaining amount acquisition unit 216h acquires the battery remaining amount of the battery 221.

The traveling route determination unit 216i determines the traveling route of the vehicle 200a based on the destination determined by the destination determination unit 216d and the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configurations of mobile information terminal 100 and server 300. The mobile information terminal 100 includes a mobile information terminal communication unit 101, a mobile information terminal display unit 102, a mobile information terminal operation unit 103, a mobile information terminal buffer 104, a mobile information terminal storage device 105, and a mobile information terminal control unit 106.

The mobile information terminal communication unit 101 performs processing related to output of information to the communication base station 400a and input of information from the communication base station 400a.

The mobile information terminal display unit 102 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and various images are displayed under the control of the mobile information terminal control unit 106.

The mobile information terminal operating unit 103 receives an operation of the mobile information terminal 100, and includes buttons, a touch panel provided on the mobile information terminal display unit 102, or a combination thereof. Here, a case where the mobile information terminal operation unit 103 is configured by a touch panel will be described. However, the configuration of the mobile information terminal operation unit 103 is not particularly limited as long as it can accept the operation of the user.

The mobile information terminal buffer 104 functions as a storage area for temporarily holding various information when the mobile information terminal control unit 106 performs processing.

The mobile information terminal storage device 105 stores the schedule information input by the user.

The mobile information terminal control unit 106 is a control unit having a function of managing and controlling the entire mobile information terminal 100.

The server 300 also includes a server communication unit 301, a server storage device 302, and a server control unit 303.

The server communication unit 301 performs processing related to output of information to the communication network 400 and input of information from the communication network 400. Specifically, the server communication unit 301 receives the schedule information output from the mobile information terminal 100. Further, the schedule information request signal and the map information request signal output from the vehicle information terminal 200 are received. The server communication unit 301 also outputs schedule information and map information to the vehicle information terminal 200.

The server storage device 302 stores the schedule information output from the mobile information terminal 100. Further, the map information including the location information of the plurality of charging stations 500a is stored.

The server control unit 303 has a function of managing and controlling the entire server 300.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a self-propelled charging station 500a. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging station information terminal 500. The charging station 500a includes a charging station information terminal 500, a battery 511, a traveling motor 512, a power transmission unit 513, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 514, and a traveling control unit 515.

In the present embodiment, the charging station 500a is composed of an engine (not shown) and a hybrid vehicle that travels using the traveling motor 512 as a power source, and is self-propelled. However, the charging station 500a may be a vehicle that runs only by the engine or an electric vehicle that runs only by the running motor 512.

The battery 511 stores electric power supplied from the outside. The traveling motor 512 is driven by the electric power stored in the battery 511. The power transmission unit 513 transmits the electric power charged in the battery 511 to the outside.

The GPS receiver 514 receives the position information of the charging station 500a from the satellite. The traveling control unit 515 controls automatic traveling of the charging station 500a.

The charging station information terminal 500 is provided in the passenger compartment of the charging station 500a. As shown in FIG. 6, the charging station information terminal 500 includes a charging station communication unit 501, a charging station storage device 502, and a charging station control unit 503.

The charging station communication unit 501 performs processing related to input/output of information with the communication base station 400a. In the present embodiment, the instruction information transmitted by the vehicle information terminal communication unit 213 is received.

The charging station storage device 502 stores the instruction information received by the charging station communication unit 501.

The charging station control unit 503 has a function of managing and controlling the entire charging station information terminal 500.

Next, control processing in the portable information terminal 100 and the vehicle information terminal 200, communication processing performed between the portable information terminal 100 or the vehicle information terminal 200 and the server 300, and the vehicle information terminal 200 and the charging station information terminal 500. An example of communication processing performed between the two will be described in chronological order.

FIG. 7 is a first sequence diagram of the vehicle support system S. In FIG. 7, a part of the schedule information registration process is shown as S100. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the schedule information is input by the user (S100), the mobile information terminal control unit 106 stores the input information in the mobile information terminal storage device 105 (S100) and stores the schedule information. It is output to the server 300 (S100). Then, the server 300 stores the received schedule information in the server storage device 302 (S300).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the schedule information list interface 131 and the schedule new creation interface 125. The mobile information terminal display unit 102 of the mobile information terminal 100 is composed of a touch panel and also functions as the mobile information terminal operation unit 103. As shown in FIG. 8A, the portable information terminal 100 can execute various programs by installing various applications 120. Then, when the predetermined application 120 (application 120a) is executed, the schedule information list interface 131 is displayed as shown in FIG. 8(b).

Here, the schedule information 123a that has been input by the user and stored in the mobile information terminal storage device 105 is displayed. In the schedule information 123a, time information 124a indicating a date, a start time and an end time, content information 124b indicating schedule requirements, and place information 124c indicating schedule position information are registered. The date and time zone displayed on the schedule information list interface 131 can be changed by scrolling the schedule information list interface vertically or horizontally.

When the user operates the new schedule creation icon 130, the new schedule creation interface 125 is displayed as shown in FIG. The new schedule creation interface 125 includes five temporary registration information fields 125a to 125e that can be input by the user, as shown in the figure. The information input by the user in each of the temporary registration information fields 125a to 125e is temporarily registered in the mobile information terminal buffer 104.

Specifically, the date information of the newly created schedule can be input in the temporary registration information field 125a. Further, the start time information of a newly created schedule can be input in the temporary registration information field 125b. Further, the temporary registration information column 125c can be input with end time information of a newly created schedule. Further, location information of a newly created schedule can be entered in the temporary registration information field 125d. Further, in the temporary registration information field 125e, the contents information of the newly created schedule can be input. A registration button 125f and an end icon 125g are displayed while the new schedule creation interface 125 is being displayed.

When the user operates the registration button 125f in a state where the temporary registration information fields 125a to 125e are input, the information temporarily registered in the mobile information terminal buffer 104 is stored in the mobile information terminal storage device 105. (Main registration) Then, as shown in FIG. 8D, the schedule information 123b main-registered in the mobile information terminal storage device 105 is newly displayed on the mobile information terminal display unit 102.

The mobile information terminal control unit 106 also outputs to the server 300 the schedule information 123b newly main-registered in the mobile information terminal storage device 105. At this time, the user ID information is also output to the server 300. When the schedule information is output to the server 300, the server control unit 303 stores the schedule information in the server storage device 302.

(Schedule information registration process)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the schedule information registration process. The portable information terminal control unit 106 starts the schedule information registration process when the application 120a of the applications 120 is operated.

The mobile information terminal control unit 106 first displays the schedule information list interface 131 on the mobile information terminal display unit 102 (S100-1). When the new schedule creation icon 130 is operated while the schedule information list interface 131 is displayed (Y in S100-2), the mobile information terminal control unit 106 displays the new schedule creation interface 125 on the mobile information terminal display unit 102. (S100-3).

Further, when the user inputs information into any of the temporary registration information columns 125a to 125e while the new schedule creation interface 125 is displayed (Y in S100-4), the portable information terminal control unit 106 displays the input information. The mobile information terminal buffer 104 is provisionally registered (S100-5).

If the end icon 125g is operated while the new schedule creation interface 125 is displayed (Y of S100-6), the mobile information terminal control unit 106 hides the new schedule creation interface 125 (S100-7). ).

When the registration button 125f is operated while the new schedule creation interface 125 is displayed (Y in S100-8), the mobile information terminal control unit 106 carries the information temporarily registered in the mobile information terminal buffer 104. The information is stored (transcribed) in the information terminal storage device 105 (S100-9), and the information stored in the mobile information terminal storage device 105 is output to the server 300 as schedule information (S100-10).

During the schedule information registration process, the portable information terminal control unit 106 determines whether or not a preset end condition is satisfied, and when the end condition is satisfied (Y of S100-11), the schedule information list interface 131 is not activated. As a display (S100-12), the schedule information registration process ends. It should be noted that examples of the ending condition include operation of an end button (not shown).

When the schedule information is output to the server 300 as described above, the server control unit 303 stores the schedule information in the server storage device 302 as shown in FIG. 7 (S300).

In this way, when the schedule information is stored in the server storage device 302, the user can automatically set the charging plan and the traveling route to the destination by operating the vehicle information terminal 200.

FIG. 10 is a second sequence diagram of the vehicle support system S. In FIG. 10, a part of the schedule information acquisition process executed by the vehicle information terminal 200 is shown as S200. Further, a part of the map information acquisition processing executed by the vehicle information terminal 200 is shown as S201.

In the present embodiment, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the vehicle information terminal 200, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 outputs a schedule information request signal to the server 300 as shown in FIG. 10 (S200). Upon receiving the schedule information request signal, the server 300 outputs the schedule information stored in the server storage device 302 to the vehicle information terminal (S301). Upon receiving the schedule information, the vehicle information terminal stores the received schedule information in the vehicle information terminal storage device 215 (S200).

The prediction unit 216e of the vehicle information terminal control unit 216, based on the acquired reference information (schedule information), for each of a plurality of different periods, the amount of traveling power consumed when the vehicle 200a travels, and the non-operation of the vehicle. The amount of living power consumed during traveling is predicted (S200).

Further, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 outputs a map information request signal to the server 300 (S201). Upon receiving the map information request signal, the server 300 outputs the map information stored in the server storage device 302 to the vehicle information terminal (S302). Upon receiving the map information, the vehicle information terminal 200 stores the received map information in the vehicle information terminal storage device 215 (S202). In the present embodiment, the map information includes location information of the plurality of charging stations 500a.

Then, the destination determination unit 216d determines the destination based on the schedule information acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b (S201). In addition, the charging planning unit 216f determines a charging plan for the vehicle 200a based on the required power amounts in a plurality of different periods predicted by the prediction unit 216e (S201). In addition, the traveling route determination unit 216i determines the traveling route of the vehicle 200a based on the destination determined by the destination determination unit 216d and the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f (S201). In addition, the instruction information determination unit 216g determines the instruction information to be transmitted to the charging station 500a based on the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f and the reference information (map information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b. , And outputs instruction information to the charging station 500a (S201).

Upon receiving the instruction information, the charging station 500a stores the received instruction information in the charging station storage device 502, and executes the automatic traveling process of the charging station 500a based on the received instruction information (S500).

Then, the traveling control unit 225 of the vehicle information terminal 200 executes the automatic traveling process based on the determined traveling route (S202).

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of the vehicle information terminal display unit 211. For example, when the navigation system is activated and the destination is not yet set, map information is displayed on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211 of the vehicle information terminal 200, as shown in FIG. The vehicle information terminal display unit 211 is composed of a touch panel and also functions as the vehicle information terminal operation unit 212. When a predetermined operation is performed on the vehicle information terminal operation unit 212, a menu bar 230 is displayed below the vehicle information terminal display unit 211, as shown in FIG. Here, three tabs are displayed on the menu bar 230, and the texts “current position”, “manual input of destination”, and “automatic setting of destination” are displayed on each tab. When the user operates the tab marked "Destination automatic setting", the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 outputs a schedule information request signal to the server 300.

When the user operates the tab labeled “Destination automatic setting”, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 outputs a schedule information request signal to the server 300. At this time, the display control unit 216c causes the vehicle information terminal display unit 211 to display "server connected", as shown in FIG. At this time, if the communication with the server 300 cannot be established, the display control unit 216c displays “Could not connect to the server” on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211, as illustrated in FIG. 11C.

On the other hand, when the communication with the server 300 is established, the server 300 outputs the schedule information stored in the server storage device 302 to the vehicle information terminal 200, and the vehicle information terminal 200 receives the received schedule information from the vehicle information terminal 200. The information is stored in the information terminal storage device 215.

Then, the prediction unit 216e of the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 predicts the required power amount in the vehicle 200a for each of the plurality of different periods based on the reference information (schedule information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b. ..

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of the running electric power amount, the living electric power amount, and the required electric power amount predicted by the predicting unit 216e. Further, FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of the charging plan and the travel route. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the traveling power is calculated for the morning of the current day (July 1st), the morning of the next day (July 2nd), and the afternoon of the next day (July 2nd). Predict the amount of electricity, the amount of living electricity and the amount of electricity required. For example, the prediction unit 216e predicts the traveling electric energy using the moving distance based on the schedule information. In addition, the prediction unit 216e predicts the amount of living power based on the actual amount of living power of the previous month and the schedule information. Then, the prediction unit 216e predicts the total value of the running power amount and the living power amount as the required power amount. It should be noted that the setting of the section in which the prediction is executed is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined for each day, for each predetermined unit time, or based on the life cycle of the user. In addition, when the schedule information is updated, the prediction unit 216e executes the prediction of the traveling electric energy, the daily electric energy, and the required electric energy again.

The vehicle information terminal control unit 216 also outputs a map information request signal to the server 300. At this time, if the communication with the server 300 cannot be established, the display control unit 216c displays “Could not connect to the server” on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211, as illustrated in FIG. 11C.

On the other hand, when the communication with the server 300 is established, the server 300 outputs the map information stored in the server storage device 302 to the vehicle information terminal 200, and the vehicle information terminal 200 receives the received map information from the vehicle. The information is stored in the information terminal storage device 215.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of map information. As shown in FIG. 13, the map information includes location information of the plurality of charging stations 500a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the destination determination unit 216d determines the destination based on the schedule information acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b. In the present embodiment, the business establishment A (point Q3 in FIG. 13) is set as the destination.

In addition, the charging planning unit 216f calculates the vehicle based on the required electric energy on the day (July 1st), the next day (July 2nd) morning, and the next day (July 2nd) afternoon predicted by the prediction unit 216e. A charging plan for 200a is determined. In the present embodiment, it is determined that the current location (point Q1 in FIG. 13) is charged with 70 kWh of electric power, and the transit point (point Q2 in FIG. 13) is charged with 100 kWh of electric power. Here, before departure from the current location, the required amount of electricity for the current day (July 1st) is charged, and at the transit point, the required amount of electricity for the next day (July 2nd) is charged. The charging plan is determined.

As described above, the charging planning unit 216f determines the charging plan for the vehicle 200a based on the required power amounts in a plurality of different periods, whereby it is possible to prevent the vehicle 200a from running out of power. .. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling anxious while driving.

Note that, for example, in the case where the amount of power required in the morning of the next day (July 2nd) or the afternoon of the next day (July 2nd) predicted by the prediction unit 216e is smaller than that shown in FIG. In addition, the charging plan may be determined so that the charging amount at the waypoint (point Q2 in FIG. 13) is reduced or the charging is not performed at the waypoint (point Q2 in FIG. 13).

In addition, the travel route determination unit 216i determines the travel route (route L1 and route L2 in FIG. 13) of the vehicle 200a based on the destination determined by the destination determination unit 216d and the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f. decide.

In addition, the instruction information determination unit 216g, based on the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f and the reference information (map information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b, the charging station 500a (located at the position P1) close to the position Q1. ), the instruction information including the instruction to move to the point Q1 and the instruction to charge the electric power of 70 kWh is determined and output.

Furthermore, the instruction information determination unit 216g, based on the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f and the reference information (map information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b, the charging station 500a (located at the position P2) close to the position Q2. ), the instruction information including the instruction to move to the point Q2 and the instruction to charge the electric power of 100 kWh is determined and output.

Then, the traveling control unit 225 executes the automatic traveling process based on the traveling route determined as described above.

Hereinafter, the schedule information acquisition process will be described first.

(Schedule information acquisition process)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the schedule information acquisition process. First, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 outputs a schedule information request signal to the server 300 (S200-1). The vehicle information terminal storage device 215 of the vehicle information terminal 200 stores a user ID in advance and outputs a schedule information request signal including the user ID to the server 300. As a result, the server control unit 303 can specify the user's schedule information stored in the server storage device 302. In addition, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 performs a connecting screen display process for displaying “server connected” on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211 as illustrated in FIG. 11D (S200-2).

In addition, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 sets a timer in the schedule information acquisition process. The vehicle information terminal control unit 216 performs a timer update process for updating the timer (S200-4) until the schedule information is input (N of S200-3), and outputs the schedule information request signal, and then outputs the predetermined information. It is determined whether the time or more has passed, that is, the time has passed (S200-5). When the time is over (Y in S200-5), the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 performs schedule information acquisition end processing (S200-6), and ends the schedule information acquisition processing. In the schedule information acquisition end process, for example, the display of the vehicle information terminal display unit 211 is switched as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the server 300, when the schedule information request signal is input, the schedule information stored in the server storage device 302 is output (S301). Here, the schedule information is output to the vehicle information terminal 200 within a predetermined time after the schedule information request signal is input to the server 300.

When the schedule information is input to the vehicle information terminal 200 (Y of S200-3 in FIG. 14), the information acquisition unit 216b stores the schedule information in the vehicle information terminal storage device 215 (S200-7).

Then, the prediction unit 216e predicts the amount of traveling power consumed when the vehicle 200a travels (S200-8), and consumes it when the vehicle is not traveling, based on the reference information (schedule information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b. The amount of living power to be used is predicted (S200-9). Then, the required power amount is determined for each of the plurality of different periods based on the running power amount and the living power amount (S200-10).

When the required power amount is determined, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 executes a map information acquisition process (S201). Next, this map information acquisition processing will be described.

(Map information acquisition process)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the map information acquisition process. First, the vehicle information terminal control unit 216 outputs a map information request signal to the server 300 (S201-1). In addition, the display control unit 216c performs a connecting screen display process for displaying “server connected” on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211 as illustrated in FIG. 11B (S201-2).

The vehicle information terminal control unit 216 also sets a timer in the map information acquisition process. The vehicle information terminal control unit 216 performs a timer update process for updating the timer until the map information is input (N in S201-3) (S201-4), and outputs a map information request signal, and then outputs the predetermined information. It is determined whether the time or more has passed, that is, whether the time has passed (S201-5). When the time is over (Y in S201-5), the display control unit 216c performs the map information acquisition end process (S201-6), and ends the map information acquisition process. In the map information acquisition end process, for example, the display of the vehicle information terminal display unit 211 is switched as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the server 300, when the map information request signal is input, the map information stored in the server storage device 302 is output (S302). Here, the map information is output to the vehicle information terminal 200 within a predetermined time after the map information request signal is input to the server 300.

When the map information is input to the vehicle information terminal 200 (Y in S201-3 in FIG. 15), the information acquisition unit 216b stores the map information in the vehicle information terminal storage device 215 (S201-7).

Then, the destination determination unit 216d determines the destination based on the reference information (schedule information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b (S201-8). When the destination is determined, the display control unit 216c executes a display switching process to display "Destination is determined" on the vehicle information terminal display unit 211 as shown in FIG. 11D (S201-9). ).

Then, when the destination is determined, the charging planning unit 216f determines a charging plan for the vehicle 200a based on the required power amounts in a plurality of different periods predicted by the prediction unit 216e (S201-10). In addition, the travel route determination unit 216i determines the travel route of the vehicle 200a based on the destination determined by the destination determination unit 216d and the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f (S201-11). In addition, the instruction information determination unit 216g, based on the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit 216f and the reference information (map information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 216b, an instruction to move to the charging station 500a and the amount of power to be charged. Is determined, the charging station to which the instruction information is transmitted is specified, and the instruction information is output (S201-12).

As shown in FIG. 10, when the charging station 500a receives the instruction information, the received instruction information is stored in the charging station storage device 502, and the automatic traveling process of the charging station 500a is executed based on the received instruction information. Yes (S500).

Then, the traveling control unit 225 executes the automatic traveling process based on the traveling route determined as described above (S202), and ends the map information acquisition process.

According to the above vehicle support system S, the charging plan unit 216f determines the charging plan for the vehicle 200a based on the required amount of power in a plurality of different periods, so that the vehicle 200a may run out of power. It can be prevented. This makes it possible for the user to suppress anxiety during driving.

Although the above description has been made with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various alterations or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. To be done.

In the above embodiment, the reference information includes the schedule information and the map information, but the reference information only needs to include at least the schedule information.

Further, in the above embodiment, the vehicle information terminal 200 acquires the schedule information stored in the server storage device 302, but the vehicle information terminal 200 transmits the schedule information from the mobile information terminal 100 without the server 300. May be obtained directly.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the map information stored in the server storage device 302 is received by the vehicle information terminal 200, but even if the position information is directly obtained from the charging station 500a around the vehicle 200a. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the charging planning unit 216f determines the charging plan in which the charging is performed twice at the current location and the transit point, but the charging is performed only at the current location or at the transit point all at once. The charging plan may be determined as follows. For example, when there is no charging station 500a around the current location, it is possible to set a waypoint that easily merges with the charging station 500a and determine a charging plan to perform charging.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the prediction unit 216e of the vehicle information terminal 200 predicts, as the required power amount in the vehicle 200a, the running power amount consumed when the vehicle is running and the living power amount consumed when the vehicle is not running. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the prediction unit provided on the server 300 may predict the required amount of power in the vehicle 200a. Further, a destination determining unit 216d that determines the destination of the vehicle and a traveling route determining unit 216i that determines the traveling route to the destination may be provided on the server 300.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the charging plan unit 216f determines the charging plan for the vehicle 200a based on the required electric energy in the three periods predicted by the prediction unit 216e, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something that will be done. That is, the charging planning unit 216f may determine the charging plan for the vehicle 200a based on the required power amount in two or four or more different periods. However, the period used when the charging planning unit 216f determines the charging plan is preferably a continuous period.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 200a has the automatic traveling function, but the automatic traveling function is not essential.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for a vehicle assistance system.

S Vehicle support system 123a, 123b Schedule information 124a Time information 124c Location information 200a Vehicle 213 Vehicle information terminal Communication unit (communication unit)
216b Information acquisition unit 216d Destination determination unit 216e Prediction unit 216f Charging planning unit 216g Instruction information determination unit 216i Travel route determination unit 226 Travel control unit 500a Charging station

Claims (10)

An information acquisition unit for acquiring reference information including at least user's schedule information having time information and location information,
At least based on the reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit, for each of a plurality of different periods, a prediction unit that predicts the required power amount in the vehicle,
A charging planning unit that determines a charging plan for the vehicle based on the required power amount in a plurality of different periods predicted by the prediction unit,
Vehicle support system including. The vehicle support system according to claim 1, wherein the predicting unit predicts, as the required power amount, a running power amount consumed when the vehicle is running and a living power amount consumed when the vehicle is not running. The charging plan unit determines the charging plan including at least one of an amount of charge to the vehicle, a timing to start charging to the vehicle, and position information for charging the vehicle. 2. The vehicle support system described in 2. The vehicle support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reference information includes map information including at least position information of a self-propellable charging station. Based on the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit and the reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit, an instruction information determination unit determining instruction information including at least position information for arranging the charging station,
A communication unit that transmits the instruction information determined by the instruction information determination unit to the charging station,
The vehicle support system according to claim 4, further comprising: The vehicle assistance system according to claim 5, wherein the instruction information includes a charge amount of the vehicle. The instruction information determination unit, based on the reference information acquired by the information acquisition unit, identifies the charging station to which the instruction information is transmitted,
The vehicle support system according to claim 5, wherein the communication unit transmits the instruction information to the charging station identified by the instruction information determination unit. The vehicle assistance system according to claim 1, further comprising a destination determining unit that determines a destination based on the schedule information acquired by the information acquiring unit. The vehicle assistance system according to claim 8, further comprising: a travel route determination unit that determines a travel route of the vehicle based on the destination determined by the destination determination unit and the charging plan determined by the charging planning unit. .. The vehicle assistance system according to claim 9, further comprising a travel control unit that causes the vehicle to travel according to the travel route determined by the travel route determination unit.

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