Information provision device and information provision system

An information provision device and an information provision system that can reduce user anxiety when the charge amount of a battery has decreased are provided. A vehicle 100 is provided with a charge amount determination unit 611 that determines whether a charge amount of a battery 40 is less than a predetermined threshold; a minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit 613 that calculates a minimum remaining travel distance on the basis of error information for the vehicle 100 when the charge amount of the battery 40 is less than the predetermined threshold; and a display control unit 616 that displays, on a display unit 64 of a display device 60, charging equipment information related to charging equipment 300 present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the minimum remaining travel distance.

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-037627, filed on 5 Mar. 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information provision device and an information provision system.

Related Art

In the past, techniques have been proposed for, in a vehicle equipped with a battery, such as an electric automobile, a hybrid automobile, or a fuel cell vehicle, performing charging when the charge amount of the battery has decreased. For example, in order to make it possible to charge an electric power storage device without traveling to a charging station, the movable body rescue system described in Patent Document 1, upon receiving from a first movable body a help signal requesting supply of electric power to the first movable body from one of a plurality of second movable bodies, uses first information and second information to select from the plurality of second movable bodies an electric power supply movable body to supply electric power to the first movable body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Such a vehicle that is equipped with a battery displays, on for example a display device in the vehicle, information indicating to a user that the battery charge amount has decreased when the battery charge amount has decreased. However, there are cases where such information does not include error in a component of the vehicle such as with deterioration of the battery, and this can cause anxiety for the user.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information provision device and an information provision system that can reduce user anxiety when the charge amount of a battery has decreased.

An information provision device (for example, a display device60and a battery sensor42which are described below) according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with a charge amount determination unit (for example, a charge amount determination unit611which is described below) that determines whether a charge amount of a battery is less than a predetermined threshold; a minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit (for example, a minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613which is described below) that, when the charge amount of the battery is less than the predetermined threshold, calculates a minimum remaining travel distance on the basis of error information for a vehicle; and a display control unit (for example, a display control unit616which is described below) that displays, on a display device, charging equipment information relating to charging equipment present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the minimum remaining travel distance.

The error information includes a lower limit for the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle, accuracy error for a vehicle sensor of the vehicle, and deterioration error for the battery.

The information provision device is further provided with a remaining travel distance calculation unit (for example, a remaining travel distance calculation unit612which is described below) that, when the charge amount of the battery is less than the predetermined threshold, calculates a remaining travel distance from an average fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

An information provision system (for example, an information provision system1described below) according to another aspect of the present invention includes the information provision device (for example, the display device60and the battery sensor42which are described below), a server (for example, a server200described below) communicably connected to the information provision device, and an assistance processing device (for example, an assistance processing device400described below) communicably connected to the server, wherein the information provision device has an equipment determination unit (for example, an equipment determination unit614described below) that, when the charge amount of the battery is less than the predetermined threshold, determines whether charging equipment is present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with a remaining travel distance calculated from an average fuel efficiency of the vehicle; and an information generation unit (for example, an information generation unit615described below) that, when the equipment determination unit determines that the charging equipment is not present, generates position information for the vehicle and charge amount decrease information indicating a decrease of the charge amount, and transmits the position information for the vehicle and the charge amount decrease information to the server, and the server has an assistance information generation unit (for example, an assistance information generation unit211described below) that, upon receiving the position information and the charge amount decrease information, generates, on the basis of the position information and the charge amount decrease information, assistance information for assisting the vehicle, and transmits the assistance information to the assistance processing device; and a status information generation unit (for example, a status information generation unit212described below) that generates, on the basis of the assistance information, status information indicating a status of assistance for the vehicle, and transmits the status information to the information provision device.

By virtue of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information provision device and an information provision system that can reduce user anxiety when the charge amount of a battery has decreased.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, description is given below regarding an embodiment of an information provision device and an information provision system according to the present invention.FIG.1is a view illustrating an example of a configuration of an information provision system1according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.1, the information provision system1is provided with a vehicle100, a server200, charging equipment300, and an assistance processing device400.

The vehicle100is an electric automobile, for example. In the present embodiment, the vehicle100is given as an electric automobile, but it is sufficient if the vehicle100is a vehicle in which a battery that supplies electric power for travel is installed. The vehicle100may be a hybrid automobile or a fuel cell vehicle.

The server200is communicably connected, via a network NW, to the vehicle100, the charging equipment300, and the assistance processing device400. The server200generates assistance information for assisting the vehicle100, and transmits the assistance information to the assistance processing device400. The server200also generates status information that indicates the status of assistance for the vehicle100, and transmits the status information to the vehicle100.

The charging equipment300is a facility that can charge the battery of the vehicle100. For example, electric power is supplied from the charging equipment300to the vehicle100by an electric power line from the charging equipment300being electrically connected to an electric power supply port of the vehicle100. By this, the battery of the vehicle100is charged.

The assistance processing device400is provided at a facility for assisting the vehicle100, and accepts from the server200assistance information for assisting the vehicle100. The assistance processing device400is, for example, provided at an automobile dealer, a breakdown assistance business, or a vehicle maintenance business.

Next, description is given regarding a configuration of the vehicle100in which is provided an information provision device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.2is a view illustrating an example of a configuration of the vehicle100. As illustrated inFIG.2, the vehicle100is provided with, for example, a motor12; a drive wheel14; a brake device16; a vehicle sensor20; a power control unit (PCU)30; a battery (secondary battery)40; a battery sensor42that has a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like; a communication device50; a display device60; a charging port70; and a converter72.

The motor12is a three-phase AC motor, for example. The rotor of the motor12is connected to the drive wheel14. The motor12uses supplied electric power to output motive power to the drive wheel14. The motor12also uses kinetic energy of the vehicle100to generate electric power when the vehicle100is decelerating.

The brake device16is provided with, for example, a brake caliper, a cylinder that transmits hydraulic pressure to the brake caliper, and an electric motor that causes hydraulic pressure to occur in the cylinder. As a backup, the brake device16may be provided with a mechanism that transmits, via a master cylinder, hydraulic pressure that occurs due to operation of a brake pedal to the cylinder. The brake device16is not limited to the configuration described above, and may be an electronically controlled hydraulic brake device that transmits hydraulic pressure from a master cylinder to the cylinder.

The vehicle sensor20is provided with an accelerator opening degree sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a brake stepping amount sensor. The accelerator opening degree sensor is attached to an accelerator pedal, which is an example of an operation piece that accepts an acceleration instruction made by the driver. The accelerator opening degree sensor detects an amount of operation of the accelerator pedal, and outputs the amount of operation to a control unit36and the display device60as an accelerator opening degree. The vehicle speed sensor is provided with, for example, wheel speed sensors that are respectively attached to the wheels, and a speed calculator. The vehicle speed sensor combines the wheel speeds detected by the wheel speed sensors to derive the speed of the vehicle (vehicle speed), and outputs the vehicle speed to the control unit36and the display device60. The brake stepping amount sensor is attached to the brake pedal. The brake stepping amount sensor detects the amount of operation of the brake pedal, and outputs the amount of operation to the control unit36and the display device60as a brake stepping amount.

The PCU30is provided with, for example, a converter32, a voltage control unit (VCU)34, and the control unit36. Having a configuration in which these components are brought together as the PCU30is merely an example, and these components may be arranged in a decentralized fashion.

The converter32is an AC-DC converter, for example. A direct current side terminal of the converter32is connected to a direct current link DL. The battery40is connected to the direct current link DL via the VCU34. The converter32converts the alternating current generated by the motor12to a direct current, and outputs the direct current to the direct current link DL.

The VCU34is a DC-DC converter, for example. The VCU34boosts the electric power supplied from the battery40, and outputs the boosted power to the direct current link DL.

The control unit36is provided with, for example, a motor control unit, a brake control unit, and a battery and VCU control unit. The motor control unit, the brake control unit, and the battery and VCU control unit may be replaced by respectively separate control devices, such as a motor ECU, a brake ECU, and a battery ECU, for example.

The motor control unit controls the motor12on the basis of an output from the vehicle sensor20. The brake control unit controls the brake device16on the basis of an output from the vehicle sensor20. The battery and VCU control unit calculates a state of charge (SOC; charge amount) of the battery40on the basis of an output from the battery sensor42attached to the battery40, and outputs the SOC to the VCU34. The VCU34causes the voltage of the direct current link DL to rise in accordance with an instruction from the battery and VCU control unit.

The battery40is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, for example. The battery40stores electric power introduced from a charger80that is outside the vehicle100, and discharges electric power for the vehicle100to travel. The battery sensor42is provided with a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor, for example. The battery sensor42detects a current value and a voltage value for the battery40, as well as the temperature of the battery40, for example. The battery sensor42outputs the detected current value, voltage value, and temperature, for example, to the control unit36and the communication device50.

The communication device50includes a wireless module for connecting with the network NW which is a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, or the like. The communication device50communicates with the server200and the like via the network NW which is illustrated inFIG.1. The display device60displays various items of information, and executes predetermined functionality. The configuration of the display device60is described below.

The charging port70is provided facing outward from the vehicle body of the vehicle100. The charging port70is connected to the charger80via a charging cable82. The charging cable82is provided with a first plug84and a second plug86. The first plug84is connected to the charger80, and the second plug86is connected to the charging port70. Electricity supplied from the charger80is supplied to the charging port70via the charging cable82.

The charging cable82also includes a signal cable that is attached to an electric power cable. The signal cable facilitates communication between the vehicle100and the charger80. Accordingly, each of the first plug84and the second plug86is provided with an electric power connector and a signal connector.

The converter72is provided between the battery40and the charging port70. The converter72, for example, converts a current, which is an alternating current and is introduced from the charger80via the charging port70, to a direct current. The converter72outputs the direct current resulting from the conversion to the battery40.

FIG.3is a view illustrating an example of a configuration of the display device60. The display device60is provided with a control unit61, a storage unit62, a communication unit63, a display unit64, an operation unit65, and a sensor unit66. The control unit61is achieved by a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) executing a program (software), for example. Some or all of these components may be achieved by hardware (includes circuitry) such as a large-scale integration (LSI), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and may be achieved by collaboration between software and hardware. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (provided with a non-transient storage medium) such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. The program may be stored in a removable storage medium (a non-transient storage medium) such as a DVD or a CD-ROM, and be installed when the storage medium is inserted to the drive device.

Something that combines the display device60and the battery sensor42is an example of an “information provision device”. Some of the functionality of the display device60may be functionality of the control unit36. In this case, something that combines the display device60, the battery sensor42, and a part of the control unit36is an example of an “information provision device”.

The storage unit62is, for example, achieved by RAM or a storage device provided with a non-transient storage medium such as an HDD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a ROM. The storage unit62stores map information, position information, or the like, for example.

The communication unit63is a communication interface for communicating with an external device such as the server200. The communication unit63is also provided with a telematics communication unit (TCU) or the like, and is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the network NW or the like.

The display unit64is a device that displays an image. The display unit64is a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like for example. The operation unit65is configured by, for example, a button for operating the display unit64. The display unit64and the operation unit65may be a touch panel in which functionality of the display unit64and the operation unit65are integrally configured. In this case, the operation unit65may be a graphical user interface (GUI) switch that is displayed on the display unit64. The operation unit65may be a mechanical button.

The display unit64may be substituted by the display of an information terminal that the driver uses. The information terminal is a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a game device, or the like, for example. By the driver setting the information terminal that they use on a cradle installed on or nearby the instrument panel of the vehicle100, the information terminal can carry out a similar display to that of the display unit64which is provided in the instrument panel.

The sensor unit66includes a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like. In addition to these, the sensor unit66may also include a sensor such as a geomagnetic sensor or an acceleration sensor, for example. The sensor unit66is provided with functionality for detecting position information, and receives a GPS satellite signal via the GPS sensor, and positions position information (for example, latitude and longitude) for the vehicle100. The positioning by the sensor unit66is performed at a predetermined time interval (for example, at an interval of three seconds). The positioned position information is stored in the storage unit62as position information.

The control unit61uses the communication unit63to communicate with the server200and transmit a request from a user to the server200in response to an operation by the user, and makes a push notification based on information received from the server200, for example. The control unit61causes information provided by the server200to be displayed on the display unit64.

Next, description is given regarding processing by the control unit61. As illustrated inFIG.3, the control unit61is provided with a charge amount determination unit611, a remaining travel distance calculation unit612, a minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613, an equipment determination unit614, an information generation unit615, and a display control unit616.

The charge amount determination unit611determines whether the charge amount of the battery40is less than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be a charge amount of a degree at which a warning display prompting charging of the battery40is displayed on the display unit64, after the charge amount of the battery40has decreased, for example.

When the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold, the remaining travel distance calculation unit612calculates the remaining travel distance from the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle100.

When the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold, the minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613calculates the minimum remaining travel distance on the basis of error information for the vehicle100. The error information includes a lower limit for the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle100, accuracy error for the vehicle sensor20of the vehicle100, and deterioration error for the battery40.

The lower limit of the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle100may be set to a value that is 1σ or 3σ of a normal distribution of the average fuel efficiency, for example. The accuracy error for the vehicle sensor20of the vehicle100may be the lowest value of the accuracy errors for respective sensors that make up the vehicle sensor20, or an average of the accuracy errors for respective sensors. The deterioration error for the battery40may be obtained from a rate of deterioration of the battery40with respect to usage time, for example. From the lower limits for the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle100, the accuracy error for the vehicle sensor20of the vehicle100, and the deterioration error for the battery40, the minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613calculates, as the minimum remaining travel distance, a remaining travel distance assuming a case where the remaining travel distance of the vehicle100is the lowest (shortest).

When the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold, the equipment determination unit614determines whether the charging equipment300is present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance calculated by the remaining travel distance calculation unit612.

When the equipment determination unit614determines that the charging equipment300is not present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance, the information generation unit615generates position information for the vehicle100and charge amount decrease information indicating a decrease of the charge amount. The information generation unit615transmits the position information and the charge amount decrease information to the server200. The charge amount decrease information includes the charge amount of the vehicle100, the remaining travel distance, the vehicle type of the vehicle100, and the model of the battery40, for example.

The display control unit616displays the remaining travel distance calculated by the remaining travel distance calculation unit612and the minimum remaining travel distance calculated by the minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613on the display unit64. The display control unit616displays, on the display unit64, charging equipment information relating to charging equipment300that is present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the minimum remaining travel distance. Specifically, on the basis of the position information for the vehicle100, map information, and the minimum remaining travel distance, the display control unit616searches for charging equipment300present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the minimum remaining travel distance. The display control unit616then displays, on the display device, charging equipment information relating to the charging equipment300that was found. The charging equipment information includes position information for the charging equipment300, equipment information such as output electric power for the charging equipment300, price information for the charging equipment300, and the like, for example.

When the equipment determination unit614determines that charging equipment300is not present within the distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance, the display control unit616displays, on the display unit64, status information that indicates the status of assistance for the vehicle100and is received from the server200. The status information includes, for example, an estimated arrival time for an assistance vehicle from an assistance business such as an automobile dealer, a breakdown assistance business, or a vehicle maintenance business that has an assistance processing device400to reach the vehicle100, position information for the assistance vehicle, and equipment information for the assistance vehicle.

FIG.4is a view illustrating an example of a configuration of the server200. As illustrated inFIG.4, the server200is provided with a control unit210, a storage unit220, and a communication unit230. The various functions of the control unit210are, for example, achieved by a processor such as a CPU executing a program (software) stored on a storage device. Some or all of these functional units may be achieved by hardware such as an LSI, an ASIC, or an FPGA, and may be achieved by collaboration between software and hardware.

The storage unit220is, for example, achieved by RAM or a storage device provided with a non-transient storage medium such as an HDD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a ROM. The communication unit230is a communication interface for communicating with another device via the network NW.

Next, description is given regarding processing by the control unit210. The control unit210is provided with an assistance information generation unit211, and a status information generation unit212.

Upon receiving position information and charge amount decrease information from the display device60, the assistance information generation unit211generates, on the basis of the position information and the charge amount decrease information, assistance information for assisting the vehicle100, and transmits the assistance information to the assistance processing device400. The assistance information for assisting the vehicle100includes position information for the vehicle100for which the charge amount has decreased, the temperature of the location where the vehicle100is positioned, the time when the charge amount decreased, the remaining travel distance, the vehicle type of the vehicle100, the model of the battery40, and the like. By receiving such assistance information, the assistance processing device400can cause an assistance business to have an assistance vehicle or the like to head toward the vehicle100and charge the vehicle100.

The status information generation unit212generates, on the basis of the assistance information generated by the assistance information generation unit211, status information that indicates the status of assistance for the vehicle100, and transmits the status information to the display device60of the vehicle100. As described above, the status information includes, for example, an estimated arrival time for an assistance vehicle from an assistance business such as an automobile dealer, a breakdown assistance business, or a vehicle maintenance business that has an assistance processing device400to reach the vehicle100, position information for the assistance vehicle, and equipment information for the assistance vehicle.

FIG.5is a flow chart illustrating processing by the information provision system1. In step S1, the charge amount determination unit611determines whether the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold. If the charge amount is less than the predetermined threshold (YES), the processing transitions to step S2, and if the charge amount is not less than the predetermined threshold (NO), the processing ends.

In step S2, the remaining travel distance calculation unit612calculates the remaining travel distance from the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle100. In step S3, the minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613calculates the minimum remaining travel distance on the basis of the error information for the vehicle100.

In step S4, the display control unit616displays the remaining travel distance calculated by the remaining travel distance calculation unit612and the minimum remaining travel distance calculated by the minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613on the display unit64. By this, a user of the vehicle100can grasp both of the remaining travel distance and the minimum remaining travel distance.

In step S5, the display control unit616generates charging equipment information relating to charging equipment300present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the minimum remaining travel distance calculated in step S4.

In step S6, the display control unit616displays the charging equipment information generated in step S5on the display unit64. Together with the charging equipment information, the display control unit616may generate information relating to charging equipment300present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance calculated in step S3, and display this information on the display unit64together with the charging equipment information.

FIG.6is a flow chart illustrating processing by the information provision system1. In step S11, the charge amount determination unit611determines whether the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold. If the charge amount is less than the predetermined threshold (YES), the processing transitions to step S12, and if the charge amount is not less than the predetermined threshold (NO), the processing ends. The processing of step S11inFIG.6is similar to the processing of step S1inFIG.5.

In step S12, the equipment determination unit614determines whether charging equipment300is present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance calculated by the remaining travel distance calculation unit612. If there is no charging equipment300that is present within the distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance (NO), the processing transitions to step S13. If there is charging equipment300that is present within the distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance (YES), the processing ends.

In step S13, the information generation unit615generates position information for the vehicle100and charge amount decrease information indicating a decrease of the charge amount, and transmits the position information and the charge amount decrease information to the server200. In step S14, the assistance information generation unit211, on the basis of the position information and the charge amount decrease information, generates assistance information for assisting the vehicle100, and transmits the assistance information to the assistance processing device400.

In step S15, the status information generation unit212generates, on the basis of the assistance information generated by the assistance information generation unit211, status information that indicates the status of assistance for the vehicle100, and transmits the status information to the display device60of the vehicle100. In step S16, the display control unit616displays, on the display unit64, the status information that indicates the status of assistance for the vehicle100and is received from the server200.

By virtue of the present embodiment, the following effects are achieved, for example. The vehicle100is provided with the charge amount determination unit611that determines whether the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold; the minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit613that calculates the minimum remaining travel distance on the basis of the error information for the vehicle100when the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold; and the display control unit616that displays, on the display unit64of the display device60, the charging equipment information related to the charging equipment300present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the minimum remaining travel distance.

In this way, the vehicle100displays, on the display unit64, the minimum remaining travel distance that is based on the error information which takes into consideration, for example, variation or error for components that make up the vehicle100. By this, a user of the vehicle100can grasp the minimum remaining travel distance when the charge amount of the battery40has decreased, and thus the vehicle100can reduce anxiety for the user when the charge amount of the battery has decreased.

The error information includes a lower limit for the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle100, accuracy error for the vehicle sensor20of the vehicle100, and deterioration error for the battery40. By this, the vehicle100can appropriately calculate the minimum remaining travel distance.

The vehicle100is further provided with the remaining travel distance calculation unit612that, when the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold, calculates the remaining travel distance from the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle100. By this, the vehicle100can display both of the remaining travel distance and the minimum remaining travel distance on the display unit64of the display device60. Accordingly, a user of the vehicle100can grasp both of the remaining travel distance and the minimum remaining travel distance which are displayed on the display unit64, and thus the vehicle100can reduce anxiety for the user when the charge amount of the battery has decreased.

In the information provision system1, the vehicle100has an equipment determination unit614that, when the charge amount of the battery40is less than the predetermined threshold, determines whether charging equipment300is present within a distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance; and an information generation unit615that, when the equipment determination unit614determines that charging equipment300is not present, generates position information for the vehicle100and charge amount decrease information indicating a decrease of the charge amount and transmits the position information for the vehicle100and the charge amount decrease information to the server200. The server200has the assistance information generation unit211that, upon receiving the position information and the charge amount decrease information, generates, on the basis of the position information and the charge amount decrease information, assistance information for assisting the vehicle100, and transmits the assistance information to the assistance processing device400; and a status information generation unit212that generates, on the basis of the assistance information, status information that indicates the status of assistance for the vehicle100, and transmits the status information to the vehicle100.

By this, the information provision system1can swiftly assist the vehicle100in a case where charging equipment300is not present within the distance that can be traveled to in accordance with the remaining travel distance, and thus it is possible to reduce user anxiety when the battery charge amount has decreased.

Description was given for an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration may be changed, as appropriate, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1Information provision system100Vehicle200Server211Assistance information generation unit212Status information generation unit300Charging equipment400Assistance processing device611Charge amount determination unit612Remaining travel distance calculation unit613Minimum remaining travel distance calculation unit614Equipment determination unit615Information generation unit616Display control unit