Information processing devices, information processing methods and vehicles

Abstract

The system provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a vehicle to shorten the time until air conditioning is activated. The information processing device selects either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode for air conditioning. The first air conditioning mode utilizes the vehicle's engine for air conditioning, while the second air conditioning mode utilizes electricity stored in the vehicle's battery. The information processing device includes a control unit that, upon receiving a request for air conditioning from a user's terminal, initiates air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode. When conditions for air conditioning in the first air conditioning mode are met, the control unit switches the air conditioning from the second air conditioning mode back to the first air conditioning mode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on May 10, 2023, with application number 202310523992.5 and entitled "Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method and Vehicle". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to information processing devices, information processing methods, and vehicles. Background Technology

[0003] Technology for remotely operated vehicle preheating using a first air conditioning mode that utilizes the heat dissipation from an internal combustion engine or a second air conditioning mode that utilizes an electric heat pump is known (e.g., Patent Document 1). For example, if it is predicted that the vehicle interior temperature can be raised to the target temperature using the second air conditioning mode before a predetermined time of travel begins, preheating is performed using the second air conditioning mode. On the other hand, if it is predicted that the vehicle interior temperature cannot be raised to the target temperature using the second air conditioning mode before a predetermined time of travel begins, preheating is performed using the first air conditioning mode.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-160645. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to shorten the time until air conditioning is applied.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device that performs remote air conditioning by selecting either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode. The first air conditioning mode is a mode that performs remote air conditioning using the vehicle's engine, and the second air conditioning mode is a mode that performs remote air conditioning using electricity stored in the vehicle's battery. The information processing device includes a control unit that selects the second air conditioning mode and begins air conditioning in response to a request for remote air conditioning received from a user's terminal.

[0011] One of the other embodiments of this disclosure is an information processing method that selects either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode for remote air conditioning, wherein the first air conditioning mode is a mode for remote air conditioning using the vehicle's engine, and the second air conditioning mode is a mode for remote air conditioning using electricity stored in the vehicle's battery. In this information processing method, a computer, in response to receiving a request from a user's terminal to perform the remote air conditioning, selects the second air conditioning mode and begins the air conditioning process.

[0012] One other embodiment disclosed herein is a vehicle comprising: an engine; a battery; and...

[0013] The control unit selects either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode to perform remote air conditioning. The first air conditioning mode is a mode that uses the engine for remote air conditioning, and the second air conditioning mode is a mode that uses the power stored in the battery for remote air conditioning. The control unit selects the second air conditioning mode and starts the air conditioning in response to a request to perform the remote air conditioning sent from the user's terminal.

[0014] Alternatively, other embodiments of this disclosure include a program that enables a computer to execute the information processing method described above, or a storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to this disclosure, the time until the air conditioning is activated can be shortened. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the system involved in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the structure of the vehicle, user terminal, and central server constituting the system involved in the implementation method.

[0019] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the functional components of an ECU involved in an implementation method.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram showing the overall processing of the system involved in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the remote air conditioning process in the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6This is a diagram showing the general structure of the system involved in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram showing the overall processing of the system involved in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] As one embodiment of this disclosure, the information processing device selects either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode for remote air conditioning. The first air conditioning mode utilizes the vehicle's engine for remote air conditioning, while the second air conditioning mode utilizes electricity stored in the vehicle's battery for remote air conditioning. Remote air conditioning is performed remotely by a user from outside the vehicle, by sending an air conditioning request from outside the vehicle using a user terminal. The destination of the request can be the vehicle's information processing device or an external information processing device that issues the command to the vehicle. The first air conditioning mode utilizes energy generated by operating the engine for air conditioning. In the first air conditioning mode, for example, air conditioning is performed using coolant whose temperature rises due to heat generated from the engine, or by operating the compressor using the rotational force of the engine's output shaft. On the other hand, the second air conditioning mode utilizes electricity stored in the battery, for example, to operate a heat pump or a heater for air conditioning.

[0025] Here, the amount of heat available in the second air conditioning mode is sometimes less than that available in the first air conditioning mode. In this case, if the second air conditioning mode is selected, it is difficult to sufficiently raise the temperature inside the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to consider selecting the first and second air conditioning modes, for example, based on the outside air temperature. However, it takes several seconds, for example, to detect the temperature and select the air conditioning mode. For example, when sending information indicating that remote air conditioning has been started to the user terminal, the information cannot be sent to the user terminal during the several seconds until the air conditioning mode is selected based on the temperature. Therefore, after requesting remote air conditioning, the user will have to wait until they know that remote air conditioning has started. Such a waiting time lacks user convenience.

[0026] Therefore, in response to a request from the user's terminal to perform remote air conditioning, the control unit selects the second air conditioning mode and begins air conditioning. That is, without determining which air conditioning mode to select (first or second), the control unit first selects the second air conditioning mode and begins air conditioning. This allows for the rapid transmission of information indicating that air conditioning has begun to the user's terminal, thus reducing the user's waiting time.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0028] <First Implementation>

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of system 1 according to the first embodiment. System 1 is a system capable of remotely operating the air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as air conditioner) of vehicle 10 according to a request sent from user terminal 20 to server 30.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In the example, system 1 includes vehicle 10, user terminal 20, and server 30. User terminal 20 is a portable terminal held by a user. Vehicle 10 is a vehicle associated with user terminal 20. Vehicle 10, user terminal 20, and server 30 are interconnected via network N1. Furthermore, network N1 can be, for example, a global public communication network such as the Internet, or a WAN (Wide Area Network), or other communication networks. Additionally, network N1 can include telephone communication networks such as mobile phones, or wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi. Moreover, vehicle 10 can also connect to user terminal 20 via network N2, which includes short-range wireless communication. Figure 1 The illustration shows one vehicle 10, but there can be multiple vehicles 10. Additionally, depending on the number of vehicles 10, there can also be multiple users and user terminals 20.

[0031] based on Figure 2 The hardware structure and functional composition of vehicle 10, user terminal 20 and server 30 are described. Figure 2 This is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the structure of the vehicle 10, user terminal 20, and server 30 constituting the system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0032] Server 30 has a computer structure. Server 30 includes a processor 301, a main storage unit 302, an auxiliary storage unit 303, and a communication unit 304. They are interconnected via a bus.

[0033] Processor 301 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. Processor 301 controls server 30 and performs various information processing operations. Main storage unit 302 is RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. Auxiliary storage unit 303 is EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), hard disk drive (HDD), removable media, etc. Operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., are stored in auxiliary storage unit 303. Processor 301 loads the program stored in auxiliary storage unit 303 into the working area of ​​main storage unit 302 and executes it, controlling various components by executing the program. Thus, server 30 performs functions consistent with its intended purpose. Main storage unit 302 and auxiliary storage unit 303 are computer-readable recording media. Furthermore, server 30 can be a single computer or multiple computers working together. Furthermore, information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 can also be stored in the main storage unit 302. Conversely, information stored in the main storage unit 302 can also be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303.

[0034] The communication unit 304 is a unit that communicates with the vehicle 10 and the user terminal 20 via the network N1. The communication unit 304 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The LAN interface board and the wireless communication circuit are connected to the network N1.

[0035] Furthermore, the series of processes performed by server 30 can be executed by hardware or software.

[0036] Next, the user terminal 20 will be described. The user terminal 20 is, for example, a small computer such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, personal information terminal, wearable computer (smartwatch, etc.), or personal computer (PC). The user terminal 20 includes a processor 201, main storage unit 202, secondary storage unit 203, input unit 204, display 205, and communication unit 206. These are interconnected via a bus. Since the processor 201, main storage unit 202, and secondary storage unit 203 are the same as those in the server 30, their descriptions are omitted.

[0037] Input unit 204 is a unit that accepts input operations performed by the user, such as a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, or button. Display 205 is a unit that displays information to the user, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or EL (Electroluminescence) panel. Input unit 204 and display 205 can also be configured as a single touch panel display.

[0038] Communication unit 206 is a communication unit for connecting user terminal 20 to network N1 or network N2. Communication unit 206 is, for example, a circuit for communicating with other devices (such as vehicle 10 or server 30, etc.) via network N1 or network N2 using mobile communication services (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE, etc. telephone communication networks), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0039] Next, vehicle 10 will be described. Vehicle 10 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) equipped with an electric motor and engine 41, capable of charging the battery 42 from an external power source. Vehicle 10 includes an ECU 100 as an electronic control unit, engine 41, battery 42, internal temperature sensor 43, external temperature sensor 44, and air conditioning 50. These components are interconnected via a CAN bus, which serves as the vehicle network bus. In this embodiment, only one ECU 100 is provided, but it is also possible to replace it with controllers corresponding to communication with the outside, control of the engine 41, and control of the air conditioning 50, respectively.

[0040] The ECU 100 has a computer-like structure. The ECU 100 includes a processor 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, and a communication unit 104. These are interconnected via a bus. Since the processor 101, main storage unit 102, auxiliary storage unit 103, and communication unit 104 are identical to those of the processor 201, main storage unit 202, auxiliary storage unit 203, and communication unit 206 of the user terminal 20, descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the processor 101 is an example of a control unit.

[0041] Engine 41, for example, is a gasoline or diesel engine, and its output can be used to charge battery 42 or to drive vehicle 10. Additionally, the cooling water of engine 41 can be used as a heat source for heating. Battery 42 is a rechargeable battery capable of repeated charging and discharging. Furthermore, battery 42 can supply power to, for example, the electric motor driving vehicle 10, engine 41, air conditioning 50, and ECU 100. Charging of battery 42 can utilize electricity generated when the generator is operated by engine 41, or it can utilize electricity supplied from an external power source.

[0042] The internal temperature sensor 43 is a sensor that detects the temperature inside the vehicle 10 (interior temperature). The external temperature sensor 44 is a sensor that detects the temperature outside the vehicle 10 (exterior temperature). The air conditioner 50 is a device for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle 10. The air conditioner 50 includes a heat pump 51. The heat pump 51 operates by receiving power from the battery 42, collecting heat from the atmosphere, and using it for heating. Alternatively, in this embodiment, heating can be provided by an electric heater instead of the heat pump 51.

[0043] Next, the functional components of ECU100 will be explained. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the functional components of the ECU 100 according to the embodiment. The ECU 100 includes a control unit 110 as a functional component. The processor 101 of the ECU 100 executes the processing of the control unit 110 via a computer program on the main storage unit 102. However, any one of the functional components or a portion thereof may also be executed via hardware circuitry.

[0044] When the control unit 110 receives an air conditioning command from the server 30, it activates the engine 41 or heat pump 51, etc., according to the command. This initiates remote air conditioning of the vehicle 10. Here, the air conditioning command is a command to remotely operate the air conditioning 50 of the vehicle 10. Remote air conditioning adjusts the interior environment of the vehicle by remotely operating the air conditioning 50 when the user is not in the vehicle 10.

[0045] When providing heating in a remote air conditioning system, either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode is executed. The first air conditioning mode activates the engine 41 for air conditioning, while the second air conditioning mode activates the heat pump 51 by supplying power from the battery 42. The first air conditioning mode is executed when the outside air temperature is, for example, below -10°C, and the second air conditioning mode is executed when the outside air temperature is, for example, above -10°C.

[0046] Here, when remote air conditioning begins, the control unit 110 executes the second air conditioning mode regardless of the outside temperature. Then, based on the detection value of the external temperature sensor 44, it determines which air conditioning mode to execute, the first or the second, and if the decision is to execute the first air conditioning mode, it switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

[0047] Assuming that when remote air conditioning begins, the system determines whether to execute a first or second air conditioning mode based on the outside air temperature, the air conditioning is executed after obtaining the detection value from the outside temperature sensor 44 and selecting the air conditioning mode based on that temperature. At this time, selecting the air conditioning mode may take several seconds. For example, when notifying the user terminal 20 that remote air conditioning has begun, the notification will delay the time required to select the air conditioning mode in the vehicle 10. Therefore, this causes the user to wait, lacking user convenience.

[0048] On the other hand, when remote air conditioning begins, by first executing the second air conditioning mode, remote air conditioning can start without obtaining the detection value from the external temperature sensor 44. Therefore, the user's waiting time is shortened. Furthermore, for example, if the second air conditioning mode is executed when the outside air temperature is below -10°C, the interior temperature may not be sufficiently raised due to insufficient heating capacity. However, since the air conditioning mode is switched immediately based on the detection value from the external temperature sensor 44, the delay in the rise of the interior temperature is small. Additionally, in the case of remote air conditioning, a certain amount of time is considered until the user enters the vehicle. Compared to the delay until the air conditioning mode is switched, the time until the user enters the vehicle is long enough; therefore, even if remote air conditioning based on the first air conditioning mode is started below -10°C, the impact of the delay in temperature rise during the first air conditioning mode is relatively small as long as the system immediately switches to the second air conditioning mode.

[0049] Next, the overall processing of System 1 will be explained. Figure 4 This is a timing diagram showing the overall processing of system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 The vehicle 10 and user terminal 20 are pre-associated and registered in the server 30. In the user terminal 20, when the user launches a pre-defined application to initiate remote air conditioning, an air conditioning request is generated in the user terminal 20 and sent to the server 30 (S11). Upon receiving the air conditioning request, the server 30 generates an air conditioning command for the corresponding vehicle 10 to execute remote air conditioning and sends it to the vehicle 10 (S12).

[0050] Upon receiving the air conditioning command, the control unit 110 of vehicle 10 executes the second air conditioning mode (S13). This allows remote air conditioning to begin immediately. When the second air conditioning mode is executed, an air conditioning start notification is sent from vehicle 10 to server 30 (S14). The air conditioning start notification is used to inform the user that remote air conditioning has started. Server 30 sends the air conditioning start notification to user terminal 20 (S15). Upon receiving the air conditioning start notification, user terminal 20 displays an image indicating that remote air conditioning has started on display 205. Thus, the user is aware that remote air conditioning has started.

[0051] Furthermore, after sending an air conditioning start notification, the control unit 110 of vehicle 10 obtains the outside temperature (S17). Then, the control unit 110 of vehicle 10 determines the air conditioning mode based on the outside temperature (S18). That is, it determines the air conditioning mode corresponding to the outside temperature. If the air conditioning mode corresponding to the outside temperature is a first air conditioning mode, the control unit 110 of vehicle 10 switches to the first air conditioning mode (S19). On the other hand, if the air conditioning mode corresponding to the outside temperature is a second air conditioning mode, it continues to execute the second air conditioning mode. Remote air conditioning stops when a predetermined stop condition is met.

[0052] Next, the processing of remote air conditioning in vehicle 10 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the remote air conditioning process in the vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 The process shown is performed in ECU100 at predetermined intervals.

[0053] In step S101, the control unit 110 determines whether an air conditioning command has been received from the server 30. The air conditioning command may also include information related to the target temperature. If a positive determination is made in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102; if a negative determination is made, the process ends. In step S102, the control unit 110 determines whether the charge reserve of the battery 42 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. In this step S102, it is determined whether the conditions for performing air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode are met. The predetermined amount is the charge reserve that, even when performing remote air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode, will have an acceptable impact on the driving of the vehicle 10. That is, if the charge reserve is less than the predetermined amount, when performing remote air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode, the subsequent charge reserve of the battery 42 may be insufficient, potentially affecting the driving of the vehicle 10. In this case, air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode is not performed. The predetermined amount is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. Alternatively, the charge reserve may be obtained, for example, based on the voltage of the battery 42. If a positive determination is made in step S102, proceed to step S103; if a negative determination is made, proceed to step S104.

[0054] In step S103, the control unit 110 executes the second air conditioning mode. If remote air conditioning has not yet started, air conditioning is initiated by activating the heat pump 51. Alternatively, if remote air conditioning has already started and air conditioning is already in the second air conditioning mode, the second air conditioning mode continues. At this time, since the battery 42 has sufficient charge reserve, air conditioning can be initiated quickly by activating the heat pump 51. On the other hand, in step S104, the control unit 110 executes the first air conditioning mode. If air conditioning is already in the second air conditioning mode, the control unit switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode for air conditioning. In this step S104, the engine 41 is started to circulate the cooling water, and the heat from the cooling water is used to start air conditioning. At this time, since the battery 42 may have insufficient charge reserve, the power consumption of the battery 42 is suppressed, and air conditioning is performed using the heat from the engine 41, thus suppressing the decrease in the battery 42's charge reserve. Furthermore, starting the engine 41 also increases the charge reserve of the battery 42. Furthermore, the control during air conditioning in the first and second air conditioning modes can utilize known techniques. For example, control can be performed to bring the interior temperature close to the target temperature. Additionally, the processing steps S102 and S104 can be omitted.

[0055] In step S105, the control unit 110 sends an air conditioning start notification to the server 30. The air conditioning start notification includes information indicating that air conditioning has started and information for identifying the vehicle 10, namely the vehicle ID. Furthermore, the air conditioning start notification may also include information that can determine which of the first and second air conditioning modes is being executed. In step S106, the control unit 110 obtains the outside temperature. The control unit 110 obtains the outside temperature by reading the detection value from the external temperature sensor 44.

[0056] In step S107, the control unit 110 determines whether the outside temperature is below a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is the temperature that becomes the boundary when determining whether to execute the first air conditioning mode or the second air conditioning mode. This temperature can be set based on the capability of the heat pump 51, or it can be set based on regulations. For example, it is considered that even if the second air conditioning mode is executed, there may be a situation where the interior temperature cannot be sufficiently increased due to insufficient capability of the heat pump 51. In this case, the predetermined temperature is set to execute the first air conditioning mode. In addition, for example, it is also considered that there may be a situation where regulations prevent the execution of the first air conditioning mode if it is not below the predetermined temperature. In this case, the first air conditioning mode can be set only when the predetermined temperature is below. However, the first air conditioning mode can also be executed when the charge reserve of the battery 42 is less than a predetermined amount, so that the first air conditioning mode can be executed in step S104. The predetermined temperature is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. If a positive determination is made in step S107, the process proceeds to step S108; if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S109. Furthermore, if a negative determination is made in step S107, the air conditioning mode executed in step S103 or step S104 continues.

[0057] In step S108, the control unit 110 executes the first air conditioning mode. If the second air conditioning mode was already being executed in step S103, it switches back to the first air conditioning mode. Alternatively, if the first air conditioning mode was already being executed in step S104, it continues in the first air conditioning mode.

[0058] In step S109, the control unit 110 determines whether the condition for stopping the remote air conditioning is met. The condition for stopping the remote air conditioning is met, for example, when a user sits in the vehicle 10 and starts the vehicle 10. In this case, for example, the condition for stopping the remote air conditioning may also be met if the door of the vehicle 10 is detected to be open. Additionally, the remote air conditioning may be stopped when an operation related to driving the vehicle 10 is performed, such as pressing the accelerator pedal or steering wheel operation. Furthermore, the condition for stopping the remote air conditioning may also be met if the remaining fuel in the engine 41 is below a predetermined amount while the first air conditioning mode is being executed. The predetermined amount is the amount of fuel at which the engine 41 may have difficulty operating. If a positive determination is made in step S109, the process proceeds to step S110; if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step S102. In step S110, the control unit 110 stops the remote air conditioning. At this time, the control unit 110 may also notify the server 30 that the remote air conditioning has been stopped.

[0059] As explained above, according to this embodiment, since remote air conditioning can be started immediately regardless of the outside temperature when it begins, a notification that remote air conditioning has started can be quickly sent to the user terminal 20. Therefore, the user's waiting time can be shortened.

[0060] <Second Implementation>

[0061] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of system 1 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, an air conditioning request is sent from user terminal 20 to server 30 via network N1, but in the second embodiment, the air conditioning request is sent directly from user terminal 20 to vehicle 10 via network N2. Regarding the hardware structure, since... Figure 2 The structures shown are identical, therefore explanations are omitted.

[0062] Next, the overall processing of System 1 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating the overall processing of system 1 according to the second embodiment. For execution and... Figure 4 The same processing steps are shown in the timing diagram, labeled with the same symbols and their descriptions omitted. In the user terminal 20, if the user launches a pre-defined application and performs an operation to start remote air conditioning, an air conditioning request is generated in the user terminal 20 and sent to the vehicle 10 (S21). When the control unit 110 of the vehicle 10 selects the second air conditioning mode and starts air conditioning, an air conditioning start notification is sent from the vehicle 10 to the user terminal 20 (S22). Thus, the user is aware that remote air conditioning has started.

[0063] Regarding the handling of vehicle 10, Figure 5 The process shown can be simplified by replacing server 30 with user terminal 20, so the explanation is omitted.

[0064] In this way, even when remote air conditioning is performed through direct communication between vehicle 10 and user terminal 20, the time from when vehicle 10 sends an air conditioning start notification to user terminal 20 can be shortened, thus reducing the user's waiting time.

[0065] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0066] The above-described implementation method is merely an example, and this disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0067] The processes and units described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as there are no technical contradictions.

[0068] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device can also be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices can also be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware architecture (server architecture) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0069] This disclosure can be implemented by providing a computer with a computer program installed with the functions described in the above embodiments, and having the program read and executed by one or more processors of the computer. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus, or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a hard disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0071] 1 System

[0072] 10 vehicles

[0073] 20 User Terminals

[0074] 30 servers

[0075] 41 Engine

[0076] 42 Storage batteries

[0077] 43 Internal temperature sensor

[0078] 44 External Temperature Sensor

[0079] 50 air conditioners

[0080] 51 Heat Pump

[0081] 100 ECU

[0082] 101 processor

[0083] 102 Main Storage Section

[0084] 103 Auxiliary Storage Section

[0085] 104 Ministry of Communications.

Claims

1. An information processing device that selects either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode for air conditioning, wherein the first air conditioning mode utilizes the vehicle's engine for air conditioning, and the second air conditioning mode utilizes electricity stored in the vehicle's battery for air conditioning. The information processing device includes a control unit that, upon receiving a request from a user's terminal to perform air conditioning, initiates air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode. When the conditions for air conditioning in the first air conditioning mode are met, the control unit switches the air conditioning from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Even if the conditions are met when the request is received, the control unit switches to the first air conditioning mode after starting air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The condition refers to the remaining charge capacity of the battery. When the remaining charge of the battery is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The condition refers to information related to the external temperature of the vehicle. When the external temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

5. An information processing method, wherein an air conditioning mode is selected from a first air conditioning mode and a second air conditioning mode for air conditioning, wherein the first air conditioning mode utilizes the vehicle's engine for air conditioning, and the second air conditioning mode utilizes electricity stored in the vehicle's battery for air conditioning. In the aforementioned information processing method When the computer receives a request from the user's terminal to activate the air conditioning, it begins the air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode. When the conditions for air conditioning in the first air conditioning mode are met, the computer switches the air conditioning from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein, Even if the conditions are met when the request is received, the computer switches to the first air conditioning mode after starting air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode.

7. The information processing method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The condition refers to the remaining charge capacity of the battery. When the remaining charge of the battery is less than a predetermined amount, the computer switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

8. The information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The condition refers to information related to the external temperature of the vehicle. When the external temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the computer switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

9. A vehicle, comprising: engine; Storage battery; as well as The control unit selects either a first air conditioning mode or a second air conditioning mode for air conditioning. The first air conditioning mode utilizes the engine for air conditioning, while the second air conditioning mode utilizes electricity stored in the battery for air conditioning. When the control unit receives a request from the user's terminal to perform air conditioning, it starts the air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode. When the conditions for air conditioning in the first air conditioning mode are met, the control unit switches the air conditioning from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, Even if the conditions are met when the request is received, the control unit switches to the first air conditioning mode after starting air conditioning in the second air conditioning mode.

11. The vehicle according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The condition refers to the remaining charge capacity of the battery. When the remaining charge of the battery is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

12. The vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The condition refers to information related to the external temperature of the vehicle. When the external temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit switches from the second air conditioning mode to the first air conditioning mode.

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