AIR CONDITIONING REMOTE START SYSTEM

Abstract

Air conditioning remote start system (1), comprising: a user terminal (200), a central server (100) configured to communicate with the terminal (200), and a vehicle (2) comprising an air conditioning system (10) configured to communicate with the central server (100), wherein the air conditioning remote start system (1) comprises: a determination unit designed to determine whether a temperature condition is met based on a previously defined threshold with reference to at least one of an interior temperature of the vehicle (2), an exterior temperature of the vehicle (2) and a temperature of a previously defined section in the vehicle (2) with respect to the interior temperature; a control unit designed to start the air conditioning system (10) after it has been started in accordance with a start request sent from the terminal device (200) via the central server (100) to the vehicle (2) and which includes a target operating time for the air conditioning system (10), and when the determining unit determines that the temperature condition is met, to stop the air conditioning system (10) when the target operating time has elapsed from a starting point set after the determination; a first transmitting unit, which is arranged in the vehicle (2) and is designed to send a notification signal to the central server (100) when the determining unit determines that the temperature condition is met; a first receiving unit located in the central server (100) and designed to receive the notification signal from the first transmitting unit of the vehicle (2); a second transmitting unit, which is located in the central server (100) and is designed to send a start signal to the vehicle (2) when the first receiving unit receives the notification signal; and a second receiving unit, which is arranged in the vehicle (2) and is designed to receive the start signal sent by the second transmitting unit of the central server (100), wherein: the determination unit is arranged in the vehicle (2); the control unit is located in the vehicle (2); and the control unit is designed to stop the air conditioning (10) when the second receiving unit receives the start signal and the target time after reception has elapsed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning remote start system. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A system is known in which a user performs a remote start of an engine and an air conditioner from a location remote from a vehicle using a remote controller (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-252623 (JP H10-252623 A) or the like).

[0003] In JP H10-252623 A, a target temperature (reference temperature) and a target time (maximum idle time) are sent from the remote controller to the vehicle as conditions regarding an interior temperature and an operating time of the air conditioner, and in case a condition is met, the air conditioner is stopped by stopping the engine.

[0004] WO 2013 / 124 990 A1 describes an air conditioning remote start system, comprising: a user terminal, a central server, and a vehicle. The vehicle has an air conditioning system. A determination unit determines whether a temperature condition is met based on a predetermined threshold with respect to an interior temperature of the vehicle and an exterior temperature. A control unit controls the air conditioning system such that the air conditioning system is stopped again after a set time.

[0005] WO 2016 / 098331 A1 describes an air conditioning remote start system with a central server. The central server is designed to receive temperature information from a vehicle and transmit control commands for an air conditioning system to the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Furthermore, a central system is considered in which a start request is sent from a user's terminal device via a central server to a vehicle in order to remotely start an air conditioner.

[0007] However, in order to properly control the vehicle's interior temperature, etc., the central system may need to report back to the central server the most accurate information about whether the vehicle's interior temperature has reached the vehicle's target temperature. For this reason, there is a possibility that the communication volume between the central server and the vehicle may increase, resulting in increased communication fees.

[0008] The invention provides a central air conditioning remote start system capable of efficiently reducing a communication amount between a central server and a vehicle while taking into account an interior temperature, an operation time of an air conditioner, or the like estimated by a user.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to an air conditioning remote start system, comprising a user terminal, a central server configured to communicate with the terminal, and a vehicle including an air conditioner and configured to communicate with the central server. The air conditioning remote start system comprises a determination unit and a control unit. The determination unit is configured to determine whether a temperature condition is satisfied based on a predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of an interior temperature of the vehicle, an exterior temperature of the vehicle, and a temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle relative to the interior temperature.The control unit is configured to, after the air conditioner is started according to a start request sent from the terminal device to the vehicle via the central server and including a target time for operating the air conditioner, when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, stop the air conditioner when the target time has elapsed from a start point set after the determination.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the invention, the determination unit determines whether the temperature condition is satisfied based on the predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of the interior temperature and the exterior temperature of the vehicle and the temperature (hereinafter referred to as a temperature of a related portion; for example, a temperature of an engine coolant as a heat source for heating in an engine, or a temperature of an air flow after passing through an evaporator in the air conditioner) of the predetermined portion in the vehicle with respect to the interior temperature.For example, in winter or the like, if the indoor temperature before the air conditioner starts (at the time of non-operation) is lower than a target temperature set by the user, the temperature condition is that the indoor temperature is "at least as high as a previously set temperature (previously set threshold)" or the like. In summer, if the indoor temperature before the air conditioner starts is higher than the target temperature set by the user, the temperature condition is that the indoor temperature is "not greater than the previously set temperature (previously set threshold)" or the like. Then, if the temperature condition is met, the control unit stops the air conditioner when the target time has elapsed from a starting point set after the condition is met.Accordingly, the predetermined threshold is appropriately set, whereby the air conditioner is operated for at least the target time after a vehicle interior is brought into a heated state (winter) or a cooled state (summer) by a certain amount. For this reason, for example, at least after the temperature condition is satisfied, even if the vehicle interior temperature and the like are not accurately monitored, it is possible to bring the interior temperature close to the user's desired target temperature. At least after the temperature condition is satisfied, there is no need for the exchange of information such as the interior temperature between the central server and the vehicle. For this reason, it is possible to efficiently reduce the amount of communication between the central server and the vehicle.That is, it is possible to efficiently reduce the amount of communication between the central server and the vehicle while taking into account the interior temperature, an operating time of the air conditioner, or the like estimated by the user.

[0011] The air conditioning remote start system according to the first aspect of the invention further includes a first transmitting unit, a first receiving unit, a second transmitting unit, and a second receiving unit. The first transmitting unit is arranged in the vehicle and configured to transmit a notification signal to the central server when the determining unit determines that the temperature condition is met. The first receiving unit is arranged in the central server and configured to receive the notification signal from the first transmitting unit of the vehicle. The second transmitting unit is arranged in the central server and configured to transmit a start signal to the vehicle when the first receiving unit receives the notification signal. The second receiving unit is arranged in the vehicle and configured to receive the start signal transmitted from the second transmitting unit of the central server.The determination unit is arranged in the vehicle. The control unit is arranged in the vehicle. The control unit is configured to stop the air conditioning system when the second receiving unit receives the start signal, if the target time has elapsed after the reception.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the invention, if it is determined that the temperature condition is met, the vehicle (the determining unit and the first transmitting unit) sends the notification signal to the central server to notify that the temperature condition is met. If the notification signal is received, the central server (the first receiving unit and the second transmitting unit) sends the start signal to the vehicle requesting the start of time counting to determine the elapse of the target time. Then, if the start signal is received, the vehicle (the second receiving unit and the control unit) starts time counting to detect the elapse of the target time after receiving it. If the target time has elapsed, the vehicle (the second receiving unit and the control unit) stops the air conditioner.Accordingly, on the vehicle side, processing (time counting processing) for monitoring the elapse of the target time can be started according to the start signal received from the central server, and the determination processing or the like for starting the processing can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the functional configuration on the vehicle side.

[0013] A second aspect of the invention relates to an air conditioning remote start system, comprising a user terminal, a central server configured to communicate with the terminal, and a vehicle including an air conditioner and configured to communicate with the central server. The air conditioning remote start system comprises a determination unit and a control unit. The determination unit is configured to determine whether a temperature condition is satisfied based on a predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of an interior temperature of the vehicle, an exterior temperature of the vehicle, and a temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle related to the interior temperature.The control unit is configured to, after the air conditioner is started according to a start request sent from the terminal device to the vehicle via the central server and including a target time for operating the air conditioner, when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, stop the air conditioner when the target time has elapsed from a start point set after the determination.

[0014] The air conditioning remote start system according to the second aspect of the invention further includes a third transmitting unit, a third receiving unit, a fourth transmitting unit, and a fourth receiving unit. The third transmitting unit is arranged in the vehicle and configured to transmit a notification signal to the central server when the determining unit determines that the temperature condition is met. The third receiving unit is arranged in the central server and configured to receive the notification signal from the third transmitting unit of the vehicle. The fourth transmitting unit is arranged in the central server and configured to transmit a stop signal for stopping the air conditioner, which is output from the control unit to the vehicle. The fourth receiving unit is arranged in the vehicle and configured to receive the stop signal from the fourth transmitting unit of the central server.The determination unit is arranged in the vehicle. The control unit is arranged in the central server. The control unit is configured to output the stop signal when the third receiving unit receives the notification signal and the target time has elapsed after the notification signal is received. The control unit is configured to stop the air conditioning system when the fourth receiving unit receives the stop signal.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the invention, if it is determined that the temperature condition is satisfied, the vehicle (the determination unit and the third transmission unit) sends the notification signal to the central server to notify that the temperature condition is satisfied. If the target time has elapsed after receiving the notification signal, the central server (the third transmission unit and the fourth reception unit) sends the stop signal to stop the air conditioner to the vehicle. Then, if the stop signal is received, the vehicle (the fourth reception unit and the control unit) stops the air conditioner. Accordingly, by only notifying the central server that the temperature condition is satisfied, the air conditioner can remain on standby on the vehicle side until the stop signal is received, and the determination processing on the vehicle side can be further reduced.For this reason, it is possible to further simplify the functional design on the vehicle side.

[0016] In the air conditioning remote start system according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the temperature condition based on the predetermined threshold may be that the indoor temperature is at least as high as the predetermined threshold when the indoor temperature is lower than a target temperature set by the user, and may be that the indoor temperature is not higher than the predetermined threshold when the indoor temperature is higher than the target temperature set by the user.

[0017] According to the aspects described above, it is possible to provide a central air conditioning remote start system capable of efficiently reducing a communication amount between a central server and a vehicle while taking into account an interior temperature, an operation time of an air conditioner, or the like estimated by a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements, and in which: Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning remote start system; Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of a vehicle (air conditioner ECU and engine ECU) according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of a center server (processing device) according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device (processing apparatus) according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of an air conditioning remote start system according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of a center server (processing device) according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of an air conditioning remote start system according to the second embodiment; and Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of an air conditioning remote start system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First embodiment

[0020] First, the configuration of an air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 1 to 4 described.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a vehicle 2 (air conditioning ECU 60 and engine ECU 80). Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a central server 100 (processing device 120). Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device 200 (processing device 220).

[0022] The air conditioning remote start system 1 includes the vehicle 2, the central server 100, and the terminal 200 owned by a user, and starts an air conditioner 10 described below of the vehicle 2 according to a start request to be sent from the terminal 200 to the vehicle via the central server 100.

[0023] The vehicle 2 includes the air conditioning system 10, a rear defroster 20, a room temperature sensor 30, an ambient temperature sensor 40, an air conditioning electronic control unit (ECU) 60, an engine 70, a coolant temperature sensor 75, an engine ECU 80, and a DCM 90.

[0024] The air conditioner 10 adjusts an interior temperature or the like of the vehicle 2. The air conditioner 10 includes, for example, a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator (not shown), a compressor (not shown) driven by the engine 70 and the like, and a heater (not shown) using the coolant of the engine 70 as a heat source. The air conditioner 10 adjusts the temperature of air blown from an air outlet by appropriately mixing air (cold air) cooled while passing through the evaporator and air (hot air) heated with the coolant of the engine 70 as a heat source under the control of the air conditioner ECU 60 (the air conditioning control unit 601 described below) so that the ratio can be changed.The air conditioner 10 has a defrosting mode and removes frost generated outside or inside a passenger compartment from a windshield of the vehicle 2 by blowing air having a relatively low humidity and a relatively high temperature along the windshield of the vehicle 2 from an air outlet opening according to the defrosting mode.

[0025] The rear de-icer 20 removes ice formed outside or inside a passenger compartment from a windshield of the vehicle 2 under the control of the air conditioning ECU 60. The rear de-icer 20 includes, for example, an electrically heated wire embedded in the rear windshield.

[0026] The room temperature sensor 30 is arranged inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2, for example, inside an instrument panel (not shown), and detects the temperature (interior temperature) inside the passenger compartment. The room temperature sensor 30 is connected to be configured to communicate with the air conditioning ECU 60 via a one-to-one communication line or an on-board network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), and a detection signal corresponding to the detected interior temperature is sent to the air conditioning ECU 60.

[0027] The ambient temperature sensor 40 is arranged outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2, for example, in a front end portion (a portion where outside air is introduced) of an engine compartment arranged in a front portion of the vehicle 2, that is, on a rear side of a front grille of the vehicle 2, and detects the temperature (ambient temperature) outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2. The ambient temperature sensor 40 is connected to be configured to communicate with the air conditioning ECU 60 via a one-to-one communication line or the like, and a detection signal corresponding to the detected ambient temperature is sent to the air conditioning ECU 60.

[0028] The air conditioning ECU 60 is an electronic control unit that performs various types of control with respect to the air conditioning system 10 and the rear defroster 20. The air conditioning ECU 60 may be configured such that the functions of the air conditioning ECU 60 are realized by any hardware, any software, or a combination of any hardware and any software, or may be predominantly constituted by, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like. The air conditioning ECU 60 includes, for example, an air conditioning control unit 601 as a functional unit, which is realized by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM in the CPU.

[0029] The air conditioning control unit 601 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to a target state, such as a target temperature and a mode (multiple air outlet modes according to combinations of air outlets or a defrost mode). Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 601 performs operation control of the air conditioner 10 based on detection values ​​of the room temperature sensor 30, the ambient temperature sensor 40, and the like, for example, such that the interior temperature becomes the target temperature. The air conditioning control unit 601 performs operation control (ON / OFF control) of the rear defroster 20 according to the target state (ON / OFF).The air conditioning control unit 601 starts the air conditioner 10 according to an air conditioning start request from a remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 described below, and executes operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the set contents included in the air conditioning start request. Details of the control content according to the air conditioning start request from the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 will be described in detail.

[0030] The engine 70 is a driving power source of the vehicle 2. The engine 70 is operated by burning gasoline, diesel, or the like supplied from a fuel tank (not shown) into a cylinder through a fuel pump under the control of the engine ECU 80. The engine 70, specifically, various actuators (a fuel injection device that injects fuel, an ignition device that ignites the gasoline injected into the cylinder, an electric motor configured to change the opening and closing timing of an intake or exhaust valve, and the like) integrated into the engine 70 are connected to be configured to communicate with the engine ECU 80 via a one-to-one communication line or the like and to operate according to a control command sent from the engine ECU 80.

[0031] The coolant temperature sensor 75 detects the temperature of the coolant of the engine 70 (more precisely, the coolant in the engine 70). The coolant temperature sensor 75 is connected to be configured to communicate with the engine ECU 80 via a one-to-one communication line or an on-board network such as a CAN, and a detection signal corresponding to the detected coolant temperature is sent to the engine ECU 80.

[0032] The engine ECU 80 is an electronic control unit that performs various types of control processing of the engine 70, which includes a starter motor (not shown). The engine ECU 80 may be configured so that the functions of the engine ECU 80 are realized by any hardware, any software, or a combination of any hardware and any software, or may be predominantly constituted by, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like. The engine ECU 80 includes, for example, an engine control unit 801, a remote auxiliary control unit 802, and a temperature condition determination unit 803 as functional units, which are realized by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM.

[0033] The engine control unit 801 performs operation control of the engine 70 according to an operation condition (e.g., an accelerator pedal operation amount, a selected gear shift stage of a transmission (not shown), and the like) by a driver of the vehicle 2, an environmental condition (e.g., ambient temperature), or the like around the vehicle 2. For example, the engine control unit 801 starts the engine 70 in the case where an ignition switch (IG switch) is ON (IG-ON) or the start request is input from the outside. More specifically, the engine control unit 801 controls the starter motor by switching a relay (not shown) that puts the starter motor into an electrically conductive state and thus into a connection state, and the engine 70 is started by appropriately controlling the fuel injection device and the ignition device in accordance with the cranking of the starter motor.

[0034] The remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 (an example of a control unit) starts the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 by sending an engine start request and an air conditioning start request to the engine control unit 801 and the air conditioning control unit 601, respectively, according to the start request received from the terminal device 200 via the central server 100. As described below, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 stops the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70 after starting the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10, in the case where a target operation time included in the start request has elapsed from a start point set after the start. Details of the processing in the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 are described below.

[0035] The temperature condition determination unit 803 (an example of a determination unit) determines whether the interior temperature of the vehicle 2 increases to be at least as high as a predetermined reference under the condition (hereinafter referred to as "under a low-temperature condition") that the interior temperature is lower than the target temperature of the air conditioner 10 at the time of non-operation of the air conditioner 10, for example, in winter or the like. Specifically, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether the interior temperature, an exterior temperature of the vehicle 2, or a temperature (hereinafter referred to as a "related portion temperature"; for example, the temperature (coolant temperature) of the coolant in the engine 70, described below) of a portion of the vehicle 2, relative to the interior temperature, is at least as high as a predetermined temperature Tth1 under the low-temperature condition.The temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether the interior temperature of the vehicle 2 decreases to be no higher than a predetermined reference under the condition (hereinafter referred to as a "high temperature condition") that the interior temperature is higher than the target temperature of the air conditioner 10 at the time of non-operation of the air conditioner 10, for example, in summer. Specifically, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether the interior temperature or the exterior temperature of the vehicle 2, or the temperature of a portion thereof (for example, the temperature of an airflow after passing through the evaporator of the air conditioner 10, or the like) is at most as high as a predetermined temperature Tth2 under the high temperature condition.That is, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether a temperature condition is met based on a predetermined threshold with respect to the interior temperature or the exterior temperature of the vehicle 2, or the temperature of a related portion. For example, the temperature condition determination unit 803 may specifically determine whether the high temperature condition or the low temperature condition is met by comparing the target temperature included in the start request received via the DCM 90 with the detection value of the room temperature sensor 30. For example, the temperature condition determination unit 803 may determine whether the high temperature condition or the low temperature condition is met based on date information sent from the central server 100, date information stored in the vehicle 2, or the like.The details of the processing in the temperature condition determination unit 803 are described below.

[0036] The functions of the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 and the temperature condition determination unit 803 may be located in the air conditioning ECU 60 or may be located in another ECU configured to communicate with the air conditioning ECU 60 and the engine ECU 80. The temperature condition may include conditions for two or three of the interior temperature and the exterior temperature of the vehicle 2 and the temperature of a related section. That is, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether a temperature condition is satisfied based on a predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of the interior temperature and the exterior temperature of the vehicle 2 and the temperature of a related section.

[0037] The DCM 90 is a communication device that performs two-way communication with the central server 100 and the terminal 200 via a predetermined communication network N1 (for example, a mobile phone network with multiple base stations as terminals, the Internet, or the like). The air conditioning ECU 60, the engine ECU 80, and the DCM 90 are connected to be configured to communicate with each other via an on-board network such as a CAN.

[0038] The central server 100 includes communication equipment 110 and a processing device 120.

[0039] The communication equipment 110 is a device that performs two-way communication with the vehicle 2 (DCM 90) and the terminal 200 via communication networks N1, N2 under the control of the processing device 120 (communication processing unit 1201).

[0040] The processing device 120 performs various types of control processing in the central server 100. The processing device 120 is mainly composed of, for example, one or more server computers including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like, and includes a communication processing unit 1201 and a relay control unit 1202 as functional units realized by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM in the CPU.

[0041] The communication processing unit 1201 controls the communication equipment 110 and performs transmission and reception of various signals (control signal, information signal, and the like) with the vehicle 2 and the terminal 200.

[0042] The relay control unit 1202 relays various signals between the vehicle 2 and the terminal 200. Details are described below.

[0043] The terminal 200 is, for example, a portable terminal, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, that the user of the vehicle 2 carries with them. The terminal 200 may, for example, be a stationary computer that the user of the vehicle 2 carries with them. The following description assumes that the terminal 200 is a portable terminal. The terminal 200 includes communication equipment 210, a processing device 220, and a touch panel display (hereinafter simply referred to as a display) 240.

[0044] The communication equipment 210 is a device that performs communication with the central server 100 via a predetermined communication network N2 (for example, a mobile phone network having a plurality of base stations as terminals, the Internet, or the like) under the control of the processing device 220 (communication processing unit 2201), and is, for example, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) module.

[0045] The processing device 220 performs various types of control processing in the terminal device 200. The processing device 220 is mainly composed of a computer, for example, including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O, and the like, and includes a communication processing unit 2201, a display control unit 2202, and a startup request unit 2203 as functional units, which are realized by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM in the CPU.

[0046] The communication processing unit 2201 controls the communication equipment 210 and carries out the transmission and reception of various signals with the central server 100.

[0047] The display control unit 2202 causes the display 240 to display various images according to a predetermined user operation. For example, the display control unit 2202 causes the display 240 to display various graphical user interfaces (GUIs) as an operation screen.

[0048] The start request unit 2203 sends the start request for requesting the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 according to a predetermined operation on a predetermined GUI displayed by the display control unit 2202 on the display 240 to the central server 100 via the communication processing unit 2201. As a result, the start request sent to the central server 100 is transmitted to the vehicle 2 via the central server 100 (relay control unit 1202), and the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 are started. The user can make various settings on the predetermined GUI if the air conditioner 10 is operating, and the start request unit 2203 sends the start request including various settings to the central server 100.Thereby, in the vehicle 2, control of the air conditioner 10 is performed based on set contents (the target temperature as a user-requested value of the interior temperature, the target operating time as a user-requested value of the operating time of the air conditioner 10, and the like). Details of the processing in the start request unit 2203 will be described below.

[0049] Next, the detailed operation of the air conditioning remote start system 1 will be explained with reference to Fig. 5 described.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0051] In the example, it is assumed that it is winter; that is, the low temperature condition has been reached.

[0052] In step S502, the startup request unit 2203 of the terminal device 200 sends the startup request including various set contents (set temperature, set operating time, and the like) to the central server 100 via the communication processing unit 1201 according to a predetermined operation by the user on a predetermined GUI.

[0053] In step S504, in the case where the start request from the terminal 200 is received by the communication processing unit 1201, the relay control unit 1202 of the central server 100 transmits the start request to the vehicle 2 via the communication processing unit 1201.

[0054] In step S506, in the case where the start request is received from the central server 100 via the DCM 90, the remote auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends the engine start request to the engine control unit 801 and starts the engine 70.

[0055] In step S508, in the case where the start request is received from the central server 100 via the DCM 90, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 transmits the air conditioning start request, including the set contents included in the start request, from the central server 100 to the air conditioning control unit 601 and starts the air conditioner 10. Thereby, the air conditioning control unit 601 executes the operation control of the air conditioner 10 according to the set contents included in the air conditioning start request. For example, the air conditioning control unit 601 executes the operation control of the air conditioner 10 based on the set temperature included in the air conditioning start request so that the interior temperature of the vehicle 2 becomes the set temperature.

[0056] In step S510, in the case where the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 is completed, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 sends a start notification to notify that the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 is completed to the central server 100 via the DCM 90.

[0057] In step S512, in the case where the start notification from the vehicle 2 is received by the communication processing unit 1201, the relay control unit 1202 of the central server 100 transmits the start notification to the terminal device 200 via the communication processing unit 1201. Thereby, for example, the display control unit 2202 of the terminal device 200 can notify the display 240 that the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 has been completed normally when the start notification is received by the communication processing unit 2201, or the like, and can notify the user that the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 has been completed normally.

[0058] After the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 sends the start notification to the central server 100 as described above, the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2 determines that the low temperature condition has been reached by any method and stands by until the interior temperature of the vehicle 2 reaches the previously set reference, while repeatedly determining whether the interior temperature of the vehicle 2 rises to the previously set reference.In the example, the temperature condition determination unit 803 repeatedly determines whether the temperature (coolant temperature) of the coolant in the engine 70 detected by the coolant temperature sensor 75 is at least as high as the predetermined temperature Tth1 (that is, whether a temperature condition based on the predetermined temperature Tth1 as a threshold with respect to the coolant temperature is satisfied), and stands by until the coolant temperature becomes at least as high as the predetermined temperature Tth1.

[0059] In step S516, the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2 determines that the coolant temperature detected by the coolant temperature sensor 75 becomes at least as high as a target coolant temperature (previously set temperature Tth1).

[0060] In the case where the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2 determines that the coolant temperature detected by the coolant temperature sensor 75 becomes at least as high as the target coolant temperature (predetermined temperature Tth1) (step S516), the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sets a timer (operation time timer) of the target operation time included in the start request received from the center server 100 via the DCM 90 and starts a countdown in step S518.

[0061] In step S520, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 determines whether the operation time timer has reached “time up,” that is, whether the target operation time has elapsed after the start of the countdown.

[0062] In the event that the operation timer has reached “time up” (step S520), the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends an air conditioning stop request to the air conditioning control unit 601 in step S522. Thereby, the air conditioning control unit 601 stops the air conditioner 10.

[0063] In the event that the operation timer has reached “time out” (step S520), the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends an engine stop request to the engine control unit 801 in step S524. As a result, the engine control unit 801 stops the engine 70.

[0064] In the case where the stopping of the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70 is completed, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends a stop notification to notify that the stopping of the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70 is completed to the central server 100 via the DCM 90 in step S526.

[0065] In the case where the stop notification from the vehicle 2 is received by the communication processing unit 1201, the relay control unit 1202 of the central server 100 transmits the stop notification to the terminal device 200 via the communication processing unit 1201 in step S528. Thereby, for example, the display control unit 2202 of the terminal device 200 notifies the display 240 that the stopping of the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70 has been completed normally when the stop notification is received by the communication processing unit 2201, or the like, and can notify the user that the stopping of the engine 70 has been completed normally.

[0066] As described above, in the embodiment, in the case where the DCM 90 receives the start request from the terminal 200 via the central server 100, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 starts the air conditioner 10. The temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether the temperature condition is satisfied based on the predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of the inside temperature of the vehicle 2, the outside temperature of the vehicle 2, and the temperature (temperature of a related portion) of the predetermined portion in the vehicle 2 with respect to the inside temperature.If the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines that the temperature condition is satisfied based on the predetermined threshold (the predetermined temperature Tth1 or the predetermined temperature Tth2) with respect to the interior temperature, the exterior temperature, or the temperature of a corresponding section, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 then stops the air conditioner 10 when the target operation time has elapsed from a starting point set after the determination. Accordingly, the predetermined threshold is appropriately set, whereby the air conditioner 10 is operated for at least the target time after the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2 has been brought into a warm state (winter) or a cool state (summer) by a certain amount.For this reason, for example, even if the interior temperature and the like of the vehicle 2 are not accurately monitored, it is possible to bring the interior temperature close to the target temperature desired by the user, at least after the temperature condition is met. At least after the temperature condition is met, there is no need for the exchange of information such as the interior temperature between the central server 100 and the vehicle 2. For this reason, it is possible to efficiently reduce the amount of communication between the central server 100 and the vehicle 2. That is, it is possible to efficiently reduce the amount of communication between the central server 100 and the vehicle 2 while taking into account the interior temperature (target temperature), the operating time (target operating time) of the air conditioner 10, or the like estimated by the user.

[0067] In the embodiment, the temperature condition determination unit 803 in the vehicle 2 determines whether the temperature condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the temperature condition is satisfied, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 determines whether the target time has elapsed after the determination. If the target time has elapsed, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 stops the air conditioner. Accordingly, in the case where the start request is sent from the central server 100 to the vehicle 2, after the start request is sent, no exchange of various signals takes place between the vehicle 2 and the central server 100, and it is possible to bring the interior temperature close to the target temperature desired by the user. For this reason, it is possible to more efficiently reduce the amount of communication between the central server 100 and the vehicle 2. Second embodiment

[0068] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0069] An air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the vehicle 2 (remote operation auxiliary control unit 802) starts a time count (countdown) after receiving a request signal (countdown request) sent from the central server 100 to the vehicle 2 and determines the elapse of the target operation time. Hereinafter, the same or similar configurations as those in the first embodiment are represented by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the portions different from the first embodiment.

[0070] First, the configuration of the air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 described.

[0071] The overall configuration of the air conditioning remote start system 1, the functional configuration of the vehicle 2 (air conditioning ECU 60 and engine ECU 80) and the functional configuration of the terminal 200 (processing device 220) according to the embodiment are shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 as shown in the first embodiment.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a center server 100 (processing device 120) according to the embodiment.

[0073] The processing device 120 includes a communication processing unit 1201, a relay control unit 1202, and an operation time management unit 1203.

[0074] The operation time management unit 1203 manages the operation time after the start of the air conditioner 10 based on the start request sent from the terminal device 200.

[0075] Next, the detailed operation of the air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 described.

[0076] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0077] In the example, as in the first embodiment ( Fig. 5), assuming that it is winter, that is, that the low temperature condition is reached.

[0078] Steps S702 to S716 are the same as steps S502 to S516 of Fig. 5, which is why their description is not repeated.

[0079] In the case where the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2 determines that the coolant temperature detected by the coolant temperature sensor 75 becomes at least as high as the target coolant temperature (previously set temperature Tth1) (step S716), the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends a temperature condition satisfied notification to notify that the temperature condition is satisfied via the DCM 90 to the center server 100 (example of a first transmission unit or a third transmission unit) in step S718.

[0080] In the case where the communication processing unit 1201 (an example of a first receiving unit or a third receiving unit) receives the temperature condition satisfied notification, the operation time management unit 1203 of the center server 100 transmits a countdown request for requesting the start of a time count (countdown) to the vehicle 2 (an example of a second transmitting unit) via the communication processing unit 1201 in step S720.

[0081] In the case where the DCM 90 (an example of a second receiving unit) receives a countdown notification, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sets a timer (operation time timer) of the target operation time included in the start request received from the center server 100 via the DCM 90 in step S722 and starts the countdown.

[0082] Steps S724 to S732 are the same as steps S520 to S528 of Fig. 5, which is why their description is not repeated.

[0083] As described above, in the embodiment, when the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines that the temperature condition is satisfied based on the predetermined threshold with respect to the interior temperature, the exterior temperature, or the temperature of a related section, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends the temperature condition satisfied notification to the central server 100 via the DCM 90. If the notification signal is received, the central server 100 (communication processing unit 1201) sends the start signal (countdown request) for requesting the start of the time count to the vehicle 2. If the start signal is received, the vehicle 2 (remote operation auxiliary control unit 802) then starts the time count after receiving it, and if the target time has elapsed, it stops the air conditioner 10.Accordingly, on the vehicle 2 side, processing (time counting processing) for monitoring the elapse of the target operation time can be started according to the start signal 100 received from the central server, and determination processing or the like for starting the processing can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to simplify a functional configuration on the vehicle 2 side. Third embodiment

[0084] Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0085] An air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the determination regarding the start of the time count (countdown) with respect to a limitation on the operation time of the air conditioner 10 and the determination (i.e., the determination regarding the stop of the air conditioner 10) regarding the elapse of the target operation time after the start of the time count are executed in the central server 100. Hereinafter, the description will focus on portions different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0086] The overall configuration of the air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment, the functional configuration of the vehicle 2 (air conditioning ECU 60 and engine ECU 80) and the functional configuration of the terminal device 200 (processing device 220) are shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 as shown in the first embodiment. The functional configuration of the central server 100 (processing device 120) according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 6 as shown in the second embodiment.

[0087] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning remote start system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0088] In the example as in the first embodiment ( Fig. 5) and the second embodiment ( Fig. 7) it is assumed that it is winter, that is, that the low temperature condition is reached.

[0089] Steps S802 to S818 are the same as steps S702 to S718 of Fig. 7, which is why their description is not repeated.

[0090] In the case where the communication processing unit 1201 receives the temperature condition satisfied notification from the vehicle 2, the operation time management unit 1203 (another example of a control unit) of the center server 100 sets the timer (operation time timer) of the target operation time included in the start request received by the communication processing unit 1201 from the terminal device 200 in step S820 and starts the countdown.

[0091] In step S822, the operation time management unit 1203 of the central server 100 determines whether the operation time timer has reached “time up,” that is, whether the target operation time has elapsed after the start of the countdown.

[0092] In the case where the timer of the target operation time has reached “time up” (step S822), the operation time management unit 1203 of the central server 100 transmits the stop request to the vehicle 2 via the communication processing unit 1201 (an example of a transmission unit, a fourth transmission unit, or a sixth transmission unit) in step S824.

[0093] In the case where the DCM 90 (an example of a fourth receiving unit or a sixth receiving unit) receives the stop request from the central server 100, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends the air conditioning stop request to the air conditioning control unit 601 in step S826. Thereby, the air conditioning control unit 601 stops the air conditioner 10.

[0094] In the event that the DCM 90 receives the stop request from the central server 100, the remote auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends the engine stop request to the engine control unit 801 in step S828. Thereby, the engine control unit 801 stops the engine 70.

[0095] Steps S830 and S832 are the same as steps S526 and S528 of Fig. 5, which is why their description is not repeated.

[0096] As described above, in the embodiment, in the case where the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines that the temperature condition is satisfied based on the predetermined threshold with respect to the interior temperature, the exterior temperature, or the temperature of a related portion, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends the notification signal (temperature condition satisfied notification) to the central server 100 via the DCM 90. In the case where the notification signal is received from the vehicle 2, the operation time management unit 1203 of the central server 100 generates the stop signal (stop request) when the target operation time has elapsed after the reception, and sends the stop signal to the vehicle 2 via the communication processing unit 1201. Then, in the case where the DCM 90 receives the stop signal from the central server 100, the air conditioner 10 of the vehicle 2 is stopped.Accordingly, by only notifying the central server 100 that the temperature condition is met, it can remain on standby on the vehicle 2 side until the stop signal is received, and the determination processing on the vehicle 2 side can be further reduced. For this reason, it is possible to further simplify the functional configuration on the vehicle 2 side.

[0097] In the embodiment, a functional unit (another example of a determination unit) that determines whether the temperature condition is satisfied based on the predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of the interior temperature and the exterior temperature of the vehicle 2 and the temperature of a related portion may be disposed in the central server 100 instead of the vehicle 2 (temperature condition determination unit 803). In the above-described case, the remote operation auxiliary control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 acquires sensor information, including the detection values ​​of the room temperature sensor 30, the ambient temperature sensor 40, the engine coolant temperature sensor 75, and the like, from the air conditioning ECU 60 and the engine ECU 80, and transmits the sensor information to the central server 100 (an example of a fifth transmission unit) via the DCM 90.Thereby, the temperature condition determination unit arranged in the central server 100 can determine whether the temperature condition is satisfied based on the sensor information received from the vehicle 2 via the communication processing unit 1201 (an example of a receiving unit or a fifth receiving unit).

[0098] Although the mode for carrying out the invention has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0099] For example, although the vehicle 2 in the embodiment includes the engine 70 as a power source, the vehicle 2 may also include an electric motor as another power source instead of the engine 70 or in addition to the engine 70.

[0100] Although the air conditioner 10 (more specifically, the compressor of the air conditioner 10) is driven at least by the motor 70 as a power source in the embodiment, the air conditioner 10 (or its compressor) may be driven solely by electric power supplied from a battery or fuel cell mounted on the vehicle 2 (for example, a high-voltage battery or a fuel cell that supplies electric power to an electric motor as another power source mounted on the vehicle 2), without requiring the power of the motor 70. As described above, the remote auxiliary control unit 802 starts the air conditioner 10 solely according to the start request sent from the terminal device 200 via the central server 100.However, in the case where a state of charge (SOC) of the battery or a remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell is at most equal to a predetermined threshold (for example, a value set in advance as the minimum state of charge or the minimum remaining fuel amount required to drive the electric motor as the power source of the vehicle 2), the remote auxiliary control unit 802 may prohibit the start of the air conditioner 10 even if the DCM 90 receives the start request from the terminal 200 via the central server 100.

Claims

[1] An air conditioning remote start system (1) comprising: a user terminal (200), a central server (100) configured to communicate with the terminal (200), and a vehicle (2) comprising an air conditioning system (10) and configured to communicate with the central server (100), the air conditioning remote start system (1) comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether a temperature condition is satisfied based on a predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of an interior temperature of the vehicle (2), an exterior temperature of the vehicle (2), and a temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle (2) with respect to the interior temperature; a control unit configured to, after the air conditioner (10) has been started in accordance with a start request sent from the terminal device (200) to the vehicle (2) via the central server (100) and including a target time for operating the air conditioner (10), and when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, stop the air conditioner (10) when the target time has elapsed from a start point set after the determination; a first transmitting unit arranged in the vehicle (2) and configured to transmit a notification signal to the central server (100) when the determining unit determines that the temperature condition is met; a first receiving unit arranged in the central server (100) and configured to receive the notification signal from the first transmitting unit of the vehicle (2); a second transmitting unit arranged in the central server (100) and configured to transmit a start signal to the vehicle (2) when the first receiving unit receives the notification signal; and a second receiving unit arranged in the vehicle (2) and configured to receive the start signal sent by the second transmitting unit of the central server (100), wherein: the determination unit is arranged in the vehicle (2); the control unit is arranged in the vehicle (2); and the control unit is designed to stop the air conditioning system (10) when the second receiving unit receives the start signal when the target time has elapsed after the reception. [2] An air conditioning remote start system (1) comprising: a user terminal (200), a central server (100) configured to communicate with the terminal (200), and a vehicle (2) comprising an air conditioning system (10) and configured to communicate with the central server (100), the air conditioning remote start system (1) comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether a temperature condition is satisfied based on a predetermined threshold with respect to at least one of an interior temperature of the vehicle (2), an exterior temperature of the vehicle (2), and a temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle (2) with respect to the interior temperature; a control unit configured to, after the air conditioner (10) has been started in accordance with a start request sent from the terminal device (200) to the vehicle (2) via the central server (100) and including a target time for operating the air conditioner (10), and when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, stop the air conditioner (10) when the target time has elapsed from a start point set after the determination; a third transmitting unit arranged in the vehicle (2) and configured to transmit a notification signal to the central server (100) when the determining unit determines that the temperature condition is met; a third receiving unit arranged in the central server (100) and configured to receive the notification signal from the third transmitting unit of the vehicle (2); a fourth transmitting unit arranged in the central server (100) and configured to transmit a stop signal for stopping the air conditioning system (10) output by the control unit to the vehicle (2); and a fourth receiving unit arranged in the vehicle (2) and configured to receive the stop signal from the fourth transmitting unit of the central server (100), wherein: the determination unit is arranged in the vehicle (2); the control unit is arranged in the central server (100); the control unit is configured to output the stop signal when the third receiving unit receives the notification signal when the target time has elapsed after the reception; and the control unit is designed to stop the air conditioning system (10) when the fourth receiving unit receives the stop signal. [3] The air conditioning remote start system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature condition based on the predetermined threshold is that the interior temperature is at least as high as the predetermined threshold when the interior temperature is lower than a target temperature set by the user, and is that the interior temperature is not higher than the predetermined threshold when the interior temperature is higher than the target temperature set by the user.

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