Vehicle, information processing device, and information processing method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle, an information processing device, and an information processing method, wherein the vehicle includes: a vehicle compartment; a filter configured to allow air blown into the vehicle compartment to pass through the filter while absorbing at least a portion of substances contained in the air; a sensor configured to detect a state of the air passing through the filter; and a control device configured to output information related to maintenance of the filter based on a result of detection performed by the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, an information processing device, and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, there is known a device that decides whether to switch the mode of a vehicle's air conditioning device from an outside air introduction mode to an internal air circulation mode based on an odor map and vehicle position information (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-206110 (JP 2005-206110A)). Summary of the invention

[0003] The smell in the cabin will affect the comfort of the cabin. In order to improve the comfort of the cabin, it is desirable to reduce the smell in the cabin.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a vehicle, an information processing device, and an information processing method, with which it is possible to promote the reduction of odor in a vehicle cabin.

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle compartment, a filter, a sensor, and a control device. The filter is configured to allow air blown into the vehicle compartment to pass through the filter while absorbing at least a portion of substances contained in the air. The sensor is configured to detect a state of the air passing through the filter. The control device is configured to output information related to maintenance of the filter based on a result of detection performed by the sensor.

[0006] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing device including a controller. The controller is communicably connected to a vehicle including a vehicle compartment. The controller outputs information related to the state of the vehicle based on a result of detecting the state of air passing through a filter, the filter absorbing at least a portion of a substance contained in the air blown into the vehicle compartment.

[0007] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes: a controller communicatively connected to a vehicle including a cabin, outputting information related to the state of the vehicle based on the results of detection of the state of air passing through a filter, wherein the filter absorbs at least a portion of a substance contained in the air blown into the cabin.

[0008] The vehicle, the information processing device, and the information processing method according to the aspects of the present disclosure can facilitate reduction of odor in the vehicle cabin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning device;

[0012] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of an information processing method according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of processing a result of detection performed by a sensor;

[0014] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of determining that filter maintenance is required through analysis of a vehicle's status; and

[0015] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of calculating an estimated value of the vehicle through analysis of a state of the vehicle. Specific embodiments

[0016] The vehicle 20 (reference Figure 1 Occupants, including drivers or passengers of vehicles 20, may sense the smell in the vehicle 20 and feel uncomfortable. Reduction of the smell in the vehicle 20 will lead to improved comfort for the occupants and improved value of the vehicle 20. The smell in the vehicle 20 can be reduced by maintenance of the vehicle 20. Providing information related to the smell in the vehicle 20 can induce or motivate the owner of the vehicle 20 to perform maintenance of the vehicle 20.

[0017] Configuration Example of Information Processing System 1

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a server 10 and a vehicle 20. The server 10 and the vehicle 20 are connected to each other via a network 40 so that the server 10 and the vehicle 20 can communicate with each other. The number of servers 10 and the number of vehicles 20 are not limited to one, and may be two or more. The server 10 may also be referred to as an information processing device. The server 10 may include one or more server devices that can communicate with each other.

[0019] Configuration example for server 10

[0020] The server 10 includes a server controller 12 and a server communication unit 14. The server controller 12 may also be referred to as a controller. The server controller 12 may include one or more processors. The "processor" in this embodiment is a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor dedicated to a specific process, etc. However, the processor is not limited thereto. The server controller 12 may include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit may include, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The server controller 12 may include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, and may include a dedicated circuit in addition to the processor. The server communication unit 14 may include a communication module, and may communicate with the vehicle 20 via a network 40. The server 10 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit is a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc. However, the storage unit is not limited thereto. For example, the storage unit may be used as a primary storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit may include an electromagnetic storage medium, such as a disk. The storage unit stores any information used to run the server 10. For example, the storage unit may store system programs, application programs, etc.

[0021] Configuration Example of Vehicle 20

[0022] The vehicle 20 includes a control device 22, a communication device 24, and a notification device 28. The control device 22, the communication device 24, and the notification device 28 are connected to each other so that the control device 22, the communication device 24, and the notification device 28 can communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network such as a controller area network (CAN) or a dedicated line.

[0023] The control device 22 controls various components included in the vehicle 20. The control device 22 may include one or more processors. The control device 22 may include one or more dedicated circuits instead of the processor, and may include one or more dedicated circuits in addition to the processor. The control device 22 may further include a storage unit.

[0024] The communication device 24 is connected to the server 10 so that the communication device 24 can communicate with the server 10 via the network 40. The communication device 24 may be, for example, a vehicle-mounted communication device. The communication device 24 may include a communication module connected to the network 40. The communication module may include a communication module that complies with mobile communication standards such as the fourth generation (4G) and the fifth generation (5G), and is not limited thereto.

[0025] The notification device 28 notifies the driver of the vehicle 20 of the information. The notification device 28 may notify the driver of the information in the form of visual information such as an image, text, or a graphic. In this case, the notification device 28 may be composed using a display device. The display device may include a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED). The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display device may be an organic electroluminescent (EL) display or an inorganic EL display. The display device may be a plasma display panel (PDP). The display device is not limited to the above-mentioned display, and other various types of displays may also be used.

[0026] The notification device 28 can notify the driver of the information in the form of auditory information such as sound. In this case, the notification device 28 can be composed of a device that outputs sound such as a speaker. The notification device 28 is not limited to the above example and can be composed of other various types of devices.

[0027] The vehicle 20 may further include a position information acquisition device, which is not necessary. The position information acquisition device may be connected to the control device 22 or the communication device 24 so that the position information acquisition device and the control device 22 or the communication device 24 can communicate with each other via an on-board network such as a controller area network (CAN) or a dedicated line. The position information acquisition device acquires the position information of the vehicle 20. The position information acquisition device may include a receiver compatible with a satellite positioning system. A receiver compatible with a satellite positioning system may include, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The vehicle 20 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 20 itself by using the position information acquisition device. The vehicle 20 may output the position information of the vehicle 20 itself to the server 10.

[0028] The vehicle 20 further includes an air conditioning device 30. The air conditioning device 30 may be configured to cool the vehicle compartment 26 (see FIG. 1 ) by sucking and blowing air into the vehicle compartment 26. Figure 2 ) in the vehicle compartment 26. The air conditioning device 30 may be configured to introduce air from outside the vehicle compartment 26 by sucking in air from outside the vehicle compartment 26 and blowing the air to the inside of the vehicle compartment 26. The air conditioning device 30 may be configured to blow the air sucked in from outside or inside the vehicle compartment 26 to the vehicle compartment 26 after controlling the temperature or humidity of the air so that the temperature or humidity reaches a target value. The air blown to the vehicle compartment 26 by the air conditioning device 30 is also referred to as blowing air.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the air conditioning device 30 includes an inside air intake path 31 through which air is sucked from the vehicle cabin 26 and an air blowing path 38 through which air is blown toward the vehicle cabin 26. The air conditioning device 30 includes a blower 35 between the inside air intake path 31 and the air blowing path 38. The blower 35 sucks air from the inside air intake path 31 side and sends air to the air blowing path 38.

[0030] The air conditioning device 30 includes a filter 34. The filter 34 absorbs at least a portion of the substances contained in the air passing through the filter 34. The substances contained in the air passing through the filter 34 may include gas or particles. The filter 34 may be, for example, a non-woven fabric sheet containing activated carbon particles. The activated carbon particles may absorb the gas contained in the air passing through the filter 34. The non-woven fabric may capture the particles contained in the air passing through the filter 34.

[0031] The filter 34 is located on the side where the air is sucked by the blower 35. The blower 35 sucks the air that has passed through the filter 34 and sends the air to the air blowing path 38. In other words, the blower 35 sends the air filtered by the filter 34 to the air blowing path 38.

[0032] In some cases, the filter 34 releases the substance absorbed by the filter 34. The more substance the filter 34 absorbs, the greater the amount of substance released from the filter 34 may be. In the case where the amount of substance released from the filter 34 is greater than the predetermined amount, it can be said that the filter 34 has deteriorated and is therefore in a state where the filter 34 needs maintenance. The predetermined amount may correspond to the same amount as the amount of substance released when the substance absorption and substance release at the filter 34 are in balance. The predetermined amount may correspond to the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of substance released when the substance absorption and substance release at the filter 34 are in balance by a predetermined percentage. The predetermined percentage may be 80%, etc. However, the predetermined fraction is not limited thereto and may be various values.

[0033] The air conditioning device 30 may include an evaporator 36 and a heater 37. The evaporator 36 and the heater 37 are located between the blower 35 and the air blowing path 38. The air sent by the blower 35 to the air blowing path 38 passes through the evaporator 36 and the heater 37. The evaporator 36 cools the air passing through the evaporator 36. In some cases, the air cooled by the evaporator 36 causes condensation. Water generated by the condensation is discharged by the evaporator 36. The heater 37 heats the air passing through the heater 37. By controlling the evaporator 36 and the heater 37, the air conditioning device 30 can control the temperature and humidity of the air to be blown to the vehicle compartment 26 through the air blowing path 38.

[0034] The air conditioning device 30 may include an external air intake path 32 that is joined to the internal air intake path 31 in front of the filter 34. The external air intake path 32 is configured so that air can be sucked from the outside of the vehicle compartment 26. The air conditioning device 30 may include a damper 33 at a position where the external air intake path 32 is joined to the internal air intake path 31. The damper 33 may be turned into any one of a state of closing the internal air intake path 31 and a state of closing the external air intake path 32. The air conditioning device 30 causes the blower 35 to suck air from outside the vehicle compartment 26, that is, external air, by turning the damper 33 into a state of closing the internal air intake path 31. In this case, the air conditioning device 30 operates in an external air introduction mode. The air conditioning device 30 causes the blower 35 to suck air from inside the vehicle compartment 26, that is, internal air, by turning the damper 33 into a state of closing the external air intake path 32. In this case, the air conditioning device 30 operates in an internal air circulation mode. That is, the air conditioning device 30 is configured to be switchable between the outside air introduction mode and the inside air circulation mode by controlling the state of the damper 33 .

[0035] The air conditioning device 30 is connected to the control device 22 so that the air conditioning device 30 and the control device 22 can communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network such as a controller area network (CAN) or a dedicated line. The control device 22 can control the state of the blown air by controlling the air conditioning device 30. The control device 22 can change the amount of air blown from the air conditioning device 30 to the passenger compartment 26, that is, the wind volume. The control device 22 can set a control target for the state of the blown air blown by the air conditioning device 30. The control target may include, for example, a target value of the temperature or humidity of the blown air.

[0036] For example, the air in the cabin 26 or the blown air may contain particles or gases contained in cigarette smoke generated by smoking in the cabin 26. The air in the cabin 26 or the blown air may contain, for example, gases released from the bodies of the occupants of the cabin 26. When the occupants inhale the gases contained in the air in the cabin 26 or the blown air, or inhale the particles absorbed by the gases, the occupants may smell an odor. The gas to which the person can sense an odor may contain molecules having amino groups, aromatic molecules, and the like. The gas or particles to which the person can sense an odor, that is, the gas or particles that allow the person to sense an odor are also referred to as odor-generating substances.

[0037] Since the filter 34 absorbs at least a portion of the particles or gases contained in the air passing through the filter 34, the concentration of the particles or gases contained in the blown air can be reduced. Since the concentration of the particles or gases contained in the blown air is reduced, the concentration of the particles or gases contained in the air in the compartment 26 can be reduced. The particles or gases absorbed by the filter 34 can be released from the filter 34 at a predetermined percentage. For example, the particles can be separated from the non-woven fabric fibers and released. The gas can be released from the activated carbon by evaporation or volatilization. The higher the temperature of the air passing through the filter 34, the easier it is for the gas absorbed by the activated carbon to evaporate or volatilize.

[0038] In other words, odor-causing substances such as particles or gases are absorbed by the filter 34. Odor-causing substances may also be absorbed by interior trims such as seats or covers located in the vehicle compartment 26. Odor-causing substances may also be absorbed by fibers contained in the interior trims.

[0039] The vehicle 20 further includes a sensor 50. The sensor 50 is located at the air blowing path 38. Since the sensor 50 is located at the air blowing path 38, the sensor 50 can detect the state of the blowing air blown from the air conditioning device 30 to the vehicle compartment 26. The sensor 50 can measure the temperature or humidity of the air as the state of the blowing air. The sensor 50 can detect substances contained in the air as the state of the blowing air. The sensor 50 can measure the concentration of substances contained in the air as the state of the blowing air. The sensor 50 can measure the concentration of particles or gases contained in the blowing air as the state of the blowing air.

[0040] The sensor 50 is connected to the control device 22 so that the sensor 50 and the control device 22 can communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network such as a controller area network (CAN) or a dedicated line. The sensor 50 outputs the result of the detection to the control device 22. The control device 22 obtains the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 on the state of the blown air. The control device 22 can output the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 to the server 10. The server controller 12 of the server 10 can obtain the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 on the state of the blown air from the control device 22.

[0041] Operation examples of information processing devices

[0042] The server controller 12 of the server 10 (information processing device) can execute an information processing method, for example, the information processing method includes: Figure 3The process in the flowchart shown. The information processing method can be implemented as an information processing program executed by a processor of the server controller 12 or the like. The information processing program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The processor of the server controller 12 or the like can read and execute the information processing program stored in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0043] The server controller 12 acquires the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 from the vehicle 20 (step S1). Specifically, the server controller 12 may acquire the concentration of particles contained in the blowing air or the concentration of odor-causing substances contained in the blowing air. The server controller 12 may acquire the temperature or humidity of the blowing air.

[0044] The server controller 12 processes the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 (step S2). Specifically, the server controller 12 may perform the same Figure 4 This is the same procedure as the procedure in step S2 in the flowchart shown.

[0045] The server controller 12 determines whether the operation mode of the air conditioning device 30 is the internal air circulation mode or the external air introduction mode ( Figure 4 The server controller 12 may obtain information related to the operation mode of the air conditioning device 30 from the control device 22 of the vehicle 20 for determination.

[0046] When the operation mode of the air conditioning device 30 is the internal air circulation mode, the server controller 12 proceeds to the process in step S12. When the operation mode of the air conditioning device 30 is the external air introduction mode, the server controller 12 proceeds to the process in step S14.

[0047] In the case where the operation mode of the air conditioning device 30 is the internal air circulation mode (step S11: internal air circulation), the server controller 12 determines whether the time for which the air conditioning device 30 has been in the internal air circulation is equal to or greater than a predetermined time (step S12). In the case where the time for which the internal air circulation has been continued is equal to or greater than the predetermined time (step S12: Yes), the server controller 12 terminates the operation mode. Figure 4 The steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. Figure 3 That is, when the operation mode of the air conditioner 30 is the indoor air circulation mode for a period of time equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the server controller 12 may not process the detection result of the sensor 50 .

[0048] In a case where the time for which the internal air circulation has continued is shorter than the predetermined time, that is, in a case where the time for which the internal air circulation has continued is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S12: No), the server controller 12 modifies the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 (step S13). After the air conditioning unit 30 starts to operate in the internal air circulation mode, the filter 34 cannot immediately absorb all odor-causing particles or substances contained in the air in the passenger compartment 26. As the time for which the air conditioning unit 30 operates in the internal air circulation mode becomes longer, the concentration of the substance contained in the blown air may gradually decrease, and the concentration may converge to a predetermined concentration. In the case of obtaining the concentration of the substance as a result of the detection performed by the sensor 50, the server controller 12 may correct the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 by estimating a predetermined concentration to which the concentration of the substance converges. After the process in step S13, the server controller 12 terminates the process as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 3 The process of step S3 in the flowchart shown.

[0049] In the case where the operation mode of the air conditioning device 30 is the external air introduction mode (step S11: external air introduction), the server controller 12 obtains information related to the driving area of ​​the vehicle 20 (step S14). The driving area of ​​the vehicle 20 corresponds to a predetermined area including the current position of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the server controller 12 can obtain the air state in the predetermined area as information related to the driving area of ​​the vehicle 20. The air state in the predetermined area may include, for example, the concentration of gas or particles contained in smoke generated due to open-air burning or fire. The air state in the predetermined area may include, for example, the concentration of gas or particles contained in scattering materials such as yellow sand or pollen. The state of the air in the predetermined area may include, for example, the concentration of odor-causing substances containing gas or particles flowing out from various facilities, including: industrial facilities such as factories, agricultural facilities such as farms, and livestock production facilities such as cow sheds, chicken houses, and pig farms.

[0050] The server controller 12 modifies the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 (step S15). Specifically, in the case where the concentration of the odor-causing substance such as particles or gas contained in the blowing air is obtained as the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50, the server controller 12 may subtract the concentration of the odor-causing substance (such as particles or gas) contained in the air in the predetermined area from the measured value of the concentration of the odor-causing substance (such as particles or gas) contained in the blowing air. That is, the server controller 12 may regard the state of the air in the predetermined area as background data for the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50, and offset the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50. The server controller 12 may subtract a concentration obtained by multiplying the concentration of the odor-causing substance such as particles or gas contained in the air in the predetermined area by a predetermined coefficient from the measured value of the concentration of the odor-causing substance such as particles or gas contained in the blowing air. That is, the server controller 12 may regard the value obtained by converting the value indicating the state of the air in the predetermined area using the predetermined coefficient as the background data of the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50, and offset the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50. The predetermined coefficient may be set based on the specification of the filter 34. After the process in step S15, the server controller 12 terminates the process as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 3 The process of step S3 in the flowchart shown.

[0051] In such Figure 4 The above-described process in each step of the illustrated flowchart may be omitted as appropriate, and may be performed in a different order.

[0052] Reference again Figure 3 The server controller 12 analyzes the state of the vehicle 20 (step S3). Specifically, the server controller 12 may perform the following steps in the process of step S3: Figure 5 or Figure 6 The steps in the flowchart shown.

[0053] Hereinafter, the server controller 12 will be described. Figure 5 The process shown is Figure 3 An example of the process in step S3 in FIG. Figure 5, the server controller 12 sets a standard for determining the state of the filter 34 based on the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 (step S21). The standard for determining the state of the filter 34 may also be referred to as a filter determination standard. The server controller 12 uses the filter determination standard to determine whether the filter 34 has deteriorated and is in a state where the filter 34 requires maintenance. Specifically, the server controller 12 may set a concentration threshold as the filter determination standard, which is compared with the concentration of odor-causing substances such as particles or gases contained in the blowing air. The concentration threshold may be set to a certain concentration at which odor-causing substances such as particles or gases contained in the blowing air cause a predetermined effect on people in the compartment 26. An example of a state in which the odor-causing substance causes a predetermined effect may include a state in which more than a predetermined percentage of people entering the compartment 26 sense an odor. The predetermined percentage may be set to 50%, etc. However, the predetermined score is not limited thereto and may be set to various values.

[0054] The server controller 12 may set the filter determination criteria based on the temperature of the blown air. Specifically, the higher the temperature of the blown air, the higher the concentration threshold may be set. This is because as the temperature of the blown air increases, the more likely it is that the substance will be released from the filter 34. In addition, the higher the temperature of the blown air, the higher the room temperature of the cabin 26 may be. This is because the higher the room temperature of the cabin 26, the more likely it is that a portion of the substance absorbed by the interior decoration in the cabin 26 will be released from the interior decoration.

[0055] The server controller 12 may set the concentration threshold based on whether the operation mode of the air conditioning device 30 is the external air introduction mode or the internal air circulation mode. In the case where the air conditioning device 30 circulates the internal air for a time shorter than a predetermined time, the server controller 12 may set the concentration threshold based on the time the internal air circulation has continued.

[0056] The server controller 12 determines whether the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 satisfies the filter determination standard (step S22). Specifically, the server controller 12 may determine whether the concentration of the substance contained in the blowing air is equal to or greater than the concentration threshold. In the case where the concentration of the substance contained in the blowing air is equal to or greater than the concentration threshold, the server controller 12 may determine that the filter determination standard is satisfied. In the case where the concentration of the substance contained in the blowing air is less than the concentration threshold, the server controller 12 may determine that the filter determination standard is not satisfied.

[0057] In the case where the filter determination criteria are not satisfied (step S22: No), the server controller 12 terminates the Figure 5 The steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 3The process of step S4 in the flowchart shown. When the filter determination standard is met (step S22: yes), the server controller 12 determines that the filter 34 is in a state where the filter 34 requires maintenance, and generates information related to the maintenance of the filter 34 (step S23). Information related to the maintenance of the filter 34 may also be referred to as maintenance information. The maintenance information may include content that promotes the replacement of the filter 34. The maintenance information may include content that promotes the cleaning of the filter 34 using an agent or gas with a deodorizing or antibacterial effect. The maintenance information may include information specifying a recommended time to replace or clean the filter 34. After the process in step S23, the server controller 12 terminates the process as shown. Figure 5 The steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 3 The process in step S4 in the flowchart shown.

[0058] In such Figure 5 The above-described process in each step of the illustrated flowchart may be omitted as appropriate, and may be performed in a different order.

[0059] Hereinafter, the server controller 12 will be described. Figure 6 The process shown in Figure 3 An example of the process in step S3 in FIG. Figure 6 , the server controller 12 estimates the amount of the substance in the compartment 26 based on the result of the detection performed by the sensor 50 (step S31). The substance in the compartment 26 may include a substance in the air in the compartment 26. The substance in the compartment 26 may include a substance absorbed by an interior decoration such as a seat or a lid in the compartment 26 and may be released into the air. The substance in the air in the compartment 26 or the substance that may be released into the air may include a substance that causes an odor. Specifically, the server controller 12 may estimate the amount of the substance in the compartment 26 based on the concentration of the substance contained in the blown air as a result of the detection performed by the sensor 50. The server controller 12 may calculate a value obtained by multiplying the concentration of a predetermined substance contained in the blown air by a predetermined coefficient as an estimated value of the amount of the predetermined substance that may be released into the air in the compartment 26. The predetermined coefficient may be set based on the specifications of the filter 34. The server controller 12 may estimate the range of values ​​that the concentration of the odor-causing substance in the compartment 26 may reach.

[0060] The server controller 12 calculates the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 (step S32). The evaluation value of the vehicle 20 may include an estimated price at the time of selling or trading in the vehicle 20. The estimated price of the vehicle 20 is determined based on various parameters such as the year of the vehicle 20. The evaluation value of the vehicle 20 may be used as one of the parameters for determining the estimated price. The server controller 12 may calculate the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 as a coefficient by which the estimated price of the vehicle 20 determined based on other parameters is to be multiplied. It is assumed that the higher the evaluation value of the vehicle 20, the higher the estimated price of the vehicle 20.

[0061] The server controller 12 may calculate the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 based on the estimated value of the amount of the substance in the cabin 26. The server controller 12 may calculate the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 based on the estimated value of the amount of the substance that may be released into the air in the cabin 26. The server controller 12 may calculate the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 based on the estimated value of the amount of the odor-causing substance contained in the air in the cabin 26 or the estimated value of the amount of the odor-causing substance that may be released into the air. The larger the estimated value of the amount of the odor-causing substance contained in the air in the cabin 26 or the estimated value of the amount of the odor-causing substance that may be released into the air, the lower the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 calculated by the server controller 12 may be. The larger the upper limit that the concentration of the odor-causing substance in the cabin 26 may reach, the lower the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 calculated by the server controller 12.

[0062] After the process in step S32, the server controller 12 terminates the Figure 6 The steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 3 The process of step S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Figure 6 The above-described process in each step of the illustrated flowchart may be omitted as appropriate, and may be performed in a different order.

[0063] Reference again Figure 3 , the server controller 12 outputs information related to the state of the vehicle 20 (step S4). The information related to the state of the vehicle 20 may also be referred to as vehicle state information. As described above, the vehicle state information may include maintenance information of the filter 34 of the vehicle 20, and may include an evaluation value of the vehicle 20.

[0064] The server controller 12 may output the vehicle state information to the vehicle 20. In the case of acquiring the maintenance information of the filter 34 as the vehicle state information, the control device 22 of the vehicle 20 may notify the occupant (such as the driver of the vehicle 20), the owner of the vehicle 20, etc. of the maintenance information through the notification device 28. The occupant, the owner, etc. of the vehicle 20 may perform replacement or cleaning of the filter 34 based on the maintenance information. The occupant, the owner, etc. of the vehicle 20 may perform cleaning such as deodorization treatment or antibacterial treatment on the interior decoration in the vehicle compartment 26 based on the maintenance information.

[0065] In the case where the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 is acquired as the vehicle state information, the control device 22 of the vehicle 20 can notify the occupant (such as the driver of the vehicle 20), the owner of the vehicle 20, etc. of the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 by means of the notification device 28. The occupant, owner, etc. of the vehicle 20 can perform replacement or cleaning of the filter 34 based on the evaluation value of the vehicle 20, or perform cleaning such as deodorization treatment or antibacterial treatment on the interior decoration in the cabin 26. In the case where the evaluation value of the vehicle 20 is low, the occupant, owner, etc. of the vehicle 20 can maintain the filter 34 or the interior decoration in the cabin 26 to make the evaluation value higher.

[0066] The server controller 12 may output the vehicle status information to another terminal. For example, the server controller 12 may output the vehicle status information to a terminal that manages the maintenance of the vehicle 20. The terminal that manages the maintenance of the vehicle 20 may be installed in a repair shop such as a dealer. In a repair shop such as a dealer, the owner of the vehicle 20 may be advised of the maintenance of the filter 34 or the interior decoration of the cabin 26 based on the vehicle status information. For example, the server controller 12 may output the vehicle status information to a terminal that manages the estimated price of the vehicle 20. The terminal that manages the estimated price of the vehicle 20 may be installed in stores such as new car stores and used car stores. The terminal that manages the estimated price of the vehicle 20 may calculate the price at the time of trade-in or purchase of the vehicle 20 based on the vehicle status information. The store may present the trade-in or purchase price of the vehicle 20 to the owner of the vehicle 20 based on the price calculated by the terminal.

[0067] After the process in step S4, the server controller 12 terminates the Figure 3 The steps in the flowchart shown. Figure 3 The above-described process in each step of the illustrated flowchart may be omitted as appropriate, and may be performed in a different order.

[0068] Figure 3 , 4The processes in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be executed by the control device 22 of the vehicle 20. The processes for transmitting information to the vehicle 20 or acquiring information from the vehicle 20 among the processes may be executed as internal processing in the vehicle 20.

[0069] As described above, the vehicle 20 or the information processing device according to the present embodiment can provide information related to the odor in the cabin 26 as information related to the state of the vehicle 20 by performing the various steps as shown in the information processing method. The information related to the odor may include maintenance information of the filter 34, and may include an evaluation value of the vehicle 20 based on the odor in the cabin 26. Since the vehicle 20 or the information processing device provides the information related to the odor, the occupant, owner, etc. of the vehicle 20 is prompted or motivated to perform maintenance of the vehicle 20. Therefore, the reduction of the odor in the cabin 26 can be promoted.

[0070] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples. However, it should be noted that, based on the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can easily make various changes or modifications. Therefore, those changes or modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each technical means or each step, etc. can be rearranged without logical inconsistency, and multiple technical means or steps can be combined or divided with each other.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: car; an air conditioning device configured to operate in an outside air introduction mode for sucking air from outside the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the inside of the vehicle compartment, or in an inside air circulation mode for sucking the air from the inside of the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the inside of the vehicle compartment; a filter configured to allow the air blown toward the passenger compartment to pass through the filter while absorbing at least a portion of substances contained in the air; a sensor configured to detect a state of the air passing through the filter; as well as a control device configured to output information related to maintenance of the filter based on a result of the detection performed by the sensor; The sensor measures the concentration of a predetermined substance contained in the air passing through the filter; The control device is configured to: outputting information to promote maintenance of the filter in a case where the internal air circulation in the vehicle compartment continues for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the concentration of the predetermined substance is equal to or greater than a concentration threshold; and When the internal air circulation in the vehicle compartment continues for a time period less than the predetermined time, the concentration to which the concentration of the predetermined substance converges is estimated based on the detection result of the sensor for the concentration of the predetermined substance, thereby correcting the detection result of the concentration of the predetermined substance, and when the corrected detection result of the concentration of the predetermined substance is equal to or greater than the concentration threshold, the information promoting the maintenance of the filter is output.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor also measures the temperature of the air passing through the filter; and The control device sets the concentration threshold value based on the temperature.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The predetermined substance includes a gas that makes a person sense an odor.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that The predetermined substance includes particles that absorb the gas.

5. An information processing device, characterized in that: include: a controller communicatively connected to a vehicle including a cabin, wherein the controller outputs information related to the state of the vehicle based on a result of detection regarding the state of air passing through a filter, the filter absorbing at least a part of a substance contained in the air blown toward the vehicle compartment; The vehicle further comprises: an air conditioning device configured to operate in an outside air introduction mode for sucking the air from outside the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the inside of the vehicle compartment, or in an inside air circulation mode for sucking the air from the inside of the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the inside of the vehicle compartment; and a sensor configured to measure a concentration of a predetermined substance contained in the air passing through the filter; the controller outputting information related to maintenance of the filter as the information related to the state of the vehicle; The controller is configured to: outputting information to promote maintenance of the filter in a case where the internal air circulation in the vehicle compartment continues for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the concentration of the predetermined substance is equal to or greater than a concentration threshold; and When the internal air circulation in the vehicle compartment continues for a time period less than the predetermined time, the concentration to which the concentration of the predetermined substance converges is estimated based on the detection result of the sensor for the concentration of the predetermined substance, thereby correcting the detection result of the concentration of the predetermined substance, and when the corrected detection result of the concentration of the predetermined substance is equal to or greater than the concentration threshold, the information promoting the maintenance of the filter is output.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The controller sets the concentration threshold based on a temperature of the air passing through the filter.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The predetermined substance includes a gas that makes a person sense an odor.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The predetermined substance includes particles that absorb the gas.

9. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The controller outputs an estimated value of the vehicle as the information related to the state of the vehicle.

10. An information processing method, characterized in that: include: outputting, by a controller communicably connected to a vehicle including a cabin, information related to a state of the vehicle based on a result of detection regarding a state of air passing through a filter, the filter absorbing at least a portion of a substance contained in the air blown toward the cabin; The vehicle further comprises: an air conditioning device configured to operate in an outside air introduction mode for sucking the air from outside the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the inside of the vehicle compartment, or in an inside air circulation mode for sucking the air from the inside of the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the inside of the vehicle compartment; and a sensor configured to measure a concentration of a predetermined substance contained in the air passing through the filter; The information processing method further includes outputting, by the controller, information related to maintenance of the filter as the information related to the state of the vehicle; The information processing method further includes: outputting, by the controller, information urging maintenance of the filter when the internal air circulation in the vehicle compartment continues for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the concentration of the predetermined substance is equal to or greater than a concentration threshold; and When the internal air circulation in the vehicle compartment continues for a time period less than the predetermined time, the concentration to which the concentration of the predetermined substance converges is estimated based on the detection result of the sensor for the concentration of the predetermined substance, thereby correcting the detection result of the concentration of the predetermined substance, and when the corrected detection result of the concentration of the predetermined substance is equal to or greater than the concentration threshold, the information promoting the maintenance of the filter is output.

11. The information processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: Also includes: The concentration threshold is set by the controller based on a temperature of the air passing through the filter.

12. The information processing method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: Also includes: An estimated value of the vehicle is output by the controller as the information related to the state of the vehicle.

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