Information processing system, ECU, and information processing method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an ECU, and an information processing method. An information processing system comprises: a plurality of ECUs mounted on a vehicle having a battery pack that can be charged using an external power source; and a communication terminal mounted on the vehicle, wherein in the information processing system, when the communication terminal is in a dormant state, a predetermined ECU among the plurality of ECUs starts the communication terminal by detecting that charging of the battery pack using an external power source has started. The communication terminal started by the predetermined ECU acquires alarm information as information related to the presence or absence of alarms of devices mounted on the vehicle from the plurality of ECUs. The communication terminal sends the alarm information acquired from the plurality of ECUs to a predetermined server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an ECU, and an information processing method. Background Art

[0002] There is known an in-vehicle communication device for transmitting abnormality information to an information center when an abnormality occurs in equipment mounted on a vehicle (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-234100). Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of transmitting alarm information to a predetermined server even when a battery pack is charged by an external power source.

[0004] The present disclosure can be understood as an information processing system, comprising: a plurality of ECUs, i.e., electronic control units, mounted on a vehicle having a battery pack that can be charged using an external power source, for controlling vehicle-mounted equipment including the battery pack; and a communication terminal, which is a communication terminal mounted on the vehicle, and when the communication terminal is in an activated state, alarm information related to the presence or absence of an alarm on the vehicle-mounted equipment is obtained from the plurality of ECUs, and the obtained alarm information is sent to a predetermined server, and when the communication terminal is in a dormant state, the acquisition of the alarm information and the sending of the alarm information to the predetermined server are stopped. In the information processing system in this case,

[0005] For example, when the communication terminal is in a dormant state, a predetermined ECU among the plurality of ECUs may execute:

[0006] detecting the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source; and

[0007] The communication terminal is shifted from the sleep state to the activation state by detecting the start of charging of the battery pack by the external power source as a trigger.

[0008] The present disclosure can also be understood as an ECU mounted on a vehicle having a battery pack that can be charged by an external power supply. In this case, the ECU may also include a control unit, for example, which executes, when the communication terminal mounted on the vehicle is in a dormant state:

[0009] detecting the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source; and

[0010] The communication terminal is shifted from the sleep state to the activation state by detecting the start of charging of the battery pack by the external power source as a trigger.

[0011] The present disclosure can also be understood as an information processing method. In the information processing method in this case, for example,

[0012] Alternatively, an ECU (electronic control unit) mounted on a vehicle having a battery pack that can be charged by an external power source may execute, when a communication terminal mounted on the vehicle is in a sleep state:

[0013] a step of detecting the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source; and

[0014] The step of causing the communication terminal to shift from the sleep state to the activation state, triggered by detection of the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source.

[0015] Furthermore, the present disclosure can also be understood as a program for causing the ECU to execute the above-mentioned information processing method or a non-transitory storage medium storing the program.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology capable of transmitting alarm information to a predetermined server even when the battery pack is charged by an external power source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like symbols represent like elements, and in which:

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an overview of the vehicle-mounted system.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of an ECU mounted on a vehicle.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of components included in the vehicle-mounted system.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a charging ECU.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a communication terminal.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed in the vehicle-mounted system when charging the battery pack using an external power supply in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing a processing routine performed in the charging ECU when charging of the battery pack using the external power supply is started.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed in the vehicle-mounted system when charging the battery pack using an external power supply in Modification 1.

[0026] Fig. 9 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed in the vehicle-mounted system when charging the battery pack using an external power supply in Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In recent years, with the advancement of vehicle communication technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), the development of vehicles equipped with devices (communication terminals) that can communicate with external devices is advancing. In such vehicles, the communication terminal can collect information (alarm information) related to the presence or absence of alarms of devices installed in the vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "on-board devices"), and send the collected alarm information to an external server, etc.

[0028] Here, in new energy vehicles such as EV (Electric Vehicle) and PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), there is sometimes an obligation to regularly send the above-mentioned alarm information to a server (predetermined server) operated by a public institution, etc., according to regulations. In particular, for vehicles equipped with a battery pack that can be charged using an external power source, in addition to when the vehicle is in a driving state, it may also be stipulated that the alarm information is required to be regularly sent to a predetermined server when the battery pack is charged using an external power source.

[0029] However, the battery pack is charged by the external power source when the vehicle is in a driving stop state. Therefore, the communication terminal may be in a dormant state when the battery pack is charged by the external power source. The communication terminal can obtain the alarm information and send it to the predetermined server when the communication terminal is in the startup state, but cannot obtain the alarm information and send it to the predetermined server when the communication terminal is in the dormant state.

[0030] Therefore, in order to cope with the above-mentioned laws and regulations, a technology capable of acquiring alarm information and transmitting the alarm information to a predetermined server when charging a battery pack using an external power source is desired.

[0031] Therefore, in the information processing system disclosed in the present invention, when the communication terminal is in a dormant state, the communication terminal is transferred from the dormant state to the activated state when a predetermined ECU among the plurality of ECUs mounted on the vehicle detects the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power supply. Thus, the communication terminal can obtain alarm information via the plurality of ECUs and can send the obtained alarm information to a predetermined server.

[0032] According to the information processing system of the present disclosure, even when the battery pack is charged by an external power source, it is possible to transmit alarm information to a predetermined server.

[0033] Here, the predetermined ECU of the present disclosure may be, for example, an ECU (first ECU) for controlling charging of a battery pack among a plurality of ECUs mounted on a vehicle. When the vehicle is in a driving stop state, a plurality of ECUs mounted on the vehicle may be in a dormant state like the communication terminal. However, when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started, when the charging cable is connected to the charging port of the vehicle, a detection signal of a sensor for detecting the connection of the charging cable to the charging port or a CPLT (Control Pilot) signal from an external power source is input to the first ECU, thereby starting the first ECU. In addition, when timed charging (charging the battery pack at a preset time period such as at night) is performed in advance with the charging connector connected to the charging port of the vehicle, a signal is input from the timer to the first ECU at the timing when the charging start time arrives, thereby starting the first ECU. Thus, the first ECU can detect the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source. Therefore, by using such a first ECU, a communication terminal in a dormant state can be started. As a result, even when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is performed, alarm information can be sent to a predetermined server.

[0034] In addition, the predetermined ECU of the present disclosure may also be a second ECU that is activated by the above-mentioned first ECU when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started. The "second ECU" referred to herein is, for example, an ECU for managing the state of the battery pack (SOC (State of Charge) or temperature, etc.). When charging the battery pack using an external power source, it is necessary to properly manage the state of the charging battery pack. Therefore, when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started, the second ECU as described above is activated by the first ECU. Thereby, the second ECU can detect the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source. Therefore, by using such a second ECU, a communication terminal in a dormant state can be started.

[0035] In addition, the predetermined ECU of the present disclosure may also be a third ECU directly connected to the battery pack via wiring for detecting the voltage of the battery pack. This is a case in which a vehicle (e.g., PHV) is assumed to be driven by a hybrid system including a motor and an internal combustion engine. In such a vehicle, the ECU (third ECU) for controlling the hybrid system is sometimes directly connected to the battery pack using wiring. In such a case, when the battery pack starts to be charged using an external power supply, the voltage input to the third ECU via the above wiring changes. As a result, the third ECU is triggered by the change in the voltage input via the above wiring and transitions from a sleep state to a start state. At this time, the third ECU can detect the start of charging of the battery pack by virtue of the change in the voltage input via the above wiring. Therefore, by using such a third ECU, a communication terminal in a sleep state can be started.

[0036] Here, the predetermined ECU of the present disclosure may also send a first signal indicating the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source to the communication terminal when the communication terminal is started. Thus, the communication terminal can start acquiring alarm information and sending the acquired alarm information to a predetermined server based on the receipt of the first signal.

[0037] In addition, the predetermined ECU of the present disclosure may also send a second signal indicating the completion of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply to the communication terminal when the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply is completed. Thus, the communication terminal can terminate the acquisition of alarm information and the transmission of the acquired alarm information to the predetermined server by receiving the second signal as a trigger.

[0038] <Implementation Method>

[0039] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The structures of the following embodiments are illustrative only, and the present disclosure is not limited to the structures of the embodiments.

[0040] (Overall structure of the system)

[0041] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle system to which the present disclosure is applied. The in-vehicle system in the present embodiment includes a plurality of ECUs 100 mounted on a vehicle 10 and a communication terminal 200 mounted on the vehicle 10 .

[0042] The vehicle 10 in this example is a PHV equipped with a hybrid system including a battery pack that can be charged by an external power source. The hybrid system includes a battery pack that can be charged by an external power source, an electric generator that uses the power of the battery pack to drive the drive wheels of the vehicle 10 or generates electricity using the kinetic energy of the drive wheels, an internal combustion engine (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an "engine") that cooperates with the electric generator to drive the vehicle 10, and an inverter for converting the power supplied from the battery pack to the electric generator from DC to AC or from AC to DC. In addition, the vehicle 10 is not limited to a PHV and can also be an EV.

[0043] The multiple ECUs 100 are electronic control units for controlling various vehicle-mounted devices such as the battery pack, the electric generator, the engine, and the hybrid system. Figure 2 As shown, it includes an ECU (motor ECU) 101 for controlling an electric generator, an ECU (engine ECU) 102 for controlling an engine, an ECU (battery assembly ECU) 103 for managing the state of a battery assembly (e.g., SOC or temperature, etc.), an ECU (charging ECU) 104 for controlling the charging of a battery assembly, and an ECU (hybrid ECU) 105 for comprehensively controlling the entire hybrid system. Multiple ECUs 100 are connected to each other using a first bus CB100 of the CAN (Controller Area Network) standard. In addition, the ECUs (battery assembly ECU 103, charging ECU 104, and hybrid ECU 105, etc.) associated with the battery assembly among the multiple ECUs 100 are also connected to each other using a second bus CB200 of the CAN standard. In addition, the hybrid ECU 105 among the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery assembly is directly connected to the battery assembly via the wiring WR100, and can directly monitor the voltage of the battery assembly.

[0044] Each of the plurality of ECUs 100 has a function of sending alarm information to the communication terminal 200 at a predetermined period when the vehicle 10 is in a driving state (when the ignition switch or the power switch is in an on state). In addition, the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack among the plurality of ECUs 100 have a function of sending alarm information to the communication terminal 200 at a predetermined period during the period of charging the battery pack using an external power source, even when the vehicle 10 is in a driving stop state (when the ignition switch or the power switch is in an off state). In conjunction with this, the charging ECU 104 among the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack also has a function of starting the communication terminal 200 when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started. Such a charging ECU 104 is equivalent to the "predetermined ECU (first ECU)" of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack are equivalent to the "plurality of ECUs" of the present disclosure.

[0045] The communication terminal 200 is connected to the first bus CB100 and the second bus CB200. The communication terminal 200 has the function of receiving alarm information from each ECU100 via the first bus CB100 or the second bus CB200. The communication terminal 200 also has the function of aggregating the received alarm information and sending the aggregating result (hereinafter, sometimes also recorded as "alarm list") to the central server 300. These functions become effective when the communication terminal 200 is in the startup state, and become invalid when the communication terminal 200 is in the sleep state. In addition, the central server 300 is a server operated by a public institution. The "public institution" referred to here is, for example, an institution that has an obligation to regularly provide an alarm list for new energy vehicles. In this example, it is assumed that in addition to when the vehicle 10 is in the driving state, when the battery pack is charged using an external power supply, it is also stipulated that there is an obligation to regularly provide an alarm list.

[0046] In the vehicle-mounted system configured as described above, when the vehicle 10 is in a driving state, the plurality of ECUs 100 transmit alarm information to the communication terminal 200 at a predetermined period. At this time, the transmission of the alarm information is performed using the first bus CB100. Whenever the communication terminal 200 receives alarm information from the plurality of ECUs 100, it aggregates the alarm information, generates an alarm list, and transmits the generated alarm list to the center server 300.

[0047] In addition, when the battery pack is charged by an external power source, only the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack among the plurality of ECUs 100 transmit alarm information to the communication terminal 200 in a predetermined cycle. At this time, the transmission of the alarm information is performed using the second bus CB200. Whenever the communication terminal 200 receives alarm information from the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack, it aggregates the alarm information, generates an alarm list, and transmits the generated alarm list to the center server 300.

[0048] However, the battery pack is charged using an external power source when the vehicle 10 is in a driving stop state. When the vehicle 10 is in a driving stop state, the communication terminal 200 is in a sleep state unless a special event (for example, the operation of the safety system, etc.) occurs. Therefore, when the battery pack is started to be charged using an external power source, the communication terminal 200 needs to be transferred from the sleep state to the start state. In contrast, in this example, when the battery pack is started to be charged using an external power source, the charging ECU 104 starts the communication terminal 200. As a result, even when the battery pack is charged using an external power source, the communication terminal 200 can receive alarm information and send an alarm list to the center server 300.

[0049] (Hardware structure of vehicle-mounted system)

[0050] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of hardware configuration of each of the ECU 100 and the communication terminal 200 included in the vehicle-mounted system. Figure 3 , only the charging ECU 104 is shown among the plurality of ECUs 100 , but the hardware configurations of the other ECUs are also the same.

[0051] The charging ECU 104 is an electronic control unit for controlling the on-board equipment. When the ignition switch or the power switch is switched from on to off, the charging ECU 104 switches from the start state to the sleep state. In addition, when the ignition switch or the power switch is switched from off to on, and when various trigger signals are received or input, the charging ECU 104 switches from the sleep state to the start state. When the charging ECU 104 is in the start state, the charging ECU 104 performs various processes for controlling the on-board equipment, and performs various processes for sending alarm information to the communication terminal 200 at a predetermined period. Such a charging ECU 104 is as follows: Figure 3 The configuration shown includes a processor 110, a main memory unit 120, an auxiliary memory unit 130, and an in-vehicle communication unit 140. The charging ECU 104 realizes functions consistent with the intended purpose by having the processor 110 load the program stored in the auxiliary memory unit 130 into the working area of ​​the main memory unit 120 and executing the program.

[0052] The processor 110 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and controls the ECU 100 to perform various information processing operations.

[0053] The main storage unit 120 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. As described above, a work area for the processor to execute a program is set in the main storage unit 120 .

[0054] The auxiliary storage unit 130 includes, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage unit 130 stores various programs, various data, and various tables in a recording medium in a readable and writable manner. As programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 130, in addition to OS (Operating System), a program for realizing a function of sending alarm information to the communication terminal 200 according to a predetermined cycle is also included. Such a program is common to all ECUs 100 of a plurality of ECUs 100. In addition, in the auxiliary storage unit 130, a program inherent to the charging ECU 104 is also stored. The program inherent to the charging ECU 104 is, for example, a program for realizing a function of starting the communication terminal 200 when starting to charge the battery pack using an external power supply. In addition, part or all of the information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 130 can also be stored in the main storage unit 120. In addition, part of the information stored in the main storage unit 120 can also be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 130.

[0055] The in-vehicle communication unit 140 is an interface for connecting the ECU 100 to the first bus CB100 or the second bus CB200. The in-vehicle communication unit 140 is connected to the first bus CB100 or the second bus CB200 using, for example, a CAN standard interface circuit. In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle communication unit 140 communicates with other ECUs 100 and the communication terminal 200 via the first bus CB100 or the second bus CB200.

[0056] A series of processes executed by the ECU 100 configured as described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software.

[0057] Next, the communication terminal 200 is a terminal having a function of transmitting and receiving data between a plurality of ECUs 100 and a function of transmitting and receiving data between a central server 300. The communication terminal 200 switches from the start state to the sleep state when the ignition switch or the power switch switches from the off state to the on state and when various trigger signals are received or input. When the communication terminal 200 is in the start state, the communication terminal 200 performs various processes for transmitting the alarm list to the central server 300 at a predetermined period. Such a communication terminal 200 is as follows. Figure 3 The configuration shown includes a processor 210, a main storage unit 220, an auxiliary storage unit 230, an in-vehicle communication unit 240, and an external vehicle communication unit 250. The communication terminal 200 loads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 230 into the working area of ​​the main storage unit 220 by the processor 210 to execute the program, thereby realizing the function consistent with the predetermined purpose.

[0058] The processor 210 , the main storage unit 220 , and the in-vehicle communication unit 240 are respectively the same as the processor 110 , the main storage unit 120 , and the in-vehicle communication unit 140 of the ECU 100 , and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The auxiliary storage unit 230 may include a removable medium in addition to the same structure as the auxiliary storage unit 130 of the ECU 100. The removable medium is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an optical disk recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). In addition, as a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 230, there is included a program for realizing a function for sending an alarm list to the center server 300 when the communication terminal 200 is in the startup state.

[0060] The vehicle external communication unit 250 is an interface for connecting the communication terminal 200 to a network. The vehicle external communication unit 250 is connected to the network through, for example, a mobile communication method such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced, and 5G (5th Generation) or a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi. In the present embodiment, the vehicle external communication unit 250 communicates with the center server 300 via the network.

[0061] A series of processes executed by communication terminal 200 configured as described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software.

[0062] (ECU functional structure)

[0063] Here, according to Figure 4 , an example of the functional configuration of the charging ECU 104 in this embodiment is described. Figure 4 As shown, as its functional components, it includes a charging processing unit F1041, a detection unit F1042, a startup processing unit F1043 and a data sending unit F1044. The charging processing unit F1041, the detection unit F1042, the startup processing unit F1043 and the data sending unit F1044 are realized by the processor 110 executing a program loaded into the main storage unit 120. These functional components function when the charging ECU 104 is in the startup state, and do not function when the charging ECU 104 is in the sleep state. In addition, the combination of the detection unit F1042 and the startup processing unit F1043 among the functional components of the charging ECU 104 is equivalent to the "control unit" of the ECU disclosed in the present invention.

[0064] The charging processing unit F1041 performs various processes for charging the battery pack using an external power source. Here, when the vehicle 10 is in a driving stop state, the multiple ECUs 100 including the charging ECU 104 are also in a dormant state like the communication terminal 200. When the charging cable from the external power source is connected to the charging port of the vehicle 10 in such a state, a detection signal of a sensor for detecting the connection of the charging cable to the charging port or a trigger signal such as a CPLT signal from the external power source is input to the charging ECU 104. In addition, as the above-mentioned sensor, for example, a limit switch, a proximity sensor, or a photoelectric sensor can be cited. In addition, in the case of performing timed charging in a state where the charging connector is connected to the charging port of the vehicle 10 in advance, a trigger signal is input from the timer to the charging ECU 104 at the timing when the charging start time arrives. When the above-mentioned various trigger signals are input to the charging ECU 104, the charging ECU 104 is transferred from the dormant state to the activated state. The charging ECU 104 activated in this way starts charging the battery pack from the external power source. For example, the charging processing unit F1041 starts charging the battery pack from the external power source by switching the relay provided between the charging port of the vehicle 10 and the battery pack from off (a state where the charging port and the battery pack are disconnected) to on (a state where the charging port and the battery pack are connected). In addition, when charging the battery pack from the external power source is started, the charging processing unit F1041 sends a trigger signal for causing the battery pack ECU 103 to transition from a sleep state to an activation state via the second bus CB200. Thus, when charging the battery pack using the external power source, the charging processing unit F1041 can obtain the SOC or temperature of the battery pack via the battery pack ECU 103. As a result, the charging processing unit F1041 can control the size of the current flowing from the external power source to the battery pack based on the information obtained from the battery pack ECU 103. In addition, when the SOC of the battery pack reaches a predetermined value, the charging processing unit F1041 can also terminate the charging of the battery pack using the external power source by switching the above-mentioned relay from on to off.

[0065] The detection unit F1042 detects the start and end of charging of the battery pack using an external power source. For example, the detection unit F1042 detects the start and end of charging of the battery pack using an external power source by monitoring the state of the above-mentioned relay. That is, when the above-mentioned relay switches from off to on, the detection unit F1042 determines that the charging of the battery pack using the external power source has started. In addition, when the above-mentioned relay switches from on to off, the detection unit F1042 determines that the charging of the battery pack using the external power source has ended. In addition, the start and end of charging of the battery pack using the external power source can also be notified to the detection unit F1042 from the charging processing unit F1041. When the detection unit F1042 detects the start and end of charging of the battery pack using the external power source, the detection result is handed over to the start processing unit F1043.

[0066] When the start processing unit F1043 detects the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power source, it transmits a trigger signal for causing the communication terminal 200 to shift from the sleep state to the start state to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200. Following the trigger signal, the start processing unit F1043 transmits a signal (first signal) indicating the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power source to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200. In addition, when the end of charging of the battery pack using the external power source is detected, the start processing unit F1043 transmits a signal (second signal) indicating the end of charging of the battery pack using the external power source to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200.

[0067] The data transmission unit F1044 generates alarm information and transmits the generated alarm information to the communication terminal 200. At this time, if the vehicle 10 is in the driving state, the data transmission unit F1044 transmits the alarm information to the communication terminal 200 via the first bus CB100. In addition, when the battery pack is charged by using an external power supply, the data transmission unit F1044 transmits the alarm information to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200. The generation of the alarm information by the data transmission unit F1044 and the transmission to the communication terminal 200 are repeatedly performed according to a predetermined cycle. In addition, the alarm information generated by the data transmission unit F1044 is information indicating the presence or absence of an alarm related to the vehicle-mounted device under the management of the charging ECU 104. Therefore, the data transmission unit F1044 determines whether an alarm is generated in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted device based on the detection values ​​of various sensors installed in the vehicle-mounted device under the management of the charging ECU 104 at the timing of generating the alarm information. Then, the data transmission unit F1044 generates alarm information corresponding to the above-mentioned determination result.

[0068] The function of generating alarm information and transmitting it to the communication terminal 200 when the vehicle 10 is in the driving state among the functions of the data transmission unit F1044 is common to all ECUs 100 of the plurality of ECUs 100. In addition, the function of generating alarm information and transmitting it to the communication terminal 200 when the battery pack is charged by using an external power supply among the functions of the data transmission unit F1044 is common only to the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack.

[0069] In addition, any one of the charging processing unit F1041, the detection unit F1042, the start processing unit F1043, and the data transmission unit F1044 or a part thereof may be implemented by a hardware circuit. Figure 4 In the examples shown, constituent elements may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0070] (Functional Structure of Communication Terminal)

[0071] Next, according to Figure 5 , an example of the functional configuration of the communication terminal 200 in this embodiment is described. Figure 5 As shown, as its functional components, it includes a receiving unit F210, a data processing unit F220 and a sending unit F230. The receiving unit F210, the data processing unit F220 and the sending unit F230 are implemented by the processor 210 executing a program loaded into the main storage unit 220. The receiving unit F210, the data processing unit F220 and the sending unit F230 function when the communication terminal 200 is in the startup state, and do not function when the communication terminal 200 is in the sleep state.

[0072] The receiving unit F210 receives the alarm information sent from each ECU100 via the in-vehicle communication unit 240. At this time, if the vehicle 10 is in a driving state, the receiving unit F210 receives the alarm information from all ECU100 of the plurality of ECU100. In addition, when the battery pack is charged using an external power source, the receiving unit F210 receives the alarm information only from the ECU103-105 associated with the battery pack among the plurality of ECU100. In addition, the reception of the alarm information is repeated according to a predetermined cycle during the period when the vehicle 10 is in a driving state and during the period when the battery pack is charged using an external power source. The plurality of alarm information received by the receiving unit F210 is handed over from the receiving unit F210 to the data processing unit F220.

[0073] The data processing unit F220 generates an alarm list based on the multiple alarm information received by the receiving unit F210. As described above, the alarm list is a list that is required to be sent to the center server 300 at a predetermined period, and includes multiple items for registering the presence or absence of alarms of types determined by laws and regulations. Therefore, the data processing unit F220 extracts information for each item to be registered in the alarm list from the multiple alarm information received by the receiving unit F210, and generates the alarm list based on the extracted information. The alarm list generated by the data processing unit F220 is handed over from the data processing unit F220 to the sending unit F230.

[0074] The transmission unit F230 transmits the warning list generated by the data processing unit F220 to the center server 300 via the vehicle external communication unit 250 .

[0075] In addition, any one of the receiving unit F210, the data processing unit F220, and the transmitting unit F230 or a part thereof may be implemented by a hardware circuit when the communication terminal 200 is activated by the charging ECU 104. Figure 5 In the examples shown, constituent elements may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0076] (Processing flow)

[0077] Next, according to Figure 6 , illustrating an example of a sequence of processing in the vehicle-mounted system of the present embodiment. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed in the vehicle-mounted system when charging the battery pack using an external power supply. Figure 6 In the example shown, it is assumed that the vehicle 10 is in a driving stop state, and the ECUs 103 to 105 and the communication terminal 200 associated with the battery pack are in a sleep state.

[0078] When charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started, as described above, a trigger signal from a sensor for detecting the connection of the charging connector to the charging port, an external power source, or a timer is input to the charging ECU 104. The charging ECU 104 receives the input of the trigger signal and shifts from the sleep state to the start state (S11). As a result, the charging ECU 104 becomes capable of controlling the charging of the battery pack using an external power source and becomes capable of sending alarm information to the communication terminal 200.

[0079] In the charging ECU 104 that has shifted from the sleep state to the activated state, the charging processing unit F1041 transmits a trigger signal for causing the battery pack ECU 103 to shift from the sleep state to the activated state to the battery pack ECU 103 via the second bus CB200 ( S12 ).

[0080] The battery pack ECU 103 receives the trigger signal from the charging ECU 104 and changes to the activation state from the sleep state (S13). As a result, the battery pack ECU 103 is able to send information about the battery pack state (SOC or temperature, etc.) to the hybrid ECU 105 and to send alarm information to the communication terminal 200.

[0081] After activating the battery pack ECU 103, the charging processing unit F1041 of the charging ECU 104 starts charging the battery pack using the external power supply (S14). Specifically, the charging processing unit F1041 switches the relay provided between the charging port of the vehicle 10 and the battery pack from off to on as described above.

[0082] When the relay is switched from off to on, the detector F1042 of the charging ECU 104 determines that the battery pack is being charged using the external power supply. The detection result is passed from the detector F1042 to the startup processing unit F1043. The startup processing unit F1043 sends a trigger signal for transferring the communication terminal 200 from the sleep state to the startup state to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 (S15).

[0083] The communication terminal 200 receives the trigger signal from the charging ECU 104 and shifts from the sleep state to the active state ( S16 ). The communication terminal 200 is thus able to communicate with the ECUs 103 - 105 associated with the battery pack and with the center server 300 .

[0084] After the communication terminal 200 is started, the startup processing unit F1043 of the charging ECU 104 sends a first signal to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 (S17). The first signal is a signal indicating that the battery pack is started to be charged using an external power supply. As a result, the communication terminal 200 becomes capable of receiving alarm information from the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack and generating an alarm list.

[0085] Here, the hybrid ECU 105 is directly connected to the battery pack via the wiring WR100 as described above. Therefore, when the voltage of the battery pack changes with the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply, the voltage input to the hybrid ECU 105 via the wiring WR100 also changes. As a result, the hybrid ECU 105 is triggered by the change in input voltage and shifts from the sleep state to the start state (S18). As a result, the hybrid ECU 105, like the charging ECU 104 and the battery pack ECU 103, becomes a state in which the alarm information can be sent to the communication terminal 200.

[0086] When the battery pack ECU 103 , the charging ECU 104 , and the hybrid ECU 105 are activated, the ECUs 103 - 105 transmit alarm information to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 ( S19 ).

[0087] When the in-vehicle communication unit 240 of the communication terminal 200 receives the alarm information transmitted from the battery pack ECU 103, the charging ECU 104, and the hybrid ECU 105, the alarm information is passed to the data processing unit F220 via the receiving unit F210. The data processing unit F220 generates an alarm list based on the alarm information (S20).

[0088] When the alarm list is generated by the data processing unit F220, the transmission unit F230 of the communication terminal 200 transmits the alarm list to the center server 300 via the vehicle external communication unit 250 (S21).

[0089] The processing related to the above-mentioned S19-S21 is repeatedly executed in a predetermined cycle until the charging of the battery pack by the external power source is completed.

[0090] When the SOC acquired by the battery pack ECU 103 reaches a predetermined value, the charging processing unit F1041 of the charging ECU 104 ends the charging of the battery pack by the external power supply (S22). Specifically, the charging processing unit F1041 switches the relay from on to off.

[0091] When the above-mentioned relay switches from on to off, the detection unit F1042 of the charging ECU 104 determines that the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has ended. Such a determination result is handed over from the detection unit F1042 to the startup processing unit F1043. The startup processing unit F1043 sends a second signal to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 (S23). The second signal is a signal indicating that the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has ended. As a result, the communication terminal 200 ends the acceptance of the alarm information from the ECU 103-105 associated with the battery pack, and ends the generation of the alarm list. At this time, the communication terminal 200 can also transfer from the startup state to the sleep state.

[0092] Furthermore, when charging of the battery pack using the external power supply is completed, a signal similar to the second signal may be sent from the charging ECU 104 to the battery pack ECU 103 and the hybrid ECU 105. In this case, the battery pack ECU 103 and the hybrid ECU 105 may terminate the generation of the alarm information and the transmission to the communication terminal 200 by receiving the above signal as a trigger. In addition, the battery pack ECU 103 and the hybrid ECU 105 may also transition from the active state to the sleep state by receiving the above signal as a trigger.

[0093] Next, according to Figure 7 , describing the flow of processing performed in charging ECU 104 when charging the battery pack using an external power supply. Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing a processing routine performed in the charging ECU 104 when charging of the battery pack using an external power supply is started. Figure 7 It is shown in the aforementioned Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a processing routine performed in charging ECU 104 after S14 in FIG.

[0094] exist Figure 7 In the process, the charging processing unit F1041 of the charging ECU 104 switches the relay from off to on, so that when charging of the battery pack using the external power supply starts, the detection unit F1042 detects the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply (step S101).

[0095] When the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply is detected in step S101, the startup processing unit F1043 sends a trigger signal for causing the communication terminal 200 to transition from the sleep state to the startup state to the communication terminal 200 via the in-vehicle communication unit 140 (step S102). At this time, the in-vehicle communication unit 140 sends the trigger signal to the communication terminal 200 using the second bus CB200. As a result, the communication terminal 200 transitions from the sleep state to the startup state.

[0096] When the communication terminal 200 is started in step S102, the start processing unit F1043 sends a first signal to the communication terminal 200 via the in-vehicle communication unit 140 and the second bus CB200 (step S103). As described above, the first signal is a signal indicating that the battery pack is started to be charged using an external power supply. As a result, the communication terminal 200 becomes capable of receiving alarm information from the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack, and becomes capable of generating an alarm list.

[0097] When the first signal is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 in step S103, the data transmission unit F1044 generates alarm information according to a predetermined period and transmits the generated alarm information to the communication terminal 200 (step S104). At this time, the data transmission unit F1044 transmits the alarm information to the communication terminal 200 via the in-vehicle communication unit 140 and the second bus CB200. In addition, the same processing is also performed in the battery pack ECU 103 and the hybrid ECU 105, so the communication terminal 200 can generate an alarm list and transmit it to the center server 300 based on the alarm information received from the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack.

[0098] When the processing of step S104 is completed, the detection unit F1042 determines whether the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has been completed (step S105). At this time, if the charging processing unit F1041 has not switched the aforementioned relay from on to off (the relay is still in the on state), the detection unit F1042 determines that the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has not been completed (a negative determination in step S105). In this case, the processing of step S104 is performed again. On the other hand, if the aforementioned relay is switched from on to off by the charging processing unit F1041, the detection unit F1042 determines that the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has been completed (a positive determination in step S105). In this case, the processing of step S106 is performed.

[0099] In step S106, the startup processing unit F1043 sends the second signal to the communication terminal 200 via the in-vehicle communication unit 140 and the second bus CB200. As described above, the second signal is a signal indicating that the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has ended. As a result, the communication terminal 200 ends the acceptance of the alarm information from the ECU 103-105 associated with the battery pack and ends the generation of the alarm list. In addition, when the processing of step S106 ends, the execution of this processing routine ends.

[0100] When conducting Figure 6 As well as Figure 7In the process shown, the communication terminal 200 can be switched from the sleep state to the start state when the battery pack is charged by the external power supply. As a result, the communication terminal 200 can receive alarm information from the ECU 103-105 associated with the battery pack, and can generate an alarm list based on the alarm information. As a result, even when the battery pack is charged by the external power supply, the alarm list can be sent to the center server 300.

[0101] <Modification 1>

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the charging ECU 104 activates the communication terminal 200 when the battery pack is charged by the external power supply. However, the battery pack ECU 103 may activate the communication terminal 200.

[0103] When charging of the battery pack using the external power source starts, the SOC and voltage of the battery pack change. In addition, when charging of the battery pack using the external power source ends, the changes in the SOC and voltage of the battery pack stop. Here, as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, before starting charging of the battery pack using the external power source, the battery pack ECU 103 is started by the charging ECU 104. Therefore, the battery pack ECU 103 can detect the start and end of charging of the battery pack using the external power source based on the SOC or voltage of the battery pack.

[0104] Therefore, in this modification, when the battery pack is charged by the external power source, the battery pack ECU 103 detects the start and end of charging of the battery pack by the external power source, starts the communication terminal 200, and transmits the first signal and the second signal to the communication terminal 200. In this modification, the battery pack ECU 103 is equivalent to the "predetermined ECU (second ECU)" of the present disclosure.

[0105] Here, according to Figure 8 , illustrating an example of a sequence of processing in the vehicle-mounted system of this variant. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed in the vehicle-mounted system when charging the battery pack using an external power supply. Figure 8 In the above Figure 6 The same treatment is additionally Figure 6 Therefore, the same symbols as above are omitted. Figure 6 Same processing instructions.

[0106] exist Figure 8In the embodiment, after the battery pack ECU 103 is activated by a trigger signal from the charging ECU 104, when the charging ECU 104 starts charging the battery pack using the external power supply (S14), the SOC and voltage of the battery pack change. At this time, the charging ECU 104 can detect the start of charging the battery pack using the external power supply by detecting the change in the SOC or voltage of the battery pack (S31).

[0107] The battery pack ECU 103, which detects the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply, sends a trigger signal for transferring the communication terminal 200 from the sleep state to the activation state to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 (S32). As a result, the communication terminal 200 is activated (S16), and communication between the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack and the communication terminal 200 is enabled.

[0108] After activating the communication terminal 200, the battery pack ECU 103 transmits a first signal to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 (S33). The communication terminal 200 is thereby able to receive alarm information from the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack and to generate an alarm list.

[0109] During the period from when the first signal is transmitted from the battery pack ECU 103 to the communication terminal 200 until the charging of the battery pack by the external power source is completed, Figure 6 Similarly, the transmission of alarm information from the ECU 103-105 associated with the battery pack to the communication terminal 200, the generation of the alarm list by the communication terminal 200, and the transmission of the alarm list from the communication terminal 200 to the center server 300 are repeated in a predetermined cycle. Then, when the charging ECU 104 ends the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply (S22), the change of the SOC and voltage of the battery pack stops. At this time, the battery pack ECU 103 detects that the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has ended by detecting that the change of the SOC or voltage of the battery pack has stopped (S34).

[0110] The battery pack ECU 103 , which detects the completion of charging of the battery pack by the external power supply, transmits a second signal to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 ( S35 ).

[0111] According to the above-described modification, when the battery pack is charged by an external power source, the communication terminal 200 can be activated by the battery pack ECU 103 activated by the charging ECU 104. As a result, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0112] <Modification 2>

[0113] In the above-mentioned modification example 1, when the battery pack is charged by an external power supply, the communication terminal 200 is activated by the battery pack ECU 103 instead of the charging ECU 104. However, the communication terminal 200 may be activated by the hybrid ECU 105 instead of the charging ECU 104.

[0114] As described in the above embodiment, when charging of the battery pack using the external power supply starts, the voltage input to the hybrid ECU 105 via the wiring WR100 changes, so the hybrid ECU 105 is activated based on this fact as a trigger. Therefore, the hybrid ECU 105 can determine that charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has started, based on the fact that the voltage input via the wiring WR100 has changed. That is, the hybrid ECU 105 can detect the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply, similarly to the above-mentioned battery pack ECU 103. In addition, when charging of the battery pack using the external power supply ends, the change in the voltage of the battery pack stops, so the change in the voltage input to the hybrid ECU 105 via the wiring WR100 also stops. Therefore, the hybrid ECU 105 can determine that charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has ended, based on the fact that the change in the voltage input via the wiring WR100 has stopped. That is, the hybrid ECU 105 can also detect the end of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply, similarly to the above-mentioned battery pack ECU 103.

[0115] Therefore, in this modification, when the battery pack is charged by the external power supply, the hybrid ECU 105 detects the start and end of charging of the battery pack by the external power supply, starts the communication terminal 200, and sends the first signal and the second signal to the communication terminal 200. In this modification, the hybrid ECU 105 is equivalent to the "predetermined ECU (third ECU)" of the present disclosure.

[0116] Here, according to Fig. 9 , illustrating an example of a sequence of processing in the vehicle-mounted system of this variant. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed in the vehicle-mounted system when charging the battery pack using an external power supply. Fig. 9 In the above Figure 6 The same treatment is additionally Figure 6 Therefore, the same symbols as above are omitted. Figure 6 Same processing instructions.

[0117] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, when the hybrid ECU 105 is activated along with the start of charging of the battery pack by the external power supply by the charging ECU 104 (S18), the hybrid ECU 105 determines that the charging of the battery pack by the external power supply has started based on the change in the voltage input through the wiring WR100. Thus, the hybrid ECU 105 can detect the start of charging of the battery pack by the external power supply (S41).

[0118] The hybrid ECU 105, which detects the start of charging of the battery pack using the external power supply, sends a trigger signal for transferring the communication terminal 200 from the sleep state to the activation state to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 (S42). As a result, the communication terminal 200 is activated (S16), and communication between the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack and the communication terminal 200 is enabled.

[0119] After activating the communication terminal 200, the hybrid ECU 105 transmits a first signal to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 (S43). The communication terminal 200 is thereby able to receive alarm information from the ECUs 103-105 associated with the battery pack and to generate an alarm list.

[0120] During the period from when the first signal is transmitted from the hybrid ECU 105 to when the charging of the battery pack by the external power source is completed, Figure 6 Similarly, the transmission of alarm information from the ECU 103-105 associated with the battery pack to the communication terminal 200, the generation of the alarm list by the communication terminal 200, and the transmission of the alarm list from the communication terminal 200 to the center server 300 are repeated in a predetermined cycle. Then, when the charging ECU 104 ends the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply (S22), the change of the voltage of the battery pack stops, and the change of the voltage input to the hybrid ECU 105 via the wiring WR100 also stops. As a result, the hybrid ECU 105 can determine that the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply has ended, based on the fact that the change of the voltage input via the wiring WR100 has stopped. That is, the hybrid ECU 105 can detect the end of the charging of the battery pack using the external power supply (S44).

[0121] The hybrid ECU 105 , which detects the completion of charging of the battery pack by the external power supply, transmits a second signal to the communication terminal 200 via the second bus CB200 ( S45 ).

[0122] According to the above-described modification, when the battery pack is charged by the external power supply, the communication terminal 200 can be activated by the hybrid ECU 105 that is autonomously activated by the start of charging the battery pack by the external power supply. As a result, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0123] <Others>

[0124] The above-mentioned embodiment and modified example are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate changes without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, the processing and structure described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction arises. Furthermore, the processing described as being performed by one device can also be performed by multiple devices in a shared manner. In addition, the processing described as being performed by different devices can also be performed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware structure used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0125] In addition, the present disclosure can also be implemented in the following manner: a computer program with the functions described in the above-mentioned embodiments or variants is provided to a computer, and one or more processors of the computer read out the program and execute it. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer through a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium that can store information such as data and programs and read from a computer, etc., through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical or chemical effects. Such a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a disk (floppy disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk) or HDD, etc.) or an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD optical disk or Blu-ray disc, etc.) and any other type of optical disk. In addition, a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium can also be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card or an SSD (Solid State Drive, solid state drive) and other media.

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: A plurality of ECUs, i.e., electronic control units, mounted on a vehicle having a battery pack that can be charged using an external power source, and used to control vehicle-mounted equipment including the battery pack, the plurality of ECUs including at least a first ECU and a second ECU, the first ECU being an ECU for controlling charging of the battery pack and being activated when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started, and the second ECU being an ECU for managing the state of the battery pack; and The communication terminal is a communication terminal mounted on the vehicle, and when the communication terminal is in an activated state, the communication terminal obtains alarm information as information related to the presence or absence of an alarm of the vehicle-mounted device from the plurality of ECUs, and sends the obtained alarm information to a predetermined server, and when the communication terminal is in a dormant state, the communication terminal stops obtaining the alarm information and sending the alarm information to the predetermined server. In the information processing system, When the communication terminal is in a dormant state, the first ECU sends a trigger signal for starting the second ECU in the dormant state to the second ECU, The second ECU receives the sent trigger signal and changes from the sleep state to the start state. At least one of the plurality of ECUs executes: detecting the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source; and The communication terminal is shifted from the sleep state to the activation state by detecting the start of charging of the battery pack by the external power source as a trigger.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one ECU is a third ECU that is directly connected to the battery pack via a wiring for detecting a voltage of the battery pack and is activated when a voltage input via the wiring changes.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The vehicle is a vehicle driven by a hybrid powertrain including a motor and an internal combustion engine, The third ECU is an ECU for controlling the hybrid system.

4. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When at least one of the plurality of ECUs causes the communication terminal to transition from a sleep state to an active state, the at least one ECU of the plurality of ECUs transmits to the communication terminal a first signal indicating that charging of the battery pack by an external power source has started. The communication terminal starts acquiring the alarm information and transmitting the alarm information to the predetermined server, triggered by receipt of the first signal.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein: When charging of the battery pack using the external power source is completed, at least one of the plurality of ECUs transmits a second signal indicating completion of charging of the battery pack using the external power source to the communication terminal, The communication terminal uses the reception of the second signal as a trigger to terminate the acquisition of the alarm information and the transmission of the alarm information to the predetermined server.

6. A vehicle ECU, i.e., an electronic control unit, comprising a plurality of ECUs mounted on a vehicle having a battery pack that can be charged by an external power source, The plurality of ECUs include at least a first ECU and a second ECU, wherein the first ECU is an ECU for controlling charging of the battery pack and is an ECU activated when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started, and the second ECU is an ECU for managing a state of the battery pack. When the communication terminal mounted on the vehicle is in a dormant state, The first ECU sends a trigger signal for starting the second ECU in a dormant state to the second ECU, The second ECU receives the sent trigger signal and changes from the sleep state to the start state. When the communication terminal is in an activated state, alarm information as information on the presence or absence of an alarm of an onboard device including the battery assembly is acquired from the plurality of ECUs, and the acquired alarm information is sent to a predetermined server, and when the communication terminal is in a dormant state, the acquisition of the alarm information and the sending to the predetermined server are stopped, At least one of the plurality of ECUs executes: detecting the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source; and The communication terminal is shifted from the sleep state to the activation state by detecting the start of charging of the battery pack by the external power source as a trigger.

7. The vehicle ECU according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one ECU is a third ECU that is directly connected to the battery pack via a wiring for detecting a voltage of the battery pack and is activated when a voltage detected via the wiring changes.

8. The vehicle ECU according to claim 7, wherein: The vehicle is a vehicle driven by a hybrid powertrain including a motor and an internal combustion engine, The third ECU is an ECU for controlling the hybrid system.

9. The vehicle ECU according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: At least one of the plurality of ECUs transmits to the communication terminal a first signal indicating that charging of the battery pack by an external power source has started when the communication terminal is shifted from a sleep state to an activation state.

10. The vehicle ECU according to claim 9, wherein: When charging of the battery pack by the external power source is completed, at least one of the plurality of ECUs transmits a second signal indicating completion of charging of the battery pack by the external power source to the communication terminal.

11. An information processing method, wherein: A plurality of ECUs (electronic control units) mounted on a vehicle having a battery pack that can be charged by an external power source are configured to be in a sleep state when a communication terminal mounted on the vehicle is in a sleep state. The first ECU sends a trigger signal for starting the second ECU in a dormant state to the second ECU, The second ECU receives the sent trigger signal and changes from the sleep state to the start state. The plurality of ECUs include at least the first ECU and the second ECU, wherein the first ECU is an ECU for controlling charging of the battery pack and is an ECU activated when charging of the battery pack using an external power source is started, and the second ECU is an ECU for managing the state of the battery pack. When the communication terminal is in an activated state, alarm information as information on the presence or absence of an alarm of an onboard device including the battery assembly is acquired from the plurality of ECUs, and the acquired alarm information is sent to a predetermined server, and when the communication terminal is in a dormant state, the acquisition of the alarm information and the sending of the alarm information to the predetermined server are stopped, At least one of the plurality of ECUs executes: a step of detecting the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source; as well as The step of causing the communication terminal to shift from the sleep state to the activation state, triggered by detection of the start of charging of the battery pack using an external power source.

12. The information processing method according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of the plurality of ECUs further executes the step of transmitting to the communication terminal a first signal indicating that charging of the battery pack by an external power source has started when the communication terminal is shifted from a sleep state to an activation state.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the plurality of ECUs further executes the step of transmitting, to the communication terminal, a second signal indicating completion of charging of the battery pack by the external power source when charging of the battery pack by the external power source is completed.

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