Information processing device, information processing method, and non-temporary storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a non-transitory storage medium. The convenience of remote air conditioning is improved. An information processing device controls the air conditioning of a predetermined vehicle. In response to a request sent from a first device, an air conditioning mode is started, wherein the air conditioning mode operates in a driving-prohibited state. The air conditioning mode is terminated after a first period has elapsed, and the first period is extended when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to air conditioning control for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Systems exist for remotely controlling automobiles. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote system that starts and stops the engine, locks and unlocks the doors, and performs other functions based on signals transmitted from a terminal. By starting the vehicle's engine from a remote location, the vehicle's air conditioning system can be activated before boarding, achieving a desired interior temperature.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-053109 Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the convenience of remote air conditioning.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device for controlling air conditioning in a predetermined vehicle. Specifically, the information processing device includes a control unit configured to: initiate an air conditioning mode in response to a request from a first device, wherein the air conditioning mode operates in a driving-prohibited state; terminate the air conditioning mode after a first period has elapsed; and extend the first period when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the vehicle.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing device for controlling air conditioning in a predetermined vehicle. Specifically, the method includes: starting an air conditioning mode in response to a request from a first device, wherein the air conditioning mode operates in a state where driving is prohibited; terminating the air conditioning mode after a first period has elapsed; and extending the first period when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, as another embodiment, there may be a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program in a non-temporary manner.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of remote air conditioning can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a system configuration diagram of a vehicle system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing components of a vehicle.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the module structure of the control unit included in the air-conditioning ECU.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing components of a user terminal.

[0015] Figure 5 is an example of air conditioning parameters generated by the user terminal.

[0016] Figure 6 It is an example of a user interface provided by a user terminal.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of data sent and received between components of the vehicle system.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the processing executed by the air-conditioning ECU in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the processing executed by the air-conditioning ECU in the second embodiment.

[0020] Explanation of symbols

[0021] 1: Vehicle; 10: DCM; 20: Air conditioning ECU; 11, 21: Control unit; 12, 22: Storage unit; 13, 23: Storage unit; 100: User terminal; 101: Control unit; 102: Storage unit; 103: Communication unit; 104: Input / output unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that controls air conditioning of a vehicle.

[0023] Specifically, it has a control unit that performs: starting an air conditioning mode based on a request sent from a first device, which is a mode in which air conditioning is operated in a state where driving is prohibited; ending the air conditioning mode after a first period has passed; and extending the first period when a predetermined condition is met in the vehicle.

[0024] The information processing device may be a vehicle-mounted computer or a server device capable of communicating with the vehicle.

[0025] The control unit of the information processing device initiates air conditioning mode in response to a user instruction transmitted via a first device (e.g., a portable terminal carried by the user). Air conditioning mode is a mode for activating remote air conditioning and is used to adjust the vehicle interior environment through air conditioning before the user boards the vehicle. The vehicle cannot be driven while air conditioning mode is in operation.

[0026] The remote air conditioning is continued until a predetermined period set in advance has elapsed.

[0027] On the other hand, if the remote air conditioning operation time limit is uniformly set, there is a possibility that the air conditioning stops before the user prepares to leave, which is a problem.

[0028] To address this situation, the information processing device of the present disclosure appropriately extends this period when predetermined conditions are met on the vehicle side. Any predetermined condition can be used as long as it can be inferred that the user is near the vehicle or intends to board the vehicle. For example, a portable terminal associated with the user is near the vehicle or the user is seated in a seat.

[0029] Furthermore, the first period may be started from the timing when the air conditioning mode is started.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit may extend the first period if the vehicle is unlocked or a door of the vehicle is opened during the timing of the first period.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention may be characterized in that, during the timing of the first period, the control unit further extends the first period if the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0032] For example, when the vehicle is unlocked or the door of the vehicle is opened, it can be inferred that the user intends to get in the vehicle. In this case, in order to avoid stopping the air conditioning, it is preferable to extend the first period.

[0033] Furthermore, the first period may be started at a timing when the vehicle is unlocked or a door of the vehicle is opened after the air conditioning mode is started.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention may be characterized in that the control unit extends the first period if the predetermined condition is satisfied during the timing of the first period.

[0035] In this way, the first period may also start from the timing when the user unlocks the vehicle or opens the door.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to periodically determine whether the predetermined condition is satisfied during the timing of the first period, and repeatedly extend the first period if the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0037] According to this configuration, as long as predetermined conditions are satisfied, it is possible to avoid stopping the air conditioning.

[0038] Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when communication between the vehicle and an electronic key of the vehicle is established. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when a wireless connection is established between the vehicle and a terminal associated with an occupant of the vehicle.

[0039] This is because, for example, if there is a response from the electronic key to a polling signal sent from the vehicle, or if a portable terminal carried by a user is wirelessly connected to the vehicle, it can be inferred that the user who plans to board the vehicle is near the vehicle.

[0040] In addition, the predetermined condition may also be satisfied when a seat sensor of the vehicle detects a person or an object.

[0041] This is because in this case, it can be inferred that cargo is loaded or that a passenger is on board.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0043] (First embodiment)

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle system of the first embodiment is briefly described. The vehicle system of the present embodiment includes a vehicle 1 and a user terminal 100 .

[0045] Vehicle 1 is a connected car with communication capabilities. It includes a DCM 10, a communication module, and an air conditioning ECU 20, an onboard computer that manages the air conditioning system. Vehicle 1 can activate the air conditioning system (such as the air conditioner and heater) in response to a request received from a user terminal 100. Activating the air conditioning system before a user boards the vehicle is called "remote air conditioning." While in remote air conditioning mode, the vehicle's systems and engine may be running, but the vehicle cannot be driven.

[0046] User terminal 100 is a computer (first device) capable of communicating with vehicle 1. User terminal 100 is configured to execute an application for instructing the vehicle to remotely control air conditioning. Based on user input on the application, user terminal 100 generates a request to activate vehicle 1's air conditioning (hereinafter, "air conditioning request") and transmits it to vehicle 1.

[0047] Describe the components of the system in detail.

[0048] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 The block diagram shows an example of the structure of vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 includes a DCM 10, an air conditioning ECU 20, and a body ECU 30. These components are interconnected via a CAN bus 40. While this example illustrates the air conditioning ECU and the body ECU as ECUs (Electronic Control Units) installed in vehicle 1, vehicle 1 may also be equipped with ECUs that manage other components, such as an engine ECU, a hybrid ECU, and a powertrain ECU.

[0049] A plurality of air conditioning devices are connected to the air conditioning ECU 20 .

[0050] The DCM 10 is an interface unit that connects the in-vehicle network to a communication network external to the vehicle 1. Hereinafter, the communication network external to the vehicle 1 is simply referred to as a network or an external network. Examples of the external network include a mobile communication network and a wide area network (such as the Internet).

[0051] The DCM 10 includes a control unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , a communication unit 13A serving as an interface for communicating with the CAN bus 40 , and a communication unit 13B serving as an interface for communicating with an external network.

[0052] The DCM 10 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), main storage devices such as RAM and ROM, and auxiliary storage devices such as EPROM, an optical drive, and removable media. However, some or all of its functions may be implemented using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the DCM 10 is configured to include a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12. The control unit 11 is a calculation unit (processor) that realizes various functions of the DCM 10 by executing a predetermined program.

[0054] The storage unit 12 is a memory device that includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. By loading the programs stored there into the main storage device and executing them, various functions consistent with the intended purpose, as described below, can be achieved.

[0055] The DCM 10 mediates communications between the vehicle 1 and an external network. For example, if an ECU in the vehicle 1 needs to communicate with an external network, the DCM 10 relays data sent from that ECU to the external network. Furthermore, the DCM 10 receives data sent from the external network and forwards it to the appropriate ECU.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the DCM 10 receives a request (air conditioning request) from the user terminal 100 to activate air conditioning of the vehicle 1 and executes processing to transfer the air conditioning request to the air conditioning ECU 20 described later.

[0057] Furthermore, the DCM 10 can perform functions unique to the device. For example, the DCM 10 has a security system monitoring function and a communication function, and can perform safety notifications and emergency notifications based on triggers generated in the vehicle.

[0058] The communication unit 13A is a communication interface connecting the DCM 10 to the in-vehicle network (CAN bus 40 ). The communication unit 13A converts a message in a predetermined format generated by the control unit 11 into CAN data and converts received CAN data into a message in a predetermined format and transmits the message to the control unit 11 .

[0059] Communication unit 13B is a communication interface connecting DCM 10 to an external network. Communication unit 13B converts a message in a predetermined format generated by control unit 11 into a communication packet and converts a received communication packet into a message in a predetermined format and transmits the message to control unit 11.

[0060] Next, the air-conditioning ECU 20 will be described.

[0061] The air conditioning ECU 20 is an electronic control unit that controls the air conditioning of the vehicle 1. Multiple air conditioning devices are connected to the ECU 20, and the ECU 20 controls these air conditioning devices based on user instructions. Examples of the multiple air conditioning devices included in the vehicle 1 include a car air conditioner, a defogger (defroster), seat heaters, and a steering wheel heater.

[0062] In addition to operating the air conditioning system based on operations performed on the control panel installed in the vehicle, the air conditioning ECU 20 also performs remote air conditioning based on air conditioning requests transmitted via an external network. The mode in which remote air conditioning is performed is referred to as remote air conditioning mode. While the vehicle 1 is in remote air conditioning mode, driving is prohibited. For example, shift changes, releasing the parking brake, and releasing the steering lock are prohibited while the vehicle 1 is in remote air conditioning mode.

[0063] Like the DCM 10 , the air conditioning ECU 20 can be configured as a computer including a processor such as a CPU and a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM and a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, an optical disk drive, or a removable medium.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the air-conditioning ECU 20 is configured to include a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[0065] The control unit 21 is a calculation unit (processor) that realizes various functions of the air-conditioning ECU 20 by executing predetermined programs.

[0066] The storage unit 22 is a memory device including a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. These functions are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the storage unit 12, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0067] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing the logical structure of the control unit 21 .

[0068] The control unit 21 includes a remote air conditioning unit 211 as a functional module. This functional module can be realized by the control unit 21 (ie, CPU etc.) executing a program stored in a storage unit such as ROM.

[0069] Based on the received air conditioning request, remote air conditioning unit 211 generates a command to activate one or more air conditioning devices. This initiates remote air conditioning of vehicle 1. Furthermore, remote air conditioning unit 211 stops remote air conditioning if a predetermined condition is met. A specific method will be described later.

[0070] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface that connects the air conditioning ECU 20 to the in-vehicle network (CAN bus 40). The communication unit 23 converts messages in a predetermined format generated by the control unit 21 into CAN data, and converts received CAN data into messages in a predetermined format and transmits the messages to the control unit 21.

[0071] The body ECU 30 is an electronic control unit that controls the body components of the vehicle 1. The body ECU 30 controls components related to the vehicle body, such as locking and unlocking control of the vehicle 1, power window control, seat position adjustment, safety system control, seatbelt control, and headlight control.

[0072] The body ECU 30 includes a communication unit (key communication unit 31) for communicating with the vehicle's electronic key (smart key), a load sensor (seat sensor 32) built into the seat, and a sensor (door sensor 33) for detecting the open or closed state of the door.

[0073] The key communication unit 31 includes a unit that sends low-frequency band (e.g., 100KHz to 300KHz) radio waves for searching (polling) the vehicle's electronic key and a unit that receives high-frequency band (e.g., 100MHz to 1GHz) radio waves sent from the electronic key. The body ECU 30 sends polling signals to the inside and outside of the vehicle at a certain period, and receives a return signal sent by the electronic key in response to the polling signal. The return signal contains the ID inherent to the electronic key, and the body ECU 30 can perform authentication processing for the electronic key based on the received ID. In this way, the body ECU 30 can lock and unlock the vehicle based on the electronic key. The body ECU 30 can also detect whether the electronic key is inside or near the vehicle.

[0074] The seat sensor 32 is a sensor provided in each of a plurality of seats of the vehicle to detect a load applied to a seat surface. The body ECU 30 can detect the presence of a person or an object on the seat based on sensor data output by the seat sensor 32 .

[0075] The door sensor 33 detects the open / closed state and locked / locked state of the vehicle's multiple doors (including the entry / exit doors, rear doors, and the trunk hatch). The body ECU 30 can detect which door is unlocked or opened based on the data output by the door sensor 33.

[0076] The CAN bus 40 is a communication bus that constitutes an in-vehicle network based on the CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol. While this example illustrates a single CAN bus 40, an in-vehicle network may include multiple communication buses. Furthermore, a gateway may be provided to interconnect these multiple communication buses.

[0077] Figure 4 It is schematically shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the user terminal 100 .

[0078] The user terminal 100 is a portable terminal carried by the user of vehicle 1. The user terminal 100 is configured to execute an application for instructing the vehicle to operate remote air conditioning. This application displays a user interface for specifying the set temperature for the air conditioning system, the device to be operated, and other parameters, and receives user input. Based on this input, it generates a request (air conditioning request) for operating the remote air conditioning system and transmits it to vehicle 1.

[0079] The user terminal 100 can include a general-purpose computer. Specifically, the user terminal 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a main storage device such as RAM or ROM, and auxiliary storage devices such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or removable media. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, and various tables. By executing these stored programs, various functions consistent with the intended purpose, as described below, can be implemented. However, some or all of these functions can also be implemented using hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0080] The user terminal 100 is configured to include a control unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , a communication unit 103 , and an input / output unit 104 .

[0081] The control unit 101 is a unit that controls the user terminal 100. The control unit 101 includes, for example, an information processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0082] The control unit 101 includes an air conditioning request unit 1011 as a functional module. This functional module can be realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM.

[0083] The air conditioning request unit 1011 generates a request (air conditioning request) to activate remote air conditioning in a designated vehicle 1 based on a user operation and transmits it to the vehicle 1. The air conditioning request unit 1011 is implemented by the aforementioned application. The air conditioning request unit 1011 generates a user interface screen and presents it to the user. Furthermore, the unit receives information input via the user interface screen and generates an air conditioning request based on this information. The generated air conditioning request is transmitted via the network to the DCM 10 mounted on the target vehicle.

[0084] The storage unit 102 is a unit for storing information and includes storage media such as RAM, a magnetic disk, and a flash memory. The storage unit 102 stores various programs executed by the control unit 101 and data utilized by these programs. The storage unit 102 also stores data related to the vehicle 1 (e.g., the vehicle 1 identifier, identification information for the DCM 10, etc.).

[0085] The communication unit 103 is an interface for connecting the user terminal 100 to a network. The communication unit 103 can communicate with the vehicle 1 via, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0086] The input / output unit 104 receives user input and displays information to the user. Specifically, it includes a touch panel and its control unit, and a liquid crystal display and its control unit. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the liquid crystal display comprise a single touch panel display. Furthermore, the input / output unit 104 may include a speaker for outputting sound.

[0087] Next, the details of the air conditioning request generated by the user terminal 100 will be described.

[0088] In order to operate the air conditioning of the vehicle, it is necessary to specify the air conditioning mode, set temperature, the air conditioning device to be operated, etc. Information specifying these is called air conditioning parameters.

[0089] Figure 5 This is an example of an air conditioning parameter. Air conditioning parameters include information specifying the air conditioning mode, temperature setting, and the air conditioning device to be operated. User terminal 100 adds the identifier of the target vehicle and data indicating the start and end of air conditioning to the air conditioning parameter and transmits it to vehicle 1 as an air conditioning request.

[0090] Figure 6 This is an example of a user interface for specifying the illustrated air conditioning parameters. The illustrated user interface includes a slider bar (601) for setting the temperature, a component for specifying the air conditioning device to be operated (602), and a button for sending a request (603).

[0091] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of data between the components included in the system.

[0092] When a user who desires remote air conditioning of a vehicle starts an application in the user terminal 100 , the user terminal 100 (air conditioning request unit 1011 ) generates and outputs a user interface (step S11 ).

[0093] In step S12 , the air conditioning request unit 1011 acquires the air conditioning parameters designated by the user via the generated user interface, generates an air conditioning request including the air conditioning parameters, and transmits the request to the vehicle 1 .

[0094] In step S13 , the DCM 10 of the target vehicle receives the air conditioning request and performs remote air conditioning according to the air conditioning request. Specifically, the DCM 10 transfers the received air conditioning request to the air conditioning ECU 20 , which activates various air conditioning devices according to the air conditioning request.

[0095] When the air conditioning ECU 20 receives an air conditioning request, it activates the remote air conditioning system with a predetermined time limit. When air conditioning a vehicle, excessively long periods of operation are undesirable due to the need to operate the engine, electric compressor, and other components. Therefore, the air conditioning ECU 20 sets an upper limit (e.g., 20 minutes) on the remote air conditioning operation time.

[0096] However, if the operation time is uniformly limited, the remote air conditioning may be stopped before the vehicle departs. For example, when there are many people on board and it takes time to prepare for departure, or when loading cargo, the remote air conditioning may be stopped before the departure preparation is completed.

[0097] Therefore, in this embodiment, the air conditioning ECU 20 obtains information from the body ECU 30 and, if it detects a sign that the user intends to board vehicle 1, executes processing to extend the remote air conditioning operation time. Specifically, if any of the following three conditions are met, it is determined that the user intends to board vehicle 1, and the remote air conditioning operation time is extended.

[0098] (1) When an electronic key is present near the vehicle 1

[0099] This is because if the electronic key is inside or near the vehicle 1, it can be inferred that the user is inside or near the vehicle. For example, whether the electronic key is inside or near the vehicle can be determined by whether the electronic key responds to the polling signal sent by the key communication unit 31.

[0100] (2) When the seat sensor 32 of the vehicle 1 detects a person or an object

[0101] This is because if the seat sensor 32 of the vehicle 1 detects a person or object, it can be inferred that cargo is loaded or that the driver or a fellow passenger is seated. For example, if the sensor data output by the seat sensor 32 indicates a load greater than a certain value, it can be determined that a person or cargo is seated in the corresponding seat.

[0102] (3) When wireless connection is established between the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 100

[0103] This is because when the vehicle and the user terminal are wirelessly connected (typically, a wireless connection based on a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark)), it can be inferred that the user is inside or near the vehicle. In addition, the connection target of the user terminal 100 can be either an ECU included in the vehicle 1 or an information terminal (such as a navigation device or infotainment device) installed in the vehicle 1.

[0104] The processing executed by the air-conditioning ECU 20 will be described in more detail. Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the process executed in step S13 by the air-conditioning ECU 20 (remote air-conditioning unit 211 ) which has received the air-conditioning request.

[0105] First, in step S21, remote air conditioning is started. In this step, the air conditioning device of the vehicle starts operating according to the air conditioning parameters specified by the user.

[0106] In this step, a timer for automatically stopping the remote air conditioning operation is started (in other words, the "first period" is started). This timer expires after a predetermined time (in this example, 20 minutes). When the timer expires, the remote air conditioning automatically stops.

[0107] In step S21, the air conditioning ECU 20 may generate data (reply data) notifying that the air conditioning device has started operating, and transmit the data to the user terminal 100. This allows the vehicle user to be notified that the remote air conditioning is operating normally.

[0108] In step S22, it is determined whether the timer has expired (whether the "first period" has passed). Here, if the timer has expired (ie, if the user has done nothing for 20 minutes), the process moves to step S29 and the remote air conditioning ends.

[0109] If a negative determination is made in step S22, the process moves to step S23, where a determination is made as to whether the vehicle's doors are open. If a positive determination is made (the vehicle's doors are open), the process moves to step S24. If the vehicle's doors are not open, the process returns to step S22. While this example determines whether the vehicle's doors are open, it is also possible to determine whether the vehicle's locks are unlocked.

[0110] In step S24, the predetermined expiration time is extended (for example, by 2 minutes) to prevent the user from wanting to get in the vehicle but the remote air conditioning is terminated.

[0111] In step S25, a determination is made as to whether a user-initiated driving start operation has been performed. Examples of driving start operations include turning on the ignition or pressing the vehicle's main switch. If a positive determination is made in this step, processing proceeds to step S29, where remote air conditioning is terminated. In this case, vehicle 1 transitions to a driving mode while maintaining the air conditioning system in operation.

[0112] If the driving start operation is not performed in step S25, a determination is made in step S26 as to whether the timer has expired (whether the "first period" has passed). If the timer has not expired, the process returns to step S25. If the timer has expired, the process transfers to step S27 to determine whether the extension condition is satisfied on the vehicle side.

[0113] The extension condition refers to any one of the above (1) to (3). When at least any one of the above (1) to (3) is satisfied, it is deemed that the user intends to board the vehicle, and in step S28, the expiration time of the timer is extended (for example, by 2 minutes). As a result, even in a situation where there is spare time after opening the vehicle door before departure, the remote air conditioning operation can be maintained. In addition, when the state in which none of the above (1) to (3) is satisfied continues, the remote air conditioning stops as the timer expires.

[0114] As described above, in the vehicle system of this embodiment, after the vehicle is unlocked, the expiration time of the timer for terminating remote air conditioning is repeatedly extended based on whether predetermined conditions are met on the vehicle side. This configuration allows remote air conditioning to be maintained even in situations where the vehicle cannot be started immediately after unlocking, thereby improving usability.

[0115] (Second embodiment)

[0116] In the first embodiment, a single timer is used, but two timers may be used in combination: a first timer that starts when the remote air conditioning system is started, and a second timer that starts when the vehicle is unlocked or the door is opened. The second embodiment uses these two timers in combination to activate the remote air conditioning system.

[0117] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of processing executed by the air-conditioning ECU 20 in the second embodiment. Steps indicated by dotted lines are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0118] In the second embodiment, in step S21A, remote air conditioning is started and a first timer is started The first timer is a timer that specifies an upper limit time for remote air conditioning, and its expiration time is fixed (for example, 20 minutes).

[0119] In step S22A, it is determined whether the first timer has expired. If the first timer has expired (ie, the user has not done anything for 20 minutes), the process moves to step S29 and the remote air conditioning ends.

[0120] Furthermore, when the vehicle door is opened, the second timer is started in step S24A. The second timer is a timer that starts when the vehicle door is opened and counts the "first period".

[0121] In step S26A, it is determined which of the first or second timers has expired. If neither timer has expired, the process returns to step S25.

[0122] When the first timer expires, it means that the upper limit time of the remote air conditioning has been reached, so the process moves to step S29 to stop the remote air conditioning.

[0123] When the second timer expires (i.e., the "first period" has passed), the process moves to step S27, where it is determined whether the vehicle has satisfied the extension condition. Here, when the vehicle has satisfied the extension condition, the expiration time of the second timer is extended each time (step S28A).

[0124] In the second embodiment, the remote air conditioning is not activated after the expiration time of the first timer has expired. That is, even if the extension condition is satisfied on the vehicle side, if the vehicle does not start for a long time, the remote air conditioning can be stopped.

[0125] (Variation)

[0126] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0127] For example, the processes and units described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0128] In the description of the embodiment, the user terminal 100 capable of communicating with the vehicle 1 is exemplified as the "first device", but remote air conditioning may be instructed via a key fob or a portable device (including one that also functions as a vehicle electronic key).

[0129] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, the air conditioning ECU 20 manages the timer for stopping the remote air conditioning, but the timer may be managed by an onboard computer other than the air conditioning ECU or a computer installed outside the vehicle. For example, a server device that can communicate with the vehicle 1 may manage the timer and instruct the vehicle 1 to start and end the remote air conditioning. In this case, the vehicle 1 may periodically send information related to the position of the electronic key, information related to the locked and unlocked state, information related to the output of the seat sensor, etc. to the server device, and the server device may execute Figure 8 In this case, the user terminal 100 may transmit an air conditioning request to the vehicle 1 via the server device.

[0130] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be shared by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be performed by a single device. In a computer system, it is possible to flexibly change the hardware structure (server structure) used to implement each function.

[0131] The present disclosure can also be implemented in the following manner: a computer program equipped with the functions described in the above embodiment 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 via a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage media include, for example, magnetic disks (floppy disks (Floppy (registered trademark) disks), hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu-ray disks, etc.), read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic cards, flash memories, optical cards, and any type of media suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. An information processing device for controlling air conditioning of a predetermined vehicle, wherein: The information processing device includes a control unit that executes: In response to a request sent from a first device, an air conditioning mode is started, and a timer for automatically stopping the air conditioning operation is started to start counting a first period, the first period starting from the timing at which the air conditioning mode is started, the air conditioning mode being a mode in which the air conditioning is operated in a driving prohibited state; When the first period has elapsed, terminating the air conditioning mode; as well as When the vehicle is unlocked or a door of the vehicle is opened during the timing of the first period before the timer expires, the first period is extended; The control unit further extends the first period when a predetermined condition that allows the vehicle to infer that the user is near the vehicle or intends to board the vehicle is satisfied when the timer of the extended first period expires.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein When communication between the vehicle and the electronic key of the vehicle is established, the predetermined condition is satisfied.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined condition is satisfied when a seat sensor of the vehicle detects a person or an object.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined condition is satisfied when a wireless connection is established between the vehicle and a terminal associated with an occupant of the vehicle.

5. An information processing method, executed by an information processing device for controlling air conditioning of a predetermined vehicle, wherein: The information processing method comprises the following steps: In response to a request sent from a first device, an air conditioning mode is started, and a timer for automatically stopping the air conditioning operation is started to start counting a first period, the first period starting from the timing at which the air conditioning mode is started, the air conditioning mode being a mode in which the air conditioning is operated in a driving prohibited state; When the first period has elapsed, terminating the air conditioning mode; as well as When the vehicle is unlocked or a door of the vehicle is opened during the timing of the first period before the timer expires, the first period is extended; When a predetermined condition that allows the vehicle to infer that the user is near the vehicle or intends to board the vehicle is satisfied at the expiration of the extended first period, the first period is further extended. The information processing method according to claim 5 , wherein: When communication between the vehicle and the electronic key of the vehicle is established, the predetermined condition is satisfied.

7. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein: The predetermined condition is satisfied when a seat sensor of the vehicle detects a person or an object.

8. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein: The predetermined condition is satisfied when a wireless connection is established between the vehicle and a terminal associated with an occupant of the vehicle. 9 . A non-transitory storage medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 5 .

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