Control device, system, vehicle, and control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control device, a system, a vehicle, and a control method. The control device is used to control a vehicle having a power supply function for users. Among them, the control device is provided with a control unit that causes the horn of the vehicle to sound under certain conditions when a power outage is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a system, a vehicle, and a control method. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-117178 discloses a vehicle that supplies power to an external device in the event of a disaster. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Even when a power outage occurs due to a disaster or the like and the power supply function of the vehicle is useful, if the user is unaware or forgets that the vehicle has a power supply function, the power supply function of the vehicle cannot be effectively utilized.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to promote the effective utilization of the power supply function of a vehicle.

[0005] The control device of the present disclosure is a control device for controlling a vehicle having a power supply function for users, wherein the control device includes a control unit that causes a horn of the vehicle to sound under certain conditions when a power outage is detected.

[0006] The control method of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling a vehicle having a power supply function for users, wherein

[0007] the control method includes: when a power outage is detected, causing a horn of the vehicle to sound under certain conditions using a control unit.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the effective utilization of the power supply function of a vehicle can be promoted. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the connection between an in-vehicle device of a vehicle and other components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of each embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0016] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0017] Refer to Figure 1 to describe the structure of the system 10 of this embodiment.

[0018] The system 10 of this embodiment includes at least one control device 20, at least one vehicle having a power supply function for users, i.e., a first vehicle 31, and at least one other vehicle, i.e., a second vehicle 32. The control device 20 can communicate with the first vehicle 31 and the second vehicle 32 via a network 40.

[0019] The control device 20 is provided in a facility such as a data center. The control device 20 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing systems.

[0020] The first vehicle 31 is used by a first user 11. The first user 11 is, for example, the owner of the first vehicle 31. When not in use, the first vehicle 31 is parked in a parking space at the home of the first user 11. In this embodiment, the first vehicle 31 is an HEV, PHEV, or BEV, but may also be an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in electric hybrid vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle.

[0021] The second vehicle 32 is used by a second user 12. The second user 12 is, for example, the owner of the second vehicle 32. When not in use, the second vehicle 32 is parked in a parking space at the home of the second user 12. The home of the second user 12 is near the home of the first user 11. In this embodiment, the second vehicle 32, like the first vehicle 31, has a power supply function for users. In this embodiment, the second vehicle 32 is also an HEV, PHEV, or BEV, and may also be an FCEV.

[0022] The network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network, i.e., a wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network, i.e., a metropolitan area network. The network 40 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network, i.e., a local area network.

[0023] Refer to Figure 1 to explain the outline of this embodiment.

[0024] The control device 20 acquires the first image D1a captured by the first vehicle 31. The control device 20 identifies the extinguished electric lights included in the acquired first image D1a. The control device 20 refers to the definition data D2 to determine whether a power outage has occurred. The definition data D2 is data that defines whether the identified electric lights should be lit during the period when the first image D1a is captured.

[0025] According to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs due to a disaster or the like, even if power outage information cannot be obtained from the center, it is possible to detect the power outage using a vehicle having a power supply function. That is, it is possible to detect the power outage independently.

[0026] The control device 20 controls the first vehicle 31. Specifically, when the control device 20 detects a power outage, it causes the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 to flash under certain conditions Cx. When the control device 20 detects a power outage, it causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound under certain conditions Cy.

[0027] According to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs due to a disaster or the like, even if the first user 11 does not know or forgets that the first vehicle 31 has a power supply function, it is possible to direct the attention of the first user 11 to the first vehicle 31. As a result, it is possible to make the first user 11 aware of or remind the first user 11 that the first vehicle 31 has a power supply function. Therefore, it is possible to promote the effective use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31.

[0028] Refer to Figure 2 to explain the structure of the control device 20 of this embodiment.

[0029] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0030] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor dedicated to specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit, that is, the central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit, that is, the graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array, that is, the field programmable logic gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application-specific integrated circuit, that is, the application-specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the control device 20 while performing processing related to the operation of the control device 20.

[0031] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory, that is, the random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory, that is, the read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory, that is, the static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory, that is, the dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory, that is, the electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data for the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained through the operation of the control device 20.

[0032] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 receives data for the operation of the control device 20 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the control device 20.

[0033] The functions of the control device 20 are implemented by a processor, which is the control unit 21, executing the program of the present embodiment. That is, the functions of the control device 20 are implemented by software. By causing a computer to execute the operations of the control device 20, the program causes the computer to function as the control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the operations of the control device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0034] The program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-volatile computer-readable medium include a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be stored in the storage of a server and transferred from the server to other computers to distribute the program. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0035] The computer temporarily stores, for example, the program stored in the portable medium or the program transferred from the server in the main storage device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device using the processor and executes the processing according to the read program using the processor. The computer can also directly read the program from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer can also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time the program is transferred from the server to the computer. It is also possible to execute the processing of a so-called ASP type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. The program includes information for the electronic computer to perform processing and based on the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of prescribing the processing of the computer is equivalent to "information based on the program".

[0036] Part or all of the functions of the control device 20 can also be implemented by a programmable circuit or an application-specific circuit that is the control unit 21. That is, part or all of the functions of the control device 20 can also be implemented by hardware.

[0037] Refer to Figure 3 , and describe the structure of the first vehicle 31 of the present embodiment.

[0038] The first vehicle 31 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 50. The in-vehicle device 50 is, for example, a microcomputer or an ECU. "ECU" is an abbreviation for "electronic control unit", which is an electronic control unit.

[0039] The in-vehicle device 50 is connected to the communication device 51, camera 52, illuminance sensor 53, GNSS receiver 54, battery 55, lamp 56, horn 57, display 58, and speaker 59 of the first vehicle 31. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system, that is, the Global Navigation Satellite System. The communication device 51 has a function of transmitting and receiving data using a communication interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard, a V2X communication standard such as DSRC or cellular V2X, a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wireless LAN interface. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution, that is, Long-Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation, that is, the fourth generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation, that is, the fifth generation. "DSRC" is an abbreviation for dedicated short range communications, that is, dedicated short-range communication. "V2X" is an abbreviation for vehicle-to-everything, that is, vehicle-to-everything. The camera 52 and the illuminance sensor 53 are the same as those equipped in a normal HEV, PHEV, or BEV. The GNSS receiver 54 has a function of measuring the position of the first vehicle 31 using GNSS such as GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System, that is, the Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, that is, the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. The satellites of QZSS are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for Bei Dou Navigation Satellite System, that is, the Beidou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System, that is, the Global Navigation Satellite System. The battery 55, lamp 56, horn 57, display 58, and speaker 59 are the same as those equipped in a normal HEV, PHEV, or BEV. In the case where the first vehicle 31 is an FCV, a fuel cell replaces the battery 55. The lamp 56 is a headlight in this embodiment, but it can also be a taillight, brake light, hazard warning light, or interior light. The display 58 is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display, that is, a liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescence, that is, electroluminescence.

[0040] Regarding the structure of the second vehicle 32, it is the same as that of the first vehicle 31, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0041] Refer to Figure 4 , and the operation of the system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. This operation corresponds to the determination method of the present embodiment. The operation of the control device 20 included in this operation corresponds to the control method of the present embodiment.

[0042] In step S1, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the first image D1a captured by the first vehicle 31. This process can be executed through any steps, but in the present embodiment, it is executed through the following steps.

[0043] When the first vehicle 31 is moving, temporarily stopped, or parked in the parking space of the home of the first user 11, the camera 52 of the first vehicle 31 captures an image including electric lights such as traffic lights or street lights existing around the first vehicle 31. This image can be a still image or a dynamic image. The GNSS receiver 54 of the first vehicle 31 measures the position of the first vehicle 31 when the camera 52 captures the image. The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 acquires the image captured by the camera 52 and the positioning result indicating the position measured by the GNSS receiver 54. The in-vehicle device 50 transmits the acquired image and positioning result to the communication device 51 as the first image D1a and the first position data D3a, respectively. The communication device 51 transmits the first image D1a and the first position data D3a to the control device 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the first image D1a and the first position data D3a from the first vehicle 31. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the first image D1a and the first position data D3a received by the communication unit 23.

[0044] In step S2, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 identifies the extinguished electric lights included in the first image D1a acquired in step S1. Specifically, the control unit 21 analyzes the first image D1a and identifies the extinguished traffic lights or street lights as the extinguished electric lights included in the first image D1a. As a method of image analysis, known methods can be used. Machine learning such as deep learning can also be used.

[0045] In step S3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 refers to the definition data D2 to determine whether a power outage has occurred. The definition data D2 is data that defines whether the electric lights identified in step S2 should be lit during the period when the first image D1a is captured. In the present embodiment, the definition data D2 is pre-stored in the storage unit 22 of the control device 20, but it can also be stored in an external storage and referred to via the communication unit 23.

[0046] In the present embodiment, it is defined that the definition data D2 includes data defining the location where each electric lamp is installed and the time period during which the electric lamp should be lit for each road or intersection located within the same area as the home of the first user 11. For example, it is assumed that, using the definition data D2, it is defined that: a certain traffic signal L1 is installed in the vicinity of the location indicated by the first position data D3a obtained in step S1; and the traffic signal L1 should be lit at all times. In step S2, the traffic signal L1 is recognized as an electric lamp that has gone out. In this case, although the traffic signal L1 should be lit at all times, it has gone out. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines that a power outage has occurred. Alternatively, it is assumed that, using the definition data D2, it is defined that: a certain street lamp L2 is installed in the vicinity of the location indicated by the first position data D3a obtained in step S1; and the street lamp L2 should be lit at night. In step S2, the street lamp L2 is recognized as an electric lamp that has gone out. When the time of shooting the first image D1a is at night, such as 0:00 am, although the street lamp L2 should be lit, it has gone out. Therefore, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred. When the time of shooting the first image D1a is during the day, such as 12:00 noon, the street lamp L2 may be out. Therefore, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has not occurred.

[0047] As the electric lamp that has gone out included in the first image D1a, instead of the traffic signal or street lamp that has gone out, a building such as an office building with all lights out may be recognized, or a building such as an office building with all lights out may be recognized in addition to the traffic signal or street lamp that has gone out. In such a modified example, the definition data D2 includes data defining the location and business hours for each building existing within the same area as the home of the first user 11. For example, it is assumed that, using the definition data D2, it is defined that: a certain office building L3 exists in the vicinity of the location indicated by the first position data D3a obtained in step S1; and the business hours of the office building L3 are from 7:00 to 22:00. In step S2, the office building L3 is recognized as an electric lamp that has gone out. That is, it is assumed that the light of any window of the office building L3 is out. When the time of shooting the first image D1a is between 7:00 and 22:00, although at least one window of the office building L3 should have light, the lights of all windows are out. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines that a power outage has occurred. When the time of shooting the first image D1a is earlier than 7:00 or later than 22:00, the lights of all windows of the office building L3 may be out. Therefore, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has not occurred.

[0048] It is also possible to further determine whether a power outage has occurred using an image captured by the second vehicle 32 at a time close to the time when the first image D1a was captured. In this case, in step S1, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives from the second vehicle 32 a second image D1b captured by the second vehicle 32 during the same period as when the first image D1a was captured. The communication unit 23 receives from the second vehicle 32 the second image D1b and second position data D3b indicating the position of the second vehicle 32. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the second image D1b and the second position data D3b received by the communication unit 23. In step S2, the control unit 21 analyzes the second image D1b acquired in step S1 to identify electric lights such as traffic lights or street lights that are extinguished and included in the second image D1b. In step S3, the control unit 21 refers to the definition data D2 to determine whether a power outage has occurred. When all the electric lights that should be lit during the period when the multiple images received in step S1 were captured are extinguished, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred.

[0049] For example, in step S2, the above-mentioned street light L2 is identified as an extinguished electric light included in the first image D1a, and the above-mentioned traffic light L1 is identified as an extinguished electric light included in the second image D1b. When the period during which the first image D1a and the second image D1b were captured is at night, both the street light L2 and the traffic light L1 should be lit but are extinguished. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines that a power outage has occurred. When the period during which the first image D1a and the second image D1b were captured is during the day, the street light L2 may be extinguished, but the traffic light L1 should be lit but is extinguished. Therefore, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred.

[0050] When it is determined in step S3 that a power outage has not occurred, the process of step S1 is executed again. When it is determined in step S3 that a power outage has occurred, after step S4, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 to flash under a certain condition Cx and causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound under a certain condition Cy. That is, the control unit 21 causes the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 to flash under the condition Cx when a power outage is detected. The control unit 21 causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound under the condition Cy when a power outage is detected.

[0051] The condition Cx and the condition Cy may be conditions that can hold simultaneously, but in this embodiment, they are opposite conditions. Specifically, the condition Cx includes that the time when a power outage is detected is at night. In contrast, the condition Cy includes that the time when a power outage is detected is during the day.

[0052] In step S4, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines which of the condition Cx and the condition Cy holds. Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether the time when a power outage is determined to have occurred is night or day. In the present embodiment, night refers to the time from sunset to sunrise, and day refers to the time other than night, but the definitions of night and day can be changed as appropriate.

[0053] As an alternative or additional condition, the condition Cx may also include that the brightness around the first vehicle 31 is less than a threshold value. As an alternative or additional condition, the condition Cy may also include that the brightness around the first vehicle 31 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. In such a modified example, the illuminance sensor 53 of the first vehicle 31 measures the brightness around the first vehicle 31. The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 acquires a measurement result indicating the brightness measured by the illuminance sensor 53. The in-vehicle device 50 transmits the acquired measurement result as brightness data D4 to the communication device 51. The communication device 51 transmits the brightness data D4 to the control device 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the brightness data D4 from the first vehicle 31. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the brightness data D4 received by the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 compares the brightness indicated by the acquired brightness data D4 with the threshold value. That is, the control unit 21 determines which of the condition Cx and the condition Cy holds based on the brightness around the first vehicle 31 instead of the time, or in addition to the time.

[0054] As an alternative or additional condition, the condition Cx may also include that the first user 11 is at home. In such a modified example, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives data indicating whether the first user 11 is at home from a sensor provided in the home of the first user 11. Alternatively, the communication unit 23 receives data indicating the position of the first user 11 from a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet computer of the first user 11. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 refers to the data received by the communication unit 23 and determines whether the first user 11 is at home. That is, the control unit 21 determines whether the condition Cx holds based on the position of the first user 11 instead of the time, or in addition to the time.

[0055] As an alternative or additional condition, the condition Cy may also include that the first user 11 is at home. That is, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may also determine whether the condition Cy holds based on the position of the first user 11 instead of the time, or in addition to the time.

[0056] As an alternative or additional condition, condition Cx may also include the first vehicle 31 entering the field of view of the first user 11. In such a modification, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives data indicating whether the first user 11 is at home and, if so, in which room from a sensor provided in the home of the first user 11. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 refers to the data received by the communication unit 23 and determines whether the first user 11 is at home and, if so, in which room. The control unit 21 further determines whether the first vehicle 31 is parked in the parking space of the home of the first user 11 with reference to the first position data D3a obtained in step S1. When the control unit 21 determines that the first user 11 is at home and the first vehicle 31 is parked in the parking space of the home of the first user 11, it further determines whether the first vehicle 31 can be seen from the room where the first user 11 is located with reference to the data indicating the layout of the home of the first user 11. That is, the control unit 21 determines the position of the first user 11 and determines whether the first vehicle 31 enters the field of view of the first user 11 based on the determined position. As a further modification, the control unit 21 may also determine the orientation of the face of the first user 11 and determine whether the first vehicle 31 enters the field of view of the first user 11 based on the determined orientation. The data indicating the orientation of the face of the first user 11 can be obtained, for example, from a sensor provided in the home of the first user 11.

[0057] When it is determined in step S4 that condition Cx is satisfied, the process of step S5 is executed. When it is determined in step S4 that condition Cy is satisfied, the process of step S7 is executed.

[0058] In step S5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 sends the instruction data D5x to the communication unit 23. The instruction data D5x is data instructing the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 to blink. The communication unit 23 sends the instruction data D5x to the first vehicle 31. The communicator 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives the instruction data D5x from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 causes the lamp 56 to blink according to the instruction data D5x received by the communicator 51.

[0059] In step S6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the lamp 56 to blink continuously until the first user 11 performs an operation to stop the blinking of the lamp 56. When stopping the blinking of the lamp 56, in step S9, the control unit 21 gives a guidance to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The processes of step S6 and step S9 can be executed in any order, but in the present embodiment, they are executed in the following order.

[0060] The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 displays a message indicating a power outage situation and a "Stop Blinking" button on the display 58. When the first user 11 operates the "Stop Blinking" button via the touch screen integrated with the display 58, the in-vehicle device 50 transmits report data D6x to the communication device 51. The report data D6x is data for reporting an operation to stop the blinking of the lamp 56. The communication device 51 transmits the report data D6x to the control device 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the report data D6x from the first vehicle 31. Based on the report data D6x received by the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits instruction data D7x to the communication unit 23. The instruction data D7x is data for instructing to stop the blinking of the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 and prompting the first user 11 with guidance on the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 23 transmits the instruction data D7x to the first vehicle 31. The communication device 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives the instruction data D7x from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 stops the blinking of the lamp 56 according to the instruction data D7x received by the communication device 51 and prompts the first user 11 with guidance on the use of the power supply function. As a method of prompting guidance, any method can be used, but in this embodiment, a method of displaying guidance on the display 58, a method of voice-outputting guidance from the speaker 59 of the first vehicle 31, or both are used.

[0061] In this embodiment, the guidance on the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 includes an explanation of how to use the power supply function, such as where to insert the power plug of an external device. The guidance may also include a notification of the amount of electric power that can be supplied through the power supply function. The amount of electric power that can be supplied may also be calculated by the in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 based on the remaining amount of the battery 55 of the first vehicle 31. The guidance may also include a notification of devices that can be powered through the power supply function, such as a rice cooker, a vacuum cleaner, or a smartphone. The devices that can be powered may also be determined by the in-vehicle device 50 based on the remaining amount of the battery 55.

[0062] If the first user 11 finds that the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 is blinking unintentionally when not in the first vehicle 31, such as when at home, it is considered that the first user 11 approaches the first vehicle 31 in order to turn off the lamp 56. Thus, an opportunity can be created to notify the first user 11 of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 without making a sound. If the first user 11 is notified at night with a sound, it will be a nuisance to the surrounding residents, and such a situation can be avoided in this embodiment.

[0063] If the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 starts to blink unintentionally not only when the first user 11 is not riding in the first vehicle 31 but also when riding in the first vehicle 31 during driving, it is considered that the first user 11 wants to perform an operation to stop the blinking of the lamp 56. Thus, by presenting a guide when performing this operation, the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 can be reliably notified to the first user 11.

[0064] In step S7, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 sends the instruction data D5y to the communication unit 23. The instruction data D5y is data for instructing the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound. The communication unit 23 sends the instruction data D5y to the first vehicle 31. The communication device 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives the instruction data D5y from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 causes the horn 57 to sound according to the instruction data D5y received by the communication device 51.

[0065] The control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the horn 57 to sound continuously in step S8 until the first user 11 performs an operation to stop the sounding of the horn 57. If the control unit 21 stops the sounding of the horn 57, in step S9, it presents a guide to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The processes of step S8 and step S9 can be executed in any order, but in this embodiment, they are executed in the following order.

[0066] The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 displays a message indicating a power outage situation and a "Stop Sounding" button on the display 58. When the first user 11 presses the "Stop Sounding" button via the touch screen integrally provided with the display 58, the in-vehicle device 50 sends the report data D6y to the communication device 51. The report data D6y is data for reporting that the operation to stop the sounding of the horn 57 has been performed. The communication device 51 sends the report data D6y to the control device 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the report data D6y from the first vehicle 31. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 sends the instruction data D7y to the communication unit 23 according to the report data D6y received by the communication unit 23. The instruction data D7y is data for instructing to stop the sounding of the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 and presenting a guide to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function. The communication unit 23 sends the instruction data D7y to the first vehicle 31. The communication device 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives the instruction data D7y from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 stops the sounding of the horn 57 according to the instruction data D7y received by the communication device 51 and presents a guide regarding the use of the power supply function. The method of presenting the guide and the content of the guide are as described above.

[0067] When the first user 11 is at home or not riding in the first vehicle 31 and finds that the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 sounds unintentionally, it is considered that the first user 11 approaches the first vehicle 31 in order to stop the horn 57 from sounding. Thus, an opportunity can be created to notify the first user 11 of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. For daytime, even if the lamp 56 flashes, it is not easy for the first user 11 to notice, so the horn 57 is effective.

[0068] If the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 starts to sound unintentionally not only when the first user 11 is not riding in the first vehicle 31 but also when the first user 11 is riding in the first vehicle 31 during driving, it is considered that the first user 11 wants to perform an operation to stop the horn 57 from sounding. Thus, by prompting guidance when performing this operation, the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 can be reliably notified to the first user 11.

[0069] As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 identifies electric lights such as traffic lights or constant lights from the images captured by the camera 52 of the first vehicle 31. When the identified electric light goes out during the period when it is normally lit, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred. Then, the control unit 21 calls the first user 11 to the first vehicle 31 or the like by making the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 flash or making the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 sound, so that the attention of the first user 11 is directed to the first vehicle 31. When an operation to stop the flashing of the lamp 56 or the sounding of the horn 57 is performed, the control unit 21 gives guidance to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, when a power outage occurs, even if power outage information cannot be obtained from the center, the first vehicle 31 can be used to detect the power outage. That is, the power outage can be detected independently. As a result, the system 10 can independently perform operations required for power supply, such as guidance on the method of using the power supply function of the first vehicle 31.

[0071] The control unit 21 of the control device 20 may also determine the area where the power outage occurs based on the states of electric lights such as traffic lights in multiple locations. The control unit 21 may also send a push notification to people within the determined area that power can be supplied from the first vehicle 31.

[0072] When a power outage occurs, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may also notify the surroundings of the first vehicle 31 that the first vehicle 31 has a power supply function by making the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 flash or making the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 sound.

[0073] In step S6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may also perform the operation of flashing the stop lamp 56 on behalf of the first user 11, and cause the lamp 56 to only continue flashing until the first user 11 boards the first vehicle 31. In such a modification, when an event indicating that the first user 11 boards the first vehicle 31 occurs, such as a camera or weight sensor provided inside the first vehicle 31 detecting the first user 11 or the door of the first vehicle 31 being temporarily opened and closed, the in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 transmits report data D8x to the communication device 51. The report data D8x is data for reporting that the first user 11 has boarded the first vehicle 31. The communication device 51 transmits the report data D8x to the control device 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the report data D8x from the first vehicle 31. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits instruction data D7x to the communication unit 23 based on the report data D8x received by the communication unit 23.

[0074] In step S6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may also perform the operation of sounding the stop horn 57 on behalf of the first user 11, and cause the horn 57 to only continue sounding until the first user 11 boards the first vehicle 31. In such a modification, when an event indicating that the first user 11 boards the first vehicle 31 occurs, such as a camera or weight sensor provided inside the first vehicle 31 detecting the first user 11 or the door of the first vehicle 31 being temporarily opened and closed, the in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 transmits report data D8y to the communication device 51. The report data D8y is data for reporting that the first user 11 has boarded the first vehicle 31. The communication device 51 transmits the report data D8y to the control device 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the report data D8y from the first vehicle 31. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits instruction data D7y to the communication unit 23 based on the report data D8y received by the communication unit 23.

[0075] When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the horns of nearby vehicles such as the second vehicle 32, which have the same functions as the first vehicle 31, to sound in the same way as the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31, the sounding patterns such as the rhythm or sounding time of each horn can be made different. In this case, in step S7, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 sets the sounding patterns of the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 and the horn of the second vehicle 32 to different first and second patterns, respectively. The control unit 21 transmits the first instruction data D5ya as the instruction data D5y to the communication unit 23. The first instruction data D5ya is data for instructing the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound in the first pattern. The control unit 21 also transmits the second instruction data D5yb to the communication unit 23. The second instruction data D5yb is data for instructing the horn of the second vehicle 32 to sound in the second pattern. The communication unit 23 transmits the second instruction data D5yb to the second vehicle 32. The communication device of the second vehicle 32 receives the second instruction data D5yb from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The in-vehicle device of the second vehicle 32 causes the horn of the second vehicle 32 to sound in the second pattern according to the second instruction data D5yb received by the communication device. According to such a modification example, it is possible to customize the sounding pattern of the horn of each vehicle. Therefore, it is easy to know which vehicle's horn is sounding.

[0076] When it is determined in step S3 that a power outage has occurred, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may also notify the first user 11 of the occurrence of the power outage instead of flashing the lamp 56 of the first vehicle 31 or sounding the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31. That is, the control unit 21 may also notify only the first user 11 of the occurrence of the power outage when it is determined that a power outage has occurred. In this case, when the control unit 21 detects the approach of the first user 11 to the first vehicle 31, it may prompt the first user 11 with guidance on using the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 in the same manner as in step S9. In such a modification, when an event indicating the approach of the first user 11 to the first vehicle 31 occurs, such as the communication device 51 of the first vehicle 31 detecting the approach of a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet computer of the first user 11 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN communication, or the camera 52 of the first vehicle 31 capturing an image of the first user 11, the in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 transmits report data D6z to the communication device 51. The report data D6z is data for reporting the approach of the first user 11 to the first vehicle 31. The communication device 51 transmits the report data D6z to the control device 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the report data D6z from the first vehicle 31. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits instruction data D7z to the communication unit 23 based on the report data D6z received by the communication unit 23. The instruction data D7z is data for instructing to prompt the first user 11 with guidance on using the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 23 transmits the instruction data D7z to the first vehicle 31. The communication device 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives the instruction data D7z from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 prompts the first user 11 with guidance on using the power supply function based on the instruction data D7z received by the communication device 51. Regarding the method of prompting the guidance and the content of the guidance, as described above, as a modification of the method of prompting the guidance, a method of displaying the guidance on the mobile device of the first user 11, a method of voice-outputting the guidance from the mobile device of the first user 11, or both may be used.

[0077] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in time series according to the description, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing ability of the device that executes each step or as needed. In addition, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0078] For example, the control device 20 may also be provided in the first vehicle 31. In this case, a part of the operation of the in-vehicle device 50 of the first vehicle 31 may also be performed by the control device 20. The control device 20 may directly prompt the first user 11 instead of prompting the first user 11 about the guidance on using the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 via the in-vehicle device 50. The in-vehicle device 50 may be integrated with the control device 20. In such a modification, the processes of steps S1 to S3 are executed, for example, according to the following steps.

[0079] In step S1, the camera 52 of the first vehicle 31 captures an image including electric lights such as traffic lights or street lights existing around the first vehicle 31. The GNSS receiver 54 of the first vehicle 31 measures the position of the first vehicle 31 when the image is captured by the camera 52. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires the image captured by the camera 52 and the positioning result indicating the position measured by the GNSS receiver 54 as the first image D1a and the first position data D3a, respectively. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives, via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the second image D1b captured by the second vehicle 32 during the same period as when the first image D1a is captured. The communication unit 23 receives the second image D1b and the second position data D3b indicating the position of the second vehicle 32 from the second vehicle 32. The control unit 21 acquires the second image D1b and the second position data D3b received by the communication unit 23.

[0080] In step S2, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 analyzes the first image D1a acquired in step S1 to identify electric lights such as traffic lights or street lights that are extinguished and included in the first image D1a. The control unit 21 analyzes the second image D1b acquired in step S1 to identify electric lights such as traffic lights or street lights that are extinguished and included in the second image D1b.

[0081] In step S3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 refers to the definition data D2 to determine whether a power outage has occurred. When all the electric lights that should be lit during the period when the multiple images including the first image D1a captured in step S1 and the second image D1b received in step S1 are captured are extinguished, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred.

[0082] According to this modification, when a power outage occurs, even if power outage information cannot be obtained from the center, the first vehicle 31 can be used to detect the power outage alone. As a result, operations required for power supply, such as guidance on the method of using the power supply function of the first vehicle 31, can be implemented by the first vehicle 31 alone.

[0083] In this modified example, when the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the horns of the nearby vehicles such as the second vehicle 32 that have the same functions as the first vehicle 31 to sound in the same way as the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31, the sounding patterns such as the rhythm or sounding time of each horn can be made different. In this case, in step S7, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 sets the sounding pattern of the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to the first pattern. The control unit 21 causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound in the first pattern, and sends the first setting data D9a to the communication unit 23. The first setting data D9a is data for setting the sounding pattern of the horn of the second vehicle 32 to a second pattern different from the first pattern. The communication unit 23 sends the first setting data D9a to the second vehicle 32. The communication device of the second vehicle 32 receives the first setting data D9a from the control device 20 via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The in-vehicle device of the second vehicle 32 causes the horn of the second vehicle 32 to sound in the second pattern with reference to the first setting data D9a received by the communication device. According to this modified example, the sounding patterns of the horns of each vehicle can be adjusted via vehicle-to-vehicle communication in a non-overlapping manner with each other.

[0084] As a further modified example, the sounding pattern of the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 can be set by the second vehicle 32 instead of the first vehicle 31. In this case, in step S7, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives the second setting data D9b from the second vehicle 32. The second setting data D9b is data for setting the sounding pattern of the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to a first pattern different from the second pattern, which is the sounding pattern of the horn of the second vehicle 32. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound in the first pattern with reference to the second setting data D9b received by the communication unit 23. According to this modified example, the sounding patterns of the horns of each vehicle can be adjusted via vehicle-to-vehicle communication in a non-overlapping manner with each other.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a vehicle having a power supply function for users, wherein, the control device includes a control unit, and the control unit acquires an image captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle, when it is recognized that the image contains a turned-off electric lamp, refers to pre-stored definition data to detect whether a power outage has occurred, where the definition data is data defining whether the turned-off electric lamp should be lit during the period when the image is captured, and when the electric lamp is turned off during the period when it should be lit, it is detected that a power outage has occurred, when a power outage is detected, in order to make the user aware that the vehicle has a power supply function, when the brightness around the vehicle is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the horn of the vehicle is continuously sounded until the user performs an operation to stop the sounding of the horn, and when the brightness around the vehicle is lower than the threshold value, the lamp of the vehicle is continuously flashed until the user performs an operation to stop the flashing of the lamp, after stopping the sounding of the horn or stopping the flashing of the lamp, the control unit gives a guidance to the user on the use of the power supply function, the control device further includes a communication unit that communicates with the vehicle, the control unit causes the horn to sound by sending instruction data for instructing the horn to sound to the communication unit, the communication unit further communicates with at least one other vehicle, the control unit sets the sounding mode of the horn of the vehicle and the sounding mode of the horn of the at least one other vehicle to different first mode and second mode respectively, sends data instructing the horn of the vehicle to sound in the first mode as the instruction data to the communication unit, and further sends data instructing the horn of the at least one other vehicle to sound in the second mode to the communication unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, the guidance includes an explanation of the method for using the power supply function.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, the guidance includes a notification of the amount of electric power that can be supplied by the power supply function.

4. The control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, the guidance includes a notification of the devices that can be powered by the power supply function.

5. A control system, wherein, the control system includes the control device according to claim 1 and the vehicle.

6. A vehicle, wherein, the vehicle includes the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A control method for controlling a vehicle having a power supply function for users, wherein, the control method includes: acquiring an image captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle, when it is recognized that the image contains a turned-off electric lamp, referring to pre-stored definition data to detect whether a power outage has occurred, the definition data is data defining whether the turned-off electric lamp should be lit during the period when the image is captured, and when the electric lamp is turned off during the period when it should be lit, it is detected that a power outage has occurred, When a power outage is detected, in order to let the user know that the vehicle has a power supply function, when the brightness around the vehicle is above a threshold value, the control unit is used to make the horn of the vehicle sound continuously until the user performs an operation to stop the horn from sounding. When the brightness around the vehicle is lower than the threshold value, the control unit is used to make the lights of the vehicle flash continuously until the user performs an operation to stop the lights from flashing. After stopping the horn from sounding or stopping the lights from flashing, the control unit prompts the user with guidance on the use of the power supply function. The control method further includes: Using the control unit to set the sounding mode of the horn of the vehicle and the sounding mode of the horn of at least one other vehicle to different first and second modes respectively; Sending first indication data for instructing the horn of the vehicle to sound in the first mode to the vehicle; and Sending second indication data for instructing the horn of the at least one other vehicle to sound in the second mode to the at least one other vehicle.

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