Control device, system, vehicle, and determination method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a control device, a system, a vehicle, and a determination method. The control device includes a control unit that acquires an image captured by a vehicle having a power supply function facing a user, identifies an extinguished light included in the acquired image, refers to definition data that defines whether the identified light should be turned on in a time period in which the image is captured, and determines whether a power outage has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to control devices, systems, vehicles, and determination methods. Background Technology

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

[0003] Even if a power outage occurs due to a disaster or other cause, if the vehicle's power supply function is not detected independently, there is a possibility that the vehicle's power supply function may not be effectively utilized.

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to independently detect power outages.

[0005] The control device disclosed herein includes a control unit that acquires an image captured by a vehicle having a power supply function for the user, identifies off lights included in the acquired image, and determines whether a power outage has occurred by referring to defined data on whether the identified lights should be lit during the time period in which the image was captured.

[0006] The determination methods involved in this disclosure include:

[0007] The control unit acquires images captured by vehicles with user-facing power supply capabilities.

[0008] The control unit identifies off lights included in the image; and

[0009] The control unit determines whether a power outage has occurred by referring to the defined data that defines whether the light should be turned on during the time period when the image is captured.

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is capable of independently detecting power outages. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the connection between the vehicle-mounted device and other parts of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the system involved in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0017] In each figure, the same or equivalent parts are marked with the same symbol. In the descriptions of each embodiment, descriptions of the same or equivalent parts are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0018] This invention describes one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 This describes the structure of the system 10 involved in this embodiment.

[0020] The system 10 of this embodiment includes at least one control device 20, a first vehicle 31 which is at least one vehicle and has a power supply function for users, and a second vehicle 32 which is at least one other vehicle. The control device 20 is able to communicate with the first vehicle 31 and the second vehicle 32 via a network 40.

[0021] The control device 20 is located in facilities such as data centers. The control device 20 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0022] Vehicle 31 is used by user 11. User 11 is, for example, the owner of vehicle 31. When not in use, vehicle 31 is parked in user 11's own parking space. In this embodiment, vehicle 31 is an HV, PHV, or EV, but it can also be an FCV. "HV" is short for hybrid vehicle. "PHV" is short for plug-in hybrid vehicle. "EV" is short for electric vehicle. "FCV" is short for fuel cell vehicle.

[0023] The second vehicle 32 is used by the 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 the parking space of the second user 12's own home. The home of the second user 12 is located near the home of the first user 11. In this embodiment, the second vehicle 32, like the first vehicle 31, has a user-facing power supply function. The second vehicle 32 is also an HV, PHV, or EV in this embodiment, but it could also be an FCV.

[0024] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is short for Wide Area Network. "MAN" is short for Metropolitan Area Network. Network 40 may also include at least one Wireless Network, at least one Optical Network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks include, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is short for Local Area Network.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 This section provides an overview of the implementation method.

[0026] Control device 20 acquires a first image D1a captured by the first vehicle 31. Control device 20 identifies off lights included in the acquired first image D1a. Control device 20 refers to defined data D2 to determine whether a power outage has occurred. Defined data D2 defines whether the identified lights should be turned on during the time period in which the first image D1a was captured.

[0027] According to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs due to a disaster or other cause, even if power outage information cannot be obtained from the central control center, a vehicle with power supply capabilities can be used to detect the power outage. In other words, it can independently detect power outages.

[0028] Control device 20 controls vehicle 31. Specifically, when a power outage is detected, control device 20 causes the headlights 56 of vehicle 31 to flicker on and off under a certain condition Cx. When a power outage is detected, control device 20 causes the horn 57 of vehicle 31 to sound under a certain condition Cy.

[0029] According to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs due to a disaster or other cause, even if the first user 11 is unaware or forgets that the first vehicle 31 has a power supply function, the first user 11 can still be made aware of the first vehicle 31. As a result, the first user 11 can learn or remember that the first vehicle 31 has a power supply function. Therefore, the effective utilization of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 can be promoted.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 The structure of the control device 20 involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0031] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0032] 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 for specific processing. "CPU" is short for Central Processing Unit. "GPU" is short for Graphics Processing Unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is short for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is short for Application-Specific Integrated Circuit. The control unit 21 controls the various parts of the control device 20 and executes processing related to the operation of the control device 20.

[0033] 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, RAM or ROM. "RAM" is short for random access memory. "ROM" is short for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is short for static random access memory. "DRAM" is short for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is short for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained through the operation of the control device 20.

[0034] 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 used in the operation of the control device 20 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the control device 20.

[0035] The function of the control device 20 is achieved by the processor, which serves as the control unit 21, executing the program according to this embodiment. That is, the function of the control device 20 is implemented through software. The program causes the computer to perform the actions of the control device 20, thereby enabling the computer to function as the control device 20. In other words, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the actions of the control device 20 according to the program.

[0036] The program can be pre-stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, optical-magnetic recording media, or ROM. Program distribution can be achieved, for example, through the sale, transfer, or rental of removable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" stands for Secure Digital. "DVD" stands for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" stands for compact disc read-only memory. Alternatively, the program can be pre-stored on a server's storage device and distributed by transferring the program from the server to other computers. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0037] Computers may temporarily store programs stored on removable media or transferred from servers into main storage. The computer then uses its processor to read the program stored in main storage and executes the processing according to the read program. Alternatively, the computer can directly read programs from removable media and execute the processing according to the program. The computer can also execute the processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from a server. It can also perform processing through a so-called ASP-type service, where the function is achieved simply by executing instructions and results, without transferring programs from a server. "ASP" is short for Application Service Provider. Programs include information that is processed by a computer and viewed as a program. For example, data that, while not direct instructions to the computer, has the nature of specifying the computer's processing corresponds to "information viewed as a program."

[0038] Some or all of the functions of the control device 20 can also be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit that serves as the control unit 21. That is, some or all of the functions of the control device 20 can also be implemented by hardware.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 This describes the structure of the first vehicle 31 involved in this embodiment.

[0040] The first vehicle 31 is equipped with an onboard device 50. The onboard device 50 is, for example, a microcomputer or an ECU. "ECU" is short for electronic control unit.

[0041] The vehicle-mounted device 50 is connected to the communication unit 51, camera 52, illuminance sensor 53, GNSS receiver 54, battery 55, headlights 56, horn 57, display 58, and speaker 59 of the first vehicle 31. "GNSS" is short for Global Navigation Satellite System. The communication unit 51 has interfaces corresponding to mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G; interfaces corresponding to V2X communication standards such as DSRC or cellular V2X; interfaces corresponding to short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth; or the ability to send and receive data using communication interfaces such as a wireless LAN interface. "LTE" is short for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is short for 4th generation. "5G" is short for 5th generation. "DSRC" is short for Dedicated Short Range Communications. "V2X" is short for Vehicle-to-Everything. The camera 52 and illumination sensor 53 are the same as those found in typical HV, PHV, or EV vehicles. The GNSS receiver 54 has the function of determining the position of the first vehicle 31 using GNSS such as GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is short for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is short for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called Quasi-Zenith Satellites. "BDS" is short for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is short for Global Navigation Satellite System. The battery 55, headlights 56, horn 57, display 58, and speaker 59 are the same as those found in typical HV, PHV, or EV vehicles. In the case where the first vehicle 31 is an FCV, the fuel cell replaces the battery 55. In this embodiment, the headlights 56 are headlights, but they could also be taillights, brake lights, hazard lights, or interior lights. The display 58 is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is short for liquid crystal display. "EL" is short for electroluminescence.

[0042] The structure of the second vehicle 32 is the same as that of the first vehicle 31, so the description is omitted.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 This describes the operation of the system 10 according to this embodiment. This operation is equivalent to the determination method according to this embodiment. The operation of the control device 20 included in this operation is equivalent to the control method according to this embodiment.

[0044] 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 performed in any procedure, but in this embodiment it is performed in the following procedure.

[0045] The camera 52 of the first vehicle 31 captures images of traffic lights or streetlights and other electrical lights present around the first vehicle 31 when the first vehicle 31 is moving, temporarily stopped, or parked in the first user 11's own parking space. These images can be still or moving. The GNSS receiver 54 of the first vehicle 31 determines the position of the first vehicle 31 at the time the image is captured by the camera 52. The onboard unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 acquires the image captured by the camera 52 and the positioning result indicating the position determined by the GNSS receiver 54. The onboard unit 50 instructs the communication unit 51 to transmit the acquired image and the positioning result as a first image D1a and a first position data D3a, respectively. The communication unit 51 transmits the first image D1a and the first position data D3a to the control unit 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control unit 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.

[0046] In step S2, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 identifies the off lights included in the first image D1a obtained in step S1. Specifically, the control unit 21 identifies off traffic lights or streetlights as off lights included in the first image D1a by parsing the first image D1a. Known methods can be used as image parsing methods. Machine learning methods such as deep learning can also be used.

[0047] In step S3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether a power outage has occurred by referring to the definition data D2. The definition data D2 defines whether the light identified in step S2 should be turned on during the time period when the first image D1a is captured. In this embodiment, the definition data D2 is pre-stored in the storage unit 22 of the control device 20, but it may also be stored in an external storage device and referenced via the communication unit 23.

[0048] In this embodiment, the definition data D2 includes data defining the location of each light installed on a road or at an intersection within the same area as the home of the first user 11, and the time period during which the light should be on. For example, the definition data D2 defines a traffic light L1 as being located around the location indicated by the first location data D3a obtained in step S1, and that the traffic light L1 should always be on. In step S2, the traffic light L1 is identified as an off light. In this case, the traffic light L1 is off, even though it should always be on. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines that a power outage has occurred. Alternatively, the definition data D2 defines a street light L2 as being located around the location indicated by the first location data D3a obtained in step S1, and that the street light L2 should be on at night. In step S2, the street light L2 is identified as an off light. In nighttime conditions, such as when the first image D1a is captured at midnight, streetlight L2 should be on but is off. Therefore, control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred. In daytime conditions, such as when the first image D1a is captured at noon, streetlight L2 can be off. Therefore, control unit 21 determines that no power outage has occurred.

[0049] As included in the first image D1a, the off-lights can also replace off-light traffic lights or streetlights, or in addition to off-light traffic lights or streetlights, buildings such as office buildings that are completely dark can also be identified. In such a variation, the definition data D2 includes data defining the location and business hours for each building existing in the same area as the home of the first user 11. For example, let's say that the definition data D2 defines that a certain office building L3 exists in the vicinity of the location represented by the first location data D3a obtained in step S1, and that the business hours of office building L3 are from 7:00 to 22:00. Let's say that in step S2, office building L3 is identified as an off-light. That is, let's say that all the windows in office building L3 are identified as being off. If the first image D1a is captured between 7:00 and 22:00, then for office building L3, although at least one window should be lit, all windows are off. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines that a power outage has occurred. If the first image D1a is captured before 7:00 AM or after 10:00 PM, all windows on office building L3 can be turned off. Therefore, control unit 21 determines that no power outage has occurred.

[0050] Alternatively, an image captured by the second vehicle 32 at a time close to the moment the first image D1a was captured can be used to determine whether a power outage has occurred. In this case, in step S1, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives, via the second vehicle 32, a second image D1b captured during the same time period as the moment the first image D1a was captured. The communication unit 23 receives, along with the second image D1b, 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 identifies, by analyzing the second image D1b acquired in step S1, any extinguished traffic lights or streetlights included in the second image D1b. In step S3, the control unit 21 determines whether a power outage has occurred by referring to defined data D2. If all the lights that should have been lit during the time period when the multiple images were captured, which are included in the multiple images received in step S1, are turned off, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred.

[0051] For example, in step S2, the streetlight L2, which is an off light included in the first image D1a, is identified, and the traffic light L1, which is an off light included in the second image D1b, is identified. If the time period during which the first image D1a and the second image D1b are captured is nighttime, both the streetlight L2 and the traffic light L1, although they should both be lit, are off. Therefore, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines that a power outage has occurred. If the time period during which the first image D1a and the second image D1b are captured is daytime, the streetlight L2 can be off, but the traffic light L1, although it should be lit, is off. Therefore, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred.

[0052] If it is determined in step S3 that no power outage has occurred, the process of step S1 is executed again. If 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 headlights 56 of the first vehicle 31 to flicker on and off under a certain condition Cx, and causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound under a certain condition Cy. That is, when a power outage is detected, the control unit 21 causes the headlights 56 of the first vehicle 31 to flicker on and off under condition Cx. When a power outage is detected, the control unit 21 causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound under condition Cy.

[0053] While conditions Cx and Cy can be simultaneously true, in this embodiment they are opposite conditions. Specifically, condition Cx includes the detection of a power outage at night, while condition Cy includes the detection of a power outage during the day.

[0054] In step S4, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines which of the conditions Cx and Cy is true. Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether the time when a power outage is determined to have occurred is nighttime or daytime. In this embodiment, nighttime refers to the time from sunset to sunrise, and daytime refers to the time other than nighttime, but the definitions of nighttime and daytime can be appropriately changed.

[0055] Condition Cx can also be used as an alternative or additional condition, including that the brightness around the first vehicle 31 is less than a threshold. Condition Cy can also be used as an alternative or additional condition, including that the brightness around the first vehicle 31 is above the threshold. In such a variation, the illuminance sensor 53 of the first vehicle 31 measures the brightness around the first vehicle 31. The on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 acquires a measurement result representing the brightness measured by the illuminance sensor 53. The on-board unit 50 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the acquired measurement result as brightness data D4. The communication unit 51 transmits the brightness data D4 to the control unit 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control unit 20 receives the brightness data D4 from the first vehicle 31. The control unit 21 of the control unit 20 acquires the brightness data D4 received by the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 compares the brightness represented by the acquired brightness data D4 with the threshold. That is, the control unit 21, instead of the time or other than the time, also uses the brightness around the first vehicle 31 as a reference to determine which of the conditions Cx and Cy is true.

[0056] Condition Cx can also be used as a substitute or additional condition, including the first user 11 being at home. In such a variation, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives data indicating whether the first user 11 is at home from a sensor installed at the first user 11's home. Alternatively, the communication unit 23 receives data indicating the location of the first user 11 from a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether the first user 11 is at home by referring to the data received by the communication unit 23. That is, the control unit 21 uses the location of the first user 11 as a reference, either in place of time or excluding time, to determine whether condition Cx is true.

[0057] Condition Cy can also be used as a substitute or additional condition, including the first user 11 being at home. That is, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 can also use the position of the first user 11 as a reference instead of the time to determine whether condition Cy is true.

[0058] Condition Cx can also be used as an alternative or additional condition, including the first vehicle 31 entering the field of vision of the first user 11. In such a variation, the communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives data from sensors installed in the home of the first user 11 indicating whether the first user 11 is in their home, and if so, which room they are in. The control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether the first user 11 is in their home, and if so, which room they are in, by referring to the data received by the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 also determines whether the first vehicle 31 is parked in the parking space of the first user 11's home by referring to the first location data D3a obtained in step S1. When the control unit 21 determines that the first user 11 is in their home and the first vehicle 31 is parked in the parking space of the first user 11's home, it further determines, by referring to data indicating the layout of the first user 11's home, whether the first vehicle 31 can be seen from the room where the first user 11 is located. That is, the control unit 21 determines the position of the first user 11, and based on the determined position, determines whether the first vehicle 31 has entered the field of vision of the first user 11. As a further variation, the control unit 21 can also determine the orientation of the first user 11's face, and based on the determined orientation, determine whether the first vehicle 31 has entered the field of vision of the first user 11. For example, data indicating the orientation of the first user 11's face can be obtained from a sensor installed on the first user 11.

[0059] If condition Cx is found to be true in step S4, proceed to step S5. If condition Cy is found to be true in step S4, proceed to step S7.

[0060] In step S5, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to send instruction data D5x. Instruction data D5x is data indicating that the headlights 56 of the first vehicle 31 should flash on and off intermittently. The communication unit 23 sends instruction data D5x to the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives instruction data D5x from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 then causes the headlights 56 to flash on and off intermittently according to the instruction data D5x received by the communication unit 51.

[0061] In step S6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 continues to intermittently flash the headlights 56 until the first user 11 stops the intermittent flashing. After stopping the intermittent flashing of the headlights 56, in step S9, the control unit 21 presents guidance to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The processing of steps S6 and S9 can be performed in any procedure, but in this embodiment, it is performed in the following procedure.

[0062] The onboard unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 displays a message indicating a power outage and a "Stop Intermittent Lighting" button on the display 58. When the first user 11 presses the "Stop Intermittent Lighting" button via a touchscreen integrated with the display 58, the onboard unit 50 causes the communication unit 51 to send report data D6x. Report data D6x reports that the intermittent lighting of the headlights 56 has been stopped. The communication unit 51 sends report data D6x to the control unit 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control unit 20 receives report data D6x from the first vehicle 31. In response to the report data D6x received by the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 of the control unit 20 causes the communication unit 23 to send instruction data D7x. Instruction data D7x instructs the first user 11 to stop the intermittent lighting of the headlights 56 of the first vehicle 31, providing guidance on the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 23 sends instruction data D7x to the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives the instruction data D7x from the control device 20 via mobile communication. Based on the instruction data D7x received by the communication unit 51, the on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 stops the intermittent flashing of the headlights 56 and presents guidance on the use of the power supply function to the first user 11. Any method can be used to present the guidance, but in this embodiment, the method of displaying the guidance on the display 58, the method of providing guidance via voice output from the speaker 59 of the first vehicle 31, or both are used.

[0063] In this embodiment, the guidance regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 includes instructions on how to utilize the power supply function, such as where to plug in the power cord of an external device. The guidance may also include notification of the amount of power that can be supplied via the power supply function. The amount of power that can be supplied can also be calculated by the on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 based on the remaining charge of the battery 55 of the first vehicle 31. The guidance may also include notification of devices that can be powered by the power supply function, such as rice cookers, vacuum cleaners, or smartphones. The devices that can be powered can also be determined by the on-board unit 50 based on the remaining charge of the battery 55.

[0064] When User 11 is at home or not riding in Vehicle 31, if they notice the headlights 56 of Vehicle 31 flickering unintentionally, they might assume that User 11 is approaching Vehicle 31 to turn off the headlights 56. Therefore, an opportunity can be created to notify User 11 of the power supply function of Vehicle 31 without emitting sound. While emitting sound to notify User 11 at night would disturb nearby residents, this embodiment avoids such a situation.

[0065] The first user 11 considers not only when not riding in the first vehicle 31, but also while riding in the first vehicle 31, such as while driving, to stop the unintentional flickering of the headlights 56. Therefore, by presenting guidance when performing this operation, the first user 11 can be reliably informed of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31.

[0066] In step S7, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to send instruction data D5y. Instruction data D5y is data instructing the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound. The communication unit 23 sends instruction data D5y to the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives instruction data D5y from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 sounds the horn 57 according to the instruction data D5y received by the communication unit 51.

[0067] In step S8, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 keeps the horn 57 blaring until the first user 11 stops the horn 57 from blaring. After stopping the horn 57, in step S9, the control unit 21 presents guidance to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The processing of steps S8 and S9 can be performed in any procedure, but in this embodiment, it is performed in the following procedure.

[0068] The onboard unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 displays a message indicating a power outage and a "Stop Honking" button on the display 58. When the first user 11 presses the "Stop Honking" button via a touchscreen integrated with the display 58, the onboard unit 50 causes the communication unit 51 to send report data D6y. Report data D6y reports that the honking of the horn 57 has been stopped. The communication unit 51 sends report data D6y to the control unit 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control unit 20 receives report data D6y from the first vehicle 31. In response to the report data D6y received by the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 of the control unit 20 causes the communication unit 23 to send instruction data D7y. Instruction data D7y instructs the first user 11 to stop the honking of the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 and provides guidance on the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 23 sends instruction data D7y to the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives instruction data D7y from the control device 20 via mobile communication. Based on the instruction data D7y received by the communication unit 51, the on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 stops the horn 57 from sounding and presents guidance on the use of the power supply function to the first user 11. The method of presenting the guidance and the content of the guidance are as described above.

[0069] When User 11 is at home or not riding in Vehicle 31, if they notice that the horn 57 of Vehicle 31 is sounding unintentionally, they will assume that they are approaching Vehicle 31 to stop the horn 57 from sounding. Therefore, this creates an opportunity to notify User 11 of the power supply function of Vehicle 31. During the day, even if the headlights 56 flash on and off, User 11 is unlikely to notice, so the horn 57 is effective.

[0070] The first user 11 will consider stopping the horn 57 from sounding, not only when not riding in the first vehicle 31, but also while riding in the first vehicle 31, such as while driving. Therefore, by presenting guidance when performing this operation, the first user 11 can be reliably informed of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 identifies traffic lights or night lights from images captured by the camera 52 of the first vehicle 31. If the identified lights are off during their normally lit periods, the control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred. Then, the control unit 21 alerts the first user 11 to the first vehicle 31 by intermittently flashing the headlights 56 or sounding the horn 57. While the operation of stopping the intermittent flashing of the headlights 56 or the sounding of the horn 57 has been performed, the control unit 21 provides guidance to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function.

[0072] According to this embodiment, even if power outage information cannot be obtained from the center when a power outage occurs, the first vehicle 31 can still detect the power outage. That is, power outages can be detected independently. As a result, the system 10 can independently perform the power supply operations required, such as guiding the method of utilizing the power supply function of the first vehicle 31.

[0073] The control unit 21 of the control device 20 can also determine the area where a power outage has occurred based on the status of traffic lights and other electrical lights in multiple locations. The control unit 21 can also send notifications to people in the determined area, requesting that power be supplied from the first vehicle 31.

[0074] The control unit 21 of the control device 20 can also cause the headlights 56 of the first vehicle 31 to flicker on and off, or cause the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound, in the event of a power outage, thereby notifying the surrounding area that the first vehicle 31 has a power supply function.

[0075] In step S6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 can also, instead of the first user 11, stop the intermittent operation of the headlights 56, simply continuing the intermittent operation until the first user 11 boards the first vehicle 31. In such a variation, if an event occurs indicating that the first user 11 has boarded the first vehicle 31, such as a camera or weight sensor installed inside the first vehicle 31 detecting the first user 11, or a door of the first vehicle 31 temporarily opening and closing, the onboard device 50 of the first vehicle 31 causes the communication unit 51 to send report data D8x. Report data D8x reports that the first user 11 has boarded the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 sends 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. In response to the report data D8x received by the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to send instruction data D7x.

[0076] In step S6, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may also, instead of the first user 11, stop the horn 57 from sounding, simply continuing to sound the horn 57 until the first user 11 boards the first vehicle 31. In such a variation, if an event occurs indicating that the first user 11 has boarded the first vehicle 31, such as a camera or weight sensor installed inside the first vehicle 31 detecting the first user 11, or a door of the first vehicle 31 temporarily opening and closing, the onboard device 50 of the first vehicle 31 causes the communication unit 51 to send report data D8y. Report data D8y reports that the first user 11 has boarded the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 sends 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. In response to the report data D8y received by the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 causes the communication unit 23 to send instruction data D7y.

[0077] When the control unit 21 of the control device 20, similar to the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31, also causes the horns of adjacent vehicles, such as the second vehicle 32, which have the same function as the first vehicle 31, to sound, the rhythm or timing 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 modes of the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 and the horn of the second vehicle 32 to different modes, namely, a first mode and a second mode. The control unit 21 causes the communication unit 23 to send the first instruction data D5ya as instruction data D5y. The first instruction data D5ya is data that instructs the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound in the first mode. The control unit 21 also causes the communication unit 23 to send the second instruction data D5yb. The second instruction data D5yb is data that instructs the horn of the second vehicle 32 to sound in the second mode. The communication unit 23 sends the second instruction data D5yb to the second vehicle 32. The communication unit of the second vehicle 32 receives the second instruction data D5yb from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The onboard unit of the second vehicle 32, according to the second instruction data D5yb received from the communication unit, causes the horn of the second vehicle 32 to sound in the second mode. According to this variation, the horn sounding mode of each vehicle can be customized. Therefore, it is easy to determine which vehicle's horn is sounding.

[0078] If a power outage is determined to have occurred in step S3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may notify the first user 11 of the power outage instead of causing the headlights 56 of the first vehicle 31 to flicker on and off or the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound. That is, the control unit 21 may simply notify the first user 11 of the power outage upon determining that a power outage has occurred. In this case, the control unit 21 may also, similar to step S9, present guidance to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 when it detects the first user 11 approaching the first vehicle 31. In such a variation, if an event occurs where the communication unit 51 of the first vehicle 31 detects the approach of the first user 11's mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet via short-range wireless or wireless LAN communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or if the camera 52 of the first vehicle 31 captures an image of the first user 11, thus indicating the first user 11's approach to the first vehicle 31, the on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 causes the communication unit 51 to send report data D6z. Report data D6z reports that the first user 11 has approached the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 sends report data D6z to the control unit 20 via mobile communication. The communication unit 23 of the control unit 20 receives report data D6z from the first vehicle 31. In response to the report data D6z received by the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 of the control unit 20 causes the communication unit 23 to send instruction data D7z. Instruction data D7z provides guidance to the first user 11 regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 23 sends instruction data D7z to the first vehicle 31. The communication unit 51 of the first vehicle 31 receives the instruction data D7z from the control device 20 via mobile communication. The on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 presents guidance on the use of the power supply function to the first user 11 according to the instruction data D7z received by the communication unit 51. The method of presenting the guidance and the content of the guidance are as described above, but as a variation of the method of presenting the guidance, a method of displaying the guidance on a movable device of the first user 11, a method of providing guidance by voice output from the movable device of the first user 11, or both may be used.

[0079] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be merged, or one block may be divided. Alternatively, instead of executing two or more steps shown in the flowchart in the described sequence, the steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capability of the device executing each step or as needed. Furthermore, modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0080] For example, the control device 20 may also be located in the first vehicle 31. In this case, part of the operation of the on-board unit 50 of the first vehicle 31 may also be performed by the control device 20. Instead of presenting guidance regarding the use of the power supply function of the first vehicle 31 to the first user 11 via the on-board unit 50, the control device 20 may also directly present this information to the first user 11. The on-board unit 50 may also be integrated into the control device 20. In such a variation, the processing of steps S1 to S3 is performed, for example, as follows.

[0081] In step S1, the camera 52 of the first vehicle 31 captures images including traffic lights or streetlights present around the first vehicle 31. The GNSS receiver 54 of the first vehicle 31 determines the position of the first vehicle 31 at the time 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 determined by the GNSS receiver 54, respectively, as the first image D1a and the first position data D3a. The communication unit 23 of the control device 20 receives, via inter-vehicle communication, a second image D1b captured by the second vehicle 32 during the same time period as the time period in which the first image D1a was captured. The communication unit 23 receives, along with the second image D1b, 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.

[0082] In step S2, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 identifies off traffic lights or streetlights included in the first image D1a obtained in step S1 by analyzing the first image D1a. The control unit 21 also identifies off traffic lights or streetlights included in the second image D1b obtained in step S1 by analyzing the second image D1b.

[0083] In step S3, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether a power outage has occurred by referring to the defined data D2. The control unit 21 determines that a power outage has occurred when all the lights that should be lit during the time period when the multiple images, including the first image D1a captured in step S1 and the second image D1b received in step S1, are extinguished.

[0084] According to this variation, in the event of a power outage, even if power outage information cannot be obtained from the center, the first vehicle 31 can detect the power outage independently. As a result, the first vehicle 31 can independently perform the power supply-related operations, such as guiding the method of utilizing the power supply function of the first vehicle 31.

[0085] In this modified example, when the control unit 21 of the control device 20 also sounds the horns of adjacent vehicles, such as the second vehicle 32, which have the same function as the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31, similarly to the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31, the horn rhythm or timing of each horn can be different. In this case, in step S7, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 sets the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to mode 1. The control unit 21 makes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 sound in mode 1 and sends the first setting data D9a to the communication unit 23. The first setting data D9a is data that sets the horn 57 of the second vehicle 32 to mode 2, which is different from mode 1. The communication unit 23 sends the first setting data D9a to the second vehicle 32. The communication unit of the second vehicle 32 receives the first setting data D9a from the control device 20 via inter-vehicle communication. The onboard device of the second vehicle 32 refers to the first setting data D9a received by the communicator, and causes the horn of the second vehicle 32 to sound in the second mode. According to this variation, the sounding mode of the horn of each vehicle can be adjusted via inter-vehicle communication in a non-repetitive manner.

[0086] As a further variation, the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 can be set via 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 second setting data D9b from the second vehicle 32. The second setting data D9b is data that sets the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to a first mode, which is different from the second mode that serves as the horn 57 of the second vehicle 32. The control unit 21 of the control device 20, referring to the second setting data D9b received by the communication unit 23, causes the horn 57 of the first vehicle 31 to sound in the first mode. According to this variation, the horn 57 of each vehicle can be adjusted via inter-vehicle communication in a non-repetitive manner.

Claims

1. A control device provided with a control section that: acquires an image captured by a vehicle having a power supply function for a user, identifies an extinguished electric light included in the acquired image, refers to definition data that defines whether the identified electric light should be turned on during a period in which the image was captured, and determines whether a power outage has occurred, the definition data includes: data that defines, for each electric light provided at a road or an intersection in the same region as a user's home, a location at which the electric light is provided and a period during which the electric light should be turned on; and / or data that defines, for each building present in the same region as the user's home, a location and business hours, the control section performs at least one of: when it is determined that a power outage has occurred, causing the vehicle's headlights to blink on and off under certain conditions, and after stopping the blinking of the headlights, presenting guidance to the user regarding the use of the power supply function; when it is determined that a power outage has occurred, causing the vehicle's horn to sound under certain conditions, and after stopping the sounding of the horn, presenting guidance to the user regarding the use of the power supply function; or when it is determined that a power outage has occurred, notifying the user that a power outage has occurred, and when the user is detected approaching the vehicle, presenting guidance to the user regarding the use of the power supply function.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control section identifies an extinguished traffic signal as the extinguished electric light included in the image.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control section identifies an extinguished street light as the extinguished electric light included in the image.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control section identifies a building that is completely dark as the extinguished electric light included in the image.

5. The control device according to claim 1, further provided with a communication section that receives the image from the vehicle.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the communication section receives an image captured by at least one other vehicle at the period from the at least one other vehicle, the control section determines that a power outage has occurred when all electric lights that should be turned on during the period are extinguished in a plurality of images received by the communication section.

7. A system provided with: the control device according to claim 5 or 6; and the vehicle.

8. A vehicle provided with the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the control device is further provided with a communication section that receives an image captured by at least one other vehicle at the period from the at least one other vehicle, the control section determines that a power outage has occurred when all electric lights that should be turned on during the period are extinguished in a plurality of images including an image captured by the vehicle and an image received by the communication section.

10. A determination method including: acquiring, by a control section, an image captured by a vehicle having a power supply function for a user; identifying, by the control section, an extinguished electric light included in the image; and ​ ​ ​ The control section refers to definition data that defines whether the electric light should be lit at a time period when the image is captured, and determines whether a power outage has occurred, The definition data includes: data that defines a place where the electric light is installed and a time period when the electric light should be lit, for each electric light installed on a road or an intersection in the same region as the user's home; and / or, data that defines a place and a business hours, for each building present in the same region as the user's home, The determination includes at least one of: causing the vehicle's headlights to blink on and off under a certain condition when it is determined that a power outage has occurred; causing the vehicle's horn to sound under a certain condition when it is determined that a power outage has occurred; or notifying the user that a power outage has occurred when it is determined that a power outage has occurred.

11. The determination method according to claim 10, wherein The determination includes: determining that a power outage has occurred when all electric lights that should be lit at the time period are turned off in a plurality of images including an image captured by the vehicle and an image captured by at least one other vehicle at the time period. ​

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