Information processing method, control device, and information processing system

Abstract

A server (2) acquires first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of an electrically powered mobile body, acquires second data related to operation of a battery (14) mounted on the mobile body, calculates a remaining life of the vehicle body based on the first data, calculates a remaining life of the battery based on the second data, compares the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery (14), and in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery (14), instructs at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body and performance improvement of a function that is being used.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a technology for managing the remaining life of a vehicle body of an electrically driven mobile body and the remaining life of a battery mounted on the mobile body. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, vehicles equipped with secondary batteries are becoming widespread. Also, systems for predicting the life of a vehicle and the life of a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle have been developed.

[0003] For example, the recycling secondary battery supply prediction system described in Patent Literature 1 is provided with a communication unit that receives performance information of a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle and state information of the vehicle; and a battery performance prediction unit that predicts the life of the vehicle using a history of the state information of the vehicle and predicts the performance of the secondary battery at the time when the vehicle reaches the life using a history of the performance information of the secondary battery.

[0004] However, the above-described conventional technology has the possibility that problems will arise due to a difference between the remaining life of the battery of the mobile body and the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6066330 SUMMARY

[0008] The present application is an application made to solve the above-described problems, and aims to provide a technology that enables the remaining life of a battery of a mobile body to approach the remaining life of a vehicle body of the mobile body.

[0009] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present application is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes the steps of: acquiring first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of an electrically driven mobile body; acquiring second data related to operation of a battery mounted on the mobile body; calculating a remaining life of the vehicle body based on the first data; calculating a remaining life of the battery based on the second data; comparing the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery; and in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, instructing at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body and performance improvement of a function that is being used.

[0010] According to the present application, it is possible to enable the remaining life of a battery of a mobile body to approach the remaining life of a vehicle body of the mobile body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 2 is a diagram showing one example of the configuration of a mobile body according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 3 is a diagram showing one example of the configuration of a server according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 4 is a diagram showing one example of the configuration of an information terminal according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining a process of calculating a battery remaining life according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process of calculating a vehicle body remaining life according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining a process of estimating a life shortening effect of each of a plurality of functions according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 8 is a first flowchart for explaining a process of comparing the vehicle body remaining life with the battery remaining life according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 9 is a second flowchart for explaining a process of comparing the vehicle body remaining life with the battery remaining life according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 10 is a diagram showing one example of function prompt information according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 11 is a diagram showing one example of function prompt information according to the first modified example of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 12 is a diagram showing one example of function prompt information according to the second modified example of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 14 is a diagram showing one example of the configuration of a server according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 15is a flowchart for explaining a process of comparing the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery in the second embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Fundamentals of the Invention

[0027] In a case where the life of the vehicle is shorter than the life of the secondary battery mounted on the vehicle, the secondary battery can be discarded together with the vehicle although the secondary battery can be sufficiently used. In this case, by controlling the vehicle in such a manner that the remaining life of the secondary battery approaches the remaining life of the vehicle, the secondary battery can be discarded without waste.

[0028] However, the above-described prior art aims at predicting when and to what extent a reusable secondary battery having a performance is supplied in what extent of amount. For this reason, the above-described prior art does not consider controlling the vehicle in such a manner that the remaining life of the secondary battery approaches the remaining life of the vehicle in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle is predicted to be shorter than the remaining life of the secondary battery.

[0029] To solve the above-described problem, an embodiment of the present application relates to an information processing method, which is an information processing method executed by a computer, including the steps of: acquiring first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of an electrically driven mobile body; acquiring second data related to operation of a battery mounted on the mobile body; calculating a remaining life of the vehicle body based on the first data; calculating a remaining life of the battery based on the second data; comparing the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery; and in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, instructing at least one of activation of a function among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body which is not used and improvement of performance of a function which is being used.

[0030] According to this configuration, in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, at least one of activation of a function among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body which is not used and improvement of performance of a function which is being used is instructed. Therefore, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery of the mobile body approach the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body. As a result, it is possible to prevent a storage battery having a remaining life from being discarded together with a vehicle body whose life has ended. Moreover, by activating a function which is not used or improving performance of a function which is being used, it is possible to improve convenience of a driver. In other words, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery of the mobile body approach the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body while effectively consuming the life of the battery of the mobile body.

[0031] Moreover, the information processing method can cause the prompting device to prompt at least one of starting an unused function and improving performance of an in-use function during the prompting, determine at least one of the started function and the function with improved performance based on a response to the prompting, and instruct at least one of starting the determined function and improving performance of the determined function.

[0032] According to this configuration, at least one of starting an unused function and improving performance of an in-use function is prompted by the prompting device. Therefore, the manager of the mobile body can select at least one of starting a desired function and improving performance of a desired function.

[0033] Moreover, the information processing method can acquire at least one of a category of the mobile body, a category of a usage mode of the mobile body, and a usage performance of the mobile body during the prompting, determine candidates for at least one of the started function and the function with improved performance based on at least one of the acquired category of the mobile body, the category of the usage mode, and the usage performance, and cause the prompting device to prompt the determined candidates.

[0034] According to this configuration, the candidates for at least one of the started function and the function with improved performance can be different from each other for each category of the mobile body. Therefore, consumption of the battery life appropriate for the category of the mobile body can be provided. Moreover, the candidates for at least one of the started function and the function with improved performance can be different from each other for each category of the usage mode of the mobile body. Therefore, consumption of the battery life appropriate for the category of the usage mode of the mobile body can be provided. Moreover, the candidates for at least one of the started function and the function with improved performance can be different from each other for each usage performance of the mobile body. Therefore, consumption of the battery life appropriate for the actual usage can be provided.

[0035] Moreover, the information processing method can calculate a difference between the remaining life of the battery and the remaining life of the vehicle body during the prompting, determine candidates for at least one of the started function and the function with improved performance based on the difference, and cause the prompting device to prompt the determined candidates.

[0036] According to this configuration, the candidates for at least one of the started function and the function with improved performance can be determined in such a way that at least one of the remaining life of the battery shortened by starting an unused function and the remaining life of the battery shortened by improving performance of an in-use function does not exceed the difference between the remaining life of the battery and the remaining life of the vehicle body. In other words, consumption of the remaining life of the battery can be suppressed from being excessive.

[0037] Moreover, in the information processing method, at least one of the category of the mobile body, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body, and the usage performance of the mobile body can be acquired during the prompting, and the priority of at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance can be determined based on at least one of the acquired category of the mobile body, the category of the usage mode, and the usage performance, and the prompting device can be caused to prompt at least one of the activation of the unused function and the improvement of the performance of the used function according to the determined priority.

[0038] According to this configuration, the priority of at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance is determined based on at least one of the category of the mobile body, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body, and the usage performance of the mobile body. Therefore, for example, by prompting at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance in order of the priority from high to low, the manager can easily select at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance.

[0039] Moreover, in the information processing method, the difference between the remaining life of the battery and the remaining life of the vehicle body can be calculated during the instruction, and at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance can be determined based on the difference, and at least one of the activation of the determined function and the improvement of the performance of the determined function can be instructed.

[0040] According to this configuration, because at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance is automatically instructed, the mobile body can automatically perform at least one of the activation of the instructed function and the improvement of the performance of the instructed function.

[0041] Moreover, in the information processing method, the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery can be represented by the remaining distance that the mobile body can travel.

[0042] According to this configuration, because the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery are represented by the remaining distance that the mobile body can travel, the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery can be easily compared.

[0043] Moreover, in the information processing method, the function can include a travel control function in the mobile body.

[0044] According to this configuration, in the mobile body, at least one of the activation of the unused travel control function and the improvement of the performance of the used travel control function can be performed, and the use convenience of the driver can be improved.

[0045] Moreover, in the information processing method, the function can include a visual recognition assistance function in the mobile body.

[0046] According to this configuration, in the mobile body, it is possible to activate an unused visual recognition assistance function and improve the performance of a visual recognition assistance function in use, and it is possible to improve the use convenience of the driver.

[0047] Moreover, in the information processing method, the function can include a space control function in the mobile body.

[0048] According to this configuration, in the mobile body, it is possible to activate an unused space control function and improve the performance of a space control function in use, and it is possible to improve the use convenience of the driver.

[0049] Moreover, in the information processing method, the function can include a power supply function to the outside of the mobile body.

[0050] According to this configuration, in the mobile body, it is possible to activate an unused power supply function to the outside and improve the performance of a power supply function to the outside in use, and it is possible to improve the use convenience of the driver.

[0051] Moreover, in the information processing method, the function can include a communication function in the mobile body or an external cooperative function using the communication function.

[0052] According to this configuration, in the mobile body, it is possible to activate an unused communication function or an external cooperative function using the communication function, and it is possible to improve the use convenience of the driver.

[0053] Moreover, in the information processing method, the first data can include at least one of a travel distance of the mobile body and an impact received by the mobile body, and in the process of calculating the remaining life of the vehicle body, the remaining life of the vehicle body is calculated based on at least one of a statistical life of the mobile body, the travel distance of the mobile body, and the impact received by the mobile body.

[0054] According to this configuration, by acquiring at least one of the travel distance of the mobile body and the impact received by the mobile body, it is possible to more accurately calculate the remaining life of the vehicle body.

[0055] Moreover, in the information processing method, the second data can include a history of at least one of charging, discharging, charge capacity, and temperature of the battery, and in the process of calculating the remaining life of the battery, the remaining life of the battery is calculated based on the life of the battery and a degree of deterioration of the battery calculated from the history of the battery.

[0056] According to the configuration, by acquiring the history of at least one of the charge, discharge, charge capacity, and temperature of the battery related to charge deterioration, discharge deterioration, and storage deterioration of the battery, the remaining life of the battery can be more accurately calculated.

[0057] Another embodiment of the present application relates to a control device mounted on an electrically powered mobile body, including: a communication section that transmits first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of the mobile body, transmits second data related to operation of a battery mounted on the mobile body, and receives a notification indicating at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body and performance improvement of a function that is being used, in a case where a remaining life of the vehicle body calculated based on the first data is shorter than a remaining life of the battery calculated based on the second data; and a control section that performs at least one of activation of the function that is not used and performance improvement of the function that is being used, according to the received notification.

[0058] According to the configuration, in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, a notification indicating at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body and performance improvement of a function that is being used is received. Also, according to the received notification, at least one of activation of the function that is not used and performance improvement of the function that is being used is performed. Therefore, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery of the mobile body close to the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body. As a result, it is possible to prevent a storage battery that still has a remaining life from being discarded together with a vehicle body whose life has ended. Also, by activating the function that is not used or improving the performance of the function that is being used, it is possible to improve the convenience of the driver. In other words, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery of the mobile body close to the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body while effectively consuming the life of the battery of the mobile body.

[0059] Another embodiment of the present application relates to an information processing system including: a first data acquisition section that acquires first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of an electrically powered mobile body; a second data acquisition section that acquires second data related to a battery mounted on the mobile body; a vehicle body remaining life calculation section that calculates a remaining life of the vehicle body based on the first data; a battery remaining life calculation section that calculates a remaining life of the battery based on the second data; a comparison section that compares the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery; and an instruction section that instructs at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body and performance improvement of a function that is being used, in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery.

[0060] According to the configuration, in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, at least one of starting a function that is not used among the functions using electric power in the mobile body and improving the performance of a function that is being used is instructed. Therefore, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery of the mobile body close to the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery that has a remaining life from being discarded together with the vehicle body whose life has ended. Furthermore, by starting the function that is not used or improving the performance of the function that is being used, it is possible to improve the convenience of the driver. In other words, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery of the mobile body close to the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body while efficiently consuming the life of the battery of the mobile body.

[0061] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is merely one example of embodying the present application and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present application.

[0062] First Embodiment

[0063] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Figure 1 The information processing system shown in the diagram is provided with a mobile body 1, a server 2, and an information terminal 3.

[0065] The mobile body 1 is, for example, an electric kick scooter, an electric bicycle, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a cleaning robot, or an electric car, and moves by supplying electric power charged to a battery to an electric motor. The mobile body 1 can be used by a single user or shared by a plurality of users or a plurality of employees of a certain company. In particular, the electric kick scooter has a tendency that the life of the vehicle body is shorter than the life of the battery.

[0066] The mobile body 1 and the server 2 are communicably connected to each other via a network 4. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0067] The server 2 is, for example, a Web server. The server 2 receives various information from the mobile body 1 and the information terminal 3 and transmits various information to the mobile body 1 and the information terminal 3. The server 2 calculates the remaining life of the vehicle body or the housing of the mobile body 1 and calculates the remaining life of the battery. Furthermore, the server 2 compares the remaining life of the vehicle body or the housing with the remaining life of the battery, and in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body or the housing is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, instructs to perform at least one of starting a function that is not used among the functions using electric power in the mobile body 1 and improving the performance of a function that is being used.

[0068] The information terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or a terminal mounted on the mobile body 1, and is used by the manager of the mobile body 1. In a case where the mobile body 1 is used by a personal user, the personal user is the manager of the mobile body 1. Also, in a case where the mobile body 1 is shared by a plurality of users, a person of a company that operates a sharing service of the mobile body 1 is the manager of the mobile body 1. Also, in a case where the mobile body 1 is shared by a plurality of employees of a certain enterprise, a person of the certain enterprise is the manager of the mobile body 1. The information terminal 3 and the server 2 are communicably connected to each other via the network 4.

[0069] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one example of a configuration of a mobile body according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0070] The mobile body 1 is provided with a driving operation section 11, a drive section 12, a headlamp 13, a storage battery 14, a processor 15, a battery case vibration sensor 16, a vehicle body vibration sensor 17, a memory 18, and a communication section 19.

[0071] The driving operation section 11 receives a driving operation of the mobile body 1 by a driver. The driving operation section 11 includes, for example, an accelerator grip. If the driver turns the accelerator grip, the driving operation section 11 detects an accelerator opening degree of the accelerator grip and outputs an acceleration request including the detected accelerator opening degree to the processor 15.

[0072] The drive section 12 is, for example, an inverter, an electric motor, and a transmission, and moves the mobile body 1 in accordance with a control by the driving control section 151.

[0073] The headlamp 13 is installed at a front of the mobile body 1 and illuminates a front of the mobile body 1.

[0074] The storage battery 14 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery, and accumulates electric power by charging and supplies electric power to the drive section 12 by discharging. The storage battery 14 is one example of a battery.

[0075] The battery case vibration sensor 16 is provided at a case of the storage battery 14. The battery case vibration sensor 16 measures a mechanical load of the storage battery 14. The battery case vibration sensor 16 measures, for example, a number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14. The battery case vibration sensor 16 stores the measured number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 to the memory 18.

[0076] The vehicle body vibration sensor 17 is provided at a vehicle body of the mobile body 1. The vehicle body vibration sensor 17 measures a mechanical load of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1. The vehicle body vibration sensor 17 measures, for example, a number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1. The vehicle body vibration sensor 17 stores the measured number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 to the memory 18.

[0077] The processor 15 is, for example, a central arithmetic processing device (CPU) that controls the entire mobile body 1. The driving control section 151, the illumination control section 152, the battery state acquisition section 153, the vehicle body load transmission control section 154, the battery load transmission control section 155, and the actual electric power consumption value measurement section 156 are realized by the processor 15.

[0078] The driving control section 151 controls the drive section 12 so that the mobile body 1 moves in accordance with a driving operation by the driver through the driving operation section 11. The driving control section 151 calculates a target speed and an acceleration time until the target speed is reached on the basis of an acceleration request from the driving operation section 11, and accelerates the mobile body 1 in accordance with the calculated target speed and acceleration time.

[0079] The illumination control section 152 controls the brightness of the headlamp 13. In a normal case, the illumination control section 152 sets the brightness of the headlamp 13 to a predetermined reference brightness.

[0080] The battery state acquisition section 153 acquires the number of charge and discharge times of the storage battery 14 from the memory 18. For example, in a case where the capacity is charged from a state of 0% to a state of 100%, the number of charge and discharge times is counted as one time. Also, for example, in a case where the capacity is charged from a state of 20% to a state of 60%, the number of charge and discharge times is counted as 0.4 times.

[0081] In addition, in the present first embodiment, the battery state acquisition section 153 acquires the number of charge and discharge times in order to calculate the remaining life of the storage battery 14 at the server 2, but the present application is not limited to this. The battery state acquisition section 153 can also acquire various information related to the performance of the storage battery 14 that is required in order to calculate the remaining life of the storage battery 14. For example, the battery state acquisition section 153 can also acquire the SOC (State Of Charge), SOH (State Of Health), temperature, or total discharge amount of the storage battery 14.

[0082] The vehicle body load transmission control section 154 transmits vehicle body load data (first data) related to a load applied to the vehicle body of the electric mobile body 1 to the server 2 via the communication section 19. The vehicle body load data contains, for example, the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 measured by the vehicle body vibration sensor 17. The vehicle body load transmission control section 154 acquires the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 from the memory 18.

[0083] The battery load transmission control section 155 transmits, to the server 2 via the communication section 19, battery load data (second data) related to the operation of the storage battery (battery) 14 mounted on the mobile body 1. The battery load data includes the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 measured by the battery case vibration sensor 16 and the number of charge and discharge of the storage battery 14 acquired by the battery state acquisition section 153. The battery load transmission control section 155 acquires the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 from the storage 18.

[0084] The storage 18 is, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Solid State Drive (SSD), or a flash memory, or the like, which can store various information.

[0085] The communication section 19 transmits, to the server 2, vehicle body load data (first data) related to the load applied to the vehicle body of the mobile body 1. Also, the communication section 19 transmits, to the server 2, battery load data (second data) related to the operation of the storage battery (battery) 14 mounted on the mobile body 1.

[0086] The communication section 19 receives a notification for instructing at least one of starting a function that is not used among the functions of the mobile body 1 using electric power and improving the performance of a function that is being used, in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body calculated based on the vehicle body load data (first data) is shorter than the remaining life of the storage battery (battery) 14 calculated based on the battery load data (second data).

[0087] The drive control section 151 executes at least one of starting the function that is not used and improving the performance of the function that is being used, according to the notification received by the communication section 19.

[0088] Here, the functions of the mobile body 1 using electric power are described.

[0089] The functions include a travel control function in the mobile body 1. The travel control function includes, for example, an acceleration control function, a quietness control function, and a drive assist control function. In a case where a notification for instructing improvement of the performance of the acceleration control function that is being used is received, the drive control section 151 improves the performance of the acceleration control function that is being used. For example, the drive control section 151 improves the performance of the acceleration control function of the mobile body 1 by executing at least one of making the target speed faster and making the acceleration time shorter.

[0090] Also, in a case where a notification for instructing starting of the quietness control function that is not used is received, the drive control section 151 starts the quietness control function that is not used. For example, the drive control section 151 starts the quietness control function of the mobile body 1 by starting an active suspension control function.

[0091] Further, in a case where a notification indicating to activate an unused driving assistance control function is received, the driving control section 151 activates the unused driving assistance control function. For example, the driving control section 151 activates the driving assistance control function of the mobile body 1 by activating the automatic cruise control function.

[0092] Further, the functions include a visual recognition assistance function in the mobile body 1. The visual recognition assistance function includes, for example, a brightness control function, an anti-fog function, and a de-icing function. In a case where a notification indicating to improve the performance of the brightness control function being used is received, the driving control section 151 improves the performance of the brightness control function being used. For example, the driving control section 151 improves the performance of the brightness control function of the mobile body 1 by making the brightness of the headlamp 13 higher than the reference brightness.

[0093] Further, in a case where a notification indicating to activate an unused anti-fog function is received, the driving control section 151 activates the unused anti-fog function. For example, the driving control section 151 activates the anti-fog function of the mobile body 1 by blowing air, which is dehumidified by an air conditioning device, to a fogged windshield.

[0094] Further, in a case where a notification indicating to activate an unused de-icing function is received, the driving control section 151 activates the unused de-icing function. For example, the driving control section 151 activates the de-icing function of the mobile body 1 by blowing air, which is dehumidified by an air conditioning device, to a frozen windshield.

[0095] Further, the functions include a space control function in the mobile body 1. The space control function includes, for example, a cooling function, a heating function, a humidifying function, a dehumidifying function, and an air purification function. An electric vehicle mainly has the space control function. In a case where a notification indicating to activate any one of the cooling function, the heating function, the humidifying function, the dehumidifying function, and the air purification function, which is not used, is received, the driving control section 151 activates the any one of the cooling function, the heating function, the humidifying function, the dehumidifying function, and the air purification function, which is not used.

[0096] Further, in a case where a notification indicating to improve the performance of any one of the cooling function, the heating function, the humidifying function, the dehumidifying function, and the air purification function, which is being used, is received, the driving control section 151 improves the performance of the any one of the cooling function, the heating function, the humidifying function, the dehumidifying function, and the air purification function, which is being used.

[0097] Further, the functions include a power supply function to the outside of the mobile body 1. In a case where a notification indicating activation of an unused power supply function to the outside is received, the drive control section 151 activates the unused power supply function to the outside. For example, the drive control section 151 activates the power supply function to the outside of the mobile body 1 by supplying power to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port provided in the mobile body 1.

[0098] Further, the functions include a communication function in the mobile body 1 or an external cooperative function using the communication function. In a case where a notification indicating activation of an unused communication function is received, the drive control section 151 activates the unused communication function. For example, the drive control section 151 activates the communication function of the mobile body 1 by allowing communication between the mobile body 1 and an external device using wireless communication.

[0099] Further, in a case where a notification indicating activation of an external cooperative function using an unused communication function is received, the drive control section 151 activates the external cooperative function using the unused communication function. For example, the drive control section 151 activates the external cooperative function using the communication function of the mobile body 1 by allowing the mobile body 1 and an external device to communicate using wireless communication and causing the mobile body 1 and the external device to act in cooperation with each other. For example, in a case where the external device is a doorphone, the doorphone transmits an image captured to the mobile body 1, and the drive control section 151 displays the received image on a display not shown.

[0100] The consumed power actual value measuring section 156 measures consumed power when an unused function among the functions using power in the mobile body 1 is activated. Further, the consumed power actual value measuring section 156 measures consumed power when performance of a function being used is improved among the functions using power in the mobile body 1.

[0101] For example, the consumed power actual value measuring section 156 measures consumed power when performance of an acceleration control function being used in the mobile body 1 is actually improved and the mobile body 1 is accelerated. Alternatively, the consumed power actual value measuring section 156 can measure consumed power before performance of the acceleration control function in the mobile body 1 is improved and measure consumed power after performance of the acceleration control function in the mobile body 1 is improved. Then, the consumed power actual value measuring section 156 can calculate a difference between consumed power after performance of the acceleration control function in the mobile body 1 is improved and consumed power before performance of the acceleration control function in the mobile body 1 is improved.

[0102] Moreover, for example, the consumption power actual measurement value measuring section 156 measures the consumption power when the mobile body 1 is caused to start the silence control function and to actuate the silence control function. In addition, the consumption power actual measurement value measuring section 156 can also measure the consumption power before the silence control function of the mobile body 1 is started and measure the consumption power after the silence control function of the mobile body 1 is started. Then, the consumption power actual measurement value measuring section 156 can also calculate the difference between the consumption power after the silence control function of the mobile body 1 is started and the consumption power before the silence control function of the mobile body 1 is started.

[0103] The communication section 19 transmits the consumption power actual measurement value of each function measured by the consumption power actual measurement value measuring section 156 to the server 2.

[0104] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one example of the configuration of the server according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0105] Figure 3 The server 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a communication section 21, a processor 22, and a storage 23.

[0106] The communication section 21 receives the vehicle body load data transmitted by the mobile body 1. The communication section 21 receives the battery load data transmitted by the mobile body 1. The communication section 21 receives the consumption power actual measurement value of each function transmitted by the mobile body 1.

[0107] The storage 23 is, for example, a RAM, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD, or a flash memory, or the like, and is a storage device capable of storing various kinds of information. The charge / discharge history storage section 231, the battery mechanical load history storage section 232, the chemical battery remaining life storage section 233, the mechanical battery remaining life storage section 234, the battery remaining life storage section 235, the mobile body basic information storage section 236, the vehicle body initial life storage section 237, the vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238, the vehicle body remaining life storage section 239, the consumption power storage section 240, the consumption power actual measurement value storage section 241, and the life shortening effect storage section 242 are realized by the storage 23.

[0108] The charge / discharge history storage section 231 stores the charge / discharge history of the storage battery 14 of the mobile body 1. The charge / discharge history storage section 231 stores the history of the number of times of charge / discharge of the storage battery 14 of the mobile body 1.

[0109] In addition, in the first embodiment, the charge / discharge history storage section 231 stores a history of the number of times of charge / discharge for calculating the remaining life of the storage battery 14, but the present application is not limited to this, and various information related to the operation of the storage battery 14 required for calculating the remaining life of the storage battery 14 can be stored. For example, the charge / discharge history storage section 231 can store the SOC, SOH, temperature, or total discharge amount of the storage battery 14. Also, the above history can be generated by measuring the current of charge or discharge, or can be generated by measuring the SOC and OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) characteristics of the battery.

[0110] The battery mechanical load history storage section 232 stores a history of the mechanical load of the storage battery 14 of the mobile body 1. The mechanical load is, for example, the number of times of vibration of the case of the storage battery 14 of the mobile body 1. The battery mechanical load history storage section 232 stores a history of the number of times of vibration of the case of the storage battery 14 of the mobile body 1.

[0111] The chemical battery remaining life storage section 233 stores the chemical battery remaining life calculated based on the charge / discharge history of the storage battery 14.

[0112] The mechanical battery remaining life storage section 234 stores the mechanical battery remaining life calculated based on the mechanical load of the storage battery 14.

[0113] The battery remaining life storage section 235 stores the battery remaining life indicating the remaining life of the storage battery 14.

[0114] The mobile body basic information storage section 236 stores mobile body basic information including the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1. The category of the mobile body 1 is information indicating which of an electric scooter, an electric bicycle, or an electric car the mobile body 1 is. The category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1 is information indicating whether the mobile body 1 is used by a single user, shared by multiple users, or shared by multiple employees of a certain company. The usage performance of the mobile body 1 is information indicating the region or country in which the mobile body 1 is used. The road state differs depending on the region or country. For this reason, depending on in which region or country the mobile body 1 is used, the life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 can differ. Here, for example, the information indicating the region or country in which the mobile body 1 is used is utilized when calculating the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1.

[0115] In addition, the manager of the mobile body 1 logs the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1 into the mobile body basic information storage section 236 using the information terminal 3.

[0116] The vehicle body initial life span storage section 237 stores an initial life span of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 calculated on the basis of the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1.

[0117] The vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238 stores a history of a mechanical load of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1. The mechanical load is, for example, a number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1. The vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238 stores a history of the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1.

[0118] The vehicle body remaining life span storage section 239 stores a vehicle body remaining life span indicating a remaining life span of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1.

[0119] The consumed power storage section 240 stores a consumed power of each of a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body 1. In addition, the consumed power storage section 240 stores a standard value of the consumed power of each of the plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body 1 as an initial value of the consumed power in advance. The standard value of the consumed power is provided by, for example, a manufacturer of the mobile body 1. The consumed power stored in the consumed power storage section 240 is updated by a measured value of the consumed power.

[0120] The consumed power measured value storage section 241 stores a measured value of the consumed power of each of the plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body 1.

[0121] The life span reduction effect storage section 242 stores a life span reduction effect of each of the plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body 1.

[0122] The processor 22 is, for example, a CPU. The vehicle body load acquisition section 221, the battery load acquisition section 222, the vehicle body remaining life span calculation section 223, the battery remaining life span calculation section 224, the consumed power measured value acquisition section 225, the life span reduction effect estimation section 226, the remaining life span comparison section 227, and the instruction section 228 are realized by the processor 22.

[0123] The vehicle body load acquisition section 221 acquires vehicle body load data transmitted by the mobile body 1 via the communication section 21. The vehicle body load acquisition section 221 acquires vehicle body load data (first data) related to a load applied to the vehicle body of the electric mobile body 1. The vehicle body load acquisition section 221 stores the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 included in the acquired vehicle body load data to the vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238.

[0124] The battery load acquisition section 222 acquires the battery load data transmitted by the mobile body 1 via the communication section 21. The battery load acquisition section 222 acquires the battery load data (second data) related to the operation of the storage battery (battery) 14 mounted on the mobile body 1. The battery load acquisition section 222 stores the number of charge and discharge of the storage battery 14 included in the acquired battery load data to the charge and discharge history storage section 231 and stores the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 included in the acquired battery load data to the battery mechanical load history storage section 232.

[0125] The vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 calculates the remaining life of the vehicle body based on the vehicle body load data (first data) acquired by the vehicle body load acquisition section 221. The vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 calculates the initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 based on the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1 stored in the mobile body basic information storage section 236. The storage 23 stores in advance a table in which the combination of the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1 and the initial life correspond to each other. The vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 reads out the initial life corresponding to the combination of the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1 from the storage 23. In addition, the initial life is set based on statistical data. The vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 calculates the initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 when calculating the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 for the first time. The vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 stores the calculated initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 to the vehicle body initial life storage section 237.

[0126] Further, the vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 acquires the initial life of the vehicle body stored in the vehicle body initial life storage section 237 and acquires the history of the number of vibrations of the vehicle body stored in the vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238, and calculates the vehicle body remaining life based on the acquired initial life and the history of the number of vibrations of the vehicle body. The storage 23 stores in advance a function representing the relationship between the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 and the life reduction value. The vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 calculates the life reduction value from the number of vibrations acquired from the vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238, and calculates the value obtained by subtracting the life reduction value from the initial life of the vehicle body as the vehicle body remaining life. The vehicle body remaining life can be expressed by the amount of electricity or by the remaining travel distance that the mobile body 1 can travel. Further, the vehicle body remaining life can be expressed by the remaining time that the mobile body 1 can travel. The vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223 stores the calculated vehicle body remaining life to the vehicle body remaining life storage section 239.

[0127] In addition, in the first embodiment, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 calculates the vehicle body remaining life based on the initial life of the vehicle body and the number of vibrations of the vehicle body, but the present application is not limited to this. The vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 can calculate the vehicle body remaining life based on at least one of the initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 (statistical life of the mobile body 1) and the number of vibrations of the vehicle body (impacts received by the mobile body 1).

[0128] In addition, in the first embodiment, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 calculates the vehicle body remaining life based on the initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 and the number of vibrations of the vehicle body, but the present application is not limited to this. The vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 can calculate the vehicle body remaining life based on at least one of the initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 (statistical life of the mobile body 1) and the number of vibrations of the vehicle body (impacts received by the mobile body 1).

[0129] The battery remaining life calculating section 224 calculates the remaining life of the storage battery (battery) 14 based on the battery load data (second data). The battery remaining life calculating section 224 acquires the history of the number of times of charge and discharge stored in the charge and discharge history storage section 231, and calculates the chemical battery remaining life of the storage battery 14 based on the acquired history of the number of times of charge and discharge. The number of times of charge and discharge has a correlation with the full charge capacity of the storage battery 14, and if the number of times of charge and discharge increases, the full charge capacity decreases. The memory 23 stores in advance a function representing the correlation between the number of times of charge and discharge and the full charge capacity. The battery remaining life calculating section 224 calculates the current full charge capacity of the storage battery 14 from the number of times of charge and discharge acquired from the charge and discharge history storage section 231. The vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 calculates the difference between the calculated current full charge capacity and the full charge capacity judged to have reached the life as the chemical battery remaining life. The full charge capacity judged to have reached the life is, for example, 60% of the initial full charge capacity. The battery remaining life calculating section 224 stores the calculated chemical battery remaining life to the chemical battery remaining life storage section 233.

[0130] In addition, the chemical remaining life of the storage battery 14 can also be expressed in terms of the remaining distance that the mobile body 1 can travel. That is, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 can also convert the difference between the calculated current full charge capacity and the full charge capacity that can be judged to have reached the life into the remaining distance, and calculate the remaining distance after the conversion as the chemical battery remaining life. In this case, the memory 23 stores in advance a function that indicates the relationship between the full charge capacity and the remaining distance. Also, the chemical remaining life can also be expressed in terms of the remaining time that the mobile body 1 can travel.

[0131] Also, in the present first embodiment, the battery remaining life calculating section 224 calculates the chemical battery remaining life using the number of times of charging and discharging, but the present application is not limited to this. The battery remaining life calculating section 224 can also calculate the chemical battery remaining life using the SOC, SOH, temperature, or total discharge amount of the storage battery 14, or other information related to the operation of the storage battery 14.

[0132] Also, the battery remaining life calculating section 224 acquires the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 stored in the battery mechanical load history storage section 232, and calculates the mechanical battery remaining life of the storage battery 14 based on the acquired number of vibrations. The memory 23 stores in advance a function that indicates the relationship between the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 and the mechanical battery remaining life. The battery remaining life calculating section 224 calculates the mechanical battery remaining life of the storage battery 14 from the number of vibrations acquired from the battery mechanical load history storage section 232. The mechanical battery remaining life is expressed in the same unit as the chemical battery remaining life. The mechanical battery remaining life can be expressed in terms of the electric quantity or the remaining distance that the mobile body 1 can travel. Also, the mechanical battery remaining life can be expressed in terms of the remaining time that the mobile body 1 can travel. The battery remaining life calculating section 224 stores the calculated mechanical battery remaining life to the mechanical battery remaining life storage section 234.

[0133] The battery remaining life calculating section 224 calculates the battery remaining life from the shorter one of the chemical battery remaining life stored in the chemical battery remaining life storage section 233 and the mechanical battery remaining life stored in the mechanical battery remaining life storage section 234, and stores the calculated battery remaining life to the battery remaining life storage section 235.

[0134] In addition, in the first embodiment, the battery remaining life calculating section 224 calculates the battery remaining life based on the chemical battery remaining life and the mechanical battery remaining life, but the present application is not limited to this, and the chemical battery remaining life alone or the mechanical battery remaining life alone can be calculated as the battery remaining life. The battery load data (second data) includes a history of at least one of the charge, discharge, charge capacity, and temperature of the storage battery (battery) 14. The battery remaining life calculating section 224 can also calculate the remaining life of the storage battery (battery) 14 based on the life of the storage battery (battery) 14 and the degree of deterioration of the storage battery (battery) 14 calculated from the history of the storage battery (battery) 14.

[0135] The consumption power measured value acquiring section 225 acquires the measured value of the consumption power of each function transmitted by the mobile body 1 via the communication section 21. The consumption power measured value acquiring section 225 stores the acquired measured value of the consumption power of each function to the consumption power measured value storage section 241.

[0136] The life shortening effect estimating section 226 reads out the consumption power of each function from the consumption power storage section 240 and the measured value of the consumption power of each function from the consumption power measured value storage section 241, and corrects the consumption power of each function using the measured value of the consumption power of each function. For example, the life shortening effect estimating section 226 changes the consumption power of each function to the measured value of the consumption power of each function. Also, for example, the life shortening effect estimating section 226 can calculate the average value between the consumption power of each function and the measured value of the consumption power of each function, and change the consumption power of each function to the calculated average value. The life shortening effect estimating section 226 stores the corrected consumption power of each function to the consumption power storage section 240.

[0137] In addition, the life shortening effect estimating section 226 can also correct the consumption power of each function using the measured value of the consumption power of each function acquired from another mobile body of the same category as the mobile body 1. In this case, the communication section 21 acquires the measured value of the consumption power of each function measured by another mobile body of the same category as the mobile body 1.

[0138] Moreover, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 estimates the life shortening effect of each function based on the consumed power of each function. The life shortening effect refers to a length of life that is likely to be shortened in a case where an unused function is activated or a case where the performance of a function being used is improved. The memory 23 stores, in advance, a function that corresponds the consumed power and the life shortening effect to each other. The life shortening effect estimation section 226 estimates the life shortening effect of each function from the consumed power of each function using the function. The life shortening effect estimation section 226 stores the estimated life shortening effect of each function in the life shortening effect storage section 242.

[0139] In addition, although the life shortening effect estimation section 226 corrects the consumed power of each function stored in the consumed power storage section 240 using the measured value of the consumed power of each function stored in the consumed power measured value storage section 241, the present application is not limited to this. The life shortening effect estimation section 226 can estimate the life shortening effect of each function based on only the measured value of the consumed power of each function stored in the consumed power measured value storage section 241. In this case, the server 2 can not store the standard value of the consumed power of each function in advance, and the storage capacity of the memory 23 can be reduced. Moreover, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 can estimate the life shortening effect of each function based on only the standard value of the consumed power of each function stored in the consumed power storage section 240. In this case, the mobile body 1 can not measure the measured value of the consumed power of each function, and the processing load of the mobile body 1 and the server 2 can be reduced.

[0140] The remaining life comparison section 227 compares the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the storage battery (battery) 14. The remaining life comparison section 227 compares the remaining life of the vehicle body stored in the vehicle body remaining life storage section 239 and the remaining life of the storage battery stored in the battery remaining life storage section 235.

[0141] The instruction section 228 instructs at least one of activating an unused function among the plurality of functions that use power in the mobile body 1 and improving the performance of a function being used in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the storage battery (battery) 14.

[0142] The instruction section 228 includes a function prompting section 251, a function determination section 252, and an instruction notification section 253.

[0143] The function prompting section 251 causes the information terminal 3 (prompting device) to prompt at least one of activating an unused function and improving the performance of a function being used.

[0144] Further specifically, the function prompting section 251 acquires at least one of the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the utilization performance of the mobile body 1. The function prompting section 251 decides at least one of the candidate of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance, based on at least one of the acquired category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode, and the utilization performance. At this time, the function prompting section 251 can also calculate the difference between the remaining life of the storage battery (battery) 14 and the remaining life of the vehicle body, and decide at least one of the candidate of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance, based on the difference. Then, the function prompting section 251 causes the information terminal 3 (prompting device) to prompt the decided candidate. The function prompting section 251 transmits the list of the decided candidate to the information terminal 3.

[0145] Further, the function prompting section 251 can also decide the priority of prompting at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance, based on at least one of the acquired category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode, and the utilization performance. The function prompting section 251 can also cause the information terminal 3 (prompting device) to prompt at least one of activating the unused function and improving the performance of the function being used, in accordance with the decided priority.

[0146] The function prompting section 251 transmits the function prompting information indicating the list of the candidate of at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance, to the information terminal 3 via the communication section 21. Further, the communication section 21 receives the response to the prompt transmitted by the information terminal 3.

[0147] The function decision section 252 decides at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance, based on the response to the prompt.

[0148] The instruction notification section 253 transmits the notification instructing to activate at least one of the decided function and the function to improve the performance of the decided function, to the mobile body 1 via the communication section 21.

[0149] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one example of the configuration of the information terminal according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0150] Figure 4 The information terminal 3 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a communication section 31, a processor 32, a display section 33, an input section 34, and a storage 35.

[0151] The communication section 31 transmits and receives information to and from the server 2. The communication section 31 receives, from the server 2, function prompt information indicating a list of candidates of at least one of the activated function and the performance-improving function. Also, the communication section 31 transmits, to the server 2, response information indicating at least one of the activated function and the performance-improving function selected by the manager of the mobile body 1.

[0152] The display section 33 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays the function prompt information.

[0153] The storage 35 is, for example, a RAM, an SSD, or a flash memory, or the like, and is capable of storing various information.

[0154] The processor 32 is, for example, a CPU. The function prompt control section 321 and the response control section 322 are realized by the processor 32.

[0155] The function prompt control section 321 causes the display section 33 to display the function prompt information received by the communication section 31. The manager selects a desired function from the list of candidates of at least one of the activated function and the performance-improving function.

[0156] The input section 34 is, for example, a touch panel, and accepts various information input by the manager. The input section 34 accepts at least one of the activated function and the performance-improving function selected by the manager from the list of candidates of at least one of the activated function and the performance-improving function.

[0157] The response control section 322 transmits, to the server 2 via the communication section 21, response information indicating at least one of the activated function and the performance-improving function selected by the manager.

[0158] Next, the processing of calculating the remaining battery life according to the first embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0159] Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of calculating the remaining battery life according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0160] First, in step S1, the battery state acquisition section 153 of the mobile body 1 acquires the charge-discharge count of the storage battery 14 from the storage 18. The charge-discharge count is a cumulative value of the charge-discharge count from when the mobile body 1 was manufactured until now. The storage 18 stores the charge-discharge count of the storage battery 14. The battery state acquisition section 153 acquires the charge-discharge count of the storage battery 14 from the storage 18 at a prescribed time. The prescribed time is, for example, every 1 minute or every 10 minutes, or the like.

[0161] Next, in step S2, the battery load transmission control section 155 acquires the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 from the storage 18. The number of vibrations is a cumulative value of the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 from when the mobile body 1 was manufactured until now. The storage 18 stores the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14.

[0162] Next, in step S3, the battery load transmission control section 155 transmits the battery load data related to the operation of the storage battery 14 mounted on the mobile body 1 to the server 2 via the communication section 19. In addition, the battery load data contains the number of charge and discharge of the storage battery 14 and the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14.

[0163] Next, in step Sll, the communication section 21 of the server 2 receives the battery load data transmitted by the mobile body 1.

[0164] Next, in step S12, the battery load acquisition section 222 acquires the battery load data received by the communication section 21.

[0165] Next, in step S13, the battery load acquisition section 222 stores the number of charge and discharge of the storage battery 14 contained in the acquired battery load data to the charge and discharge history storage section 231.

[0166] Next, in step S14, the battery load acquisition section 222 stores the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 contained in the acquired battery load data to the battery mechanical load history storage section 232.

[0167] Next, in step S15, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 acquires the history of the number of charge and discharge of the storage battery 14 stored in the charge and discharge history storage section 231.

[0168] Next, in step S16, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 calculates the chemical battery remaining life of the storage battery 14 based on the acquired history of the number of charge and discharge.

[0169] Next, in step S17, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 stores the calculated chemical battery remaining life to the chemical battery remaining life storage section 233.

[0170] Next, in step S18, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 acquires the number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14 stored in the battery mechanical load history storage section 232.

[0171] Next, in step S19, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 calculates the mechanical battery remaining life of the storage battery 14 based on the acquired number of vibrations of the case of the storage battery 14.

[0172] Next, in step S20, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 stores the calculated mechanical battery remaining life to the mechanical battery remaining life storage section 234.

[0173] Next, in step S21, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 calculates the shorter one between the chemical battery remaining life stored in the chemical battery remaining life storage section 233 and the mechanical battery remaining life stored in the mechanical battery remaining life storage section 234 as the battery remaining life.

[0174] Next, in step S22, the battery remaining life calculation section 224 stores the calculated battery remaining life to the battery remaining life storage section 235.

[0175] Next, the process of calculating the vehicle body remaining life of the first embodiment of the present application is described.

[0176] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the process of calculating the vehicle body remaining life of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0177] First, in step S31, the vehicle body load transmission control section 154 acquires the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 from the storage 18. The number of vibrations is a cumulative value of the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 from the time of manufacture until now. The storage 18 stores the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1. The vehicle body load transmission control section 154 acquires the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 from the storage 18 at a prescribed time. The prescribed time is, for example, every 1 minute or every 10 minutes, or the like.

[0178] Next, in step S32, the vehicle body load transmission control section 154 transmits the vehicle body load data related to the load applied to the vehicle body of the electric mobile body 1 to the server 2 via the communication section 19. In addition, the vehicle body load data contains the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1.

[0179] Next, in step S41, the communication section 21 of the server 2 receives the vehicle body load data transmitted by the mobile body 1.

[0180] Next, in step S42, the vehicle body load acquisition section 221 acquires the vehicle body load data received by the communication section 21.

[0181] Next, in step S43, the vehicle body load acquisition section 221 stores the number of vibrations of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 contained in the acquired vehicle body load data to the vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238.

[0182] Next, in step S44, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 acquires the mobile body basic information from the mobile body basic information storage section 236. The mobile body basic information includes the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1.

[0183] Next, in step S45, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 calculates the initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 based on the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1 acquired from the mobile body basic information storage section 236.

[0184] Next, in step S46, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 stores the calculated initial life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 to the vehicle body initial life storage section 237.

[0185] In addition, the processes of steps S44 to S46 need to be performed only at the time of the initial calculation of the vehicle body remaining life, and the processes of steps S44 to S46 can not be performed at the time of the second and subsequent calculation of the vehicle body remaining life.

[0186] Next, in step S47, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 acquires the initial life of the vehicle body stored in the vehicle body initial life storage section 237 and acquires the history of the number of vibrations of the vehicle body stored in the vehicle body mechanical load history storage section 238.

[0187] Next, in step S48, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 calculates the vehicle body remaining life based on the acquired initial life of the vehicle body and the history of the number of vibrations of the vehicle body.

[0188] Next, in step S49, the vehicle body remaining life calculating section 223 stores the calculated vehicle body remaining life to the vehicle body remaining life storage section 239.

[0189] Next, the process of estimating the life shortening effect of each of a plurality of functions in the first embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0190] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the process of estimating the life shortening effect of each of a plurality of functions in the first embodiment of the present application.

[0191] First, in step S61, the drive control section 151 of the mobile body 1 executes the activation of an unused function or the performance improvement of a function being used in order to estimate the life shortening effect. The drive control section 151, for example, improves the performance of the acceleration control function which is being used among a plurality of functions using electric power.

[0192] Further, the drive control section 151 preferably executes a start of a non-used function or an improvement of performance of a used function in the measurement mode for obtaining the measured value of the consumed power. For example, the drive control section 151 preferably receives a selection of a function to be started or a function whose performance is to be improved by the driver in the measurement mode, and executes a start of the selected function or an improvement of performance of the selected function.

[0193] Next, in step S62, the consumed power measured value measurement section 156 measures the consumed power when the non-used function is started or the performance of the used function is improved. The consumed power measured value measurement section 156, for example, measures the consumed power when the performance of the used acceleration control function is improved.

[0194] Next, in step S63, the communication section 19 transmits information for specifying the started function or the function whose performance is improved and the measured value of the consumed power measured by the consumed power measured value measurement section 156 to the server 2.

[0195] Next, in step S71, the communication section 21 of the server 2 receives the information for specifying the started function or the function whose performance is improved and the measured value of the consumed power transmitted by the mobile body 1.

[0196] Next, in step S72, the consumed power measured value acquisition section 225 acquires the information for specifying the started function or the function whose performance is improved and the measured value of the consumed power received by the communication section 21.

[0197] Next, in step S73, the consumed power measured value acquisition section 225 stores the information for specifying the started function or the function whose performance is improved and the measured value of the consumed power in the consumed power measured value storage section 241 in correspondence with each other.

[0198] Next, in step S74, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 acquires the consumed power of the function whose performance is improved or started when the measured value of the consumed power is measured, i.e., the consumed power of the function for estimating the life shortening effect, from the consumed power storage section 240.

[0199] Next, in step S75, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 acquires the measured value of the consumed power of the function whose performance is improved or started when the measured value of the consumed power is measured, i.e., the measured value of the consumed power of the function for estimating the life shortening effect, from the consumed power measured value storage section 241.

[0200] Next, in step S76, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 corrects the consumed power of the function for estimating the life shortening effect using the measured value of the consumed power of the function for estimating the life shortening effect.

[0201] Next, in step S77, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 stores the corrected consumed power in the consumed power storage section 240.

[0202] Next, in step S78, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 estimates the life shortening effect based on the corrected consumed power.

[0203] Next, in step S79, the life shortening effect estimation section 226 stores the estimated life shortening effect in the life shortening effect storage section 242 in correspondence with the information for specifying the function that is activated or the function whose performance is improved.

[0204] In addition, after the life shortening effect is stored, when there is a function for which the life shortening effect has not been estimated among the plurality of functions, the process can be returned to step S61. Also, the process of steps S61 to S79 can be repeated until the life shortening effects of all the functions are estimated.

[0205] Next, the process of comparing the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life in the first embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0206] Figure 8 is a first flowchart for describing the process of comparing the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life in the first embodiment of the present application, Figure 9 is a second flowchart for describing the process of comparing the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life in the first embodiment of the present application.

[0207] First, in step S91, the remaining life comparison section 227 of the server 2 determines whether or not the current time is a comparison start time at which the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life are compared. The comparison start time is, for example, a prescribed time at which the comparison is performed once a month, or a maintenance start time of the mobile body 1.

[0208] Here, when it is determined that the current time is not the comparison start time (NO in step S91), the process returns to step S91, and the determination process of step S91 is repeated until the current time becomes the comparison start time.

[0209] On the other hand, when it is determined that the current time is the comparison start time (YES in step S91), in step S92, the remaining life comparison section 227 acquires the vehicle body remaining life stored in the vehicle body remaining life storage section 239.

[0210] Next, in step S93, the remaining life comparison section 227 acquires the battery remaining life stored in the battery remaining life storage section 235.

[0211] Next, in step S94, the remaining life comparison section 227 compares the vehicle body remaining life with the battery remaining life, and determines whether the vehicle body remaining life is shorter than the battery remaining life.

[0212] Here, in a case where it is determined that the vehicle body remaining life is not shorter than the battery remaining life, that is, in a case where the vehicle body remaining life is equal to or longer than the battery remaining life (NO in step S94), the process returns to step S91.

[0213] On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the vehicle body remaining life is shorter than the battery remaining life (YES in step S94), in step S95, the function prompting section 251 acquires the life shortening effects of the respective functions from the life shortening effect storage section 242.

[0214] Next, in step S96, the function prompting section 251 acquires the mobile body basic information from the mobile body basic information storage section 236. The mobile body basic information includes the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1.

[0215] Next, in step S97, the function prompting section 251 calculates the difference between the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life.

[0216] Next, in step S98, the function prompting section 251 determines the candidates of at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance, based on the life shortening effects, the mobile body basic information, and the difference between the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life.

[0217] At this time, the function prompting section 251 selects the function corresponding to the category of the mobile body included in the mobile body basic information, from among the plurality of functions. Next, the function prompting section 251 selects the function corresponding to the category of the usage mode, from among the selected functions. That is, according to the category of the usage mode, there are functions that are allowed to be used and functions that are not allowed to be used. Here, the function prompting section 251 further selects the function corresponding to the category of the usage mode, from among the selected functions. Next, the function prompting section 251 selects the function whose life shortening effect is shorter than the difference between the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life, from among the selected functions. The function prompting section 251 determines the selected function as the candidate.

[0218] Next, in step S99, the function prompting unit 251 determines the priority of at least one of the following: the type of mobile body 1, the type of utilization method, and the utilization record contained in the mobile body's basic information. For example, the utilization record includes information indicating how the mobile body 1 is utilized. For a mobile body 1 that illuminates the headlight 13 less frequently, the function to increase the brightness of the headlight 13 has a lower priority. Furthermore, for a mobile body 1 whose speed does not reach a predetermined speed, the function to improve acceleration performance has a lower priority. Moreover, the priority of each function can be predetermined based on the type of mobile body or the type of utilization method.

[0219] Next, in step S100, the function prompt unit 251 sends a function prompt message to the information terminal 3 via the communication unit 21, which is a list of candidates for at least one of the functions to be activated and the functions to improve performance.

[0220] Next, in step S111, the communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 receives the function prompt information sent by the server 2.

[0221] Next, in step S112, the function prompt control unit 321 causes the display unit 33 to display the function prompt information received through the communication unit 31.

[0222] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a function prompt message according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0223] Display unit 33 displays function prompt information, which indicates a candidate list of at least one of the functions to be activated and functions to improve performance. If the category of the usage method of the mobile body 1 is a usage method shared by multiple users, the following information is displayed: Figure 10 The function prompts shown are displayed. The function prompt unit 251 of server 2 selects the brightness control function, communication function, and acceleration control function. Furthermore, the brightness control function has the highest priority, the communication function has the second highest priority, and the acceleration control function has the third highest priority. The brightness control function, communication function, and acceleration control function are displayed from top to bottom in descending order of priority.

[0224] Further, the function prompt information includes the power consumption when the performance of the brightness control function is improved, the power consumption when the communication function is activated, and the power consumption when the acceleration control function is improved. The display section 33 can also display the brightness control function, the communication function, and the acceleration control function in order of the power consumption from high to low. In addition, the function prompt information includes check boxes 331 for accepting selection of at least one of the function to be activated and the function whose performance is to be improved by the administrator. If the administrator touches the check box 331 corresponding to the desired function, the display section 33 displays a check mark in the check box 331.

[0225] Figure 11 Fig. 10 is a diagram showing one example of the function prompt information indicating a first modification of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0226] In the case where the category of the usage of the mobile body 1 is a usage shared by a plurality of employees of a company, the display section 33 displays the function prompt information shown in Fig. 11. The function prompt section 251 of the server 2 selects the brightness control function and the acceleration control function. Further, the priority of the brightness control function is the highest, and the priority of the acceleration control function is the second. The brightness control function and the acceleration control function are displayed from top to bottom in order of the priority from high to low. Figure 11

[0227] Further, the function prompt information includes the power consumption when the performance of the brightness control function is improved and the power consumption when the acceleration control function is improved. The display section 33 can also display the brightness control function and the acceleration control function in order of the power consumption from high to low. In addition, the function prompt information includes check boxes 331 for accepting selection of the function whose performance is to be improved by the administrator. If the administrator touches the check box 331 corresponding to the desired function, the display section 33 displays a check mark in the check box 331.

[0228] Figure 12 Fig. 12 is a diagram showing one example of the function prompt information indicating a second modification of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0229] In the case where the category of the usage of the mobile body 1 is a usage used by a personal user, the display section 33 displays the function prompt information shown in Fig. 13. The function prompt section 251 of the server 2 selects the brightness control function, the acceleration control function, and the power supply function. Further, the priority of the brightness control function is the highest, the priority of the acceleration control function is the second, and the priority of the power supply function is the third. The brightness control function, the acceleration control function, and the power supply function are displayed from top to bottom in order of the priority from high to low. Figure 12

[0230] ​​Further, the function prompt information includes consumed power when the performance of the brightness control function is improved, consumed power when the performance of the acceleration control function is improved, and consumed power when the power supply function is activated. The display section 33 can also display the brightness control function, the acceleration control function, and the power supply function in order from high to low in consumed power. In addition, the function prompt information includes check boxes 331 for receiving selection of at least one of the activated function and the function whose performance is improved by the manager. If the manager touches the check box 331 corresponding to the desired function, the display section 33 displays a check mark in the check box 331.

[0231] Returning to Figure 9 Next, in step S113, the function prompt control section 321 receives selection of a function by the manager. The manager selects at least one of the activated function and the function whose performance is improved using the input section 34. In addition, although a plurality of functions can be selected, the function prompt control section 321 does not receive selection of a plurality of functions in a case where the sum of the life shortening effects of the plurality of functions is greater than the difference between the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life, and receives selection of a plurality of functions in a case where the sum of the life shortening effects of the plurality of functions is equal to or less than the difference between the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life.

[0232] Next, in step S114, the response control section 322 transmits response information for determining the selected function to the server 2 via the communication section 31.

[0233] Next, in step S101, the communication section 21 of the server 2 receives the response information transmitted by the information terminal 3.

[0234] Next, in step S102, the function decision section 252 decides at least one of the activated function and the function whose performance is improved based on the response information.

[0235] Next, in step S103, the instruction notification section 253 transmits a notification for instructing at least one of activation of the function decided by the function decision section 252 and improvement of the performance of the decided function to the mobile body 1 via the communication section 21.

[0236] Next, in step S121, the communication section 19 of the mobile body 1 receives the notification transmitted by the server 2.

[0237] Next, in step S122, the drive control section 151 executes at least one of activation of the unused function and improvement of the performance of the function being used according to the notification received by the communication section 19.

[0238] According to the first embodiment, in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, at least one of starting a function that is not used among the plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body 1 and improving the performance of a function that is being used is instructed. Therefore, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery 14 of the mobile body 1 close to the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery 14 that has a remaining life from being discarded together with the vehicle body whose life has ended. Moreover, by starting a function that is not used or improving the performance of a function that is being used, it is possible to improve the convenience of the driver. In other words, it is possible to make the remaining life of the battery 14 of the mobile body 1 close to the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 while efficiently consuming the life of the battery 14 of the mobile body 1.

[0239] In addition, in the first embodiment, although the server 2 transmits a notification for instructing at least one of starting a function and improving the performance of a decided function to the mobile body 1, the present application is not limited to this. It is also possible that the information terminal 3 transmits a notification for instructing at least one of starting a function and improving the performance of a decided function to the mobile body 1.

[0240] Second Embodiment

[0241] In the first embodiment described above, the function prompting unit 251 causes the information terminal 3 to prompt at least one of starting a function that is not used and improving the performance of a function that is being used. In contrast, in the second embodiment, instead of causing the information terminal 3 to prompt at least one of starting a function that is not used and improving the performance of a function that is being used, at least one of a function to be started and a function whose performance is to be improved is decided, and a notification for instructing at least one of starting the decided function and improving the performance of the decided function is transmitted to the mobile body 1.

[0242] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0243] Figure 13 The information processing system shown in the drawing has the mobile body 1 and the server 2A. The information processing system of the second embodiment does not have the information terminal 3. In addition, in the second embodiment, the same symbols are assigned to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0244] The server 2A is, for example, a Web server. The server 2A receives various information from the mobile body 1 and transmits various information to the mobile body 1. The server 2A calculates the remaining life of the vehicle body of the mobile body 1 and calculates the remaining life of the battery. Also, the server 2A compares the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery, and in the case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, instructs at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body 1 and performance improvement of a function that is being used. The server 2A and the mobile body 1 are communicably connected to each other via the network 4.

[0245] Figure 14 Fig. 2 is a diagram showing one example of a configuration of a server according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0246] Figure 14 The server 2A shown in Fig. 2 is provided with a communication section 21, a processor 22A, and a storage 23.

[0247] The processor 22A is, for example, a CPU. The vehicle body load acquisition section 221, the battery load acquisition section 222, the vehicle body remaining life calculation section 223, the battery remaining life calculation section 224, the consumed electric power actual measurement value acquisition section 225, the life shortening effect estimation section 226, the remaining life comparison section 227, and the instruction section 228A are realized by the processor 22A.

[0248] The instruction section 228A instructs at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body 1 and performance improvement of a function that is being used in the case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery (the battery) 14.

[0249] The instruction section 228A is provided with a difference calculation section 254, a function decision section 252A, and an instruction notification section 253A.

[0250] The difference calculation section 254 calculates a difference between the remaining life of the battery (the battery) 14 and the remaining life of the vehicle body.

[0251] The function determination section 252A determines at least one of the activated function and the function whose performance is improved, based on the difference value calculated by the difference calculation section 254. The function determination section 252A calculates the remaining life of the storage battery 14 that is shortened by activating the unused function, based on the consumed power when the unused function is activated. Also, the function determination section 252A calculates the remaining life of the storage battery 14 that is shortened by improving the performance of the used function, based on the consumed power when the performance of the used function is improved. The function determination section 252A determines at least one of the activated function and the function whose performance is improved, in such a manner that at least one of the remaining life of the storage battery 14 that is shortened by activating the unused function and the remaining life of the storage battery 14 that is shortened by improving the performance of the used function does not exceed the difference between the remaining life of the storage battery 14 and the remaining life of the vehicle body.

[0252] The instruction notification section 253A instructs at least one of the activation of the function determined by the function determination section 252A and the improvement of the performance of the determined function.

[0253] Also, in the second embodiment of the present application, since the process of calculating the battery remaining life, the process of calculating the vehicle body remaining life, and the process of estimating the life shortening effect of each of the plurality of functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0254] Next, the process of comparing the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life in the second embodiment of the present application is described.

[0255] Figure 15 is a flowchart for explaining the process of comparing the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life in the second embodiment of the present application.

[0256] Also, since the processes of steps S131 to S134 are the same as those of steps S91 to S94 shown in FIG. 8, the description thereof is omitted. Figure 8

[0257] In the case where it is determined that the vehicle body remaining life is shorter than the battery remaining life (YES in step S134), the difference calculation section 254 calculates the difference between the vehicle body remaining life and the battery remaining life in step S135.

[0258] Next, the function determination section 252A acquires the life shortening effect of each function from the life shortening effect storage section 242 in step S136.

[0259] Next, the function determination section 252A acquires the mobile body basic information from the mobile body basic information storage section 236 in step S137. The mobile body basic information includes the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the usage mode of the mobile body 1, and the usage performance of the mobile body 1.​

[0260] Next, in step S138, the function determination section 252A determines at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance based on the life shortening effect, the mobile body basic information, and the difference between the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery.

[0261] At this time, the function determination section 252A selects a function corresponding to the category of the mobile body included in the mobile body basic information from among the plurality of functions. Next, the function determination section 252A selects a function corresponding to the category of the utilization mode from among the selected functions. That is, there are functions allowed to be used and functions not allowed to be used depending on the category of the utilization mode. Here, the function determination section 252A further selects a function corresponding to the category of the utilization mode from among the selected functions. Next, the function determination section 252A determines, as at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance, a function having a shorter life shortening effect than the difference between the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery among the selected functions. In addition, when there are a plurality of functions having a shorter life shortening effect than the difference between the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery, the function determination section 252A can determine a function having the largest life shortening effect.

[0262] In addition, the function determination section 252A can determine the priority of at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance based on at least one of the category of the mobile body 1, the category of the utilization mode, and the utilization performance included in the mobile body basic information. Also, when there are a plurality of functions having a shorter life shortening effect than the difference between the remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery, the function determination section 252A can determine, as the function to be activated or the function to improve the performance, a function having the highest priority among the plurality of functions.

[0263] Next, in step S139, the instruction notification section 253A transmits a notification for instructing at least one of the activation of the function determined by the function determination section 252A and the improvement of the performance of the determined function to the mobile body 1 via the communication section 21.

[0264] Next, in step S141, the communication section 19 of the mobile body 1 receives the notification transmitted by the server 2A.

[0265] Next, in step S142, the drive control section 151 executes at least one of the activation of the unused function and the improvement of the performance of the function being used based on the notification received by the communication section 19.

[0266] According to this second embodiment, since at least one of the functions that are automatically indicated for activation and the functions that improve performance is automatically executed, the mobile body 1 can automatically perform at least one of the functions that activate the indicated function and the functions that improve performance.

[0267] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component can be constructed using dedicated hardware or implemented by executing software programs suitable for each component. Each component can also be implemented by having a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor read and execute software programs recorded on recording media such as hard disks or semiconductor memory. Moreover, the program can be executed using a separate computer system by storing and transmitting the program on a storage medium or by transmitting the program via a network.

[0268] Some or all of the functions of the apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present invention can typically be implemented as an integrated circuit LSI (Large Scale Integration). These functions can be either individually formed on a chip or formed as a subset of the chips. Furthermore, the integrated circuit is not limited to LSIs; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Alternatively, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a reconfigurable processor that can reconstruct the connections or settings of the circuit cells within the LSI can be utilized after the LSI is manufactured.

[0269] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the device involved in the embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by having a processor such as a CPU execute a program.

[0270] Furthermore, the figures used above are examples given for the purpose of specifically illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these exemplified figures.

[0271] Furthermore, the order in which the steps shown in the flowchart are executed is merely an example to illustrate the present invention, and other orders may be used within the scope of achieving the same effect. Moreover, some of the steps described above may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0272] Industrial availability

[0273] The technology involved in this invention has practical value as a technology for managing the remaining lifespan of the vehicle body and the remaining lifespan of the battery mounted on the electric vehicle body, because it enables the remaining lifespan of the battery of the vehicle body to be close to the remaining lifespan of the vehicle body.

Claims

1. An information processing method, which is an information processing method executed by a computer, the method comprising: acquiring first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of an electrically driven mobile body; acquiring second data related to operation of a battery mounted on the mobile body; calculating a remaining life of the vehicle body based on the first data; calculating a remaining life of the battery based on the second data; comparing the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery; and in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery, instructing at least one of activation of a function among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body which is not being used and performance improvement of a function being used.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, in the process of instructing, the prompting device is prompted to at least one of activate the function and improve the performance of the function being used, based on a response to the prompting, at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance of which is determined, and at least one of activation of the determined function and improvement of the performance of the determined function is instructed.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein, in the process of prompting, at least one of a category of the mobile body, a category of a usage mode of the mobile body, and a usage performance of the mobile body is acquired, at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance of which is determined from the acquired at least one of the category of the mobile body, the category of the usage mode, and the usage performance, the prompting device is prompted to the determined at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance of which.

4. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, in the process of prompting, a difference between the remaining life of the battery and the remaining life of the vehicle body is calculated, at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance of which is determined from the difference, and the prompting device is prompted to the determined at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance of which.

5. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, in the process of prompting, at least one of a category of the mobile body, a category of a usage mode of the mobile body, and a usage performance of the mobile body is acquired, a priority of at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance of which is determined from the acquired at least one of the category of the mobile body, the category of the usage mode, and the usage performance, and the prompting device is prompted to at least one of activation of the function not being used and improvement of the performance of the function being used in accordance with the determined priority.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, in the process of instructing, a difference between the remaining life of the battery and the remaining life of the vehicle body is calculated, at least one of the function to be activated and the function to improve the performance of which is determined from the difference, and at least one of activation of the determined function and improvement of the performance of the determined function is instructed.

7. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The remaining life of the vehicle body and the remaining life of the battery are represented by a remaining travel distance of the mobile body.

8. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The function includes a travel control function in the mobile body.

9. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The function includes a visual recognition assistance function in the mobile body.

10. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The function includes a space control function in the mobile body.

11. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The function includes a power supply function to an outside of the mobile body.

12. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The function includes a communication function in the mobile body or an external cooperative function using the communication function.

13. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first data includes at least one of a travel distance of the mobile body and an impact received by the mobile body, In the process of calculating the remaining life of the vehicle body, the remaining life of the vehicle body is calculated based on at least one of a statistical life of the mobile body, the travel distance of the mobile body, and the impact received by the mobile body.

14. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second data includes a history of at least one of charging, discharging, charge capacity, and temperature of the battery, In the process of calculating the remaining life of the battery, the remaining life of the battery is calculated based on a life of the battery and a degree of deterioration of the battery calculated from the history of the battery.

15. A control device mounted on an electric mobile body, comprising: a communication section that transmits first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of the mobile body, transmits second data related to operation of a battery mounted on the mobile body, and receives a notification for instructing at least one of activation of a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using power in the mobile body and performance improvement of a function that is being used, in a case where a remaining life of the vehicle body calculated based on the first data is shorter than a remaining life of the battery calculated based on the second data; and a control section that performs at least one of activation of the function that is not used and performance improvement of the function that is being used, according to the received notification.

16. An information processing system, comprising: a first data acquisition section that acquires first data related to a load applied to a vehicle body of an electric mobile body; a second data acquisition section that acquires second data related to operation of a battery mounted on the mobile body; a vehicle body remaining life calculation section that calculates a remaining life of the vehicle body based on the first data; a battery remaining life calculation section that calculates a remaining life of the battery based on the second data; a comparison section that compares the remaining life of the vehicle body with the remaining life of the battery; and a control section that performs at least one of activation of the function that is not used and performance improvement of the function that is being used, according to the received notification. An instruction unit instructs at least one of starting a function that is not used among a plurality of functions using electric power in the mobile body and improving performance of a function that is being used, in a case where the remaining life of the vehicle body is shorter than the remaining life of the battery.

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