Vehicle Information Provider

Abstract

This invention provides a vehicle information provision system capable of providing appropriate vehicle information corresponding to the driving energy source used. When refueling a vehicle, the type of fuel being refueled is determined based on image information from a camera (3) installed at a service station, refueling settlement information, etc. The environmental impact of the determined fuel is determined, and the background color of the vehicle's dashboard (4) is changed accordingly. Furthermore, the illumination status and color of the energy-saving indicator light (5) located on the rear surface of the vehicle are changed. Thus, even for the same vehicle model, appropriate vehicle information can be provided, taking into account the varying environmental impact depending on the fuel used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle information provision system. In particular, this invention relates to a system for providing information about vehicles equipped with a drive power source (e.g., an internal combustion engine) capable of selectively using multiple drive energy sources (e.g., multiple fuels). Furthermore, in this specification, even drive energy sources of the same type (e.g., with the same name) may be treated as different types of drive energy sources if their generation processes differ. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as a system for providing vehicle information, the vehicle information providing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This vehicle information providing system discloses in Patent Document 1 generates CO2 emission information (vehicle model CO2 emission information) for each vehicle model in a data center and displays information related to the vehicle model CO2 emission information on a client terminal. Therefore, when developing the same vehicle model, the displayed information for that vehicle model can be utilized; furthermore, the environmental impact of each vehicle model can be understood based on the displayed information for each model.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-206167 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in vehicles equipped with drive power sources capable of selectively using multiple drive energy sources, even for the same vehicle model, the actual CO2 emissions can sometimes differ depending on the drive energy source used. The vehicle information provision system described in Patent Document 1 is a system that pre-generates CO2 emission information for each vehicle model, without considering variations in CO2 emissions corresponding to the type of drive energy source used within the same vehicle model.

[0008] The inventors of this invention have made this invention in view of this, and in view of the fact that even vehicles equipped with a drive power source capable of selectively using multiple drive energy sources can provide appropriate information (e.g., appropriate information about the vehicle taking the environment into account).

[0009] Furthermore, as for the changes in conditions caused by different driving energy sources (in the case of the above, the change in CO2 emissions), it is not limited to the changes mentioned above. Various changes in the vehicle's driving state can be imagined (such as changes in the vehicle's driving performance corresponding to the type of driving energy source, changes in fuel consumption rate, etc.).

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to realize a vehicle information providing system capable of providing appropriate vehicle information.

[0011] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0012] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective is based on providing a vehicle information providing system that provides information about a vehicle equipped with a drive power source capable of selectively using multiple drive energy sources. Furthermore, this vehicle information providing system is characterized by comprising: a drive energy source information determining unit that determines information about the drive energy source stored in a drive energy source storage unit; an instruction information generating unit that generates instruction information for indicating a method of providing vehicle information corresponding to the drive energy source information determined by the drive energy source information determining unit; and an information providing unit that changes the method of providing the vehicle information according to the instruction information generated by the instruction information generating unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the term "vehicle" in this invention includes the concept of mobile vehicles other than automobiles. For example, it includes various mobile entities such as electric skateboards.

[0014] Based on this specific information, the instruction information production unit generates instruction information (instruction information for indicating the method of providing vehicle information) corresponding to the information of the drive energy source (the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage unit) determined by the drive energy source information determination unit. Furthermore, the information providing unit changes the method of providing vehicle information according to this instruction information. Thus, it is possible to achieve a method of providing vehicle information (e.g., whether it is a vehicle that takes the environment into account) that corresponds to the information of the drive energy source (e.g., information about the type of drive energy source, information related to the generation of the drive energy source, etc.). That is, even for the same vehicle model, appropriate vehicle information can be provided that takes into account the different situations (e.g., the impact on the environment, etc.) that might occur if different drive energy sources are used.

[0015] Furthermore, as a specific example of the information providing unit, the following examples can be cited. First, when the information providing unit is set as an instrument panel installed in the vehicle interior, as a change in the way the vehicle information is provided, changing the display color of the instrument panel can be cited as an example.

[0016] Therefore, appropriate vehicle information can be provided to the driver based on the condition that the display color of the dashboard is related to the conditions caused by the driving energy source (such as the magnitude of the environmental load).

[0017] Furthermore, when the information providing unit is configured as an indicator light installed on the outer surface of the vehicle, changes to the method of providing vehicle information may include at least one of changing the indicator light between being on and off, and changing the display color of the indicator light.

[0018] Therefore, appropriate vehicle information can be provided to the outside of the vehicle (e.g., to pedestrians) based on the fact that the relationship between the status of the indicator lights and the condition caused by the driving energy source is well known.

[0019] Furthermore, if the information providing unit is configured as a body color changing unit capable of changing the body color of the vehicle, then changing the body color through the body color changing unit can be cited as an example of changing the way the vehicle information is provided.

[0020] Therefore, appropriate vehicle information can be provided to the outside world, provided that the relationship between the vehicle body color and the condition caused by the driving energy source is well known.

[0021] Furthermore, as specific examples of the driving force source and the driving energy source, the following examples can be cited. First, when the driving force source is an internal combustion engine, the driving energy source is fuel used to drive the internal combustion engine. Second, when the driving force source is an electric motor, the driving energy source is electricity used to drive the electric motor.

[0022] Therefore, it is possible to specifically identify the driving energy source and obtain the appropriate vehicle information provided in accordance with the information of that driving energy source.

[0023] Furthermore, the drive energy source information determination unit is configured to determine the information of the drive energy source when supplying the drive energy source to the drive energy source storage unit of the vehicle in the service station.

[0024] Therefore, during or after the supply of driving energy to the driving energy storage unit, the information provisioning method of the information providing unit can be changed to the information provisioning method according to the information of the supplied driving energy source. Thus, an appropriate vehicle information provisioning method can be achieved earlier, and the continuation of inappropriate vehicle information provisioning methods caused by information previously supplied to the driving energy storage unit (e.g., driving energy that has already been consumed to a certain extent) can be suppressed.

[0025] In addition, the service station is equipped with a camera that captures the supply action of the drive energy source to the drive energy source storage unit of the vehicle. The drive energy source information determination unit is configured to receive information of the captured image of the supply action captured by the camera, and determine the information of the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage unit based on the information of the received captured image.

[0026] Therefore, high reliability can be obtained in determining the information of the driving energy source by the driving energy source information determination unit, and consequently, the reliability of the provided vehicle information can also be improved.

[0027] Furthermore, the drive energy source information determination unit is configured to receive settlement information after the drive energy source has finished supplying the drive energy source to the drive energy source storage unit of the vehicle, calculate the unit price of the drive energy source based on the settlement information, and determine the information of the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage unit based on the unit price.

[0028] This method identifies the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage unit by considering the different unit prices (price per unit quantity) of each drive energy source. As a result, high reliability can be achieved in determining the drive energy source information performed by the drive energy source information determination unit, and consequently, the reliability of the provided vehicle information can also be improved.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive energy source information determination unit is configured to receive information about the generation of the drive energy source provided to the drive energy source storage unit of the vehicle, and determine the information of the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage unit based on the information about the generation.

[0030] This is because it provides vehicle information that takes into account the conditions under which the drive energy source is generated. For example, the environmental load at the time of the drive energy source's generation can also be provided as vehicle information. That is, even for drive energy sources (fuels) with the same name, if the environmental load during use (e.g., during fuel combustion) is the same (e.g., even if CO2 emissions are the same), the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) will differ between drive energy sources generated under conditions of high environmental load and those generated under conditions of low environmental load. Therefore, vehicle information reflecting this difference can be provided. As a result, more detailed vehicle information can be provided.

[0031] Furthermore, not limited to utilizing information from external sources such as service stations, the vehicle itself can also be configured to determine the information of the driving energy source (using internal vehicle information). Specifically, the driving energy source information determining unit is configured to determine the information of the driving energy source stored in the driving energy source storage unit based on the output values ​​of vehicle-mounted sensors during the driving of the driving force source.

[0032] Therefore, it is possible to determine the information of the driving energy source without relying on information from external sources such as service stations. In other words, appropriate vehicle information can be provided without communication with external parties (such as service stations).

[0033] More specifically, the vehicle is equipped with sensors configured to determine information about the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage unit based on the amount of a specific substance contained in the gas discharged along with the drive of the drive power source.

[0034] This solution is configured such that, for example, when the driving power source is an internal combustion engine, information about the driving energy source is determined by utilizing the differences in the amount of specific substances contained in the exhaust gas (e.g., PM emissions) depending on the fuel used as the driving energy source. This allows for the effective use of existing vehicle-mounted sensors (such as PM sensors) to determine the driving energy source information.

[0035] In addition, the information of the driving energy source is information about the size of the environmental load when the driving energy source is used or information related to the size of the environmental load, or information about the size of the environmental load when the driving energy source is generated or information related to the size of the environmental load.

[0036] Examples of information regarding the magnitude of environmental load mentioned here include direct information such as the CO2 emissions per unit of energy source used when driving the energy source, and the CO2 emissions per unit of energy generated when the energy source is used. Examples of information related to the magnitude of environmental load include indirect information such as the name of the energy source and the generation method.

[0037] Therefore, the information providing unit can provide vehicle information regarding the environmental impact (environmental load) of the driving energy source used and its environmental impact during generation. Thus, when providing vehicle information to the driver's cabin (e.g., changing the display color of the dashboard), the driver can be made aware of driving practices that reduce environmental impact (avoiding sudden starts and acceleration), or their social standing can be assessed. Furthermore, when providing vehicle information to the outside of the vehicle (e.g., changing the status of the indicator lights, changing the vehicle body color), the vehicle can be perceived as having taken environmental considerations into account, or as indicating the vehicle's marketability.

[0038] Invention Effects

[0039] In this invention, information about a drive energy source stored in a drive energy source storage unit is determined, and instruction information corresponding to the determined drive energy source information is generated. The method of providing vehicle information in the information providing unit is then changed according to this instruction information. As a result, a method of providing vehicle information corresponding to the drive energy source information can be obtained, and even for the same vehicle model, appropriate vehicle information can be provided that takes into account the different conditions depending on the drive energy source used. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram shows a vehicle stopped in front of a meter at a service station described in the embodiment, in order to refuel.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a front view of the measuring machine involved in the implementation method.

[0042] Figure 3 This indicates the display status of the dashboard inside the vehicle. Figure 3 (a) is a diagram representing the first display state. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram representing the second display state. Figure 3 (c) is a diagram representing the third display state.

[0043] Figure 4 This indicates the display status of the energy-saving indicator light located on the rear surface of the vehicle. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram representing the first display state. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram representing the second display state. Figure 4 (c) is a diagram representing the third display state.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the vehicle information provision system involved in the implementation method.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a PM sensor in a vehicle's exhaust system.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the sensor output of a PM sensor changes depending on the type of fuel.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in providing and processing vehicle information.

[0048] Figure 9 This represents the side view of the vehicle in variation 1. Figure 9 (a) is a diagram representing the first display state. Figure 9(b) is a diagram representing the second display state. Figure 9 (c) is a diagram representing the third display state.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the sensor output change of the PM sensor in Modified Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. This embodiment will be described as an example in a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine (driving power source), where the display method (vehicle information provision method) of the display unit (information providing unit) inside and outside the vehicle is changed according to the type of fuel (driving energy source) stored in the fuel tank (driving energy source storage unit).

[0051] The vehicle information provision system described in this embodiment is constructed from service stations and vehicles. Service stations can provide a variety of fuels. In addition, the vehicle that constructs this vehicle information provision system is equipped with an internal combustion engine (diesel engine) capable of using a variety of fuels that can be refueled at service stations (such as light oil and e-diesel described later) (capable of being driven by either light oil or e-diesel).

[0052] -Service Station-

[0053] Figure 1 This diagram shows the state of vehicle V stopped before the meter (refueling device) 2 installed in the service station SS of the vehicle information providing system 1 described in this embodiment, in order to refuel. Additionally, Figure 2 This is the front view of measuring machine 2.

[0054] As shown in these figures, the meter 2 is configured to select regular gasoline, high-octane gasoline, light oil, and e-diesel (synthetic fuel) as the fuel to be dispensed to vehicle V. Light oil and e-diesel are selectively dispensed to vehicle V equipped with a diesel engine (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the engine).

[0055] As is well known, e-diesel is a synthetic fuel composed of a collection of hydrocarbons synthesized from CO2 and H2, resulting in a low environmental impact during combustion (lower CO2 emissions compared to light oil). However, while H2 is produced through water electrolysis during the production of e-diesel, the environmental impact can potentially increase depending on the energy used for electricity generation (power generation) (the LCA of the e-diesel increases). For example, when using electricity generated from thermal power plants to produce H2, there is a tendency for increased CO2 emissions during power generation, leading to a greater environmental impact. Conversely, using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or geothermal power to produce H2 reduces CO2 emissions during power generation and thus decreases the environmental impact. Therefore, utilizing renewable energy-based power generation for H2 production during the production of e-diesel is preferable. Furthermore, when fuel is referred to as e-diesel, the well-known e-gasoline, or e-fuel as a general term, it is generally a fuel that utilizes electricity generated from renewable energy sources in the production of H2.

[0056] The metering machine 2 is equipped with nozzles 22, 23, 24, and 25 for each type of fuel. Additionally, the metering machine 2 has an operation panel 21, consisting of a touch-screen LCD display or similar device, for selecting the fuel to be dispensed. Therefore, the person refueling (the operator of the service station SS, or, in the case of a self-service station, the driver of the vehicle V) selects the fuel to be dispensed via the operation panel 21 and holds the selected fuel nozzle 22, 23, 24, or 25 to dispense fuel from the vehicle V's filler neck.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the service station SS is equipped with a camera (surveillance camera) 3 for capturing images of the operation panel 21 of the metering machine 2 and its surroundings. For example, the camera 3 is installed on the lower surface of the roof (the roof of the service station SS, also called the canopy) R above the metering machine 2. When multiple metering machines 2 are installed in the service station SS, the camera 3 can be configured as a dedicated camera corresponding to each metering machine 2 (a structure where one camera 3 is installed for each metering machine 2), or one camera 3 can be used to capture images of the operation panels 21 of each of the multiple metering machines 2.

[0058] -vehicle-

[0059] Next, the vehicle V applicable to this embodiment will be described. The vehicle V is equipped with a diesel engine as its power source. As described above, this diesel engine can use light oil and e-diesel as fuel, and the refueling operator can choose either light oil or e-diesel as the fuel. That is, when refueling the vehicle V, if light oil is being used, the refueling operator selects light oil by operating the control panel 21 of the metering machine 2 and holds the light oil filler nozzle 24 to refuel from the vehicle V's filler neck. Similarly, if e-diesel is being used, the refueling operator selects e-diesel by operating the control panel 21 of the metering machine 2 and holds the e-diesel filler nozzle 25 to refuel from the vehicle V's filler neck.

[0060] The vehicle V applicable to this embodiment can change the background color of the dashboard located in front of the front seats inside the vehicle. Figure 3 (a) represents an example of dashboard 4. For example... Figure 3 As shown in (a), the instrument panel 4 is configured as a color LCD panel. Furthermore, the display areas within this instrument panel 4 include a speed display area 41, a gear position display area 42, a fuel gauge area 43, an energy monitoring area 44, and a clock display area 45, with the remaining area being a background area 46. The display methods of the speed display area 41, gear position display area 42, fuel gauge area 43, energy monitoring area 44, and clock display area 45 are well-known, and therefore their descriptions are omitted here.

[0061] Background area 46 can, for example, switch between three colors (a change in the way vehicle information is provided as described in this invention). For example, by arranging a portion or the entire background area 46 with various LED elements for displaying the background area (illustrations omitted), it is possible to switch between the following background color states: a first display state where the background is black (the color in the off state) by not energizing these LED elements; a second display state where the background (background area 46) is blue by energizing the blue LED elements constituting the background area 46 and illuminating them; and a third display state where the background (background area 46) is green by energizing the green LED elements constituting the background area 46 and illuminating them. (The background color switching operation will be described later.) Furthermore, instead of using LED elements corresponding to each color, the background area display LED elements can be configured as white light-emitting LED elements, and light from these LED elements can pass through color filters (LED elements are arranged for color filters of each color, and the illuminated LED elements are selected), thereby changing the background color of the instrument panel 4. Furthermore, the range and color (background color) of the background area 46 are preset in a manner that does not reduce the visual recognizability of the other areas 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45. Additionally, the colors for each display state are not limited to the colors mentioned above and can be set arbitrarily.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown in (a), the vehicle V applicable to this embodiment has an energy-saving indicator light (the indicator light referred to in this invention) 5 provided on its rear surface. This energy-saving indicator light 5 is disposed below the taillight TL provided on the rear surface of the vehicle V. This energy-saving indicator light 5 can also switch between, for example, three colors (a change in the way vehicle information is provided as described in this invention). For example, by pre-configuring various LED elements (not shown), it can switch between a first display state where the indicator light is black or white (the color of the off state) by not energizing these LED elements, a second display state where the energy-saving indicator light 5 is blue by energizing the blue LED element constituting it, and a third display state where the energy-saving indicator light 5 is green by energizing the green LED element constituting it (the switching operation of this energy-saving indicator light 5 will be described later). Furthermore, in this case, instead of using LED elements corresponding to each color, the configuration can be changed by setting the energy-saving indicator 5 to a white-emitting LED element and allowing light from the LED element to pass through a color filter (an LED element is configured for each color filter, and the LED element that is lit is selected), thereby changing the color of the energy-saving indicator 5. Moreover, the color in each display state is not limited to the colors described above and can be set arbitrarily. Additionally, the energy-saving indicator 5 is preset in color and light intensity in a way that will not cause misidentification by illuminating the parking lights or reversing lights constituting the taillight TL when it is illuminated. Furthermore, the placement of the energy-saving indicator 5 is not limited to the rear surface of the vehicle V and can be set arbitrarily. For example, it can be placed below the headlights at the front of the vehicle V or on the side of the vehicle V. Furthermore, the number of energy-saving indicator 5 can also be set arbitrarily.

[0063] - Vehicle Information Provision System -

[0064] Next, the vehicle information providing system 1 involved in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 This is a block diagram of vehicle information provision system 1. (As shown...) Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle information providing system 1 includes a system server 100 located at the service station SS and a vehicle display control device 200 mounted on the vehicle V.

[0065] (System Server)

[0066] The system server 100 may include processors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory) for storing control programs, RAM (Random-Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, and input / output ports.

[0067] Furthermore, the system server 100 is connected to the camera 3 and the information input device 6 described later in a way that can send and receive information, and as a functional unit implemented by the control program, it includes an image information transceiver unit 101, a settlement information transceiver unit 102, and a drive energy source generation information transceiver unit 103.

[0068] The image information transceiver unit 101 receives the image information captured by the camera 3 (images captured of the operation panel 21 of the metering machine 2 and its surrounding area), and sends the image information to the vehicle display control device 200 of the vehicle V. That is, when refueling the vehicle V, the operation status of the operation panel 21 of the metering machine 2 and the image information of which fuel nozzle is used are sent to the vehicle display control device 200 of the vehicle V.

[0069] In this case, even if the service station SS has multiple meters 2, the vehicle V that is refueled by the meter involved in the image information (the meter in the image captured by the camera 3) and the vehicle V that receives the image information (the vehicle equipped with the vehicle display control device 200 for receiving the image information) must be the same vehicle V.

[0070] Therefore, communication between the system server 100 and the vehicle display control device 200 is conducted by determining the vehicle V that receives and utilizes image information. For example, in a configuration where one camera 3 is installed on one meter 2, the parking area of ​​the vehicle V being refueled is determined (the area in front of the meter 2, the size of one vehicle, is defined as the parking area), the camera 3, which serves as the source of image information, is pre-associated with the parking area, and the image information is transmitted only to the parking area corresponding to the camera 3, which serves as the source of image information. The vehicle V being refueled at the meter 2 involved in the image information and the vehicle V receiving the image information are considered to be the same vehicle V. Furthermore, in the case where a single camera 3 is configured to capture images of the operation panels 21 of multiple metering machines 2, the system server 100 acquires the solid-state information (ID information) of the vehicle V (e.g., by acquiring solid-state information through short-range wireless communication) when refueling begins in the vehicle V, and associates the solid-state information with the transmitted image information (establishes an association). Thus, the vehicle display control device 200 of the vehicle V that receives the image information can determine whether the image information is related to its own refueling and extract only the image information related to its own refueling (deleting image information related to the refueling of other vehicles).

[0071] The settlement information transceiver 102 receives information (fuel quantity and settlement amount) from the driver when settling payment after refueling in vehicle V, and sends this settlement information to the vehicle display control device 200 of vehicle V. Specifically, the settlement information transceiver 102 receives the fuel quantity and settlement amount information identified by the settlement function unit of the system server 100, and sends this information to the vehicle display control device 200 of vehicle V. This is because the unit price (price per unit quantity) of each fuel is generally different, so the unit price of the fuel can be calculated based on the fuel quantity and settlement amount information, and therefore the type of fuel used can be determined using this unit price.

[0072] In this case, even if the service station SS has multiple meters 2, the vehicle V that has been refueled by the meter 2 associated with the settlement information (the meter that settles the bill along with refueling) and the vehicle V that receives the settlement information (the vehicle equipped with the vehicle display control device 200 for receiving the settlement information) must be the same vehicle V. Therefore, by using the same structure as in the case of sending image information from the image information transceiver unit 101 described above, the vehicle V that has been refueled by the meter 2 associated with the settlement information and the vehicle V that receives the settlement information are configured as the same vehicle V.

[0073] The drive energy source generation information transceiver unit 103 receives information about the generation of the fuel (drive energy source) that has been added. An information input device 6 is provided on the system server 100, located at the service station SS, allowing operators of the service station SS to input information. The information input to the information input device 6 is individual information for each type of fuel, including unit price and fuel generation information. As mentioned above, the unit price is the price per unit quantity of fuel and can be arbitrarily set. The fuel generation information is information about the fuel generation process. For example, in the case of e-diesel, as mentioned above, H2 is produced by the electrolysis of water during generation, but information such as whether the energy used for electricity generation (power generation) is based on renewable energy is equivalent to fuel generation information. That is, an indicator of the environmental impact of generating this e-diesel is input to the information input device 6 as fuel generation information (equivalent to the fuel's LCA information).

[0074] More specifically, the operator of the service station SS can obtain fuel generation time information from the original fuel supplier, etc., and input the fuel generation time information (e.g., a numerical value as an indicator of environmental impact) through the keyboard of the information input device 6. Alternatively, the fuel generation time information can be written into a QR code or 3D code attached to the delivery note from the original fuel supplier, and then read using a code reader to input the information into the information input device 6. The fuel generation time information input into the information input device 6 is then sent from the information input device 6 to the drive energy source generation information transceiver 103. In addition, the fuel unit price information input into the information input device 6 is sent from the information input device 6 to the settlement information transceiver 102.

[0075] (Vehicle display control device)

[0076] The vehicle display control device 200, like the system server 100, also includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, a ROM for storing control programs, RAM for temporarily storing data, and input / output ports.

[0077] Furthermore, as a functional unit implemented by the control program, the vehicle display control device 200 includes a drive energy source information receiving unit 201, a drive energy source information determining unit 202, an information level determining unit 203, an instruction information generating unit 204, and an instruction information output unit 205.

[0078] The drive energy source information receiving unit 201 receives image information from the image information transceiver unit 101 (image information of the operation status of the operation panel 21 of the meter 2 or which fuel nozzle is used when refueling the vehicle V), settlement information from the settlement information transceiver unit 102 (information when the driver settles the bill after refueling the vehicle V (information on the amount of fuel and the settlement amount)), and drive energy source generation information from the drive energy source generation information transceiver unit 103 (unit price and fuel generation information, etc.).

[0079] Furthermore, the drive energy source information receiving unit 201 receives information about the sensor output, which is the output value (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as sensor output) of a sensor 7 mounted on the vehicle V (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a vehicle-mounted sensor), and whose output characteristics vary depending on the type of fuel. This will be explained in detail below. Here, the PM sensor installed in the exhaust system of a diesel engine will be used as an example of the vehicle-mounted sensor 7.

[0080] Figure 6 This diagram schematically illustrates the structure of the PM sensor (vehicle-mounted sensor) 7 included in the exhaust system. Figure 6As shown, an exhaust pipe 71 is equipped with a PM sensor 7 capable of measuring the concentration of particulate matter (PM, as described in this invention, a specific substance contained in the gas discharged with the drive of a driving force source) in the exhaust pipe (exhaust gas). To receive the exhaust flow EX, the PM sensor 7 has a proton conductor 72 disposed inside the exhaust pipe 71, with a measuring electrode 73 on one side (left side in the figure) and a reference electrode 74 on the other side. A predetermined voltage is applied between the two electrodes 73 and 74 from a circuit 75. When PM contained in the exhaust adheres to the measuring electrode 73, a signal corresponding to the amount of adhesion is output. That is, when the PM adhering to the surface of the measuring electrode 73 is consumed due to an electrochemical reaction, the generated protons move towards the other side inside the proton conductor 72. As a result, a current flows between the measuring electrode 73 and the reference electrode 74, and a signal corresponding to this current value is output from the circuit 75. Alternatively, the PM sensor 7 can also be a resistance-measuring sensor that detects the change in resistance caused by PM stacked between a pair of electrodes.

[0081] Generally, in diesel engines, PM emissions are lower when using e-diesel compared to when using light fuel. Therefore, the sensor output of PM sensor 7 tends to be lower when using e-diesel compared to when using light fuel. Figure 7 This is a graph illustrating an example of the change in sensor output of PM sensor 7 corresponding to the type of fuel. Figure 7 In the diagram, a dashed line represents an example of sensor output change when only light oil is stored in the fuel tank; a solid line represents an example of sensor output change when both light oil and e-diesel are stored in the fuel tank; and a dashed line represents an example of sensor output change when only e-diesel is stored in the fuel tank. Thus, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the diesel engine started, there is a tendency for the greater the proportion of e-diesel relative to the total fuel, the smaller the gradient of sensor output change (the increase in sensor output over time). Therefore, the sensor output change gradient shown by the solid line in the diagram also varies depending on the ratio of light oil to e-diesel in the fuel tank.

[0082] The drive energy source information determination unit 202 determines the type of fuel that has been added to the vehicle V based on various information received by the drive energy source information receiving unit 201. For example, if light fuel is added, based on image information from the image information transceiver unit 101, it is determined that a light fuel selection operation was performed on the operation panel 21 of the metering machine 2, and fuel was added from the light fuel filler nozzle 24. The unit price of the fuel calculated based on the settlement information from the settlement information transceiver unit 102 is equivalent to light fuel. This determination based on the image information is performed using well-known image matching processing methods. Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the diesel engine started, the change gradient of the sensor output of the PM sensor 7 is used to obtain the change gradient equivalent to light fuel. On the other hand, if e-diesel is added, based on image information from the image information transceiver unit 101, it is determined that an e-diesel selection operation was performed on the operation panel 21 of the metering machine 2, and fuel was added from the e-diesel filler nozzle 25. The unit price of the fuel calculated based on the settlement information from the settlement information transceiver unit 102 is equivalent to e-diesel. Furthermore, based on fuel generation information from the drive energy source generation information transceiver 103, the level of environmental impact during the generation of the e-diesel is determined (e.g., the level of environmental impact based on whether the energy used for electricity generation in H2 production is renewable energy). Additionally, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the diesel engine started, the gradient of change in the sensor output of the PM sensor 7 is used to obtain the gradient corresponding to the e-diesel. Furthermore, in the case where light oil remains in the fuel tank, the gradient of change in the sensor output of the PM sensor 7 corresponding to the mixing ratio of light oil and e-diesel is obtained.

[0083] The information level determination unit 203 determines the level of environmental impact (information level) of the fuel (the type of fuel added to vehicle V) determined by the drive energy source information determination unit 202. In this embodiment, the level is determined as one of three stages.

[0084] First, if the fuel determined by the drive energy source information determination unit 202 is light oil, the information level determination unit 203 will determine the information level as "Level 1". This "Level 1" refers to the fuel with the highest environmental impact among the fuels (light oil and e-diesel) used by the diesel engine. Specifically, if the fuel is determined to be light oil based on both the fuel determination action based on image information from the image information transceiver unit 101 and the fuel determination action based on settlement information from the settlement information transceiver unit 102, the information level determination unit 203 will determine the information level as "Level 1". Furthermore, if the fuel is determined to be light oil in one determination but not in the other, the information level determination unit 203 may also determine the information level as "Level 1".

[0085] Next, if the fuel determined by the drive energy source information determination unit 202 is e-diesel, and the fuel generation information received from the drive energy source generation information transceiver unit 103 includes information that the electricity used in the production of H2 through water electrolysis is generated from energy sources other than renewable energy, the information level determination unit 203 determines the information level to be "Level 2". This "Level 2" means that it is a fuel with a lower environmental impact compared to the case where light oil is used as fuel for a diesel engine.

[0086] Furthermore, if the fuel determined by the drive energy source information determination unit 202 is e-diesel, and the fuel generation information received from the drive energy source generation information transceiver unit 103 includes information that the electricity used in the production of H2 through water electrolysis is obtained from renewable energy generation, the information level determination unit 203 will determine the information level as "Level 3". This "Level 3" means that it is the fuel with the lowest environmental impact among the fuels used by the diesel engine. In this case, the determination that the fuel is e-diesel is set to e-diesel if both the fuel determination operation based on image information from the image information transceiver unit 101 and the fuel determination operation based on settlement information from the settlement information transceiver unit 102 determine that the fuel is e-diesel (as an information level, determined as "Level 2" or "Level 3"). Additionally, if the fuel is determined to be e-diesel in one determination but not in the other, it is set to e-diesel (as an information level, determined as "Level 2" or "Level 3").

[0087] The instruction information generation unit 204 generates instruction information that indicates the information delivery method corresponding to the information delivery level determined by the information delivery level determination unit 203. Specifically, it generates instruction information for the background color of the instrument panel 4 and instruction information for the energy-saving indicator light 5.

[0088] As an indication of the background color of the instrument panel 4, when the information level is determined to be "Level 1", an indication is created that is set to a first display state (a first display state that displays black (the color of the off state) by not energizing the LED elements). In this case, the instrument panel 4 becomes... Figure 3 The first display state shown in (a). Figure 3 In (a), the color representing the off state is indicated by making the background area 46 blank. Additionally, when the information level is determined to be "Level 2", an indication message is generated indicating a second display state (a second display state in which the background (background area 46) becomes blue by energizing the blue LED element constituting the background area 46). In this case, the instrument panel 4 becomes... Figure 3 The second display state shown in (b). Figure 3 In (b), the background area 46 is indicated to be blue by adding dots. Furthermore, when the information level is determined to be "Level 3," an indication message is generated indicating a third display state (a third display state in which the background (background area 46) becomes green by energizing the green LED elements constituting the background area 46, causing the green LED elements to light up). In this case, the instrument panel 4 becomes... Figure 3 The third display state is shown in (c). Figure 3 In (c), by comparing the background area 46... Figure 3 (b) is further densely dotted to indicate that it is green.

[0089] On the other hand, as indication information for the energy-saving indicator light 5, when the information level is determined to be "Level 1", indication information is generated that is set to a first display state (a first display state in which the LED elements constituting the energy-saving indicator light 5 are displayed as black or white (the color of the off state) without being powered on). In this case, the energy-saving indicator light 5 becomes... Figure 4 The first display state shown in (a). Figure 4 In (a), the color indicating the off state is represented by making the energy-saving indicator light 5 blank. Additionally, when the information level is determined to be "Level 2", an indication message is generated indicating a second display state (the energy-saving indicator light 5 becomes blue by energizing the blue LED element constituting it). In this case, the energy-saving indicator light 5 becomes... Figure 4 The second display state shown in (b). Figure 4In (b), the energy-saving indicator light 5 is indicated by adding a dot to it, making it blue. Furthermore, when the information level is determined to be "Level 3," an indication message is generated indicating a third display state (the energy-saving indicator light 5 becomes green by energizing the green LED element constituting it). In this case, the energy-saving indicator light 5 becomes... Figure 4 The third display state is shown in (c). Figure 4 In (c), by comparing the energy-saving indicator light 5... Figure 4 (b) is further densely dotted to indicate that it is green. Figure 4 (a) to (c) are one implementation method, but other display methods are also possible.

[0090] The instruction information output unit 205 receives the instruction information (instruction information for the instrument panel 4 and the energy-saving indicator light 5 respectively) generated by the instruction information generation unit 204, and outputs the instruction information as command signals to the instrument panel 4 and the energy-saving indicator light 5 respectively. Thus, the instrument panel 4 and the energy-saving indicator light 5 become, as described above, methods for providing vehicle information corresponding to the instruction information.

[0091] - Steps for providing and processing vehicle information -

[0092] Next, the steps for vehicle information provision processing in the vehicle information provision system 1 configured as described above will be explained. Furthermore, the following explanation pertains to a vehicle V equipped with a diesel engine. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in providing vehicle information. This flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals within the vehicle display control device 200.

[0093] First, in step ST1, it is determined whether the start switch (IG switch) of vehicle V is currently turned on.

[0094] If the start switch (IG switch) is not turned on and the result in step ST1 is "No", the process proceeds to step ST2 to determine whether refueling is currently underway. This determination is made, for example, based on the detection signals from sensors or switches that detect the open / closed state of the fuel filler cap on vehicle V.

[0095] If refueling is in progress and the determination in step ST2 is "yes", proceed to step ST3 to determine whether refueling is complete. For example, if the sensor detects that the filler cap is closed, refueling is considered complete.

[0096] If refueling is completed and the determination in step ST3 is "yes", the process proceeds to step ST4, where various information is received from the system server 100. Specifically, the drive energy source information receiving unit 201 of the vehicle display control device 200 receives image information from the image information transceiver unit 101 (image information of the operation status of the operation panel 21 of the meter 2 and which fuel nozzle was used), settlement information from the settlement information transceiver unit 102 (information when the driver made a settlement (information on the amount of fuel and the settlement amount)), and information from the drive energy source generation information transceiver unit 103 (unit price and information on fuel generation, etc.). Furthermore, the image information from the image information transceiver unit 101 and the information from the drive energy source generation information transceiver unit 103 can also be received during refueling (from the time the determination in step ST2 is "yes" to the time the determination in step ST3 is "yes").

[0097] In step ST5, the type of fuel is determined based on the information received by the drive energy source information receiving unit 201 (the drive energy source information determining unit 202 determines the type of fuel). Here, it is determined whether the fuel added to the diesel engine is light oil or e-diesel (in the case of e-diesel, this also includes determining whether the energy used for electricity generation in the production of H2 is renewable energy).

[0098] Next, the process moves to step ST6 to determine the environmental rating of the fuel identified in step ST5. Specifically, if the fuel identified in step ST5 is light oil, it is designated as "Rating 1". Furthermore, if the fuel identified in step ST5 is e-diesel, based on the fuel generation information related to e-diesel, if the information includes that the electricity used in the H2 production via water electrolysis is obtained from electricity generated from energy sources other than renewable energy, it is designated as "Rating 2"; if the information includes that the electricity is obtained from electricity generated from renewable energy, it is designated as "Rating 3".

[0099] After determining the environmental protection level of the fuel, the process moves to step ST7, where an instruction message is generated to indicate the information provision method corresponding to the environmental protection level (the instruction message is generated by the instruction message generation unit 204), and the command signal corresponding to the instruction message is output to the instrument panel 4 and the energy-saving indicator light 5 respectively (the instruction message output unit 205 outputs the command signal).

[0100] Therefore, in step ST8, information provision actions are performed in both the instrument panel 4 and the energy-saving indicator 5. Specifically, when the information provision level is determined to be "Level 1" because the fuel used is light oil, the instrument panel 4 enters a first display state where the background color is displayed as black (the color of the off state) by not energizing the LED elements in the background area 46. Figure 3 In the state shown in (a), the energy-saving indicator 5 also achieves a first display state (becoming black or white, the color of the off state) by not energizing the LED element. Figure 4 (The state shown in (a)).

[0101] Furthermore, if the fuel being refueled is e-diesel and the electricity used to generate H2 through the electrolysis of water is generated from energy sources other than renewable energy, and the information provision level is determined to be "Level 2", then in the instrument panel 4, by energizing the blue LED element constituting the background area 46, a second display state is achieved where the blue LED element is illuminated, causing the background (background area 46) to turn blue. Figure 3 In the state shown in (b), the energy-saving indicator 5 also achieves a second display state (becoming blue) by energizing the blue LED element, causing the blue LED element to light up and turn blue. Figure 4 (as shown in (b)).

[0102] Furthermore, if the fuel being refueled is e-diesel and contains information that the electricity used to produce H2 through the electrolysis of water is generated from renewable energy, thus setting the information provision level to "Level 3," then in the instrument panel 4, by energizing the green LED element constituting the background area 46, a third display state is achieved where the green LED element is illuminated, making the background (background area 46) green. Figure 3 In the energy-saving indicator 5, the green LED element is also powered on, resulting in a third display state where the green LED element is lit up and turns green. Figure 4 (The state shown in (c)).

[0103] On the other hand, if the start switch (IG switch) is turned on and the result is determined to be "yes" in step ST1, the process proceeds to step ST9, where the sensor output (output value) is received from the PM sensor 7 and the information is stored.

[0104] Additionally, if the determination in step ST2 is "No" (not refueling), it is assumed that vehicle V has stopped due to waiting for a signal, etc., so the process returns directly.

[0105] In step ST10, it is determined whether the engine has been running for a predetermined time since the last refueling. This action is performed by using a timer that is reset at a set time when determined to be "yes" in step ST2, and measuring the cumulative time of engine operation (including driving and idling based on engine torque). The predetermined time is the time when the change gradient of the PM sensor 7 output appears as a change gradient that can determine the type of fuel, and it is set through experiments and simulations.

[0106] Furthermore, if the engine's driving time since the last refueling is less than the predetermined time, it is considered that no sensor output from PM sensor 7 corresponding to the type of fuel has been obtained (no sensor output change gradient that can determine the type of fuel has been obtained), and it is judged as "no" and returned directly.

[0107] On the other hand, if the engine has been running for a predetermined time since the last refueling, and the determination in step ST10 is "yes", the process proceeds to step ST5, where the fuel type is determined based on the change gradient of the sensor output from PM sensor 7 (the fuel type determination operation of the drive energy source information determination unit 202). The subsequent steps ST6 to ST8 are performed in the same manner as described above, performing information provision operations on the instrument panel 4 and energy-saving indicator 5 respectively, based on the information provision level. The determination of the fuel type based on the change gradient of the sensor output from PM sensor 7 and the information provision operation corresponding to the information provision level are deactivated at the point when refueling of the fuel tank (the point where the determination in step ST2 is "yes"), and the process switches to information provision operations based on actions after step ST4.

[0108] Repeat the above steps.

[0109] -Effects of the implementation method-

[0110] As explained above, in this embodiment, the type of fuel stored in the fuel tank is determined, and indication information corresponding to the determined fuel type is generated. The method of providing vehicle information in the instrument panel 4 and the energy-saving indicator light 5 is changed according to the indication information. As a result, a method of providing vehicle information corresponding to the type of fuel can be obtained. Even for the same vehicle model, appropriate vehicle information (information on whether the vehicle takes the environment into consideration) can be provided, taking into account the different environmental impacts (environmental load) caused by different types of fuel used.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the display color of the instrument panel 4 is changed as a way of providing vehicle information, appropriate vehicle information (whether the information of vehicle V takes the environment into account) can be provided to the driver of vehicle V, assuming that the driver is aware in advance of the relationship between the display color of the instrument panel 4 and the magnitude of the environmental load caused by the type of fuel. In addition, the driver can also be made aware of driving that reduces the environmental load (avoiding sudden starts or accelerations), or the driver can be made aware of the level of social status.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the illumination state of the energy-saving indicator light 5 is changed as a method of providing vehicle information, appropriate vehicle information (whether the vehicle V is environmentally friendly) can be provided to the outside of the vehicle (e.g., to pedestrians) based on the fact that the relationship between the illumination state of the energy-saving indicator light 5 and the magnitude of the environmental load caused by the type of fuel is well known. Additionally, it is also possible to inform the outside world whether the vehicle V is environmentally friendly and the level of marketability of the vehicle V.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by determining the type of fuel during or after refueling of vehicle V at service station SS, corresponding vehicle information can be provided, thus enabling an earlier provision of appropriate vehicle information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the continued provision of inappropriate vehicle information due to information about previously supplied fuel (fuel that has already been consumed to a certain extent).

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, vehicle information reflecting the fuel generation time can be provided. Even with the same fuel name, the fuel generated under high environmental load conditions will differ from that generated under low environmental load conditions in terms of LCA (Limited Aspect Ratio). However, in this embodiment, vehicle information reflecting this difference can be provided, offering more detailed vehicle information.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the diesel engine started, the fuel level is determined using the gradient change in the output of the PM sensor 7. Therefore, fuel information can be determined without relying on external information from service stations such as SS. In other words, vehicle information can be provided without external communication.

[0116] - Variation Example 1 -

[0117] Next, Modification 1 will be described. The method of providing vehicle information in this modification differs from the implementation described above. Therefore, only the method of providing vehicle information will be described here.

[0118] The vehicle V involved in this variation has a known body color changing unit that can change the body color, and the body color is changed through this body color changing unit as a way of providing vehicle information.

[0119] As a vehicle body color changing unit for changing the color of a vehicle body, an example of such a unit is as follows: Microcapsules containing a negatively charged pigment of a specific color and a positively charged pigment of another specific color are integrally disposed on the surface of the vehicle body panel. By changing the magnetic field of the vehicle body panel, the pigment of one color is concentrated on the surface side of the vehicle body panel, thereby changing the color of the vehicle body. Alternatively, by demagnetizing the vehicle body panel, the color of the vehicle body can be further changed to another color (a color other than the pigment contained in the microcapsules). Using this technology, the color of the vehicle body can be changed according to the level of information provided.

[0120] Figure 9 Similar to the implementation described above, the vehicle body color is changed based on three levels of information provided. Figure 9 (a) indicates the first display state when the information provision level is determined to be "Level 1" as described above (e.g., a state where the vehicle body color is white). Figure 9 (b) indicates the second display state when the information provision level is determined to be "Level 2" as described above (e.g., a state where the vehicle body color is blue). Figure 9 (c) indicates the third display state when the information level is determined to be "Level 3" as described above (e.g., the state where the vehicle body color is green). Furthermore, the colors in each display state are not limited to the colors described above and can be set arbitrarily.

[0121] In this variation, given that the relationship between the vehicle body color and the magnitude of the environmental impact caused by the type of fuel is well known, appropriate vehicle information can be provided to the outside world (e.g., to pedestrians). Furthermore, it is also possible to inform the outside world that the vehicle V is designed with environmental considerations in mind, and the level of marketability of the vehicle V.

[0122] - Variation Example 2 -

[0123] Next, Modification 2 will be described. The operation of determining the fuel type based on changes in the sensor output of PM sensor 7 in this modification differs from the implementation described above. Therefore, here, only the operation of determining the fuel type based on changes in the sensor output of PM sensor 7 will be described.

[0124] In this variation, the information level is changed as fuel is consumed, based on the state of light oil and e-diesel in the fuel tank. The method of providing vehicle information is changed using at least one of the instrument panel 4, the energy-saving indicator 5, and the body color change unit.

[0125] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the change in the sensor output of PM sensor 7 in this variation 2. Figure 10 The sensor output changes shown are as follows: In the initial state, the amount of light oil in the fuel tank is greater than that of e-diesel. Subsequently, as fuel is consumed (especially as light oil is consumed preferentially), the proportion of e-diesel gradually increases, thereby the sensor output gradually decreases.

[0126] Furthermore, in this modified example, when the sensor output is OP1 or higher as shown in the figure, the information level provided is determined to be "Level 1"; when the sensor output is less than OP1 but greater than OP2 as shown in the figure, the information level provided is determined to be "Level 2"; and when the sensor output is less than OP2 as shown in the figure, the information level provided is determined to be "Level 3".

[0127] from Figure 10 It can also be seen that as fuel consumption increases, the proportion of e-diesel increases, and thus, the information level shifts from "Level 1" to "Level 2" to "Level 3". Consequently, for example, the instrument panel 4, the energy-saving indicator light 5, and the body color generated by the body color changing unit also change from "First Display State" to "Second Display State" to "Third Display State".

[0128] Thus, in this variation, instead of refueling the fuel tank, the method of providing vehicle information changes as fuel is consumed. This allows for real-time and appropriate provision of information regarding the environmental impact (environmental load).

[0129] -Other implementation methods-

[0130] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations, and can be used in all variations and applications within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0131] For example, in the above embodiments and their variations, the vehicle V that constitutes the vehicle information provision system 1 is a so-called conventional vehicle that uses only an internal combustion engine as its driving force source. The present invention is not limited to this; it can also be an electric vehicle. In this case, the driving energy source is electricity, and the driving force source is an electric motor. Furthermore, the method of providing vehicle information using the instrument panel 4, energy-saving indicator light 5, and body color changing unit is changed based on information about the environmental load during electricity generation. Additionally, when a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is used as vehicle V, the driving energy sources are fuel and electricity, and the driving force sources are an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Moreover, the method of providing vehicle information using the instrument panel 4, energy-saving indicator light 5, and body color changing unit is changed based on information about the type of fuel, the environmental load during fuel generation, and the environmental load during electricity generation. Furthermore, when a vehicle using hydrogen as its energy source (e.g., a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, hydrogen engine, etc.) is used as vehicle V, the driving energy source is hydrogen, and the driving force sources are a fuel cell stack and an electric motor. Furthermore, based on information regarding the environmental impact of hydrogen generation, the method of providing vehicle information using the instrument panel 4, energy-saving indicator 5, and body color changing unit was modified. Additionally, when a hybrid vehicle is used as vehicle V, the driving energy source is fuel, and the driving force source is an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In this case, similarly to the above embodiment, based on information regarding the type of fuel and the environmental impact of fuel generation, the method of providing vehicle information using the instrument panel 4, energy-saving indicator 5, and body color changing unit was modified.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, three levels are set as variable information provision levels. The present invention is not limited to this; two or more levels may also be set. That is, the background color of the instrument panel 4 can be switched in two or more display modes, the color of the energy-saving indicator light 5 can be switched in two or more display modes, and the body color can be switched in two or more display modes.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and variations, the information level corresponds to the magnitude of the environmental load. The present invention is not limited to this; it can also correspond to various changes in conditions caused by different driving energy sources (fuels, etc.). For example, when the vehicle's combustion characteristics (the impact on driving performance, etc.) change depending on the type of fuel, the way this driving performance is provided as vehicle information can be changed. As examples of the instrument panel 4, energy-saving indicator 5, and body color in this case, the color is changed based on the change in combustion characteristics. For example, the color can be set to green when driving performance is low and red when driving performance is high. Additionally, when the fuel consumption rate changes depending on the type of fuel, the way this fuel consumption rate is provided as vehicle information can be changed. As examples of the instrument panel 4, energy-saving indicator 5, and body color in this case, the color can be set to red when fuel consumption is high and green when fuel consumption is low. These colors can be arbitrarily set.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, the system server 100 is located at the service station SS. However, the present invention is not limited to this; it can also be configured as an additional function of the system server 100 to a cloud server that centrally manages information from multiple service stations SS. Additionally, the drive energy source information receiving unit 201, drive energy source information determining unit 202, information level determining unit 203, instruction information generating unit 204, and instruction information output unit 205 are not limited to being mounted on the vehicle V (as functional units of the vehicle display control device 200 mounted on the vehicle V), but can also be mounted on the system server 100.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and variations, light oil and e-diesel are selected as the fuels. The present invention is not limited thereto; it can also be applied when gasoline and e-gasoline are selectively used, or when known GTL (Gas To Liquor) and other fuels are selectively used. GTL is a known liquid fuel produced by decomposing natural gas into CO and H2 and then recombining the molecular structure.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, vehicle information is provided in both the instrument panel 4 and the energy-saving indicator light 5. That is, vehicle information is provided to both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to this; vehicle information may also be provided to only one of the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, the sensor output from the PM sensor 7 is used when determining the fuel based on the internal information of the vehicle V. However, the present invention is not limited to this; fuel can be determined by other means. For example, when the engine torque varies with the type of fuel relative to the amount of fuel injected into the engine cylinders, the fuel can be determined based on the relationship between the fuel injection amount and the engine torque. Additionally, when the fuel consumption rate varies with the type of fuel, the fuel can be determined based on the fuel consumption rate.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and variations, even if the driving energy sources have the same name (e-diesel, etc.), driving energy sources with different generation processes are treated as different types of driving energy sources (driving energy sources that provide different levels of information). The present invention is not limited to this; driving energy sources with different names may also be treated simply as different types of driving energy sources.

[0139] Furthermore, the term "vehicle" in this invention includes the concept of mobile vehicles other than automobiles. For example, it includes various mobile entities such as electric bicycles and electric skateboards.

[0140] Industrial applicability

[0141] This invention can be applied to systems that provide information about vehicles equipped with drive power sources capable of selectively using multiple drive energy sources.

[0142] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0143] 1. Vehicle Information Provision System

[0144] 3 cameras

[0145] 4. Dashboard (Information Provision Unit)

[0146] 46 background areas

[0147] 5 Energy-saving indicator lights (information providing unit)

[0148] 100 System Servers

[0149] 101 Image Information Transceiver Department

[0150] 102 Settlement Information Receiving and Distributing Department

[0151] 103 Drive Energy Source Generation Information Transceiver Unit

[0152] 200 Vehicle Display Control Device

[0153] 202 Drive Energy Source Information Determination Unit

[0154] 204 Instruction Information Production Department

[0155] SS Service Station

[0156] V vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle information providing system that provides information of a vehicle equipped with a drive power source capable of selectively using a plurality of drive energy sources, characterized by comprising: a drive energy source information determining section that determines information of the drive energy source stored in a drive energy source storage section; an instruction information creating section that creates instruction information for instructing a providing mode of vehicle information corresponding to the information of the drive energy source determined by the drive energy source information determining section; and an information providing unit that changes the providing mode of the vehicle information in accordance with the instruction information created by the instruction information creating section, wherein the drive energy source information determining section is configured to determine the information of the drive energy source when the drive energy source is supplied to the drive energy source storage section of the vehicle in a service station, wherein a camera that photographs a supply operation of the drive energy source to the drive energy source storage section of the vehicle is provided in the service station, and wherein the drive energy source information determining section is configured to receive information of a photographed image of the supply operation photographed by the camera, and determine the information of the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage section based on the received information of the photographed image.

2. A vehicle information providing system that provides information of a vehicle equipped with a drive power source capable of selectively using a plurality of drive energy sources, characterized by comprising: a drive energy source information determining section that determines information of the drive energy source stored in a drive energy source storage section; an instruction information creating section that creates instruction information for instructing a providing mode of vehicle information corresponding to the information of the drive energy source determined by the drive energy source information determining section; and an information providing unit that changes the providing mode of the vehicle information in accordance with the instruction information created by the instruction information creating section, wherein the drive energy source information determining section is configured to determine the information of the drive energy source when the drive energy source is supplied to the drive energy source storage section of the vehicle in a service station, and wherein the drive energy source information determining section is configured to receive settlement information after the supply of the drive energy source to the drive energy source storage section of the vehicle is completed, calculate a unit price of the drive energy source based on the settlement information, and determine the information of the drive energy source stored in the drive energy source storage section based on the unit price.

3. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the information providing unit is an instrument panel provided in a vehicle cabin, and the change in the providing mode of the vehicle information is a change in a display color of the instrument panel.

4. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the information providing unit is a display lamp provided on an outer surface of the vehicle, and the change in the providing mode of the vehicle information is at least one of a change between lighting and extinguishing of the display lamp and a change in a display color of the display lamp.

5. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The information providing unit is a vehicle body color changing unit capable of changing the vehicle body color of the vehicle, and the change in the provision method of the vehicle information is a change in the vehicle body color by the vehicle body color changing unit.

6. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, wherein The driving force source is an internal combustion engine, and the driving energy source is fuel used to drive the internal combustion engine.

7. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, wherein The driving force source is an electric motor, and the driving energy source is electric power used to drive the electric motor.

8. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, wherein The driving energy source information determining section is configured to determine the information of the driving energy source stored in the driving energy source storage section based on an output value of a vehicle-mounted sensor during driving of the driving force source.

9. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 8, wherein The vehicle-mounted sensor is configured to determine the information of the driving energy source stored in the driving energy source storage section based on an amount of a specific substance contained in gas discharged in association with driving of the driving force source.

10. The vehicle information providing system according to claim 2, wherein The information of the driving energy source is information of or related to the size of environmental load when the driving energy source is used, or information of or related to the size of environmental load when the driving energy source is generated.

Images