Battery electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery electric vehicle. A battery-powered vehicle uses an electric motor as a traction power unit, the battery-powered vehicle including: one or more speakers that output sound to at least one of an interior and an exterior of the vehicle; one or more processors; and one or more storage devices for storing use state information and sound source data of the electric vehicle. The one or more processors estimate a fitness of the battery-powered vehicle based on the usage state information. The one or more processors generate sound according to the fitness based on the sound source data. The one or more processors are configured to output the generated sound through the one or more speakers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery electric vehicle using an electric motor as a traction power unit. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-213273 (JP 2011-213273 A) discloses a technique for controlling an in-vehicle virtual engine sound to be generated inside a vehicle and an out-vehicle virtual engine sound to be generated outside the vehicle. In this related art, based on given information, control is performed to change the in-vehicle virtual engine sound and the out-vehicle virtual engine sound to be different from each other. Summary of the invention

[0003] However, some drivers do not use the battery electric vehicle properly, such as hardly driving their personal vehicle (battery electric vehicle), etc. In this case, the battery electric vehicle may indicate to the driver that the use status of the battery electric vehicle is unfavorable. On the other hand, when the use status of the battery electric vehicle is good, the electric vehicle may indicate this to the driver.

[0004] The present disclosure provides techniques that can prompt appropriate usage of a battery electric vehicle.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a battery electric vehicle using an electric motor as a traction power unit. The electric vehicle is equipped with one or more speakers that output sound to at least one of the interior and exterior of the vehicle, one or more processors, and one or more storage devices for storing usage status information and sound source data of the battery electric vehicle. The one or more processors are configured to estimate the fitness of the battery electric vehicle based on the usage status information. The one or more processors generate sound according to the fitness based on the sound source data. The one or more processors are configured to output the generated sound through one or more speakers.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the fitness of a battery electric vehicle is estimated based on the usage state of the battery electric vehicle. Then, a sound corresponding to the fitness is generated using sound source data, and the generated sound is output from a speaker. This makes it possible to inform the driver whether the battery electric vehicle is in a suitable state or an unsuitable state. Therefore, it is expected that the appropriate use of the battery electric vehicle will be promoted, and the preference for the battery electric vehicle will be further increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like symbols represent like elements, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1is a diagram for describing an overview of a battery electric vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram for describing a specific example of generated sound according to the embodiment;

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram for describing a specific example of generated sound according to the embodiment;

[0011] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing a specific example of a usage state according to the embodiment;

[0012] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing a specific example of a usage state according to the embodiment;

[0013] Figure 6 is a diagram for describing a specific example of a usage state according to the embodiment;

[0014] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a sound generation process according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power control system of a battery electric vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of each of an engine model, a clutch model, and a transmission model constituting a vehicle model; and

[0017] Fig.10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power control system of a battery electric vehicle according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] A battery electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements common to each of the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0019] 1. Overview

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for describing an overview of a battery electric vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle 1") according to an embodiment. Vehicle 1 uses an electric motor as a traction power unit. The configuration of a power control system of vehicle 1 will be described in detail later.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle 1 includes one or more speakers 2 (hereinafter referred to as "speakers 2") and an information processing device 10. The speakers 2 output sound to at least one of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. That is, the speakers 2 may include in-vehicle speakers and out-vehicle speakers. The in-vehicle speakers may be the same as built-in speakers that output navigation audio, etc., or may be additional speakers. In addition, the in-vehicle speakers may be configured to produce a stereo effect.

[0022] The speaker 2 may be configured to be capable of near field communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like.

[0023] The information processing device 10 is connected to the speaker 2, and generates sound to be output from the speaker 2. The information processing device 10 is, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU), a tablet PC, etc. The information processing device 10 includes one or more processors 60 (hereinafter referred to as "processors 60") and one or more storage devices 70 (hereinafter referred to as "storage devices 70"). The processor 60 performs various types of processing. An example of the processor 60 is a central processing unit (CPU). The storage device 70 stores various types of information required for processing by the processor 60. Examples of the storage device 70 include volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc.

[0024] The sound generation program (omitted from the illustration) is a computer program executed by the processor 60. The processor 60 can execute the sound generation program to realize various functions of the information processing device 10. The sound generation program is stored in the storage device 70. Alternatively, the sound generation program may be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0025] Various types of information stored in the storage device 70 include usage status information 71 and sound source data 72 .

[0026] The use status information 71 indicates the use status of the vehicle 1. More specifically, the use status information 71 includes various types of information used as indicators of whether the vehicle 1 is used appropriately. Whether the vehicle 1 is used appropriately varies over time. For this reason, the use status information 71 is periodically updated. The various types of information included in the use status information 71 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The sound source data 72 is used to generate a sound to be output from the speaker 2. The information processing device 10 generates a sound based on the sound source data 72, and outputs the generated sound from the speaker 2.

[0028] As an example, a case where a simulated engine sound is output from a speaker 2 in a battery electric vehicle 1 will be considered. In this case, a plurality of types of basic sound source data for generating simulated engine sounds are prepared as sound source data 72. The types of basic sound source data include, for example, sound source data of sounds caused by engine combustion (for low speed, mid-range speed, and high speed), sound source data of sounds caused by a drive system (such as gears, etc.) (for low speed, mid-range speed, and high speed), sound source data of noise, sound source data of event sounds, and the like. In addition, the information processing device 10 acquires information about the operating state of the vehicle 1. The operating state of the vehicle 1 can be exemplified by the rotation speed of a virtual engine, a driving speed, and the like. The rotation speed of the virtual engine is the rotation speed of the virtual engine when the battery electric vehicle 1 is assumed to be driven by the virtual engine. For example, the rotation speed of the virtual engine is calculated based on the rotation speed of the wheel, the total reduction ratio, and the slip ratio of the virtual clutch. The driving speed is detected by a sensor installed in the vehicle 1. The information processing device 10 generates a simulated engine sound according to the operating state of the vehicle 1 by combining one or more pieces of basic sound source data. Note that the method of generating a simulated engine sound is not limited to this. For example, the simulated engine sound may be generated by a known simulated engine sound simulator used in video games, etc. Also, the type of engine vehicle for which the engine sound is to be simulated may be specified by the driver.

[0029] Note that the sound output from the speaker 2 is not limited to the simulated engine sound. For example, music, navigation audio, etc. may be output from the speaker 2. In the case of music, the sound source data 72 includes the sound source data of the music, and the information processing device outputs the music from the speaker 2 based on the sound source data of the music. In the case of navigation audio, the sound source data 72 includes the sound source data of the navigation audio, and the information processing device outputs the navigation audio from the speaker 2 based on the sound source data of the navigation audio.

[0030] The information processing device 10 can add new sound source data 72 or delete unnecessary sound source data 72. The information processing device 10 may include a communication device (omitted from the illustration) capable of external communication so that the sound source data 72 can be externally manipulated.

[0031] An overview of the sound generation process performed by the processor 60 (information processing device 10) according to the present embodiment is as follows. The processor 60 estimates the fitness of the vehicle 1 based on the usage status information 71. In this specification, "the fitness of the vehicle" means "a degree indicating how good the vehicle condition is". Then, the processor 60 generates a sound according to the fitness based on the sound source data 72. The generated sound is referred to as "generated sound 3". Further, the processor 60 outputs the generated sound 3 through the speaker 2.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the fitness of the vehicle 1 is estimated based on the usage state of the vehicle 1. Then, a sound corresponding to the fitness is generated using the sound source data 72, and the generated sound 3 is output from the speaker 2. This makes it possible to inform the driver whether the vehicle 1 is in a suitable state or an unsuitable state. Therefore, it is expected that the appropriate use of the vehicle 1 will be promoted, and the liking for the vehicle 1 will be further increased.

[0033] 2. Specific Examples

[0034] 2-1. Examples of generated sounds

[0035] Figure 2 3 is a diagram for describing a specific example of the generated sound 3 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 In the example shown, when the fitness is "5", the information processing device 10 generates a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a suitable state as the generated sound 3. When the fitness is "4", the information processing device 10 generates a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a slightly suitable state as the generated sound 3. When the fitness is "3", the information processing device 10 generates a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a normal state as the generated sound 3. When the fitness is "2", the information processing device 10 generates a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a slightly unsuitable state as the generated sound 3. When the fitness is "1", the information processing device 10 generates a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state as the generated sound 3.

[0036] There are various conceivable techniques for reflecting the fitness with the generated sound 3. In other words, there are various conceivable techniques for expressing the fitness by sound.

[0037] As a first example, suitability can be represented by the sound pressure of the sound. In particular, when the sound pressure is low, the sound becomes dull and weak. On the contrary, when the sound pressure is high, the sound becomes clearer and more powerful. Therefore, increasing the sound pressure of the generated sound 3 enables the information processing device 10 to express that the vehicle 1 is suitable. On the contrary, reducing the sound pressure of the generated sound 3 enables the information processing device 10 to express that the vehicle 1 is unsuitable. Therefore, the higher the sound pressure of the generated sound 3 by the information processing device 10, the higher the suitability. For example, the information processing device 10 can increase the sound pressure of the sound source data 72 read from the storage device 70, thereby increasing the sound pressure of the generated sound 3 generated based on the sound source data 72.

[0038] As a second example, the fitness can be represented by the frequency of the sound. Specifically, as the frequency becomes lower, the sound becomes deeper and heavier. On the contrary, as the frequency becomes higher, the sound becomes more cheerful and softer. Therefore, increasing the frequency of the generated sound 3 enables the information processing device 10 to indicate that the vehicle 1 is suitable. On the contrary, lowering the frequency of the generated sound 3 enables the information processing device 10 to indicate that the vehicle 1 is unsuitable. Therefore, the information processing device 10 increases the frequency of the generated sound 3 as the fitness is higher. For example, the information processing device 10 can increase the frequency of the sound source data 72 read from the storage device 70, thereby increasing the frequency of the generated sound 3 generated based on the sound source data 72.

[0039] As a third example, a plurality of patterns of sound source data 72 having tones of different cheerfulness may be prepared in advance. The information processing device 10 selects the sound source data 72 having a cheerful tone from the plurality of patterns of sound source data 72, the higher the degree of suitability of the vehicle 1. Conversely, the information processing device 10 selects the sound source data 72 having a deep tone from the plurality of patterns of sound source data 72, the lower the degree of suitability of the vehicle 1. Then, the information processing device 10 generates a sound based on the selected sound source data 72.

[0040] It is also possible to combine two or more of the first to third examples described above. That is, the information processing device 10 adjusts at least one of the sound pressure, the frequency, and the sound source data to be used according to the suitability. Figure 3 As shown, from case 1 to case 7, there are seven combinations for changing the parameters of the generated sound 3.

[0041] 2-2. Example of vehicle usage status

[0042] As described above, the use status of the vehicle 1 indicates an index indicating whether the vehicle 1 is being used appropriately. The use status of the vehicle 1 is composed of at least one of the use frequency of the vehicle 1, the cleaning frequency of the vehicle 1, the cleanliness of the vehicle 1, the adequacy of the maintenance and management of the vehicle 1, the operation duration of the vehicle 1, and the charge level of the battery. Each element constituting the use status of the vehicle 1 will be described in detail below.

[0043] 2-2-1. First example

[0044] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing a specific example of the frequency of use of the vehicle 1. The frequency of use of the vehicle 1 is calculated based on at least one of the number of times the vehicle 1 is used and the duration of use. Even if the vehicle is used multiple times in a day, the number of times the vehicle 1 is used may be counted once; or the number of times the vehicle 1 is used may be counted as the number of times the vehicle is used. For example, Figure 4As shown in case A in FIG. 1 , when the number of times the vehicle 1 is used is counted once a day, and the number of times the vehicle 1 is used in a week (seven days) is also seven times, the information processing device 10 determines that the frequency of use of the vehicle 1 is high, and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is also high. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a fitness state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0045] On the other hand, Figure 4 As shown in case B in FIG. 1 , when the number of times the vehicle 1 is used is counted once a day, and the number of times the vehicle 1 is used is also once a month, the information processing device 10 determines that the frequency of use of the vehicle 1 is low, and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is also low. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0046] Therefore, when the usage state of vehicle 1 is the usage frequency of vehicle 1, the higher the usage frequency of vehicle 1, the higher the fitness of vehicle 1, and the lower the usage frequency of vehicle 1, the lower the fitness of vehicle 1. This makes it possible to generate a sound corresponding to the usage frequency of vehicle 1 as the generated sound 3. When the usage frequency is low, the generated sound 3 indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state is output. Therefore, the state of vehicle 1 can be notified to the driver, and it is expected that the usage frequency of vehicle 1 will further increase. Moreover, when the annoying generated sound 3 is output from the speaker 2 when the usage frequency of vehicle 1 is low, it looks as if vehicle 1 is sulking when the usage frequency is low. It can be expected that such a "human-like" behavior of vehicle 1 will further increase the driver's liking for vehicle 1.

[0047] 2-2-2. Second example

[0048] The frequency of cleaning the vehicle 1 is calculated based on at least one of the number of times the vehicle 1 is cleaned and the duration of cleaning. For example, when a sign prompting the driver to change the engine oil is displayed on the dashboard and the display is reset after the engine oil is changed, or when the air conditioning setting is reset when the air conditioning is not working well, the number of times the vehicle 1 is cleaned can be counted. In this case, the state information indicating the reset is input to the information processing device 10. As another example, the number of times the vehicle 1 is cleaned can be counted based on the identification information obtained by the in-vehicle camera that takes an image of the interior of the vehicle. Specifically, when a person such as a driver is identified to be cleaning based on image processing of a camera image from an in-vehicle camera, the information processing device 10 can enable a mode for counting the number of cleanings and count the number of cleanings. The cleaning duration of the vehicle 1 can be, for example, a time period during which the mode is activated. The number of times the vehicle 1 is cleaned can be counted only once a day, as in the case of the number of times the vehicle 1 is used as described above, or the number of times the vehicle 1 is cleaned can be counted.

[0049] For example, when the number of times the vehicle 1 is cleaned is not less than a predetermined number of times, the information processing device 10 judges that the frequency of cleaning the vehicle 1 is high, and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is also high. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a suitable state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3. On the other hand, when the number of times the vehicle 1 is cleaned is less than a predetermined number of times, the information processing device 10 judges that the frequency of cleaning the vehicle 1 is low, and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is also low. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0050] Therefore, when the usage state of the vehicle 1 is the frequency of cleaning the vehicle 1, the higher the frequency of cleaning the vehicle 1, the higher the fitness of the vehicle 1, and the lower the frequency of cleaning the vehicle 1, the lower the fitness of the vehicle 1. This enables the generation of a sound corresponding to the cleaning frequency of the vehicle 1 as the generated sound 3. When the cleaning frequency is low, the generated sound 3 indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state is output. Therefore, the state of the vehicle 1 can be notified to the driver, and it is expected that the cleaning frequency of the vehicle 1 will further increase. In addition, when the annoying generated sound 3 is output from the speaker 2 when the cleaning frequency of the vehicle 1 is low, it looks as if the vehicle 1 is irritable when the cleaning frequency is low. It can be expected that this "human-like" behavior of the vehicle 1 will further increase the driver's liking for the vehicle 1.

[0051] 2-2-3. Third Example

[0052] The cleanliness of the vehicle 1 indicates the clutter of the vehicle 1. For example, the clutter of the vehicle 1 is determined based on sensor information acquired by an onboard sensor. Examples of the onboard sensor include an in-vehicle camera that captures an image of the interior of the vehicle, an exterior camera that captures an image of the exterior of the vehicle, and an odor sensor that detects odors inside the vehicle, etc. The sensor information acquired by the onboard sensor is input to the information processing device 10.

[0053] For example, when it is recognized that garbage and the like are scattered inside the vehicle based on image processing of a camera image taken by an in-vehicle camera, the information processing device 10 determines that the clutter level of the vehicle 1 is high, that is, the cleanliness level is low. As another example, when it is recognized that there is dirt on the surface of the vehicle body based on image processing of a camera image from an external camera, the information processing device 10 determines that the clutter level of the vehicle 1 is high, that is, the cleanliness level of the vehicle 1 is low. As yet another example, when the odor level detected by the odor sensor is identified as an abnormal odor level, the information processing device 10 determines that the clutter level of the vehicle 1 is high, that is, the cleanliness level of the vehicle 1 is low. In these cases, the information processing device 10 determines that the fitness level of the vehicle 1 is low, and outputs a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an unfit state from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0054] On the other hand, when determining that the clutter level of vehicle 1 is low, that is, determining that the cleanliness level of vehicle 1 is high, information processing device 10 determines that the fitness level of vehicle 1 is high, and outputs a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a fitness state from speaker 2 as generated sound 3 .

[0055] The cleanliness can also be estimated based on the cleaning frequency described in the second example above. That is, the higher the cleaning frequency, the higher the cleanliness can be estimated, and the lower the cleaning frequency, the lower the cleanliness can be estimated.

[0056] Therefore, when the use state of the vehicle 1 is the cleanliness of the vehicle 1, the higher the cleanliness of the vehicle 1, the higher the fitness of the vehicle 1, and the lower the cleanliness of the vehicle 1, the lower the fitness of the vehicle 1. This enables the generation of a sound corresponding to the cleanliness of the vehicle 1 as the generated sound 3. Therefore, the driver can be notified of the state of the vehicle 1, and it is expected that the cleanliness of the vehicle 1 will further increase. In addition, when the annoying generated sound 3 is output from the speaker 2 when the cleanliness of the vehicle 1 is low, it seems that the vehicle 1 is irritable when the cleanliness is low. It can be expected that this "human-like" behavior of the vehicle 1 will further increase the driver's liking for the vehicle 1.

[0057] 2-2-4. Fourth example

[0058] The adequacy of maintenance of the vehicle 1 indicates the extent to which the vehicle 1 is properly maintained. The maintenance of the vehicle 1 includes at least one of compliance with the vehicle inspection plan and remediation of the fault problem. For example, when the vehicle inspection plan is past due, the information processing device 10 determines that the adequacy of maintenance is low. Information about the vehicle inspection plan may be pre-stored in the storage device 70. As another example, when a fault in the vehicle 1 is not handled, the information processing device 10 determines that the adequacy of maintenance is low. For example, it may be determined whether the vehicle 1 has a fault based on abnormality information notified to the driver when an abnormality in the vehicle 1 is detected. The abnormality information of the vehicle 1 is stored in the storage device 70. In these cases, the information processing device 10 determines that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is low, and outputs a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the maintenance adequacy of the vehicle 1 is high, the information processing device 10 determines that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is high, and outputs a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a suitable state from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0059] In this way, when the use state of the vehicle 1 is the maintenance adequacy of the vehicle 1, the higher the maintenance adequacy of the vehicle 1, the higher the fitness of the vehicle 1, and the lower the maintenance adequacy of the vehicle 1, the lower the fitness of the vehicle 1. This enables the generation of a sound corresponding to the maintenance adequacy of the vehicle 1 as the generated sound 3. Therefore, the driver can be notified of the state of the vehicle 1, which leads to the promotion of vehicle inspection and remedy of fault problems. Therefore, it is expected that the adequacy of maintenance of the vehicle 1 will be further improved.

[0060] 2-2-5. Fifth example

[0061] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for describing a specific example of the operation duration of the vehicle 1 . Figure 5 The horizontal axis in FIG. 1 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the operation duration of the vehicle 1. When the power supply of the vehicle 1 is in the on state, the operation duration of the vehicle 1 increases, for example, as Figure 5 As shown in the first waveform WV1 and the third waveform WV3 in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in the second waveform WV2 in FIG. 1 , when the power of the vehicle 1 is in the off state, the operation duration of the vehicle 1 is zero. Note that the power on means the ignition is on.

[0062] For example, in Figure 5 In the example shown, a first threshold value and a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value are set for the operation duration. The first threshold value is, for example, several minutes. The second threshold value is, for example, a time period generally considered to be a long operation period. When the operation duration is not less than the first threshold value and is less than a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value, it is determined that the vehicle 1 has been continuously operated for a period of time. In this case, the information processing device 10 determines that the operation duration is appropriate, and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is high. Then, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a suitable state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0063] When the operation duration is not less than the second threshold, the vehicle 1 has been operated for a long time, so the information processing device 10 determines that the operation duration is inappropriate and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is low. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an inappropriate state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0064] Note that when the operation duration is lower than the first threshold, the information processing device 10 may determine that the operation duration is short and estimate that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is normal. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a normal state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0065] As a modification, the information processing device 10 may reduce the fitness of the vehicle 1 as the operation duration becomes longer. In this case, when the vehicle 1 is operated for a long period of time, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0066] Therefore, when the usage state of the vehicle 1 is the operation duration of the vehicle 1, a sound corresponding to the vehicle condition indicating the suitable state of the vehicle 1 can be generated as the generated sound 3 based on the operation duration. This can prompt the driver to take a break when the operation duration is long, thereby promoting the appropriate use of the vehicle 1 while improving the operation safety of the vehicle 1. In addition, when the operation duration is long and the annoying generated sound 3 is output from the speaker 2, it may seem as if the vehicle 1 is tired after a long drive. It can be expected that such a "human-like" behavior of the vehicle 1 will further increase the driver's liking for the vehicle 1.

[0067] 2-2-6. Sixth example

[0068] Figure 6 is a diagram for describing a specific example of the charge of a battery installed in the vehicle 1. The charge of a battery (also referred to as the remaining charge of a battery) is estimated based on, for example, the state of charge (SOC). The SOC is an index indicating the charge percentage or the state of charge of a battery. The SOC is calculated based on, for example, the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery measured by a sensor.

[0069] For example, Figure 6 As shown, when the battery charge is not lower than the third threshold, that is, when the battery charge is close to full charge, the information processing device 10 determines that the battery charge is appropriate and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is high. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a fitness state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0070] As another example, when the charge of the battery is lower than the fourth threshold value (the fourth threshold value is lower than the third threshold value), that is, when the charge of the battery is close to zero, the information processing device 10 determines that the charge of the battery is not suitable and estimates that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is low. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in an unsuitable state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0071] Note that when the battery charge is lower than the third threshold and is not lower than the fourth threshold, the battery charge is not lower than a certain level, so the information processing device 10 can estimate that the fitness of the vehicle 1 is normal. In this case, a sound indicating that the vehicle is in a normal state is output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3.

[0072] In this way, when the usage state of the vehicle 1 is the power level of the battery, the higher the power level of the battery, the higher the fitness of the vehicle 1, and the lower the power level of the battery, the lower the fitness of the vehicle 1. This enables the generation of a sound corresponding to the power level of the battery of the vehicle 1 as the generated sound 3. In addition, when the power level of the battery is low, this also leads to the promotion of charging of the battery. Therefore, the proper use of the vehicle 1 is promoted. Moreover, when the annoying generated sound 3 is output from the speaker 2 when the power level is low, it looks as if the vehicle 1 with low power is listless. It can be expected that this "human-like" behavior of the vehicle 1 will further increase the driver's liking for the vehicle 1.

[0073] 3. Processing Example

[0074] Figure 7 is a flowchart summarizing an example of a sound generation process according to the embodiment.

[0075] In step S100, the information processing device 10 determines whether the power of the vehicle 1 is turned on. When the power of the vehicle 1 is turned on (Yes in step S100), the process proceeds to step S110. Otherwise (No in step S100), the process ends.

[0076] In step S110, the information processing device 10 acquires the use status information 71 indicating the use status of the vehicle 1. The use status information 71 includes various types of information (information on the use frequency of the vehicle 1, information on the frequency of cleaning the vehicle 1, information on the cleanliness of the vehicle 1, information on the maintenance of the vehicle 1, information on the operation duration of the vehicle 1, information on the power level of the battery, etc.). Then, the information processing device 10 estimates the fitness of the vehicle 1 based on the use status information 71. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0077] In step S120, the information processing device 10 generates a sound according to the suitability based on the sound source data 72. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0078] In step S130 , the information processing device 10 outputs the generated sound (generated sound 3 ) through the speaker 2 .

[0079] 4. Vehicle configuration example

[0080] 4-1. First configuration example

[0081] Figure 81 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example of a power control system of a vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. The vehicle 1 is equipped with an electric motor 44, a battery 46, and an inverter 42. The electric motor 44 is a traction power unit. The battery 46 stores electric energy for driving the electric motor 44. That is, the vehicle 1 is a pure electric vehicle (BEV) that runs based on the electric energy stored in the battery 46. The inverter 42 converts the DC power input from the battery 46 into the driving power of the electric motor 44 during acceleration. Moreover, the inverter 42 converts the regenerative power input from the electric motor 44 into DC power and charges the battery 46 during deceleration.

[0082] The vehicle 1 is equipped with an accelerator pedal 22 for the driver to input an acceleration request to the vehicle 1. The accelerator pedal 22 is equipped with an accelerator position sensor 32 for detecting an accelerator operation amount.

[0083] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a sequential shifter 24. The sequential shifter 24 may be a paddle-type shifter or a lever-type pseudo shifter. The paddle-type shifter is a dummy thing different from a real paddle-type shifter. The paddle-type shifter has a structure similar to a paddle-type shifter equipped in a clutchless manual transmission (MT) vehicle. The paddle-type shifter is attached to a steering wheel.

[0084] The paddle type shifter includes an upshift switch and a downshift switch that determine the operation position. When the upshift switch is pulled to the near side, an upshift signal 34u is issued, and when the downshift switch is pulled to the near side, a downshift signal 34d is issued.

[0085] On the other hand, like the paddle-type shifter, the lever-type pseudo shifter is a virtual thing different from the real shifter. The lever-type pseudo shifter has a structure similar to that of the lever-type shifter equipped in the clutch-less MT vehicle. The lever-type pseudo shifter is configured to output an upshift signal 34u when the shift lever is tilted forward, and to output a downshift signal 34d when the shift lever is tilted backward. The lever-type pseudo shifter is connected to the motor control device 50 via the vehicle-mounted network.

[0086] The wheels 26 of the vehicle 1 are provided with wheel speed sensors 36. The wheel speed sensors 36 serve as vehicle speed sensors for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1. The electric motor 44 is provided with a rotation speed sensor 38 for detecting the rotation speed thereof.

[0087] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a motor control device 50. The motor control device 50 is a device that controls the electric motor 44 by pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the inverter 42. Signals are input to the motor control device 50 from the accelerator position sensor 32, the sequential shifter 24 (upshift switch and downshift switch when the sequential shifter 24 is a paddle type shifter), the wheel speed sensor 36, and the rotation speed sensor 38. The motor control device 50 performs processing of these signals and calculates a motor torque command value to perform PWM control with respect to the inverter 42.

[0088] The motor control device 50 is an ECU installed in the vehicle 1. The motor control device 50 may be a combination of a plurality of ECUs. The motor control device 50 includes an automatic mode torque calculation unit 54 and a manual mode torque calculation unit 56. Each of the units 54 and 56 may be an independent ECU, or may be an ECU function obtained by a processor executing a program recorded in a storage device.

[0089] In addition, the motor control device 50 may be a part of the information processing device 10, or may be independent of the information processing device 10. When the motor control device 50 is provided independently of the information processing device 10, the motor control device 50 may be connected to the information processing device 10 and output information about the operating state of the vehicle 1 required to generate the pseudo engine sound in the sound source data 72 to the information processing device 10.

[0090] The motor control device 50 has an automatic mode and a manual mode as control modes. The automatic mode is a normal control mode for driving the vehicle 1 as a general battery electric vehicle. The automatic mode is programmed to perform a continuous change in the output of the electric motor 44 in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal 22. On the other hand, the manual mode is a control mode for driving the vehicle 1 like an MT vehicle. The manual mode is programmed to change the output characteristics of the electric motor 44 in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal 22 according to the upshift operation and the downshift operation with respect to the sequential shifter 24. In other words, the manual mode is a control mode in which the output of the electric motor 44 can be changed in response to the driving operation of the vehicle components other than the accelerator pedal 22 or the brake pedal. Note that the automatic mode is programmed to accept the upshift operation and the downshift operation as the intensity switching operation of the regenerative braking.

[0091] The automatic mode torque calculation unit 54 has a function of calculating the motor torque when the electric motor 44 is controlled in the automatic mode. The automatic mode torque calculation unit 54 stores a motor torque command map. The motor torque command map is a map for determining the motor torque according to the accelerator operation amount and the rotation speed of the electric motor 44. The signal from the accelerator position sensor 32 and the signal from the rotation speed sensor 38 are input to the parameters of the motor torque command map. The motor torque corresponding to these signals is output from the motor torque command map. Therefore, in the automatic mode, even if the driver operates the sequential shifter 24, the operation will not be reflected in the motor torque.

[0092] The manual mode torque calculation unit 56 includes a vehicle model. The vehicle model is a model for calculating the drive wheel torque that will be obtained by operating the accelerator pedal 22 and the sequential shifter 24 when the vehicle 1 is assumed to be an MT vehicle. The manual mode torque calculation unit 56 converts the drive wheel torque calculated by the vehicle model into a motor torque using a reduction ratio from the output shaft of the electric motor 44 to the drive wheels.

[0093] Will refer to Fig. 9 The vehicle model provided in the manual mode torque calculation unit 56 is described. Fig. 9 As shown, the vehicle model consists of an engine model 561, a clutch model 562, and a transmission model 563. Note that the engine, clutch, and transmission virtually implemented by the vehicle model are referred to as a virtual engine, a virtual clutch, and a virtual transmission, respectively. The engine model 561 models the virtual engine. The clutch model 562 models the virtual clutch. The transmission model 563 models the virtual transmission.

[0094] The engine model 561 calculates the virtual engine speed and the virtual engine output torque. The virtual engine speed is calculated based on the wheel speed, the total reduction ratio, and the slip ratio of the virtual clutch. The virtual engine output torque is calculated based on the virtual engine speed and the accelerator operation amount. In order to calculate the virtual engine output torque, the following formula is used: Fig. 9 The map shown defines the relationship between the accelerator operation amount Pap, the virtual engine speed Ne and the virtual engine output torque Te-out. In this map, the virtual engine output torque Te-out relative to the virtual engine speed Ne is given for each accelerator operation amount Pap. Fig. 9 The torque characteristic shown in can be set as a characteristic assumed for a gasoline engine, or can be set as a characteristic assumed for a diesel engine. In addition, the torque characteristic can be set as a characteristic assumed for a naturally aspirated engine, or can be set as a characteristic assumed for a turbocharged engine.

[0095] The clutch model 562 calculates a torque transfer gain. The torque transfer gain is a gain for calculating the torque transfer degree of the virtual clutch according to the virtual clutch operation amount. The virtual clutch operation amount is usually 0%, and is temporarily increased to 100% in conjunction with the switching of the virtual gear of the virtual transmission. The clutch model 562 has such Fig. 9 In this map, the torque transfer gain k is given relative to the virtual clutch operation amount Pc. Fig. 9 , Pc0 corresponds to the position where the virtual clutch operation amount Pc is 0%, and Pc3 corresponds to the position where the virtual clutch operation amount Pc is 100%. The range from Pc0 to Pc1 and the range from Pc2 to Pc3 are dead zones in which the torque transfer gain k is not changed regardless of the virtual clutch operation amount Pc. The clutch model 562 calculates the clutch output torque using the torque transfer gain. The clutch output torque is the torque output from the virtual clutch. The clutch model 562 calculates the slip ratio. The slip ratio is used to calculate the virtual engine speed in the engine model 561. The slip ratio can be calculated in the same manner as the torque transfer gain using a mapping that gives a slip ratio relative to the virtual clutch operation amount.

[0096] The transmission model 563 calculates a transmission ratio (shift ratio). The transmission ratio is a transmission ratio determined by a virtual gear in the virtual transmission. In response to an upshift operation of the sequential shifter 24, the virtual gear increases by one step, and in response to a downshift operation of the sequential shifter 24, the virtual gear decreases by one step. The transmission model 563 has the following features: Fig. 9 The mapping shown. In this mapping, the gear ratio r is given relative to the virtual gear GP so that the gear ratio r decreases as the virtual gear GP increases. The transmission model 563 calculates the transmission output torque using the gear ratio and the clutch output torque obtained from the mapping. The transmission output torque changes non-continuously according to the gear ratio change. This non-continuous change in the transmission output torque produces a shift shock, thereby producing the feeling of a vehicle equipped with a stepped transmission.

[0097] The vehicle model calculates the drive wheel torque using a predetermined reduction ratio. The reduction ratio is a fixed value determined by the mechanical structure from the virtual transmission to the drive wheels. The reduction ratio is multiplied by the transmission ratio to obtain the above-mentioned total reduction ratio. The vehicle model calculates the drive wheel torque based on the transmission output torque and the reduction ratio. The motor torque in manual mode is calculated by multiplying the calculated drive wheel torque by the reduction ratio from the output shaft of the electric motor 44 to the drive wheels.

[0098] 4-2. Second configuration example

[0099] Fig.101 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of the power control system of the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, only the configuration different from that in the above-mentioned first configuration example will be described. Specifically, in the second configuration example, a pseudo shift lever (pseudo shift device) 27 and a pseudo clutch pedal 28 are provided instead of the sequential shifter 24 provided in the first configuration example.

[0100] The shift lever (shift device) and the clutch pedal are devices for operating the MT, but of course, the vehicle 1 is not equipped with the MT. The pseudo shift lever 27 and the pseudo clutch pedal 28 are merely dummy objects, and are different from the actual shift lever and clutch pedal.

[0101] The pseudo shift lever 27 has a structure that simulates a shift lever provided in an MT vehicle. The position and operating feel of the pseudo shift lever 27 are the same as those in an actual MT vehicle. The pseudo shift lever 27 is provided with positions corresponding to gear positions such as the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, the fourth gear, the fifth gear, the sixth gear, the reverse gear, and the neutral gear. The pseudo shift lever 27 is provided with a gear position sensor 27a that detects the gear position by distinguishing which position the pseudo shift lever 27 is in. The gear position sensor 27a is connected to the motor control device 50 via the vehicle-mounted network.

[0102] The pseudo clutch pedal 28 has a configuration that simulates a clutch pedal with which an MT vehicle is equipped. The position and operating feel of the pseudo clutch pedal 28 are the same as those in an actual MT vehicle. When it is desired to change the setting of the gear using the pseudo shift lever 27, the driver depresses the pseudo clutch pedal 28, and when the setting of the gear change is completed, the depressing of the pseudo clutch pedal 28 is stopped and returned to its original position. The pseudo clutch pedal 28 is provided with a clutch position sensor 28a for detecting the depression amount of the pseudo clutch pedal 28. The clutch position sensor 28a is connected to the motor control device 50 via the vehicle-mounted network.

[0103] Signals from the accelerator position sensor 32, the gear position sensor 27a, the clutch position sensor 28a, the wheel speed sensor 36, and the rotation speed sensor 38 are input to the motor control device 50. The motor control device 50 performs processing on these signals and calculates a motor torque command value to perform PWM control on the inverter 42.

[0104] In the same manner as the first configuration example described above, the motor control device 50 has an automatic mode and a manual mode as control modes. The automatic mode is programmed to perform a continuous change in the output of the electric motor 44 in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal 22. On the other hand, the manual mode is a control mode for driving the vehicle 1 like an MT vehicle. The manual mode is programmed so that the output of the electric motor 44 in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal 22 varies according to the operation of the pseudo clutch pedal 28 and the pseudo shift lever (pseudo shift device) 27. In other words, the manual mode is a control mode in which the output of the electric motor 44 can be changed in response to the driving operation of a vehicle component other than the accelerator pedal 22 or the brake pedal.

[0105] The vehicle model provided in the manual mode torque calculation unit 56 is Fig. 9 Note, however, that the virtual clutch operation amount Pc is replaced by the depression amount of the pseudo clutch pedal 28, as detected by the clutch position sensor 28a. Also, the virtual gear position GP is determined by the position of the pseudo shift lever 27 detected by the gear position sensor 27a.

[0106] 5. Effect

[0107] According to the present embodiment, the fitness of the vehicle 1 is estimated based on the usage state of the vehicle 1. Then, a sound corresponding to the fitness is generated using the sound source data 72, and the generated sound 3 is output from the speaker 2. This makes it possible to inform the driver whether the vehicle 1 is in a suitable state or an unsuitable state. Therefore, it is expected that appropriate use of the vehicle 1 will be promoted, and liking for the vehicle 1 will be further increased.

[0108] 6. Modifications

[0109] 6-1. Example of usage status

[0110] The use status of the vehicle 1 may be an indication of whether the manual mode is used appropriately between the control modes. For example, the higher the use frequency of the manual mode, the higher the fitness of the vehicle 1 may be set, and the lower the use frequency of the manual mode, the lower the fitness of the vehicle 1 may be set. This enables the driver to be informed of whether the status of the vehicle 1 is appropriate or inappropriate depending on the use frequency of the manual mode. This promotes appropriate use of the battery electric vehicle, which allows driving to be enjoyed in the same way as an MT vehicle.

[0111] 6-2. Examples of generated sounds

[0112] A case where the vehicle 1 is equipped with a pseudo shift lever 27 and a pseudo clutch pedal 28 will be considered, as in the second configuration example of the vehicle 1 described above. In this case, when the operation of the pseudo shift lever 27 is switched, the information processing device 10 may temporarily output a sound (second sound) different from the sound (first sound) corresponding to the use state of the vehicle 1 as the generated sound 3 through the speaker 2. The first sound and the second sound may come from the same sound source or from different sound sources. Examples of the second sound include musical instrument sounds, animal calls, sound effects such as stuttering noises, and the like.

[0113] In addition, the second sound may be different for each gear position. For example, when the pseudo shift lever 27 is shifted from the first gear to the second gear, the piano note "C" may be assigned as the second sound, when the pseudo shift lever 27 is shifted from the second gear to the third gear, the piano note "D" may be assigned as the second sound, and when the pseudo shift lever 27 is shifted from the third gear to the fourth gear, the piano note "E" may be assigned as the second sound.

[0114] Furthermore, even if the gear position is the same, the second sound may be different when the pseudo shift lever 27 is shifted up and when the pseudo shift lever 27 is shifted down. For example, when the pseudo shift lever 27 is shifted up from the first gear to the second gear, the sound "moo" made by a cow may be designated as the second sound, and when the pseudo shift lever 27 is shifted down from the third gear to the second gear, the sound "baa" made by a goat may be designated as the second sound.

[0115] According to the modification of the present embodiment, when the operation of the pseudo shift lever 27 is switched, a sound (second sound) different from the sound (first sound) corresponding to the use state of the vehicle 1 is temporarily output from the speaker 2 as the generated sound 3. Therefore, the frequency of using the manual mode in the control mode is expected to increase. This promotes the appropriate use of the battery electric vehicle, which allows driving to be enjoyed in the same way as an MT vehicle.

Claims

1. A battery electric vehicle, the battery electric vehicle using an electric motor as a traction power unit, the battery electric vehicle being characterized by comprising: one or more speakers that output sound to at least one of an interior and an exterior of the vehicle; one or more processors; as well as one or more storage devices, the one or more storage devices being used to store the usage status information and sound source data of the battery electric vehicle, Wherein, the one or more processors are configured to: estimating fitness of the battery electric vehicle based on the usage status information, generating a sound according to the fitness based on the sound source data, and The generated sound is output through the one or more speakers.

2. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more processors are configured to increase at least one of a pressure and a frequency of the sound as the fitness level increases.

3. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound source data includes a plurality of patterns of sound source data having tones of different cheerfulness; and The one or more processors are configured to select sound source data having a more cheerful tone from among the plurality of patterns of sound source data as the degree of suitability is higher, and generate the sound based on the selected sound source data.

4. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The usage status information is the usage frequency of the battery electric vehicle; The higher the usage frequency, the higher the fitness; and The lower the usage frequency, the lower the fitness.

5. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The usage status information is the cleanliness of the battery electric vehicle; The higher the cleanliness, the higher the fitness; and The lower the cleanliness, the lower the fitness.

6. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The usage status information is the operation duration of the battery electric vehicle; and The fitness when the operation duration is not less than a threshold value is lower than the fitness when the operation duration is less than the threshold value.

7. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The usage status information is the battery power; The higher the charge, the higher the fitness; and The lower the charge, the lower the fitness.

8. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The usage status information is the frequency of cleaning the battery electric vehicle; The more frequently the battery electric vehicle is cleaned, the higher the fitness; and The less frequently the battery electric vehicle is cleaned, the lower the suitability.

9. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The usage status information is the adequacy of maintenance of the battery electric vehicle; The higher the adequacy of the maintenance, the higher the degree of fitness; and The lower the adequacy of the maintenance, the lower the fitness.

10. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that The maintenance includes at least one of complying with a vehicle inspection schedule and remedying a fault problem.

11. The battery electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The battery electric vehicle is equipped with a manual mode in which the output of the electric motor varies in response to a driving operation of a vehicle component other than an accelerator pedal or other than a brake pedal.

12. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that Also includes: the accelerator pedal; Sequential shifter; as well as A motor control device for controlling the electric motor, wherein the motor control device is configured to: When the control mode is the automatic mode, the output of the electric motor is changed in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal, and When the control mode is the manual mode, the output characteristic of the electric motor in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal is changed in response to the operation of the sequential shifter.

13. The battery electric vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that Also includes: the accelerator pedal; fake clutch pedal; pseudo shift device; and A motor control device for controlling the electric motor, wherein the motor control device is configured to: When the control mode is the automatic mode, the output of the electric motor is changed in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal, and When the control mode is the manual mode, the output of the electric motor responsive to the operation of the accelerator pedal is changed in response to the operation of the pseudo clutch pedal and the pseudo shift device.

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