Information processing apparatus

Abstract

One of the purposes of the present disclosure is to suppress the implementation of air conditioning in a moving body that is less likely to be used by a user. The information processing apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit executes the following operations: acquiring a first schedule of a reserved air-conditioning, which is a schedule of execution of air-conditioning in a mobile body to be reserved; and acquiring a second schedule of the user. The control unit performs the following operations: determining whether the first schedule overlaps the second schedule; and when it is determined that the first schedule overlaps the second schedule, stopping execution of the reserved air conditioning based on the first schedule.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Literature 1 proposes an air conditioning control device that generates history information based on a start time of start-up recorded each time a power source of a vehicle is started up, predicts a future start time of start-up based on the history information, thereby generating a control schedule for controlling an air conditioning device, and controls the air conditioning device based on the generated control schedule.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-214034 SUMMARY

[0006] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for suppressing execution of air conditioning in a mobile body that is less likely to be used by a user.

[0007] The information processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a control section. The control section is configured to execute the following actions: acquire a first schedule of scheduled air conditioning, the first schedule being a schedule of execution of air conditioning in a scheduled object mobile body; and acquire a second schedule of a user. The control section is configured to execute the following actions: determine whether the first schedule overlaps with the second schedule; and in a case where it is determined that the first schedule overlaps with the second schedule, stop execution of the scheduled air conditioning based on the first schedule.

[0008] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the present disclosure, execution of air conditioning in a mobile body that is less likely to be used by a user can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 An example of a scenario to which the present disclosure is applied is schematically shown.

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle and a user terminal.

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a server and an information server.

[0013] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of information processing of the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing by the server.

[0015] Reference Signs List

[0016] 1: information processing system; 10: server; 20: vehicle; 30: user terminal; 40: information server; 11, 210, 32, 41: processor; 12, 214, 33, 42: storage; 13, 23, 34, 43: communication section; 21: ECU; 22: air conditioning device; 35: user; N: network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the past, an air conditioning control device that enables remote air conditioning even without operation of a terminal and without advance reservation has been proposed. The air conditioning control device of Patent Literature 1 generates history information based on a start time of activation recorded each time a power source of a vehicle is activated, predicts a future start time of activation based on the history information, thereby generating a control schedule for controlling an air conditioning device, and controls the air conditioning device based on the generated control schedule. According to this air conditioning control device, remote air conditioning can be performed even without operation of a terminal and without advance reservation. However, the inventors of the present application have found problems in these conventional methods. For example, in the air conditioning control device described in Patent Literature 1, when air conditioning is performed in accordance with a reservation schedule generated in advance, air conditioning in the vehicle can be performed even when the user does not use the vehicle. Therefore, it can be required to suppress performance of remote air conditioning in a scenario in which the user is less likely to use the vehicle.

[0018] To address this, the information processing device of the embodiment of the present disclosure has a control section. The control section performs the following actions: acquiring a schedule of reservation air conditioning (hereinafter, referred to as a reservation air conditioning schedule or a first schedule), which is a schedule of reservation of use of an air conditioning device to perform air conditioning in a mobile body that is an object of performance of the reservation air conditioning (hereinafter, referred to as an object mobile body); and acquiring a schedule of a user (hereinafter, referred to as a user schedule or a second schedule). The user schedule is a schedule that is independent of use of the object mobile body.

[0019] The control section performs the following actions: determining whether the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps the user schedule; and stopping performance of the reservation air conditioning in a case where it is determined that the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps the user schedule. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress performance of air conditioning in a mobile body that the user is less likely to use.

[0020] It can also be that the reservation air conditioning schedule (first schedule) includes a start time (hereinafter, also referred to as a first start time) and an end time (hereinafter, also referred to as a first end time). It can also be that the user schedule includes a start time (hereinafter, also referred to as a second start time) and an end time (hereinafter, also referred to as a second end time) of at least any one of a utilization schedule of another mobile body, a utilization schedule of an accommodation facility, and a participation schedule of a prescribed activity. It can also be that determining whether the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps the user schedule is an operation of determining whether a period (hereinafter, also referred to as a first period) from the first start time to the first end time overlaps a period (hereinafter, also referred to as a second period) from the second start time to the second end time of at least any one of the utilization schedule of another mobile body, the utilization schedule of an accommodation facility, and the participation schedule of a prescribed activity. According to the present disclosure, by specifically comparing the reservation air conditioning schedule and the user schedule, it is possible to suppress the implementation of air conditioning in a mobile body that is less likely to be used by a user.

[0021] It can also be that the information processing device, after stopping the execution of the reservation air conditioning, in response to a user schedule (second schedule) that overlaps the reservation air conditioning schedule (first schedule) having ended, executes the reservation air conditioning based on the reservation air conditioning schedule that overlaps the user schedule. For example, there is a case where the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps the user schedule, and the reservation air conditioning schedule ends after the user schedule. In this case, it can also be that, after the user schedule ends, air conditioning in a vehicle corresponding to the overlapping reservation air conditioning schedule is started, and air conditioning is executed during a period until the end of the reservation air conditioning schedule. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform flexible control of suppressing the implementation of air conditioning when a user is less likely to use a mobile body, and implementing air conditioning corresponding to a reservation air conditioning schedule that overlaps a user schedule after the user schedule ends.

[0022] It can also be that the reservation air conditioning schedule (first schedule) includes an end time (first end time), and the user schedule (second schedule) includes an end time (second end time). It can also be that, in response to a user schedule that overlaps the reservation air conditioning schedule having ended, executing the reservation air conditioning based on the reservation air conditioning schedule that overlaps the user schedule is an operation of executing air conditioning based on the reservation air conditioning schedule during a period until an end time of the reservation air conditioning schedule that overlaps the user schedule after an end time of the user schedule that overlaps the reservation air conditioning schedule elapses. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform flexible control of suppressing the implementation of air conditioning during a period when a user is less likely to use a mobile body, and implementing air conditioning according to a period set in a reservation air conditioning schedule after a user schedule ends.

[0023] In the information processing apparatus, the stopping of the execution of the scheduled air conditioning can be an operation of stopping the execution of the scheduled air conditioning based on the scheduled air conditioning schedule in a case where the user has accepted a response (hereinafter, referred to as an acceptance response) consenting to the main point of stopping the execution of the scheduled air conditioning after the user has been previously notified of the main point of stopping the execution of the scheduled air conditioning due to the overlap of the scheduled air conditioning schedule (first schedule) and the user schedule (second schedule). According to the present disclosure, even in a case where the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule, the user can determine whether or not to stop the execution of the scheduled air conditioning. Thus, the user's wishes can be further reflected in the control of the scheduled air conditioning.

[0024] [1 Application Example]

[0025] Figure 1 One example of a scenario to which the present disclosure is applied is schematically represented. An information processing system 1 is a system for processing information related to a server 10, a vehicle 20, a user terminal 30, and an information server 40. The vehicle 20 is a vehicle used by a user 35. The user 35 holds the user terminal 30. The user 35 is a person who can act in accordance with his or her schedule (user schedule) and can use the vehicle 20 before and after the user schedule. The server 10 processes information related to the vehicle 20, the user terminal 30, and the information server 40. The information server 40 manages the user schedule. The vehicle 20 is provided with an air conditioning device. The start and stop of the air conditioning device and the like can be controlled in accordance with a scheduled air conditioning schedule set in advance in the air conditioning device or the user terminal 30. The server 10 performs information processing in accordance with the scheduled air conditioning schedule and the user schedule. The scheduled air conditioning schedule and the user schedule can be schedules that are repeatedly executed at least any one of a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly cycle, respectively.

[0026] In the information processing system 1, the server 10, the vehicle 20, the user terminal 30, and the information server 40 are connected to each other through a network N. As the network N, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or the like as a public communication network on a world scale, or a telephone communication network of a portable telephone or the like can be used.

[0027] [2 Configuration Example]

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically representing the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of each of the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30.

[0029] (Vehicle)

[0030] With respect to the vehicle 20, a vehicle driven by a driver is exemplified. The vehicle 20 can also be a vehicle that travels autonomously. The vehicle 20 can be either an engine automobile or an electric vehicle (including a hybrid automobile and the like). The vehicle 20 is provided with an electronic control unit (ECU) 21, an air conditioning device 22, and a communication section 23. The vehicle 20 is one example of an object moving body. In the vehicle 20, communication can be performed with each other using a prescribed in-vehicle communication standard. As the prescribed in-vehicle communication standard, a controller area network (CAN) or a local interconnect network (LIN) or the like can be exemplified.

[0031] The ECU 21 is a computer for controlling various equipment mounted on the vehicle 20. The ECU 21 has a processor 210 and a storage section 214.

[0032] The processor 210 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP). The processor 210 includes, as functional sections, an air conditioning information acquisition section 211, an output section 212, and an air conditioning instruction section 213.

[0033] The processor 210 functions as the air conditioning information acquisition section 211 and acquires (receives), for example, a scheduled air conditioning schedule as information related to the air conditioning device 22. The air conditioning device 22 can be provided with an input device that receives an input from a user 35. The user 35 can input the scheduled air conditioning schedule to the input device. The scheduled air conditioning schedule can include at least any one of a start time, an end time, a set temperature, and an air volume of the air conditioning device 22 involved in the operation of the air conditioning device 22. The air conditioning information acquisition section 211 transmits the acquired scheduled air conditioning schedule to the output section 212. The air conditioning information acquisition section 211 can also store the acquired scheduled air conditioning schedule in the storage section 214.

[0034] The information related to the air conditioning device 22 can also be a control instruction (hereinafter, also referred to as a control instruction) related to the control of the air conditioning device 22 transmitted from the server 10. As the control instruction, an instruction of the gist of starting, stopping, or ending the operation of the air conditioning device 22 is exemplified. The air conditioning information acquisition section 211 transmits the control instruction received from the server 10 to the air conditioning instruction section 213. The air conditioning information acquisition section 211 can also store the control instruction in the storage section 214. Note that the instruction of the gist of stopping the operation of the air conditioning device 22 can include the start time and the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule that is the object of stopping the scheduled air conditioning, and the start time and the end time of the user schedule overlapping the scheduled air conditioning schedule. In the case where the processor 210 has a clock, the air conditioning information acquisition section 211 can compare the current time measured by the clock with the end time of the user schedule overlapping the scheduled air conditioning schedule. The air conditioning information acquisition section 211 can also acquire the information of the gist that the user schedule overlapping the scheduled air conditioning schedule has ended by confirming that the current time exceeds the end time of the overlapping user schedule, and transmit the acquired information to the output section 212.

[0035] The processor 210 can function as the output section 212, and transmit the scheduled air conditioning schedule transmitted from the air conditioning information acquisition section 211 to the server 10 via the network N. The output section 212 can also transmit the notification of the gist that the overlapping user schedule has ended to the server 10 via the network N in response to the information of the gist that the overlapping user schedule has ended transmitted from the air conditioning information acquisition section 211.

[0036] The processor 210 functions as the air conditioning instruction section 213, and controls the operation of the air conditioning device 22 in response to the control instruction transmitted from the air conditioning information acquisition section 211. In the case where the control instruction indicates the start (execution) of the air conditioning device 22, the air conditioning instruction section 213 causes the air conditioning device 22 to start. The causing the air conditioning device 22 to start can also be an operation of causing the air conditioning device 22 to start in accordance with the scheduled air conditioning schedule set to the air conditioning device 22. In the case where the control instruction indicates the stop of the air conditioning device 22, the air conditioning instruction section 213 causes the operation of the air conditioning device 22 to stop. In the case where the control instruction indicates the end of the air conditioning device 22, the air conditioning instruction section 213 causes the operation of the air conditioning device 22 to end.

[0037] The storage section 214 has a main storage section and an auxiliary storage section. The main storage section is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The auxiliary storage section is, for example, a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage section can also include a removable medium (mobile recording medium). The removable medium is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SD (Secure Digital) card, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a DVD disk (Digital Versatile Disc), or a Blu-ray disk.

[0038] An operating system (OS), various programs, and various information tables are stored in the auxiliary storage section. The processor 210 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage section into the main storage section and executes them, thereby realizing the information processing of the present embodiment. Part or all of the functions of the ECU 21 can be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The ECU 21 need not be realized by a single physical configuration, but can be constituted by a plurality of computers that cooperate with each other. The auxiliary storage section can store, for example, a scheduled air conditioning schedule of the air conditioning device 22.

[0039] The air conditioning device 22 is a device that performs air conditioning such as cooling / heating in the vehicle 20. The air conditioning device 22 can be controlled in accordance with information including a kind of air conditioning set to the device, such as heating and cooling, and a set temperature and an air volume of air conditioning. The air conditioning device 22 can start, stop, or end operation in accordance with a reservation air conditioning schedule stored in the auxiliary storage section of the storage section 214. The air conditioning device 22 can be stopped in a standby state, and perform reservation air conditioning when a start time reserved in the reservation air conditioning schedule comes. In a case where the ECU 21 receives a control instruction indicating execution of air conditioning from the user terminal 30 via the network N, the air conditioning device 22 can perform reservation air conditioning in response to the received control instruction. In a case where the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps with a user schedule, the ECU 21 can receive a control instruction indicating stop of the reservation air conditioning from the server 10. In this case, the air conditioning device 22 can stop the reservation air conditioning in response to the control instruction received by the ECU 21. After the user schedule ends, the ECU 21 can receive a control instruction indicating start of operation corresponding to the reservation air conditioning schedule that was stopped due to overlapping with the user schedule, from the server 10. In this case, the air conditioning device 22 can start (restart) operation in response to the control instruction received by the ECU 21.

[0040] The communication section 23 connects the vehicle 20 to the network N. The communication section 23 communicates with the server 10 and the user terminal 30 via the network N using a predetermined wireless communication standard such as fourth generation mobile communication technology (4G: 4th Generation) or long term evolution technology (LTE: Long Term Evolution).

[0041] (User terminal)

[0042] The user terminal 30 is a terminal held by the user 35. The user 35 is a person who can act in accordance with a user schedule. As the user terminal 30, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a wearable terminal are exemplified.

[0043] The user terminal 30 is provided with an input / output device 31, a processor 32, a storage section 33, and a communication section 34.

[0044] The input / output device 31 receives information input by the user 35. As the information input by the user 35, setting information for remote air conditioning of the air conditioning device 22 (hereinafter, referred to as air conditioning setting information) is exemplified. As the air conditioning setting information, information of a kind of air conditioning, such as heating and cooling, and information of a set temperature and an air volume of air conditioning, and the like are exemplified. The air conditioning setting information can be information of a setting of current air conditioning, or information of a reservation air conditioning schedule of a setting of future air conditioning. The reservation air conditioning schedule can include a start time and an end time of air conditioning.

[0045] In a case where the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule, the user terminal 30 can receive a notification (hereinafter, referred to as a stop notification) of a subject of inquiring whether to stop the reservation air conditioning from the server 10. In this case, the input / output device 31 can receive information of whether to agree to the stop notification input by the user 35 as a response to the stop notification.

[0046] The information input by the user 35 can also be a user schedule. The user schedule can include a start time and an end time involved in at least any one of a schedule of use of other moving bodies such as public transportation, use of lodging facilities, travel, and participation in prescribed activities. As the prescribed activities, a concert, a play, and use of entertainment facilities and commercial facilities are exemplified. Each schedule of the use of other moving bodies, the use of lodging facilities, the travel, and the participation in prescribed activities can be transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the server 10 via the network N. The each schedule can also be transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the information server 40 via the network N. The user schedule can also be information related to reservation of the user schedule described above (hereinafter, referred to as schedule reservation information).

[0047] The input / output device 31 can output prescribed information. The prescribed information can be a stop notification of the reservation air conditioning transmitted from the server 10 via the network N in a case where the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule. The prescribed information can also be a notification (hereinafter, referred to as a restart notification) of a subject of inquiring whether to restart the reservation air conditioning, which the user terminal 30 can receive from the server 10 in a case where air conditioning involved in the reservation air conditioning schedule stopped due to overlapping with the user schedule is restarted.

[0048] The processor 32 is, for example, a CPU or a DSP. The processor 32 includes an air conditioning information acquisition section 321, an air conditioning information output section 322, a user information acquisition section 323, and a user information output section 324 as functional sections.

[0049] The processor 32 can act as an air-conditioning information acquisition section 321 to acquire air-conditioning setting information (may include a scheduled air-conditioning schedule) input by the user 35 to the input-output device 31. The air-conditioning information acquisition section 321 can also receive (acquire) a stop notification transmitted from the server 10 in a case where the scheduled air-conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule via the network N. The air-conditioning information acquisition section 321 can also acquire information involved in a response (whether to agree to the stop notification) to the stop notification input by the user 35 to the input-output device 31. The air-conditioning information acquisition section 321 can also receive (acquire) a restart notification of the scheduled air-conditioning transmitted from the server 10 in a case where the scheduled air-conditioning schedule overlapping with the user schedule has been stopped and the user schedule has ended via the network N.

[0050] The processor 32 can act as an air-conditioning information output section 322 to transmit the air-conditioning setting information acquired by the air-conditioning information acquisition section 321 and at least any one of the responses to the stop notification and the restart notification to the server 10 via the network N. The air-conditioning information output section 322 can also transmit the air-conditioning setting information to the vehicle 20. The air-conditioning information output section 322 can also output the stop notification and the restart notification of the scheduled air-conditioning acquired by the air-conditioning information acquisition section 321 to the input-output device 31.

[0051] The processor 32 can act as a user information acquisition section 323 to acquire the user schedule input by the user 35 to the input-output device 31. The user schedule can include schedule reservation information. The user information acquisition section 323 can also receive (acquire) a notification (hereinafter, referred to as a reservation completion notification) of completion of reservation of the user schedule transmitted from the information server 40 in response to the user schedule transmitted to the information server 40 via the network N. The user information acquisition section 323 can also store the acquired user schedule in the storage section 33.

[0052] The processor 32 acts as a user information output section 324 to transmit the user schedule acquired by the user information acquisition section 323 to the server 10 via the network N. The user information output section 324 can also transmit the user schedule (including the schedule reservation information) to the information server 40 via the network N. Thereafter, the reservation completion notification in response to the transmitted schedule reservation information is transmitted from the information server 40, and the user information acquisition section 323 receives the reservation completion notification. The user information output section 324 can also transmit the received reservation completion notification to the server 10 as the user schedule via the network N.

[0053] The storage section 33 has a main storage section and an auxiliary storage section. The main storage section and the auxiliary storage section of the storage section 33 have the same functions as the main storage section and the auxiliary storage section of the storage section 214. The storage section 33 stores, for example, the scheduled air conditioning schedule and the user schedule.

[0054] The communication section 34 connects the user terminal 30 to the network N. The communication section 34 has the same functions as the communication section 23.

[0055] Figure 3 Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of each of the server 10 and the information server 40.

[0056] (Server)

[0057] The server 10 has a processor 11, a storage section 12, and a communication section 13. In the present embodiment, the server 10 is an example of an "information processing apparatus".

[0058] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU or a DSP. The processor 11 includes an air conditioning information acquisition section 111, a user information acquisition section 112, a determination section 113, an output section 114, and a monitoring section 115 as functional sections. The processor 11 can also have a clock that measures the time of day and the time. In the present embodiment, the processor 11 is an example of a "control section".

[0059] The processor 11 can act as the air conditioning information acquisition section 111, and receive (acquire) the scheduled air conditioning schedule included in the air conditioning setting information from at least one of the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30 via the network N. The air conditioning information acquisition section 111 can also store the received scheduled air conditioning schedule in the storage section 12. The air conditioning information acquisition section 111 can also receive a response to the stop notification of the scheduled air conditioning described later from the user terminal 30.

[0060] The processor 11 acts as the user information acquisition section 112, and receives (acquires) the user schedule that is an example of information related to the user 35 from the user terminal 30 via the network N. The user information acquisition section 112 can also receive the schedule reservation information that is an example of the user schedule from the information server 40 via the network N. The user information acquisition section 112 can transmit a request for the schedule reservation information to the information server 40, and receive the schedule reservation information transmitted from the information server 40 in response to the request via the network N. The user information acquisition section 112 can store the received user schedule in the storage section 12.

[0061] The processor 11 functions as a determination section 113 and performs determination processing related to the scheduled air conditioning. As the determination processing related to the scheduled air conditioning, determination processing of whether the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule is exemplified. The determination section 113, for example, refers to a period (first period) from the start time to the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule and a period (second period) from the start time to the end time of the user schedule, which are stored in the storage section 12. The first period and the second period are compared, and in a case where there is an overlapping period, the determination section 113 can determine that the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule.

[0062] The determination section 113 can also determine whether or not a consent response to the stop notification of the scheduled air conditioning is received after the output section 114 described later transmits the stop notification. For example, when the determination section 113 determines that the first period and the second period overlap, the output section 114 described later transmits a stop notification of the scheduled air conditioning to the user terminal 30 via the network N. The stop notification can include the gist that the scheduled air conditioning is stopped due to the overlap and a response deadline for the stop notification. Thereafter, the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 can receive a consent response to the stop notification or a response (hereinafter referred to as a "disagreement response") that disagrees with the gist of the stop notification from the user terminal 30 via the network N. The determination section 113 refers to the received response and the time measured by the clock possessed by the processor 11 as the time at which the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 receives the response, and determines whether or not the consent response to the stop notification is received before the response deadline of the stop notification. In a case where the received response is the consent response and the reception time of the response does not exceed the response deadline of the stop notification, the determination section 113 can determine that the consent response to the stop notification is received before the response deadline of the stop notification. In a case where the received response is the disagreement response to the stop notification or the time at which the response is received exceeds the response deadline of the stop notification, the determination section 113 can determine that the consent response to the stop notification is not received before the response deadline of the stop notification.

[0063] The processor 11 functions as an output section 114 and outputs prescribed information. For example, in a case where the determination section 113 determines that the scheduled air conditioning schedule does not overlap with the user schedule, the output section 114 can generate an instruction (hereinafter referred to as an execution instruction) of the gist that the scheduled air conditioning corresponding to the scheduled air conditioning schedule is executed, and transmit the instruction to the vehicle 20.

[0064] In a case where the determination section 113 determines that the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule, the output section 114 generates a stop notification for asking the user 35 whether or not the scheduled air conditioning can be stopped, and transmits the stop notification to the user terminal 30 via the network N.

[0065] The output section 114 can generate an instruction to stop the scheduled air conditioning of the air conditioning device 22 (hereinafter, referred to as a stop instruction) in response to the determination section 113 determining that the consent response to the stop notification is received before the response deadline. The "stop scheduled air conditioning" can also be said to be setting the mode of the air conditioning device 22 to a stop mode in which the execution of the air conditioning corresponding to the scheduled air conditioning schedule is stopped, or omitting the execution of the air conditioning corresponding to the scheduled air conditioning schedule. In addition, the stop instruction can include the start time and the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule that is the target of the stop scheduled air conditioning, and the start time and the end time of the user schedule that overlaps with the scheduled air conditioning schedule. The output section 114 can transmit the generated stop instruction to the vehicle 20 via the network N.

[0066] Note that there is a case where the monitoring section 115 described later confirms that the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 receives a notification (hereinafter, referred to as a first confirmation) from the vehicle 20 that the user schedule overlapping with the scheduled air conditioning schedule has ended. At this time, there is a case where the monitoring section 115 confirms that the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlapping with the user schedule is a time after the end time of the user schedule that has ended (hereinafter, referred to as a second confirmation). Also, there is a case where the monitoring section 115 notifies the output section 114 that the first confirmation and the second confirmation are made. In this case, the output section 114 can generate an instruction to restart the scheduled air conditioning (hereinafter, referred to as a restart instruction). The output section 114 transmits the generated restart instruction to the vehicle 20 via the network N. Note that the output section 114 can also generate a restart notification including a request to the user 35 to inquire about the restart of the scheduled air conditioning and a response deadline, and transmit the restart notification to the user terminal 30 via the network N. Also, in a case where it is confirmed that the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 receives a response from the user terminal 30 consenting to the restart notification before the response deadline, the output section 114 generates the restart instruction and transmits the restart instruction to the vehicle 20 via the network N.

[0067] With respect to the generation of the restart instruction, the output section 114 can also generate, for example, a restart instruction of the gist that the air conditioning device 22 is operated from the end time of the user schedule to the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule, in accordance with the scheduled air conditioning schedule that overlaps the user schedule that has ended. Further, the output section 114 can generate a restart instruction of the gist that the scheduled air conditioning is continued for a period equivalent to the period from the start time to the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule, after the end of the user schedule. Note that the output section 114 can also generate in advance a restart notification of the gist that the scheduled air conditioning is continued for a period equivalent to the period from the start time to the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule, and transmit the restart notification to the user terminal 30 via the network N. Also, it can be that, in a case where it is confirmed that the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 receives the consent response to the restart notification transmitted from the user terminal 30 before the response deadline, the output section 114 generates the restart instruction and transmits the restart instruction to the vehicle 20 via the network N. According to the present disclosure, even in a case where the air conditioning corresponding to the scheduled air conditioning schedule that overlaps the user schedule is started from a time in the middle of the scheduled air conditioning schedule, the air conditioning can be continued for a period equivalent to the set scheduled air conditioning schedule. Thus, it is possible to realize an air conditioning state that is desirable for the user 35 in the vehicle 20.

[0068] The processor 11 functions as the monitoring section 115, and monitors (confirms) the operation state of the air conditioning device 22. For example, the monitoring section 115 can confirm that the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 receives the notification of the gist that the user schedule that overlaps the scheduled air conditioning schedule has ended, which is transmitted from the vehicle 20 (first confirmation). At this time, the monitoring section 115 can confirm that the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule that overlaps the user schedule is a time after the end time of the user schedule that has ended (second confirmation). In this case, the monitoring section 115 notifies the output section 114 of the gist that the first confirmation and the second confirmation are made. As another method of the first confirmation, the monitoring section 115 can confirm (monitor) the user schedule that overlaps the scheduled air conditioning schedule, which is stored in the storage section 12. In this case, the monitoring section 115 compares the end time of the overlapping user schedule with the current time measured by the clock possessed by the processor 11. The monitoring section 115 can also be considered to make the first confirmation when it is confirmed that the current time exceeds the end time of the overlapping user schedule.

[0069] The storage section 12 has a main storage section and an auxiliary storage section. The main storage section and the auxiliary storage section of the storage section 12 are the same as those of the storage section 214. The storage section 12 stores, for example, the scheduled air conditioning schedule received by the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 and the user schedule received by the user information acquisition section 112.

[0070] The communication section 13 connects the server 10 to the network N. The communication section 13 has the same functions as the communication section 23.

[0071] (Information server)

[0072] The information server 40 manages a user schedule. The user schedule can include information related to a reservation of the user schedule (hereinafter, referred to as user reservation information). The information server 40 can also perform a prescribed process related to the reservation of the user schedule based on the user reservation information. The information server 40 has a processor 41, a storage section 42, and a communication section 43.

[0073] The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU or a DSP. The processor 41 includes an acquisition section 411 and an output section 412 as functional sections.

[0074] The processor 41 can function as the acquisition section 411 to receive (acquire) a user schedule from the user terminal 30 via the network N. The user schedule can include user reservation information. As the user reservation information, for example, information of a scheduled departure time, a scheduled departure place, a scheduled arrival time, and a scheduled arrival place of another moving body related to a reservation of the user schedule is exemplified. The user reservation information can also be information of a scheduled check-in time, a scheduled check-out time of a lodging facility where the user 35 is to stay, and a location of the lodging facility. The user reservation information can also be information of a scheduled start time, a scheduled end time of a trip, and a visiting place. The user reservation information can also be information of a scheduled start time, a scheduled end time of an event where the user 35 is to participate, and a venue. The acquisition section 411 can also store the received user schedule in a user information DB (Database) 421 of the storage section 42 described later.

[0075] The processor 41 can function as the output section 412 to transmit (output) the user schedule stored in the user information DB 421 to the server 10 via the network N at a prescribed period. The output section 412 can also transmit the user schedule to the server 10 via the network N in response to receiving a request for the user schedule from the server 10. Further, in a case where the information server 40 completes a prescribed process related to a reservation of the user schedule based on the user reservation information, the output section 114 can also transmit a notification of the completion of the reservation to the user terminal 30 via the network N.

[0076] The storage section 42 has a main storage section and an auxiliary storage section. The main storage section and the auxiliary storage section of the storage section 42 are the same as those of the storage section 214.

[0077] The storage section 42 has a user information database (DB) 421. The user information DB 421 stores a user schedule (user reservation information).

[0078] The communication section 43 connects the information server 40 to the network N. The communication section 43 has the same functions as the communication section 23.

[0079] [3 Process Flow]

[0080] Figure 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of the flow of the information processing of the present embodiment.

[0081] The vehicle 20 as the object moving body transmits a reservation air conditioning schedule of the air conditioning device 22 to the server 10 (step S1). Alternatively or additionally to step S1, the user terminal 30 transmits the reservation air conditioning schedule to the server 10 (step S2). The server 10 receives the reservation air conditioning schedule transmitted from at least either one of the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 transmits a user schedule of the user 35 to the server 10 (step S3). The server 10 receives the user schedule transmitted from the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can also transmit the user schedule to the information server 40 (step S4). The information server 40 receives the user schedule transmitted from the user terminal 30, and stores it in the storage section 42. The information server 40 transmits the user schedule stored in the storage section 42 to the server 10 at a prescribed period (step S5). The server 10 receives the user schedule transmitted from the information server 40. Note that the order of the processes of steps S1, S2, S3, and S4 and S5 is not limited.

[0082] The server 10 determines whether the period involved in the received reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps the period involved in the user schedule (step S6). In the case where the determination result is negative, the server 10 generates an execution instruction of the reservation air conditioning, and transmits the execution instruction to the vehicle 20 (step S7). The vehicle 20 receives the transmitted execution instruction of the reservation air conditioning, and executes the air conditioning set in the reservation air conditioning schedule in the air conditioning device 22 in response to the execution instruction. In the case where the determination result is positive, the server 10 transmits a stop instruction of the reservation air conditioning to the vehicle 20 (step S8). The vehicle 20 receives the stop instruction transmitted from the server 10, and stops the execution of the air conditioning set in the reservation air conditioning schedule. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the implementation of the air conditioning in the vehicle 20 which is less likely to be utilized by the user 35.

[0083] [4 Action Example]

[0084] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing one example of a processing procedure related to control by the server 10, which is one example of the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The following processing procedure is one example of a control method executed by a computer involved in the server 10.

[0085] The processor 11 possessed by the server 10 functions as an air conditioning information acquisition section 111 and receives a reservation air conditioning schedule transmitted from at least either one of the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30 via the network N (step S101).

[0086] The processor 11 functions as a user information acquisition section 112 and receives a user schedule transmitted from at least either one of the user terminal 30 and the information server 40 via the network N (step S102). Note that the order of the processing of step S101 and step S102 is not limited.

[0087] The processor 11 functions as a determination section 113 and determines whether or not a period involved in the reservation air conditioning schedule overlaps with a period involved in the user schedule (step S103). In a case where the determination result obtained by the determination section 113 is negative (determination of "No" in step S103), the processing proceeds to step S106. In a case where the determination result obtained by the determination section 113 is positive (determination of "Yes" in step S103), the processing proceeds to step 104.

[0088] In step S104, the processor 11 functions as an output section 114 and generates a stop notification of the reservation air conditioning in the vehicle 20, which includes a response deadline. The output section 114 transmits the generated stop notification to the user terminal 30 via the network N.

[0089] The user information acquisition unit 112 can receive a response to the stop notification transmitted by the output unit 114 from the user terminal 30 via the network N. The response to the stop notification includes any one of an agreement response or a disagreement response to the stop notification. The determination unit 113 determines whether the agreement response to the stop notification is received from the user terminal 30 (step S105). In a case where the disagreement response to the stop notification is received from the user terminal 30 by the user information acquisition unit 112, or in a case where the response from the user terminal 30 is not received before the response deadline of the stop notification, the determination unit 113 determines that the agreement response to the stop notification is not received (determination of "No" in step S105), and the process proceeds to step S106. In a case where the agreement response to the stop notification is received from the user terminal 30 before the response deadline, the determination unit 113 determines that the agreement response is received (determination of "Yes" in step S105), and the process proceeds to step S107. Note that the processes of step S104 and step S105 can be omitted. That is, it can be that, in a case where the affirmative determination is made in step S103, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0090] In step S106, the output unit 114 generates an execution instruction of the reservation air conditioning, and transmits the generated execution instruction to the vehicle 20 via the network N, and ends the process. The ECU 21 of the vehicle 20 receives the transmitted execution instruction via the network N. The ECU 21 can execute the air conditioning set in the reservation air conditioning schedule in response to the received execution instruction.

[0091] In step S107, the output unit 114 generates a stop instruction of the reservation air conditioning. The output unit 114 transmits the generated stop instruction to the vehicle 20 via the network N.

[0092] After the user schedule overlapping with the reservation air conditioning schedule ends, the air conditioning information acquisition unit 111 receives a notification of the end of the user schedule from the vehicle 20 via the network N.

[0093] The processor 11 functions as the monitoring section 115 and confirms that the end notification is received by the air conditioning information acquisition section 111 (first confirmation). At this time, the monitoring section 115 can confirm that the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlapping with the user schedule is a time after the end time of the user schedule (second confirmation) (step S108). In this case, the monitoring section 115 notifies the output section 114 of the gist that the first confirmation and the second confirmation are made. The output section 114 receiving the notification from the monitoring section 115 generates a restart instruction of the scheduled air conditioning and transmits the restart instruction to the vehicle 20 via the network N (step S109), and ends the process. The ECU 21 of the vehicle 20 receives the transmitted restart instruction via the network N. The ECU 21 can start the scheduled air conditioning corresponding to the scheduled air conditioning schedule stopped due to overlapping with the user schedule in response to the received restart instruction.

[0094] According to the present embodiment, in a case where the period involved in the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlaps with the period involved in the user schedule, the scheduled air conditioning in the vehicle 20 can be stopped. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the execution of the air conditioning in the mobile body (vehicle 20) with which the user 35 is less likely to utilize can be suppressed. Therefore, the consumption of unnecessary energy (e.g., fuel such as gasoline, electricity) in the vehicle 20 can be suppressed. Moreover, in response to the scheduled air conditioning stopped due to overlapping of the period involved in the scheduled air conditioning schedule with the period involved in the user schedule, the air conditioning corresponding to the overlapping scheduled air conditioning schedule can be started after the end of the overlapping user schedule and in response to the end time of the scheduled air conditioning schedule being a time after the end time of the user schedule. That is, according to the present embodiment, the suppression and restart of the execution of the air conditioning in the mobile body can be flexibly controlled in accordance with the likelihood of the user utilizing the mobile body.

[0095] [5 Modification]

[0096] In the present embodiment, the case where the processor 11 of the server 10 receives the scheduled air conditioning schedule from the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30, receives the user schedule from the user terminal 30 and the information server 40, and performs the information processing is described. This is not limiting, and the processor 210 of the ECU 21 in the vehicle 20 can have the same functional sections as the processor 11 of the present embodiment and perform the same information processing as the processor 11. The server 10 and the vehicle 20 can share the information processing. For example, the server 10 can collect the user schedule from the user terminal 30 and the information server 40 and transmit the collected user schedule to the vehicle 20 via the network N. Then, the vehicle 20 receives the transmitted information via the network N, and the processor 210 determines whether the scheduled air conditioning schedule overlaps with the user schedule.

[0097] (Other Embodiments)

[0098] The foregoing has been a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, but the foregoing description is only an example. Various modifications or alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1.An information processing apparatus including a control section, wherein the control section is configured to execute the following actions: acquire a first schedule of a scheduled air conditioning, wherein the first schedule of the scheduled air conditioning is a schedule of execution of air conditioning in a moving object that is a scheduled object; acquire a second schedule of a user; determine whether the first schedule overlaps the second schedule; and in a case where it is determined that the first schedule overlaps the second schedule, stop execution of the scheduled air conditioning based on the first schedule. 2.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first schedule includes a first start time and a first end time, the second schedule includes a second start time and a second end time of at least any one of a utilization schedule of another moving object, a utilization schedule of an accommodation facility, and a participation schedule of a prescribed activity, the determination of whether the first schedule overlaps the second schedule consists of the following action: determining whether a first period from the first start time to the first end time overlaps a second period from the second start time to the second end time. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control section is configured to further execute the following action: in a case where execution of the scheduled air conditioning is stopped, in response to a second schedule that overlaps the first schedule having ended, execute the scheduled air conditioning based on the first schedule. 4.The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first schedule includes a first end time, the second schedule includes a second end time, in response to a second schedule that overlaps the first schedule having ended, the execution of the scheduled air conditioning based on the first schedule consists of the following action: after the second end time of the second schedule that overlaps the first schedule has elapsed, execute the scheduled air conditioning based on the first schedule during a period until the first end time of the first schedule that overlaps the second schedule. 5.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stopping of the execution of the scheduled air conditioning consists of the following action: in a case where, after the user has been notified in advance of the gist that the execution of the scheduled air conditioning is stopped due to the first schedule overlapping the second schedule, the user has responded in agreement with the gist that the execution of the scheduled air conditioning is stopped, stop the execution of the scheduled air conditioning based on the first schedule.

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