Method executed by terminal device, method executed by server, and system

Abstract

A method performed by a terminal device of a user includes: determining whether a vehicle has entered a target area based on location information of the vehicle of the user; the remaining energy of the vehicle is obtained; and outputting a message relating to one or more energy supply devices provided in the target area when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy is less than the predetermined reference.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-114023, filed on July 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a method executed by a terminal device, a method executed by a server, and a system. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, there was a known technology for guiding information about energy supply equipment. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle device that displays a map of a service area when it is detected that a vehicle has entered the service area.

[0004] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-153339 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve There is room for improvement in the technology for guiding information to energy supply equipment.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure, made in view of the above, is to improve the technology for guiding information in energy supply equipment.

[0006] Methods for solving problems One embodiment of this disclosure relates to a method executed by a user's terminal device, which includes: determining whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle; obtaining the vehicle's energy reserve; and, if it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the energy reserve is less than a predetermined benchmark, outputting a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed in the target area.

[0007] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to a method executed by a server, which includes: determining whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle; obtaining the vehicle's remaining energy; and, if it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy is less than a predetermined benchmark, sending a message related to one or more energy supply devices located in the target area to the user's terminal device.

[0008] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to a system having a terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device, wherein the terminal device or the server determines whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle; and obtains the vehicle's energy reserve. If the terminal device determines that the vehicle has entered the target area and the energy reserve is less than a predetermined benchmark, it outputs a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed in the target area.

[0009] Invention Effects According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the technique for guiding information on energy supply equipment can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the general structure of the terminal device.

[0012] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating the general structure of the server.

[0013] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the actions of a terminal device. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described.

[0015] (Summary of the implementation method) Reference Figure 1 The following is a summary description of the system 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure. System 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 can communicate, for example, via a network 30 including the Internet and mobile communication networks.

[0016] Terminal device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet computer, and has a dedicated application with car navigation functionality installed. Alternatively, terminal device 10 is an automotive navigation system provided in the user's vehicle V. Terminal device 10 is used by the user. As described later, terminal device 10 displays the target area and the location of energy supply facilities on a map screen and outputs synthesized speech.

[0017] Server 20 is, for example, a cloud computing system or other computing system, and is equipped with various functions. Server 20 is able to communicate with terminal device 10 via network 30.

[0018] Network 30 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or a combination thereof. "WAN" is short for Wide Area Network. "MAN" is short for Metropolitan Area Network. Network 30 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or a combination thereof. Wireless networks are, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is short for Local Area Network.

[0019] Vehicle V is any automobile that uses energy such as gasoline, electricity, hydrogen, etc., at least in part of its driving mechanism.

[0020] In this embodiment, a user uses a vehicle V to travel on roads such as highways (hereinafter referred to as "roads, etc."). The vehicle V can replenish its energy using energy supply devices installed in various target areas along the vehicle V's travel path.

[0021] In this embodiment, "energy supply equipment" refers to equipment installed within the land area described below and capable of replenishing energy to vehicle V. Although energy supply equipment may be, for example, a gas station, an EV charging station, or a hydrogen refueling station, it is not limited to these types of equipment.

[0022] In this embodiment, the "target area" refers to an area that a vehicle V can enter from a road or similar location, and where it can park for a certain period of time for user rest or to recharge the vehicle V. While the target area may be, for example, a service area (SA) or a parking area (PA), it is not limited to these areas. In this embodiment, when the vehicle V enters the target area, it travels sequentially along a one-way path including an entry lane (deceleration lane), a parking lot, and an exit lane (acceleration lane). Furthermore, the vehicle V can directly access the energy supply equipment from the entry lane or the parking lot.

[0023] In this embodiment, "vehicle V entering the target area" refers to the situation where vehicle V leaves the road or other driving path and travels on the driving path in the target area.

[0024] Information related to each object region is pre-stored in server 20 and can be changed arbitrarily.

[0025] Here, a general overview of this embodiment is given, and detailed information will be described later. The terminal device 10 determines whether the vehicle V has entered the target area based on the user's vehicle V's location information. The terminal device 10 obtains the remaining energy of the vehicle V. Furthermore, if it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the remaining energy is less than a predetermined reference, the terminal device 10 outputs a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed within the target area.

[0026] According to this embodiment, information related to the energy supply equipment, such as the location of the energy supply equipment in the target area, can be delivered to users who have a high need for energy supply to the vehicle V. Furthermore, since synthesized speech is not output to users who do not have a high need for energy supply to the vehicle V, annoyance can be reduced. Thus, the technology for guiding users on how to supply energy to the vehicle V is improved, as users entering the target area can easily grasp information about the energy supply equipment.

[0027] Next, we will provide a detailed description of each structural element of System 1.

[0028] (Structure of the terminal device) like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, an output unit 15, and an acquisition unit 16.

[0029] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or combinations thereof. The processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor for specific processing, but is not limited thereto. The programmable circuit may be, for example, a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), but is not limited thereto. The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10.

[0030] Storage unit 12 includes one or more memories. These memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories, but are not limited to these types. Each memory included in storage unit 12 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of terminal device 10. For example, storage unit 12 may also store system programs, application programs, and map information. For example, information stored in storage unit 12 may be updated using information obtained from network 30 via communication unit 13.

[0031] The communication unit 13 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. These communication interfaces may correspond to mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation), wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these standards and may correspond to any communication standard. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 communicates with the server 20 via the communication unit 13 and the network 30.

[0032] The input unit 14 includes one or more input devices that detect input operations performed by the user. These input devices may be, for example, physical buttons, capacitive buttons, a mouse, a touch panel, a touchscreen integrated with the display of the output unit 15, or a microphone, but are not limited to these devices. Alternatively, the input unit 14 may also include an interface for connecting external input devices.

[0033] The output unit 15 includes one or more output devices for outputting information. These output devices may be, for example, a display that outputs information in the form of images, or a speaker that outputs information in the form of sound, but are not limited to these. Alternatively, the output unit 15 may also include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0034] The acquisition unit 16 has a GPS receiver that receives GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The control unit 11 derives the location (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the terminal device 10 based on the GPS signals received by the acquisition unit 16.

[0035] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 16 includes any sensor module capable of acquiring the amount of energy used in the vehicle V. For example, if the vehicle V uses gasoline as energy, the acquisition unit 16 may also include a sensor module capable of measuring the amount of fuel injected into the vehicle V. For example, if the vehicle V uses electricity as energy, the acquisition unit 16 may also include an electricity sensor module capable of calculating the electricity consumed by the vehicle V. For example, if the vehicle V uses hydrogen as energy, the acquisition unit 16 may also include a sensor module capable of measuring the amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle V.

[0036] (Server structure) like Figure 3 As shown, server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0037] The control unit 21 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or combinations thereof. The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the server 20.

[0038] Storage unit 22 includes one or more memory units. Each memory unit included in storage unit 22 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of server 20. For example, storage unit 22 may also store system programs, application programs, map information, embedded software, databases, etc.

[0039] The communication unit 23 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. These communication interfaces may correspond to, for example, mobile communication standards, wired LAN standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these standards and may correspond to any communication standard.

[0040] In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 can obtain the location information of the vehicle V by receiving data from the terminal device 10.

[0041] In addition, the communication unit 23 can obtain the energy reserve of the vehicle V by receiving data from the terminal device 10.

[0042] (The operation of the terminal device) Reference Figure 4 The operation of the terminal device 10 in this embodiment will now be explained. Figure 4 The action is equivalent to the method involved in this embodiment.

[0043] S100: The control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 obtains the location information of the vehicle V.

[0044] Location information can be obtained using any method. For example, control unit 11 obtains the location information of vehicle V through acquisition unit 16. The location information of vehicle V can also be determined using longitude and latitude.

[0045] Location information can be obtained at any time interval.

[0046] S101: Control unit 11 determines whether vehicle V has entered the target area. If it is determined that the vehicle has entered (S101 - Yes), the routine proceeds to S102. If it is determined that the vehicle has not entered (S101 - No), the routine ends.

[0047] The determination of whether vehicle V has entered the target area can be made using any method. For example, if the position information of vehicle V traveling on a highway indicates a position on the deceleration lane leading to the target area rather than the main lane of the highway, the control unit 11 can also determine that vehicle V has entered the target area. On the other hand, if the position information of vehicle V indicates a position on the main lane, the control unit 11 can also determine that vehicle V has not entered the target area.

[0048] S102: The control unit 11 obtains the energy surplus of vehicle V.

[0049] For example, the control unit 11 obtains the energy surplus of the vehicle V through the acquisition unit 16.

[0050] S103: Control unit 11 determines whether the energy margin is less than a predetermined reference. If it is determined to be less than the predetermined reference (S103 - Yes), the routine proceeds to S104. If it is determined to be above the predetermined reference (S103 - No), the routine ends.

[0051] The predetermined reference can be a fixed value or it can be automatically determined by the control unit 11. For example, if the user sets a destination, the control unit 11 can calculate the predetermined reference based on the distance from the location of the target area determined to be entered by vehicle V to the destination. For example, it can be set such that the longer the distance from the target area to the destination, the more the control unit 11 raises the predetermined reference. In this case, the control unit 11 can also consider the vehicle type (fuel consumption rate) of vehicle V when calculating the predetermined reference. For example, it can be set such that the better the fuel consumption rate of vehicle V, the more the control unit 11 lowers the predetermined reference.

[0052] S104: When the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the remaining energy is less than a predetermined reference, it outputs a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed in the target area in the form of synthesized speech. The message output may not be in the form of synthesized speech; for example, the control unit 11 may display the message in text form on the screen of the terminal device 10.

[0053] For example, the control unit 11 outputs a message from the output unit 15 in the form of synthesized speech to guide the location of the energy supply facility within the target area. In addition, the control unit 11 can also output information related to the number and type of energy supply equipment installed within the target area in the form of synthesized speech.

[0054] As described above, the terminal device 10 determines whether the vehicle V has entered the target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle V. The terminal device 10 obtains the energy reserve of the vehicle V. Furthermore, if it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the energy reserve is less than a predetermined reference, the terminal device 10 outputs a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed in the target area.

[0055] Based on the above structure, information about the energy supply equipment in the target area can be delivered to users who have a high need to supply energy to vehicle V. Furthermore, since synthesized speech is not output to users who do not have a high need to supply energy to vehicle V, annoyance can be reduced. Thus, the technology for guiding users to access information about the energy supply equipment can be improved, as users entering the target area can easily grasp this information.

[0056] While this disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that various modifications and alterations can be made based on this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that such modifications and alterations are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each structural component or step can be reconfigured in a logically consistent manner, and multiple structural components or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0057] For example, in a modified embodiment described above, in S104, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may determine the content of the message output in the form of synthesized speech based on the location information of vehicle V at the time when it is determined that vehicle V has entered the target area. For example, if vehicle V has moved to the vicinity of the energy supply equipment at the time when it is determined that vehicle V has entered the target area, the output message may be inappropriate as guidance. By changing the content of the message output by the control unit 11 in accordance with the location of vehicle V, the location of the energy supply equipment can be guided to the user more appropriately.

[0058] Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may shorten the message content when the vehicle V's position at the time point at which it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area is in a second area that is closer to the checkpoint on the travel path set in the target area, compared to the case where it is in a first area that is closer to the checkpoint. For example, when the vehicle V is traveling in a first area that is closer to the checkpoint at a predetermined position in the target area (e.g., on a deceleration lane leading to the target area or in a parking lot) at the time point at which it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area, the control unit 11 outputs the entire preset message. When the vehicle V is traveling in a second area that is closer to the checkpoint, the control unit 11 outputs a shorter message compared to the preset message. Any method can be used to shorten the output message. For example, a portion of the message can be omitted, or the message playback speed can be increased. Even when vehicle V has traveled a considerable distance on its path and is relatively close to the energy supply device, it is still possible to guide the user by shortening the output message so that the user has ample time to determine the location of the energy supply device.

[0059] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 outputs a message in S104, the location of the energy supply facility can also be displayed on the map screen of the terminal device 10. In addition, the control unit 11 can automatically adjust the scale of the map screen based on the location of the energy supply equipment and the location of the vehicle V. For example, the control unit 11 can automatically adjust the scale so that both the location of the vehicle V and the location of the energy supply equipment are displayed on the screen. This allows the user to clearly identify the location of the energy supply equipment. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also automatically adjust the scale of the map screen considering the locations of other predetermined facilities.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, if there are two or more energy supply devices installed in the target area, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may also display the representative positions of the two or more energy supply devices (e.g., the center positions of the two or more energy supply devices) on the map screen.

[0061] Furthermore, as in the embodiment described above, the control unit 21 of the server 20 can also calculate the center location based on changes in the number and / or location of energy supply facilities. For example, if an energy supply device is added to the target area, the control unit 21 calculates a new center location by analyzing images from a dashcam or satellite imagery that shows the energy supply device. The control unit 21 then stores the calculated center location in the storage unit 22 and sends it to the terminal device 10 via the network 30. The control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 displays the new center location on a map screen. This allows the user to be guided to the latest location of the energy supply device.

[0062] Alternatively, for example, it could be an implementation in which the server 20 performs a portion of the processing performed by the terminal device 10 in the embodiments described above.

[0063] In the above situation, the control unit 21 of the server 20 determines whether the vehicle V has entered the target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle V. The control unit 21 obtains the energy reserve of the vehicle V. Then, if it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the energy reserve is less than a predetermined benchmark, the control unit 21 sends a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed in the target area to the user's terminal device 10.

[0064] Furthermore, an embodiment could also be implemented to enable a general-purpose computer to function as the terminal device 10 described in the above-described embodiments. Specifically, a program describing processing content for implementing the various functions of the terminal device 10 described in the above-described embodiments is stored in the memory of a general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, this disclosure can also be implemented as a program executable by a processor, or as a non-transitory computer-readable medium in which the program is stored.

[0065] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated. However, please note that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these methods.

[0066] [Postscript 1] A method executed by a user's terminal device, comprising: determining whether a vehicle has entered a target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle; obtaining the vehicle's remaining energy; and, if it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy is less than a predetermined benchmark, outputting a message related to one or more energy supply devices located in the target area.

[0067] [Postscript 2] As described in Appendix 1, in which, The terminal device determines the content of the message output in the form of synthesized speech based on the vehicle's location information at the time point at which it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area, and outputs the message in the form of synthesized speech.

[0068] [Postscript 3] As described in Appendix 2, in which, When the terminal device determines that the vehicle has entered the target area and the vehicle's position is in a second area that is deeper than a checkpoint set on the travel path in the target area, it shortens the content of the message compared to the case where the vehicle is in a first area that is closer to the front than the checkpoint.

[0069] [Postscript 4] The method described in any of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein, Also includes: The location of the energy supply device is displayed on the map screen of the terminal device; and The map scale is automatically adjusted based on the location of the energy supply equipment and the location of the vehicle.

[0070] [Postscript 5] The method described in any of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein, When there are two or more energy supply devices in the target area, the terminal device displays the center position of the two or more energy supply devices on the map screen.

[0071] [Postscript 6] The method described in any of the notes 1 to 5, wherein, When the user sets a destination, the terminal device calculates the predetermined reference based on the distance from the location of the object area to the destination.

[0072] [Postscript 7] A method, which is a method executed by a server, and includes: The system determines whether the vehicle has entered the target area based on the user's vehicle location information. Obtain the energy surplus of the vehicle; and If it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy is less than a predetermined benchmark, a message related to one or more energy supply devices located in the target area will be sent to the user's terminal device.

[0073] [Postscript 8] As described in Appendix 7, among which, The server determines the content of the message output in the form of synthesized speech based on the vehicle's location information at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area.

[0074] [Postscript 9] As described in Appendix 8, among which... When the server determines that the vehicle has entered the target area, and the vehicle's position at that time is in a second region that is deeper than the checkpoint set on the travel path in the target area, the server shortens the content of the message compared to the case where the vehicle is in a first region that is closer to the front than the checkpoint.

[0075] [Postscript 10] The method described in any of the appendices 7 to 9, wherein, Also includes: The terminal device displays the location of the energy supply equipment on its map screen; and The terminal device automatically adjusts the scale of the map display based on the location of the energy supply equipment and the location of the vehicle.

[0076] [Postscript 11] The method described in any of the appendices 7 to 10, wherein, When there are two or more energy supply devices in the target area, the server causes the terminal device to display the center position of the two or more energy supply devices on the map screen.

[0077] [Postscript 12] As described in Appendix 11, in which, The server calculates the center location based on changes in the number and / or location of the energy supply devices.

[0078] [Postscript 13] The method described in any of the appendices 7 to 12, wherein, When the user sets a destination, the server calculates the predetermined reference based on the distance from the location of the object area to the destination.

[0079] [Postscript 14] A system comprising a terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device, wherein, The terminal device or the server determines whether the vehicle has entered the target area based on the user's vehicle location information, and obtains the vehicle's remaining energy. When the terminal device determines that the vehicle has entered the target area and the energy reserve is less than a predetermined benchmark, it outputs a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed in the target area.

[0080] [Postscript 15] As described in Appendix 14, in which, The terminal device or the server determines the content of the message output in the form of synthesized speech based on the vehicle's location information at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area. The terminal device outputs the message in the form of synthesized speech.

[0081] [Postscript 16] As described in Appendix 15, in which, When the terminal device or the server determines that the vehicle has entered the target area and the vehicle's position is in a second area that is deeper than the checkpoint set on the travel path in the target area, the message content is shortened compared to the situation where the vehicle is in a first area that is closer to the front than the checkpoint.

[0082] [Postscript 17] The system described in any of the appendices 14 to 16, wherein, The terminal device displays the location of the energy supply equipment on its map screen and automatically adjusts the scale of the map screen according to the location of the energy supply equipment and the location of the vehicle.

[0083] [Postscript 18] The system described in any of the appendices 14 to 17, wherein, When there are two or more energy supply devices in the target area, the terminal device displays the center position of the two or more energy supply devices on the map screen.

[0084] [Postscript 19] As described in Appendix 18, in which, The server calculates the center location based on changes in the number and / or location of the energy supply devices.

[0085] [Postscript 20] The system described in any of the appendices 14 to 19, wherein, When the user sets a destination, the terminal device or the server calculates the predetermined reference based on the distance from the location of the object area to the destination.

[0086] Symbol Explanation 1. System; 10. Terminal devices; 11. Control Department; 12. Storage Unit; 13 Ministry of Communications; 14. Input Section; 15. Output section; 16. Acquisition Department; 20 servers; 21. Control Department; 22. Storage Department; 23 Ministry of Communications; 30. Network.

Claims

1. A method performed by a user's terminal device, comprising: The system determines whether the vehicle has entered the target area based on the user's vehicle location information. Obtain the remaining energy of the vehicle; as well as If it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the energy reserve is less than a predetermined benchmark, a message related to one or more energy supply devices set in the target area is output.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The terminal device determines the content of the message output in the form of synthesized speech based on the vehicle's location information at the time point at which it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area, and outputs the message in the form of synthesized speech.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, When the terminal device determines that the vehicle has entered the target area and the vehicle's position is in a second area that is deeper than a checkpoint set on the travel path in the target area, it shortens the content of the message compared to the case where the vehicle is in a first area that is closer to the front than the checkpoint.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The location of the energy supply device is displayed on the map screen of the terminal device; and The map scale is automatically adjusted based on the location of the energy supply equipment and the location of the vehicle.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, When there are two or more energy supply devices in the target area, the terminal device displays the center position of the two or more energy supply devices on the map screen.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, When the user sets a destination, the terminal device calculates the predetermined reference based on the distance from the location of the object area to the destination.

7. A method, which is a method executed by a server, and includes: The system determines whether the vehicle has entered the target area based on the user's vehicle location information. Obtain the remaining energy of the vehicle; as well as If it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy is less than a predetermined benchmark, a message related to one or more energy supply devices located in the target area will be sent to the user's terminal device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The server determines the content of the message output in the form of synthesized speech based on the vehicle's location information at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, When the server determines that the vehicle has entered the target area, and the vehicle's position at that time is in a second region that is deeper than the checkpoint set on the travel path in the target area, the server shortens the content of the message compared to the case where the vehicle is in a first region that is closer to the front than the checkpoint.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein, Also includes: The terminal device displays the location of the energy supply equipment on its map screen. as well as The terminal device automatically adjusts the scale of the map display based on the location of the energy supply equipment and the location of the vehicle.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein, When there are two or more energy supply devices in the target area, the server causes the terminal device to display the center position of the two or more energy supply devices on the map screen.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The server calculates the center location based on changes in the number and / or location of the energy supply devices.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein, When the user sets a destination, the server calculates the predetermined reference based on the distance from the location of the object area to the destination.

14. A system comprising a terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device, wherein, The terminal device or the server determines whether the vehicle has entered the target area based on the user's vehicle location information, and obtains the vehicle's remaining energy. When the terminal device determines that the vehicle has entered the target area and the energy reserve is less than a predetermined benchmark, it outputs a message related to one or more energy supply devices installed in the target area.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein, The terminal device or the server determines the content of the message output in the form of synthesized speech based on the vehicle's location information at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area. The terminal device outputs the message in the form of synthesized speech.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein, When the terminal device or the server determines that the vehicle has entered the target area and the vehicle's position is in a second area that is deeper than the checkpoint set on the travel path in the target area, the message content is shortened compared to the situation where the vehicle is in a first area that is closer to the front than the checkpoint.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein, The terminal device displays the location of the energy supply equipment on its map screen and automatically adjusts the scale of the map screen according to the location of the energy supply equipment and the location of the vehicle.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein, When there are two or more energy supply devices in the target area, the terminal device displays the center position of the two or more energy supply devices on the map screen.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein, The server calculates the center location based on changes in the number and / or location of the energy supply devices.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein, When the user sets a destination, the terminal device or the server calculates the predetermined reference based on the distance from the location of the object area to the destination.

Images