Information processing device

Abstract

To suggest to a user to visit a suitable station for replenishing the power source of the vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing device identifies a type of power source of a target vehicle. The information processing device also searches for one or more stations whose provided power sources match the identified type of power source of the target vehicle. The information processing device then outputs station location information including the locations of the one or more searched stations to a user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a driving mode proposal device that proposes a driving mode to a destination of a vehicle. The driving mode proposal device disclosed in Patent Document 1 selects a first driving route to a destination according to a predetermined algorithm that has nothing to do with wireless power feeding. Further, when assuming that the vehicle travels along a predetermined driving route, the driving mode proposal device predicts a value of a parameter related to an expected power feeding amount that is expected to be fed in a power feeding section where wireless power feeding is performed from a ground power feeding device to the vehicle on the driving route. When the predicted value of the parameter when assuming that the vehicle travels along the first driving route is a value indicating that the expected power feeding amount is less than a predetermined reference power amount, the driving mode proposal device selects a second driving route such that the expected power feeding amount becomes equal to or greater than the reference power amount. Then, the driving mode proposal device proposes the first driving route as the driving route to the destination, and further proposes the second driving route when the second driving route is selected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to propose to a user a visit to a station suitable for replenishing a power source of a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to this disclosure identifies the type of the power source of the target vehicle, and Searching for one or more stations compatible with a power source to be provided for the type of power source of the specified target vehicle; Outputting station location information including the locations of the one or more searched stations to a user terminal; It includes a control unit configured to execute.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to propose to the user a visit to a station suitable for replenishing the power source of the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] There are various power sources for vehicles. For example, when the vehicle is an electric vehicle, the power source is electricity. Then, the vehicle needs to visit a rechargeable station. Also, when the vehicle is a fuel cell vehicle, the power source is hydrogen fuel. Then, the vehicle needs to visit a station where hydrogen fuel can be refilled. Additionally, the power source may be fossil fuel (gasoline, diesel, or gas). Then, the vehicle needs to visit a gas station or the like. Thus, due to the different power sources that can be provided by stations, it may be difficult to identify the stations to be visited. The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure solves such problems.

[0009] The control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure identifies the type of the power source of the target vehicle. The control unit of the information processing apparatus searches for one or more stations that are compatible with the provided power source for the identified type of the power source of the target vehicle. Then, the control unit outputs station position information including the positions of the one or more searched stations to the user terminal.

[0010] As described above, the information processing apparatus outputs station position information including the positions of one or more stations that can provide a power source to the target vehicle to the user terminal. Thereby, the user can identify the positions of the stations that can provide a power source to the target vehicle. In this way, it is possible to propose to the user to visit a station suitable for refueling the power source of the target vehicle.

[0011] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure only to those, unless otherwise specified.

[0012] <Embodiment> (Overview of the System) The supply system 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the supply system 1. The supply system 1 includes a user terminal 100, a providing server 200, and a station management server 300. In the supply system 1, the user terminal 100, the providing server 200, and the station management server 300 are interconnected by a network N1. As the network N1, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), which is a worldwide public communication network such as the Internet, or a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone network may be adopted.

[0013] (User Terminal) The user terminal 100 is an in-vehicle terminal mounted on the vehicle 10. Here, the user terminal 100 is, for example, a car navigation system in the vehicle 10. Note that the user terminal 100 does not necessarily have to be an in-vehicle terminal of the vehicle 10. The user terminal 100 may be, for example, a computer or a portable information terminal used by the user. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 belongs to either an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle.

[0014] The user terminal 100 transmits destination information to the providing server 200 via the network N1. The destination information is information indicating the destination of the user boarding the vehicle 10. The destination information also includes information indicating the current position of the vehicle 10 (user terminal 100). The destination information also includes an identifier (vehicle ID) for identifying the vehicle 10. The destination information stores information indicating the remaining amount of the power source of the vehicle 10 (the remaining battery amount or the remaining hydrogen fuel amount of the vehicle 10). The destination information is transmitted, for example, when the user of the vehicle 10 inputs a destination to the user terminal 100.

[0015] Further, the user terminal 100 receives route information from the providing server 200 via the network N1. The route information is information including the route from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the destination. The user terminal 100 displays (outputs) the received route information on the display. The user can grasp the route information based on the route information displayed on the display.

[0016] (Providing Server) The providing server 200 is a server that provides route information to the user terminal 100. The providing server 200 generates route information according to the current position and destination of the vehicle 10 indicated by the destination information received from the user terminal 100, and transmits it to the user terminal 100. At this time, depending on the route of the vehicle 10, it may be necessary to replenish the power source on the way.

[0017] In this case, when the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, the power source of the vehicle 10 is electricity. Then, the vehicle 10 needs to visit a rechargeable station. On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle, the power source of the vehicle 10 is hydrogen fuel. Then, the vehicle 10 needs to visit a station where hydrogen fuel can be replenished. Thus, since the available power sources vary from station to station, the user may not be able to grasp the station to visit for replenishing the power source of the vehicle 10.

[0018] Further, at a station where the power source of the vehicle 10 can be provided, other vehicles than the vehicle 10 may be replenishing the power source at the station. Then, even at a station that can provide a power source that matches the power source of the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 may not be able to charge or replenish hydrogen fuel.

[0019] Therefore, the providing server 200 searches for a type of power source of the vehicle 10 and a station that is compatible with the provided power source and proposes a visit to the user of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "specific station"). Then, the providing server 200 transmits route information including a planned route to be traveled via the specific station to the user terminal 100. Here, the route information includes information indicating the position of the specific station. Thereby, the user of the vehicle 10 can visit the specific station while moving to the destination. Details such as the method of specifying the specific station will be described later.

[0020] The providing server 200 includes a computer having a processor 210, a main storage unit 220, an auxiliary storage unit 230, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 240. The processor 210 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The main storage unit 220 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage unit 230 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). Also, the auxiliary storage unit 230 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a disk recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, or a Blu-ray disk. Also, the auxiliary storage unit 230 may be a removable medium (portable storage medium). Here, examples of the removable medium include a USB memory or an SD card. The communication I / F 240 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0021] In the providing server 200, the auxiliary storage unit 230 stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various information tables, and the like. Also, in the providing server 200, the processor 210 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 230 into the main storage unit 220 and executes them, thereby realizing various functions as described later. However, some or all of the functions in the providing server 200 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Note that the providing server 200 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single physical configuration, and may be configured by a plurality of computers that cooperate with each other. Also, the user terminal 100 is also configured to include a computer, similar to the providing server 200.

[0022] (Station Management Server) The station management server 300 is a server device that manages the charging and hydrogen fuel replenishment of a plurality of stations. The station management server 300 is configured to include a computer, similar to the providing server 200. The station management server 300 acquires information about the usage status of each station from each station.

[0023] Also, the station management server 300 acquires, from the vehicle, the remaining battery level and the battery capacity of the vehicle at the start of charging of the vehicle being charged via the station. Also, the station management server 300 acquires, from the vehicle, the remaining amount of hydrogen fuel and the capacity to replenish the hydrogen fuel of the vehicle at the start of replenishment of the vehicle being replenished with hydrogen fuel via the station. Then, when there is a vehicle using the station, the station management server 300 transmits the usage information to the providing server 200 in real time. Here, the usage information is information including information for identifying the vehicle (vehicle ID), information indicating the time when the vehicle started charging or hydrogen fuel replenishment, and information indicating the remaining amount of the power source and the capacity of the power source of the vehicle.

[0024] (Functional Configuration) Next, the functional configuration of the providing server 200 that constitutes the replenishment system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of the providing server 200. The providing server 200 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a vehicle information database 203 (vehicle information DB 203), and a station information database 204 (station information DB 204).

[0025] The control unit 201 has a function of performing arithmetic processing for controlling the providing server 200. The control unit 201 can be realized by a processor 210 in the providing server 200. The communication unit 202 has a function of connecting the providing server 200 to the network N1. The communication unit 202 can be realized by a communication I / F 240 in the providing server 200.

[0026] The vehicle information DB 203 has a function of storing vehicle information. The vehicle information DB 203 can be realized by an auxiliary storage unit 230 in the providing server 200. The vehicle information is information about the type of the vehicle and the consumption amount of the power source. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the table configuration of the vehicle information held in the vehicle information DB 203. As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle information has a vehicle ID field, a type field, and a consumption amount field.

[0027] An identifier (vehicle ID) for identifying the vehicle is stored in the vehicle ID field. Information indicating the type of the vehicle indicated by the vehicle ID in the corresponding vehicle ID field is stored in the type field. In the type field, "electric vehicle" is stored when the type of the vehicle indicated by the vehicle ID in the corresponding vehicle ID field is an electric vehicle. Also, in the type field, "fuel cell vehicle" is stored when the type of the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle ID is a fuel cell vehicle.

[0028] In the consumption amount field, information indicating the consumption amount of the power source of the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle ID is stored. When the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle ID is an electric vehicle, for example, information indicating the amount of electric power consumed when the vehicle travels a unit distance is stored in the consumption amount field. Also, when the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle ID is a fuel cell vehicle, for example information indicating the amount of hydrogen fuel consumed when the vehicle travels a unit distance is stored in the consumption amount field. In each field in the vehicle information, information registered at the time of vehicle sales or the like is stored.

[0029] The station information DB204 has a function of storing station information. The station information DB204 can be realized by the auxiliary storage unit 230 in the providing server 200. The station information is information about the power sources provided and usage status, etc. of a plurality of stations. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the table configuration of the station information held in the station information DB204.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the station information has a station ID field, a location field, a power source field, a unit price field, an output power field, a usage field, and an available time field. In the station ID field, an identifier (station ID) for specifying the station is stored. In the location field, information indicating the location of the station corresponding to the station ID is stored. In the power source field, information indicating the power source that the station corresponding to the station ID can provide is stored. When the power source that the station can provide is electricity, "electricity" is stored. Also, when the power source that the station can provide is hydrogen fuel, "hydrogen fuel" is stored. Note that when the station can provide both electricity and hydrogen fuel, both "electricity" and "hydrogen fuel" may be input in the power source field.

[0031] The unit price field stores information indicating the unit price of the power source provided at the station corresponding to the station ID. The unit price of the power source is, for example, the price of power per unit of electricity. Also, the unit price of the power source is, for example, the price of hydrogen fuel per unit quantity.

[0032] The output power field stores information indicating the output power per unit time (refueling amount for a vehicle) of the power source at the station corresponding to the station ID. When the available power source at the station corresponding to the station ID is electricity, the output power field stores information indicating the electrical output power per unit time (charging amount per unit time). Also, when the available power source at the station corresponding to the station ID is hydrogen fuel, the output power field stores information indicating the output power of hydrogen fuel per unit time (refilling amount per unit time).

[0033] The usage field stores information indicating whether the station corresponding to the station ID is in use or not. When the station corresponding to the station ID is in use, "in use" is stored. Also, when the station corresponding to the station ID is not in use, "available" is stored.

[0034] The available time field stores the time (available time) when charging or hydrogen fuel replenishment is possible at the station where "in use" is stored in the corresponding usage field. Here, the control unit 201 refers to the usage information received from the station management server 300 via the communication unit 202 and calculates the available time.

[0035] Specifically, when the power source that can be provided by the station is electricity, the control unit 201 acquires the start time of charging, the remaining battery level at the start of vehicle charging, and the battery capacity of the vehicle, which are included in the usage information of the station. Then, the control unit 201 calculates the time when charging ends by using the remaining battery level at the start of vehicle charging, the battery capacity of the vehicle, and the electric power output per unit time in the power output field. Then, the control unit 201 stores the time when charging ends as the available time in the available time field in the station information.

[0036] Also, when the power source that can be provided by the station is hydrogen fuel, the control unit 201 acquires the remaining amount of hydrogen fuel at the start of replenishment of the vehicle being replenished with hydrogen fuel and the capacity of the vehicle to be replenished with hydrogen fuel, which are included in the usage information of the station. The control unit 201 calculates the time when replenishment of hydrogen fuel ends by using the remaining amount of hydrogen fuel at the start of vehicle replenishment, the capacity of the vehicle to be replenished with hydrogen fuel, and the hydrogen fuel output per unit time in the power output field.

[0037] Here, assume that the power source that can be provided by the station is hydrogen fuel. In this case, after the replenishment of hydrogen fuel at the station is completed, the station refills the hydrogen fuel. In this way, by increasing the pressure in the hydrogen fuel replenishment machine by refilling the hydrogen fuel at the station, the vehicle can be replenished with hydrogen fuel again. Therefore, the station cannot start replenishing hydrogen fuel immediately after the replenishment of hydrogen fuel for the vehicle is completed.

[0038] Therefore, the control unit 201 calculates, as the available time, the time obtained by adding the time for refilling the hydrogen fuel at the station to the time when the replenishment of hydrogen fuel for the vehicle is completed. Here, the time for refilling the hydrogen fuel is, for example, a predetermined time. Also, the time for refilling the hydrogen fuel may vary from station to station. Then, the control unit 201 stores the available time in the available time field in the station information.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control unit 201 calculates the available time. However, the control unit 201 may obtain the available time from, for example, the station management server 300. In this case, the station management server 300 calculates the available time using the remaining amount of the power source at the start of replenishment, the capacity of the power source, and the output amount of the power source as described above. Even in this way, the control unit 201 can grasp the available time.

[0040] By acquiring the station information held in the station information DB 204, the control unit 201 can grasp the position of the station, the power source available at the station, the availability of the station, and the available time.

[0041] The control unit 201 acquires the destination information received from the user terminal 100. The control unit 201 acquires the current position and destination of the vehicle 10 included in the received destination information. The control unit 201 refers to the current position and destination of the vehicle 10 and generates a tentative route from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the destination. Here, as the tentative route, for example, a route with the shortest travel distance from the current position of the vehicle 10 to the destination, or a route with the shortest travel time is generated.

[0042] The control unit 201 refers to the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 included in the destination information and the vehicle information held in the vehicle information DB 203, and specifies the type and consumption amount of the vehicle 10. Here, the type of the vehicle 10 is either an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle. Thereby, the control unit 201 can grasp whether the power source of the vehicle 10 is electricity or hydrogen fuel.

[0043] The control unit 201 determines whether replenishment is required for the vehicle 10 to travel to the destination. Specifically, the control unit 201 calculates the travel distance in the generated tentative route. Further, the control unit 201 acquires information indicating the consumption amount of the power source of the vehicle 10 and the remaining amount of the battery or the remaining amount of hydrogen fuel (power source) of the vehicle 10 included in the destination information.

[0044] Then, when the value obtained by subtracting the consumption amount expected to be consumed when traveling on the provisional route from the remaining amount of the power source of the vehicle 10 included in the destination information is equal to or less than a predetermined value the control unit 201 determines that the vehicle 10 needs refueling to travel to the destination. Further, when the value obtained by subtracting the consumption amount expected to be consumed when traveling on the provisional route from the remaining amount of the battery or the remaining amount of hydrogen fuel of the vehicle 10 included in the destination information is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 201 determines that no refueling is necessary for the vehicle 10 to travel to the destination. Here, the predetermined value is a value determined in advance as the amount of the power source that allows the vehicle 10 to travel sufficiently around the destination (able to travel a predetermined distance or more) when the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination.

[0045] When the control unit 201 determines that the vehicle 10 needs refueling to travel to the destination, it determines the refueling timing of the power source of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the control unit 201 determines, on the provisional route, the timing when the remaining amount of the power source of the vehicle 10 becomes equal to or less than a threshold value as the refueling timing. Here, the threshold value is a value at which it is determined that refueling of the power source is suitable.

[0046] The control unit 201 refers to the station information held in the station information DB 204 and identifies a station existing within a predetermined range from the point where the vehicle 10 is predicted to be present at the refueling timing. The predetermined range is, for example, a range determined by a distance suitable for refueling the power source. The predetermined range is, for example, a range in which the difference in the travel distance or travel time between the case where the station is not visited and the case where the station is visited is equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0047] Further, the control unit 201 extracts stations within a predetermined range that are compatible with the power source of the vehicle 10 among the existing stations, and identifies, as specific stations, the stations that the vehicle 10 can visit during the available supply time. Specifically, the control unit 201 refers to the information stored in the position field, power source field, and available supply time field in the station information to identify the specific stations.

[0048] Also, at this time, there may be a case where a plurality of stations exist within a predetermined range, are compatible with the power source of the vehicle 10, and are identified as stations that the vehicle 10 can visit during the available supply time. In this case, the control unit 201 refers to the unit price stored in the unit price field in the station information, and among the identified plurality of stations, identifies the station with the lowest unit price as the specific station. Thereby, the user of the vehicle 10 can replenish the power source at the station with the lowest unit price.

[0049] The control unit 201 modifies the tentative route and generates a planned travel route. Here, the control unit 201 generates a planned travel route so as to visit a specific station during the tentative route. Then, the control unit 201 transmits the route information including the planned travel route to the user terminal 100. Thereby, the user terminal 100 can visit the specific station and replenish the power source of the vehicle 10.

[0050] Note that the control unit 201 may determine, as the specific station, the station closest to the position where the vehicle 10 is expected to be present at the replenishment timing from among the plurality of stations by referring to the position field in the station information. Thereby, the user of the vehicle 10 can replenish the power source at the specific station with the minimum movement from the tentative route. As a result, the time required for the movement to the destination and the consumption amount of the power source required for the movement to the destination can be suppressed.

[0051] (Flowchart) Next, in the replenishment system 1, the process executed by the control unit 201 of the providing server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the process executed by the control unit 201. This process is for transmitting route information to the user terminal 100. The process shown in FIG. 5 starts when destination information is received from the user terminal 100.

[0052] In the process shown in FIG. 5, first in S101, the destination information received from the user terminal 100 is acquired, and the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10, the current position of the vehicle 10, and the destination are acquired. Next, in S102, a provisional route is generated according to the current position and the destination of the vehicle 10. Next, in S103, vehicle information is acquired from the vehicle information DB 203. Next, in S104, the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10 included in the destination information and the vehicle information are referred to, and the type of the vehicle 10 is specified. That is, information indicating whether the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle is acquired, and the type of power of the vehicle 10 is specified.

[0053] Next, in S105, referring to the consumption amount of the power source per unit distance of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle information, the remaining amount of the power source of the vehicle 10 included in the destination information, and the distance of the provisional route, it is determined whether replenishment of the power source is required for the vehicle 10 to move to the destination. If a negative determination is made in S105, since the vehicle can travel the provisional route without replenishing the power source, in S109, route information about the provisional route is transmitted to the user terminal 100. Then, the process shown in FIG. 5 ends.

[0054] Also, when an affirmative determination is made in S105, it is assumed that when the vehicle 10 travels on the provisional route, the power source will run out of power on the way. Therefore, in S106, the replenishment timing is determined. Next, in S107, the station information is acquired from the station information DB204. Next, in S108, the station information is referred to and the specific station is specified. Specifically, among the stations existing within a predetermined range from the location where the vehicle 10 exists at the replenishment timing, the station that is compatible with the type of the power source of the vehicle 10 and that can be visited by the vehicle 10 at the available time is specified as the specific station. Also, when a plurality of stations can be specified as the specific station, the unit price stored in the unit price field in the station information is referred to, and among the plurality of specified stations, the station with the minimum unit price is specified as the specific station.

[0055] Next, in S109, the provisional route is corrected, and a planned travel route is generated so as to visit the specific station on the way of the provisional route. Then, in S110, the route information about the planned travel route is transmitted to the user terminal 100. And the process shown in FIG. 5 is terminated.

[0056] Note that the processes from S107 to S110 may be repeatedly performed at a predetermined interval until the vehicle 10 arrives at the destination. As a result, the reference of the station information, the specification of the specific station, the generation of the planned travel route, and the transmission of the route information are repeatedly performed at a predetermined interval. Then, the control unit 201 can grasp in real time the available time that changes due to new use by other vehicles. Therefore, when the vehicle 10 arrives at the specific station while traveling on the planned travel route but the power source of the vehicle 10 cannot be replenished, the control unit 201 can specify the specific station again and so on. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the vehicle 10 cannot replenish the power source even when it arrives at the specific station when another vehicle uses the specific station while the vehicle 10 is on the way to the specific station.

[0057] As described above, when the power source of the vehicle 10 needs to be replenished, the travel planned route via a specific station that can provide the power source of the vehicle 10 is transmitted (output) to the user terminal 100 by the replenishment system 1. Thereby, the user terminal 100 can display the travel planned route including the position of the specific station to the user of the vehicle 10. Thereby, the user of the vehicle 10 can grasp the position and route of the specific station. In this way, it is possible to propose to the user of the vehicle 10 to visit a specific station suitable for replenishing the power source of the vehicle 10.

[0058] (Modification Example 1) The providing server 200 may identify a plurality of specific stations. That is, the providing server 200 may determine, as a plurality of specific stations, stations existing within a predetermined range from the tentative route, where the provided power source is compatible with the type of the power source of the vehicle 10 and the vehicle 10 can visit during the available time.

[0059] Further, the providing server 200 may refer to the unit price stored in the unit price field in the station information, and identify, as specific stations, stations among the identified plurality of stations whose unit price is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Then, for each identified specific station, route information or position information about the travel planned route passing through the specific station is transmitted to the user terminal 100.

[0060] (Modification Example 2) In this embodiment, the providing server 200 transmits route information including the position of a specific station and the planned travel route to the user terminal 100. However, the providing server 200 may transmit position information about the position of the specific station instead of the route information. In this case, the providing server 200 identifies, as the specific station, a station that exists within a predetermined range from the current position of the vehicle 10, is compatible with the type of the power source of the vehicle 10, and can be accessed by the vehicle 10 from the current position within the available time. Here, the predetermined range is, for example, a range within a predetermined distance from the current position of the vehicle 10.

[0061] Further, the providing server 200 may repeatedly execute the processes of acquiring the current position of the vehicle 10, identifying the type of the vehicle 10, acquiring the available time, identifying the specific station, and transmitting the position information at predetermined intervals. Thereby, the available time can be acquired in real time, and it is possible to suppress the situation where the vehicle 10 cannot use the station even when it arrives at the specific station.

[0062] (Modification Example 3) In this embodiment, the type of the vehicle 10 is either an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle. That is, the power source of the vehicle 10 is either electricity or hydrogen fuel. However, the type of the vehicle 10 may be other than an electric vehicle and a fuel cell vehicle. The type of the vehicle 10 may include, for example, vehicles that use fossil fuels (gasoline, light oil, and gas) in addition to electric vehicles and the like. In this case, the providing server 200 identifies which of electricity, hydrogen fuel, gasoline, light oil, and gas the power source of the vehicle 10 is, searches for stations where the power source of the vehicle 10 can be provided, and identifies them as specific stations. In this case, the providing server 200 calculates the available time using the remaining amount at the start of replenishment of the fossil fuel, the tank capacity of the fossil fuel, and the output of the fossil fuel at the station. Even in this way, it is possible to propose to the user of the vehicle 10 to visit a specific station suitable for replenishing the power source of the vehicle 10.

[0063] <Other Embodiments> The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the gist thereof. Further, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0064] Also, the process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, how each function is realized by a hardware configuration (server configuration) can be flexibly changed.

[0065] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and causing one or more processors included in the computer to read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a hard disk drive (HDD)), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, or a Blu-ray disk), any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, or an optical card.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0066] 1 ·· Supply System 10 ·· Vehicle 100 ·· User Terminal 200 ·· Providing Server 201 ·· Control Unit 202 ··· Communication Department 203 ··· Vehicle Information DB 204 ··· Station Information DB 300 ··· Station Management Server

Claims

1. Identifying the type of power source of the target vehicle, searching for one or more stations to which a power source is suitable for the identified type of power source, outputting station location information including the locations of the one or more searched stations to a user terminal, and comprising a control unit configured to execute the above, an information processing apparatus.

2. Searching for the one or more stations includes: extracting each station capable of providing the power source to the target vehicle, acquiring the available time of the power source at each extracted station, identifying the one or more stations accessible to the target vehicle at the acquired available time, and including, the information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. Acquiring the available time includes: when the target vehicle is an electric vehicle and there are other vehicles receiving charging at a station capable of providing electricity, acquiring the time when the charging of the other vehicles is completed; when the target vehicle is a fuel cell vehicle and there are other vehicles receiving hydrogen fuel replenishment at a station capable of providing hydrogen fuel, acquiring the time obtained by adding the time for refilling hydrogen fuel at the station to the completion time of the hydrogen fuel replenishment of the other vehicles, and including, the information processing apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. Searching for the one or more stations includes: extracting each station capable of providing the power source to the target vehicle, acquiring the unit price of the power source provided at each extracted station, identifying the one or more stations according to the acquired unit price, and including, the information processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. Searching for the one or more stations includes: extracting each station capable of providing the power source to the target vehicle, acquiring the timing of replenishment of the power source expected to be required when the target vehicle moves to the destination, identifying the one or more stations existing within a predetermined range from the position where the target vehicle is expected to be present at the timing, and including, the station location information includes a planned driving route to the destination via the one or more searched stations. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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