Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of improving convenience for a user who uses remote air-conditioning.SOLUTION: An information processing device performs a remote operation of a vehicle configured to execute a first mode which actuates an air conditioner without actuating an internal combustion engine, and a second mode which actuates the air conditioner by actuating the internal combustion engine. A control unit of the information processing device acquires a user-designated mode, which is either the first mode or the second mode and is designated by a user of the vehicle. In response to acquiring the user-designated mode, the control unit transmits an execution request for the user-designated mode to an external device related to the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a system that operates an electric air conditioner mounted on a HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) before a user gets into the vehicle, when the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, a technique is known in which an internal combustion engine is operated to charge the battery while operating the air conditioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of improving the convenience of a user who uses remote air conditioning.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus for performing remote operation of a vehicle configured to be capable of executing a first mode of operating an air conditioner without operating an internal combustion engine and a second mode of operating the internal combustion engine to operate the air conditioner. In that case, the information processing apparatus is, for example, acquiring a user-specified mode that is one of the first mode and the second mode and is a mode specified by a user of the vehicle, In response to obtaining the user-specified mode, transmitting a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle; It may include a control unit configured to execute.

[0006] One of other aspects of the present disclosure is a program executed by a computer for remotely operating a vehicle configured to be capable of executing a first mode of operating an air conditioner without operating an internal combustion engine and a second mode of operating the air conditioner by operating the internal combustion engine. In that case, the program may be, for example, causing the computer to obtain a user-specified mode that is one of the first mode and the second mode and is a mode specified by a user of the vehicle; in response to obtaining the user-specified mode, transmit a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle; and cause it to be executed.

[0007] Also, one of other aspects of the present disclosure may be a method in which a computer executes the processing of the above-described information processing apparatus, and a non-transitory storage medium that stores the above-described program in a computer-readable form.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology capable of improving the convenience of users who use remote air conditioning.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In recent years, remote air conditioning has become widespread, in which a user operates an air conditioner of a parked vehicle remotely through a user terminal such as a smartphone. As an example, in an HEV or PHEV equipped with an electric air conditioner, when an operation request for the air conditioner is generated by remote operation, if the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the air conditioner is operated (in the first mode) with battery power without operating the internal combustion engine, and if the remaining battery level is less than the threshold value, the internal combustion engine is operated to charge the battery while operating the air conditioner with battery power (in the second mode). A technique is known.

[0011] By the way, if the selection between the first mode and the second mode is automatically made, the air conditioner may be operated in a mode that does not conform to the user's intention, which may reduce the convenience for the user. Therefore, a means for ensuring the convenience of users who use remote air conditioning is required.

[0012] The present disclosure is an information processing apparatus for performing remote operation of a vehicle configured to be capable of executing a first mode of operating an air conditioner without operating an internal combustion engine and a second mode of operating the internal combustion engine to operate the air conditioner. The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is used by a user of a vehicle. The terminal used may be a smartphone or the like, or a dedicated terminal. Also, as an example, the vehicle to be remotely operated may be an HEV or PHEV equipped with an electric air conditioner. In that case, the first mode may be a mode in which the air conditioner is operated with battery power without operating the internal combustion engine, and the second mode may be a mode in which the internal combustion engine is operated to generate electricity (charge the battery) while the air conditioner is operated with battery power. Also, in another example, the vehicle to be remotely operated may be an HEV or PHEV equipped with an electric air conditioner driven by battery power and a mechanical air conditioner driven by the power of the internal combustion engine. In that case, the first mode may be a mode in which the electric air conditioner is operated with battery power, and the second mode may be a mode in which the mechanical air conditioner is operated with the power of the internal combustion engine.

[0013] In the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to acquire a user-specified mode. The user-specified mode is one of the first mode and the second mode, and is a mode specified by the user of the vehicle. Here, as an example, the user-specified mode may be specified in advance by the user of the vehicle and stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure. In that case, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may be configured to output a second screen for designating either the first mode or the second mode, receive an operation for designating the first mode or the second mode while the second screen is being output, and store the first mode or the second mode designated by the received operation in the storage unit as the user-specified mode, in advance. In that case, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may be configured to acquire the user-specified mode by reading the user-specified mode stored in the storage unit.

[0014] In response to acquiring a user-specified mode, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure transmits a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle. Here, in a mode where the execution request is directly transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the vehicle, the external device related to the vehicle may be a device mounted on the vehicle. Further, in a mode where the execution request is indirectly transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the vehicle via a server, the external device related to the vehicle may be a server.

[0015] According to the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the air conditioner of the vehicle can be operated in a mode (user-specified mode) specified by the user among the first mode and the second mode. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the execution of remote air conditioning in a mode that does not conform to the user's intention. As a result, the convenience of the user using remote air conditioning can be ensured.

[0016] Note that in the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, before transmitting the execution request to an external device related to the vehicle, the user may be allowed to select whether to execute remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode. In one example, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure outputs a first screen for selecting whether to execute the acquired user-specified mode in response to acquiring the user-specified mode, receives an operation for selecting the execution of the user-specified mode while the first screen is being output, and transmits a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle in response to receiving the operation for selecting the execution of the user-specified mode.

[0017] Also, when remote air conditioning is executed in the user-specified mode, it is assumed that the remaining battery level or the remaining fuel level may become less than the user's expectation. Therefore, when asking the user to specify the user-specified mode, the user may be allowed to set the execution conditions of the user-specified mode. In one example, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure outputs a third screen for setting the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, accepts an operation for setting the execution conditions while the third screen is being output, and stores the execution conditions set by the accepted operation in association with the user-specified mode in the storage unit. In that case when the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure transmits a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device, it may be configured to acquire the execution conditions stored in the storage unit and transmit the acquired execution conditions to the external device together with the request to execute the user-specified mode. As a result, the vehicle can execute the user-specified mode only when the received execution conditions are satisfied. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the remaining battery level or the remaining fuel level becomes less than the user's expectation due to the execution of the user-specified mode.

[0018] In addition, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may be further configured to acquire an actual value of the battery amount or the fuel amount consumed by the execution of the user-specified mode after the user-specified mode is executed in the vehicle, and output the acquired actual value. As a result, the user of the vehicle can use the actual value of the battery amount or the fuel amount consumed by the execution of the user-specified mode as a reference to specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution conditions. As a result, the user of the vehicle can more appropriately specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution conditions.

[0019] Incidentally, the user-specified mode may be specified by the user when transmitting a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device. In that case, acquiring the user-specified mode may include outputting a fourth screen for specifying either the first mode or the second mode, accepting an operation for specifying the first mode or the second mode while the fourth screen is being output, and acquiring the first mode or the second mode specified by the accepted operation as the user-specified mode. Note that the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level at the current time may be displayed on the fourth screen. Thereby, the user of the vehicle can specify the user-specified mode with reference to the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level at the current time.

[0020] Also, in a mode in which the user-specified mode is specified when transmitting a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may further output a fifth screen for setting the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, accept an operation for setting the execution conditions while the fifth screen is being output, and transmit the execution conditions set by the accepted operation to the external device together with the execution request.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and it should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present disclosure in every aspect. Various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In implementing the present disclosure, specific configurations according to the embodiments may be appropriately adopted. Note that the data appearing in the present embodiment is described in natural language, but more specifically, it is specified by a quasi-language, command, parameter, machine language, etc. that can be recognized by a computer.

[0022] <Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a system to which the present disclosure is applied. The system according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle 10, a user terminal 20, and a server 30, and provides a remote air-conditioning service to a user of the vehicle 10. In FIG. 1, only one vehicle 10 and one user terminal 20 are illustrated, but a plurality of vehicles 10 and user terminals 20 under the management of the server 30 may be included in the system.

[0023] The vehicle 10 is an HEV or PHEV equipped with an air conditioner 120, a battery 130, an electric motor 140, an internal combustion engine 150, a generator 160, etc., which will be described later. The vehicle 10 in the present embodiment is configured to be capable of executing remote air conditioning in a first mode and remote air conditioning in a second mode. Remote air conditioning means operating the air conditioner 120 of the vehicle 10 in a parked state (the power switch or ignition switch is off) remotely through the user terminal 20. The first mode is a method of operating the air conditioner 120 using the power of the battery 130 without operating the internal combustion engine 150. The second mode is a method of operating the air conditioner 120 using the power of the battery 130 while operating the internal combustion engine 150 to generate electricity (charge the battery 130) by the generator 160.

[0024] The user terminal 20 is a computer used by the user of the vehicle 10, and a dedicated application program corresponding to remote air conditioning is installed. The user terminal 20 has functions such as presenting a remote air-conditioning menu to the user through the execution of the dedicated application program, presenting an operation screen corresponding to each item included in the menu to the user, and executing processing according to the operation selected by the user on the operation screen. In the present embodiment, the user terminal 20 corresponds to the "information processing apparatus" according to the present disclosure.

[0025] In the menu of the remote air conditioner, for example, it includes the setting of the remote air conditioner and the execution of the remote air conditioner, etc. The operation screen corresponding to the setting of the remote air conditioner includes an operation screen for setting the user-specified mode and an operation screen for setting the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, etc. The user-specified mode is either the first mode or the second mode, and it is a mode arbitrarily specified by the user. The execution condition is a condition for the vehicle 10 side to determine whether to execute the user-specified mode.

[0026] Here, for example, the execution condition when the user-specified mode is the first mode may be the lower limit value of the battery remaining amount (SOC (State Of Charge)) (hereinafter, may also be referred to as the "first threshold"). In that case, if the battery remaining amount of the vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it may be determined that the execution condition of the first mode is satisfied, and if the battery remaining amount of the vehicle 10 is less than the first threshold, it may be determined that the execution condition of the first mode is not satisfied.

[0027] Also, for example, the execution condition when the user-specified mode is the second mode may be the lower limit value of the fuel remaining amount (hereinafter, may also be referred to as the "second threshold"). In that case, if the fuel remaining amount of the vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than the second threshold, it may be determined that the execution condition of the second mode is satisfied, and if the fuel remaining amount of the vehicle 10 is less than the second threshold, it may be determined that the execution condition of the second mode is not satisfied.

[0028] The operation screen corresponding to the execution of the remote air conditioner includes an operation screen for selecting whether to execute the user-specified mode, etc. On the operation screen corresponding to the execution of the remote air conditioner, when an operation to select the execution of the user-specified mode is performed, the user terminal 20 transmits a signal (execution request) for requesting the execution of the remote air conditioner in the user-specified mode to the server 30. The execution request may include, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the identifier of the vehicle 10 (vehicle ID) that is the target of the remote operation, information indicating the user-specified mode (information specifying the first mode or the second mode), and the execution condition of the user-specified mode (the first threshold or the second threshold), etc.

[0029] The server 30 is one or more computers that relay signals related to remote air conditioning between the user terminal 20 and the vehicle 10. The server 30 in the present embodiment has a function of transmitting a command (operation command) corresponding to an execution request received from the user terminal 20 to the vehicle 10 that is the target of remote operation. As an example, the operation command may include, as shown in FIG. 3, user-specified mode (information specifying the first mode or the second mode), and execution conditions of the user-specified mode. In the present embodiment, the server 30 corresponds to the "external device related to the vehicle" according to the present disclosure.

[0030] In the system of the present embodiment, before the user gets into the vehicle 10 in the parked state (the state where the power switch or the ignition switch is off), the user selects the execution of the user-specified mode and inputs the operation to the terminal. The user terminal 20 that has received the operation transmits an execution request for remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode (see FIG. 2) to the server 30. The server 30 that has received the execution request identifies the vehicle 10 that is the target of remote air conditioning according to the vehicle ID included in the execution request, and transmits an operation command (see FIG. 3) to the identified vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 that has received the operation command determines whether the execution conditions included in the operation command are satisfied. When it is determined that the execution conditions are satisfied, in the vehicle 10, the air conditioner 120 is operated in the user-specified mode. Also, when it is determined that the execution conditions are not satisfied, in the vehicle 10, the air conditioner 120 is not operated in the user-specified mode. Note that when it is determined that the execution conditions are not satisfied, information indicating that the execution conditions are not satisfied may be transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the user terminal 20 via the server 30.

[0031] (Hardware Configuration of the System) The hardware configurations of the vehicle 10, user terminal 20, and server 30 included in the system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configurations of the vehicle 10, user terminal 20, and server 30 included in the system of this embodiment.

[0032] (Vehicle) First, an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle 10 will be described. As described above, the vehicle 10 in this embodiment is an HEV or PHEV. Such a vehicle 10 includes, as shown in FIG. 4, an in-vehicle terminal 100, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110, an air conditioner 120, a battery 130, an electric motor 140, an internal combustion engine 150, a generator 160, and a fuel remaining amount sensor 170. The in-vehicle terminal 100, ECU 110, air conditioner 120, battery 130, electric motor 140, internal combustion engine 150, generator 160, and fuel remaining amount sensor 170 are interconnected through an in-vehicle network based on a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or FlexRay. The in-vehicle terminal 100, ECU 110, air conditioner 120, battery 130, electric motor 140, internal combustion engine 150, generator 160, and fuel remaining amount sensor 170 are interconnected through an in-vehicle network based on a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or FlexRay. FlexRay and other standards.

[0033] Note that in FIG. 4, only the hardware configuration components related to remote air conditioning are extracted and shown, and hardware configuration components other than those shown in FIG. 4 may be mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0034] The in-vehicle terminal 100 is a computer that communicates with the server 30 through the network N1. The in-vehicle terminal 100 includes, as shown in FIG. 4, a processor 101, a main storage device 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, and a communication I / F 104. The processor 101, main storage device 102, auxiliary storage device 103, and communication I / F 104 are interconnected by a bus.

[0035] The processor 101 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The pro cessor 101 controls the in-vehicle terminal 100 by loading and executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 into the main storage device 102.

[0036] The main storage device 102 is configured to include semiconductor memories such as, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The main storage device 102 provides a storage area and a work area for loading a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103. Further, the main storage device 102 is used as a buffer for arithmetic processing by the processor 101.

[0037] The auxiliary storage device 103 is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an H DD (Hard Disk Drive). The auxiliary storage device 103 can include a removable medium, that is, a portable recording medium. The removable medium is, for example, a disk recording medium such as a USB (Universal l Serial Bus) memory, a CD (Compact Disc), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The auxiliary storage device 103 stores various programs and data used by the processor 101 when executing each program.

[0038] The program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 includes, in addition to the OS (Operating System), a dedicated program for causing the processor 101 to execute processes related to remote air conditioning, and vehicle ID etc. of the vehicle 10. Note that part or all of the information stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 may be stored in the main storage device 102. Also, part of the information stored in the main storage device 102 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 103. Furthermore, the vehicle ID may be held by the ECU 110 described later.

[0039] The communication I / F 104 is configured to include a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the in-vehicle network, and a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the external network N1. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 104 communicates with the ECU 110 through the in-vehicle network. Also, in the present embodiment, the communication I / F 104 communicates with the server 30 through the external network N1. The external network N1 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet, which is a worldwide public communication network, or another communication network. The communication I / F 104 connects the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the network N1 by a mobile communication method (for example, 5G (5th Generation), or 6G (6th Generation), etc.) or a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0040] In the in-vehicle terminal 100 configured as described above, when the communication I / F 104 receives an operation command transmitted from the server 30 (see FIG. 3), the processor 101 determines whether the execution conditions included in the operation command are satisfied. Here, when the user-specified mode included in the operation command is the first mode, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 connects to the in-vehicle network through the communication I / F 104 and communicates with the ECU 110 through the in-vehicle network to obtain the remaining battery level (SOC). Then, the processor 101 determines whether the obtained remaining battery level (SOC) is equal to or higher than the first threshold value included in the operation command. Also, when the user-specified mode included in the operation command is the second mode, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 connects to the in-vehicle network through the communication I / F 104 and communicates with the ECU 110 through the in-vehicle network to obtain the remaining fuel level. Then, the processor 101 determines whether the obtained remaining fuel level is equal to or higher than the second threshold value included in the operation command.

[0041] When the remaining battery level (SOC) is equal to or higher than the first threshold value or the remaining fuel level is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 determines that the execution conditions of the user-specified mode are satisfied. In that case, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 transmits a command to operate the air conditioner 120 in the user-specified mode to the ECU 110 through the communication I / F 104 and the in-vehicle network.

[0042] Note that the determination of whether the execution conditions included in the operation command are satisfied may be executed by the ECU 110 described later. In that case, the in-vehicle terminal 100 may transmit the operation command received from the server 30 to the ECU 110 through the communication I / F 104 and the in-vehicle network.

[0043] Next, the air conditioner 120 is an electric air conditioner that cools or heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 using the power of the battery 130. The battery 130 supplies power to the electric motor 140 and the air conditioner 120. The electric motor 140 is operated using the power supplied from the battery 130. The internal combustion engine 150 is operated using the fuel stored in the fuel tank mounted on the vehicle 10. In one example, the electric motor 140 and the internal combustion engine 150 may cooperate to drive the vehicle 10. In another example, the electric motor 140 may drive the vehicle 10, and the internal combustion engine 150 may drive the generator 160 described later to charge the battery 130. The generator 160 generates electricity by converting the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 150 into electrical energy. Note that the generator 160 may perform so-called regenerative power generation that converts the kinetic energy of the drive wheels into electrical energy when the vehicle 10 is decelerating. The fuel remaining amount sensor 170 measures the amount of fuel (fuel remaining amount) stored in the fuel tank.

[0044] The ECU 110 is a computer that controls in-vehicle devices such as the air conditioner 120, the electric motor 140, the internal combustion engine 150, and the generator 160. In the present embodiment, the ECU 110 is configured to acquire the remaining battery amount (SOC) or the remaining fuel amount in response to a request from the in-vehicle terminal 100 and provide the acquired remaining battery amount (SOC) or the remaining fuel amount to the in-vehicle terminal 100. At that time, the ECU 110 may calculate the remaining amount (SOC) of the battery 130 using a known method such as the OCV method or the current integration method. Also, the ECU 110 may acquire the remaining fuel amount in the fuel tank through the fuel remaining amount sensor 170.

[0045] In addition, the ECU 110 in the present embodiment also has a function of controlling the air conditioner 120 according to a command transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the ECU 110. Specifically, when the command is a command to operate the air conditioner 120 in the first mode, the ECU 110 operates the air conditioner 120 by supplying power from the battery 130 to the air conditioner 120. Thereby, remote air conditioning in the first mode is executed. Further, when the command is a command to operate the air conditioner 120 in the second mode, the ECU 110 charges the battery 130 by operating the internal combustion engine 150 and the generator 160, and operates the air conditioner 120 by supplying power from the battery 130 to the air conditioner 120. Thereby, remote air conditioning in the second mode is executed.

[0046] (User terminal) Next, a hardware configuration example of the user terminal 20 will be described. The user terminal 20 in the present embodiment is a computer used by the user of the vehicle 10. The user terminal 20 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable computer, or a PC (Personal Computer), etc. Note that the user terminal 20 may be a dedicated communication terminal corresponding to remote air conditioning. The user terminal 20 in the present embodiment is configured to include a processor 201, a main storage device 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, an input / output device 204, and a communication I / F 205, as shown in FIG. 4. The processor 201, the main storage device 202, the auxiliary storage device 203, the input / output device 204, and the communication I / F 205 are mutually connected by a bus. Note that in FIG. 4, only the hardware configuration components related to remote air conditioning are extracted and illustrated, and hardware configuration components other than those shown in FIG. 4 may be included in the user terminal 20.

[0047] Note that in FIG. 4, only the hardware configuration components related to remote air conditioning are extracted and illustrated, and hardware configuration components other than those shown in FIG. 4 may be included in the user terminal 20.

[0048] Since the processor 201, main memory device 202, and auxiliary storage device 203 of the user terminal 20 are the same as those of the in-vehicle terminal 100 respectively, their descriptions are omitted. However, in the auxiliary storage device 203 of the user terminal 20, a dedicated program (application program) for causing the processor 201 to execute functions related to remote air conditioning and mode data 231 are stored. As an example, the mode data 231 includes, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10, the user-specified mode pre-set by the user of the vehicle 10, and the execution conditions (execution conditions of the user-specified mode) pre-set by the user of the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 203 that stores the mode data 231 corresponds to the "storage unit" according to the present disclosure.

[0049] The input / output device 204 receives the input operations performed by the user while presenting information to the user. The input / output device 204 includes, for example, a touch panel display and its control circuit and is configured to include them.

[0050] The communication I / F 205 is configured to include a communication interface for connecting the user terminal 20 to the network N1. The communication I / F 205 connects the user terminal 20 to the network N1 by a mobile communication method, a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a LAN or the like. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 205 communicates with the server 30 through the network N1.

[0051] In the user terminal 20 configured as described above, when an operation for starting a dedicated application program corresponding to remote air conditioning is input to the input / output device 204, the processor 201 interacts with the user through the execution of the application program, thereby setting the user-specified mode, setting the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, and transmitting an execution request for remote air conditioning, etc. The details of setting the user-specified mode, setting the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, and transmitting the execution request for remote air conditioning will be described later.

[0052] (Server) Next, a hardware configuration example of the server 30 will be described. The server 30 in the present embodiment is a computer operated by a provider of remote air conditioning services. The provider of remote air conditioning services is, for example, a vehicle 10 manufacturer or a contractor commissioned by the manufacturer. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 30 includes a processor 301, a main storage device 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, and a communication I / F 304.

[0053] Note that in FIG. 4, only the hardware components related to remote air conditioning are extracted and illustrated, and hardware components other than the hardware components shown in FIG. 4 may be included in the server 30.

[0054] The processor 301, the main storage device 302, and the auxiliary storage device 303 of the server 30 are the same as those of the in-vehicle terminal 100, namely the processor 101, the main storage device 102, and the auxiliary storage device 103, respectively, and thus their descriptions are omitted. However, in addition to the OS, the auxiliary storage device 303 of the server 30 stores a dedicated program for causing the processor 101 to execute processes related to remote air conditioning.

[0055] The communication I / F 304 of the server 30 is a communication interface for connecting the server 30 to the network N1. In one example, the communication I / F 304 may be configured to include a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 304 communicates with the user terminal 20 and the in-vehicle terminal 100 through the network N1.

[0056] In the server 30 configured as described above, when the communication I / F 304 receives an execution request transmitted from the user terminal 20, the processor 301 identifies the vehicle 10 targeted by the execution request according to the vehicle ID included in the execution request. The processor 301 transmits an operation command to the in-vehicle terminal 100 of the identified vehicle 10 through the communication I / F 304. As described above, the operation command may include the user-specified mode (information specifying the first mode or the second mode), and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, etc. (see FIG. 3).

[0057] (Software Configuration of User Terminal) Next, the software configuration of the user terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 operates as a computer including the display unit F21, the setting unit F22, the acquisition unit F23, the reception unit F24, and the transmission unit F25 as software modules by the processor 201 executing the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 203.

[0058] Note that at least a part of the display unit F21, the setting unit F22, the acquisition unit F23, the reception unit F24, and the transmission unit F25 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). GA (Field Programmable Gate Array). .

[0059] The display unit F21 causes the input / output device 204 to output a remote air-conditioning menu screen triggered by the activation of a dedicated application program corresponding to remote air-conditioning. In one example, as shown in FIG. 7, the remote air-conditioning menu screen is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) component, i.e., a setting button G31 for calling up a setting screen for user-specified modes and execution conditions, an operation button G32 which is a GUI component for calling up an operation reception screen for the remote air-conditioning, and an end button G33 which is a GUI component for ending the execution of the application program. Note that the configuration of the remote air-conditioning menu screen is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7 and may be appropriately changed according to the embodiment.

[0060] The setting unit F22 causes the input / output device 204 to output a setting screen triggered by an operation (e.g., a tap operation or a click operation) in which the setting button G31 is selected while the remote air-conditioning menu screen is being displayed on the input / output device 204. In the present embodiment, the setting unit F22 first causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen. In one example, as shown in FIG. 8, the user-specified mode setting screen includes a first mode button G34 which is a GUI component for setting the first mode to the user-specified mode, a second mode button G35 which is a GUI component for setting the second mode to the user-specified mode, and a display field D1 for displaying a message prompting the selection of the user-specified mode. In the present embodiment, the user-specified mode setting screen corresponds to the "second screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0061] When an operation (e.g., a tap operation or a click operation) to select the first mode button G34 is input to the input / output device 204 while the user-specified mode setting screen (see FIG. 8) is being displayed, the setting unit F22 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode. As an example, the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode may include a pull-down menu G36 which is a GUI component for selecting a lower limit value of the battery remaining amount, a save button G37 which is a GUI component for saving the selected lower limit value of the battery remaining amount, and a display field D2 for a message prompting the selection of the execution condition (lower limit value of the battery remaining amount) of the first mode. Note that the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode may include an input field for the user to input an arbitrary battery remaining amount instead of the pull-down menu G36.

[0062] In the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode, when an operation (e.g., a tap operation or a click operation) to select the save button G37 is input to the input / output device 204 after the user selects a desired battery remaining amount from the pull-down menu G36, the setting unit F22 generates mode data 231 and stores the generated mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203. The mode data 231 in this case includes information indicating that the first mode is the user-specified mode and information indicating that the lower limit value of the battery remaining amount selected on the execution condition setting screen is the execution condition.

[0063] Also, when an operation (e.g., a tap operation or a click operation) to select the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 while the user-specified mode setting screen (see FIG. 8) is being displayed, the setting unit F22 inputs and outputs an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode. Output to the power device 204. As an example, the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode may include a pull-down menu G38, which is a GUI component for selecting the lower limit value of the fuel remaining amount, a save button G39, which is a GUI component for saving the selected lower limit value of the fuel remaining amount, and a display column D3 for a message prompting the selection of the execution condition (lower limit value of the fuel remaining amount) of the second mode, as shown in FIG. 10. Note that the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode may include an input field for the user to input an arbitrary fuel remaining amount instead of the pull-down menu G38.

[0064] On the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode, after the user selects the desired fuel remaining amount from the pull-down menu G38, when an operation (for example, a tap operation or a click operation) of selecting the save button G39 is input to the input / output device 204, the setting unit F22 generates mode data 231 and stores the generated mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203. The mode data 231 in this case includes information indicating that the second mode is a user-specified mode and information indicating that the lower limit value of the fuel remaining amount selected on the execution condition setting screen is the execution condition.

[0065] Note that in this embodiment, the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode and the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode correspond to the "third screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0066] Triggered by an operation (for example, a tap operation or a click operation) of selecting the operation button G32 being input to the input / output device 204 while the remote air-conditioning menu screen (see FIG. 7) is being displayed, the acquisition unit F23 accesses the mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203 and acquires the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode.

[0067] The reception unit F24 causes the input / output device 204 to output an operation reception screen triggered by the acquisition unit F23 having acquired the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode. The operation reception screen, as an example, as shown in FIG. 11, includes an execution button G40 which is a GUI component for transmitting a request to execute the user-specified mode, a cancel button G41 which is a GUI component for canceling the operation of the remote air conditioner, and a display column D4 for displaying a message prompting a selection as to whether to operate the air conditioner 120 in the user-specified mode. The message displayed in the display column D4 may be changed according to the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. For example, when the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23 is the first mode, a message prompting a selection as to whether to operate the air conditioner 120 in the first mode may be displayed in the display column D4. Also, when the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23 is the second mode, a message prompting a selection as to whether to operate the air conditioner 120 in the second mode may be displayed in the display column D4. Note that, in addition to the messages as described above, the execution conditions set by the setting unit F22 may be displayed in the display column D4.

[0068] The configuration of the operation reception screen is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11 and may be appropriately changed according to the embodiment. For example, the operation reception screen may further include a GUI component for setting the room temperature of the vehicle 10 and / or a GUI component for setting the execution time of the user-specified mode. In the present embodiment, the operation reception screen corresponds to the "first screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0069] When an operation of selecting the execution button G40 (for example, a tap operation or a click operation) is input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen is being displayed, the transmission unit F25 transmits an execution request to the server 30 triggered by this. As described above, the execution request is a signal (see FIG. 2) including the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode. Such an execution request is generated using the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. The transmission unit F25 transmits the generated execution request to the server 30 through the communication I / F 205.

[0070] Note that the software configuration of the user terminal 20 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6, and addition, omission, or change of software components is possible according to the embodiment.

[0071] (Flow of processing) Next, the flow of processing executed by the user terminal 20 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the user terminal 20 when setting the user-specified mode and the execution conditions. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing routine executed by the user terminal 20 when receiving an operation of remote air conditioning. The execution subject of the processing routines in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the processor 201 of the user terminal 20, but here, the software components of the user terminal 20 will be described as the execution subject.

[0072] The processing routine of FIG. 12 is executed triggered by the operation of the setting button G31 while the remote air-conditioning menu screen (see FIG. 7) is being displayed. In the processing routine of FIG. 12, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the setting unit F22 triggered by the operation of the setting button G31, and causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen (step S101). As described with reference to FIG. 8, the user-specified mode setting screen may include a first mode button G34 which is a GUI component for setting the first mode to the user-specified mode, a second mode button G35 which is a GUI component for setting the second mode to the user-specified mode, and a display field D1 for a message prompting the selection of the user-specified mode. After finishing the execution of the process of step S101, the setting unit F22 executes the process of step S102.

[0073] In step S102, the setting unit F22 determines whether either the first mode or the second mode is specified on the user-specified mode setting screen. In one example, the setting unit F22 determines whether an operation of selecting either the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 while the user-specified mode setting screen as shown in FIG. 8 is being displayed. If an operation of selecting either the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is not input to the input / output device 204 (negative determination in step S102), the setting unit F22 waits until the operation is input to the input / output device 204. On the other hand, if an operation of selecting either the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 (positive determination in step S102), the setting unit F22 executes the process of step S103.

[0074] In step S103, the output device 204 is caused to output an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the mode specified on the user-specified mode setting screen. Here, when the first mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when the first mode button G34 in FIG. 8 is operated), the setting unit F22 causes the output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode, as described with reference to FIG. 9. Also, when the second mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when the second mode button G35 in FIG. 8 is operated), the setting unit F22 causes the output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode, as described with reference to FIG. 10. After finishing the process of step S103, the setting unit F22 executes the process of step S104.

[0075] In step S104, the setting unit F22 determines whether the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set. Here, when the first mode is specified as the user-specified mode, the setting unit F22 determines whether an operation of selecting the save button G37 has been input to the output device 204 after the user has selected the desired battery remaining amount from the pull-down menu G36 on the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode as shown in FIG. 9. Also, when the second mode is specified as the user-specified mode, the setting unit F22 determines whether an operation of selecting the save button G39 has been input to the output device 204 after the user has selected the desired fuel remaining amount from the pull-down menu G38 on the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode as shown in FIG. 10. If the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are not set (negative determination in step S104), the setting unit F22 waits until the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set. On the other hand, if the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set (positive determination in step S104), the setting unit F22 executes the process of step S105.

[0076] In step S105, the setting unit F22 generates mode data 231 including the user-specified mode set on the user-specified mode setting screen, the execution conditions set on the execution condition setting screen, and the vehicle ID, and stores the generated mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203. When the setting unit F22 finishes executing the process of step S105, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 ends the execution of the processing routine of FIG. 12.

[0077] Next, the processing routine of FIG. 13 is executed triggered by the operation of the operation button G32 in a state where the remote air-conditioning menu screen (see FIG. 7) is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the processing routine of FIG. 12 has been executed in advance (the user-specified mode and the execution conditions have been set).

[0078] In the processing routine of FIG. 13, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the acquisition unit F23 triggered by the operation of the operation button G32, and acquires the user-specified mode (step S201). Specifically, the acquisition unit F23 accesses the mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203, and acquires the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode. When the acquisition unit F23 finishes executing the process of step S201, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the reception unit F24 and executes the process of step S202.

[0079] In step S202, the reception unit F24 causes the input / output device 204 to output an operation reception screen. As described with reference to FIG. 11, the operation reception screen may include an execution button G40 which is a GUI component for transmitting a request to execute the user-specified mode, a cancel button G41 which is a GUI component for canceling the operation of the remote air-conditioning, and a display column D4 for displaying a message prompting a selection of whether to operate the air conditioner 120 in the user-specified mode. At that time, the message displayed in the display column D4 may be changed according to the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. When the reception unit F24 finishes executing the process of step S202, it executes the process of step S203.

[0080] In step S203, the reception unit F24 determines whether a selection has been made to execute the user-specified mode on the operation reception screen. In one example, the reception unit F24 determines whether an operation of selecting either the execution button G40 or the cancel button G41 has been input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen as shown in FIG. 11 is being displayed. If an operation of selecting either the execution button G40 or the cancel button G41 has not been input to the input / output device 204 (negative determination in step S203), the reception unit F24 waits until such an operation is input to the input / output device 204. On the other hand, if an operation of selecting either the execution button G40 or the cancel button G41 has been input to the input / output device 204 (positive determination in step S203), the reception unit F24 executes the process of step S204.

[0081] In step S204, the reception unit F24 determines whether the operation input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen is being displayed is an operation of selecting the execution button G40. If the operation input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen is being displayed is an operation of selecting the cancel button G41 (negative determination in step S204), the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 ends the execution of the processing routine of FIG. 13. On the other hand, if the operation input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen is being displayed is an operation of selecting the execution button G40 (positive determination in step S204), the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the transmission unit F25 and executes the process of step S205.

[0082] In step S205, the transmission unit F25 transmits an execution request to the server 30. Specifically, the transmission unit F25 first generates an execution request using the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. Next, the transmission unit F25 transmits the generated execution request to the server 30 through the communication I / F 205. When the transmission unit F25 finishes executing the process of step S205, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 ends the execution of the processing routine of FIG. 13.

[0083] (Advantages and effects of the embodiment) In the embodiment described above, the user terminal 20 sets either the first mode or the second mode to a user-specified mode that is the mode desired by the user. Then, when an operation for executing remote air conditioning is input, the user terminal 20 transmits a request (execution request) to execute the remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode desired by the user to the server 30. The server 30 transmits an operation command for operating the air conditioner 120 in the user-specified mode to the vehicle 10 targeted by the execution request. As a result, the air conditioner 120 of the vehicle 10 can be operated in the mode desired by the user among the first mode and the second mode. As a result, it is possible to suppress the execution of remote air conditioning in a mode that does not conform to the user's intention. As a result, the convenience of the user who uses the remote air conditioning can be ensured.

[0084] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the user terminal 20 sets the execution conditions for the user-specified mode according to the user's wishes. Then, the user terminal 20 transmits an execution request including the execution conditions desired by the user to the server 30. The server 30 transmits an operation command including the execution conditions to the vehicle 10 targeted by the execution request. The vehicle 10 operates the air conditioner 120 in the user-specified mode only when the execution conditions included in the operation command are satisfied. As a result, it is also possible to avoid a situation in which the remaining battery level or the remaining fuel level of the vehicle 10 becomes less than the user's assumption due to the execution of remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode.

[0085] <Modification Example 1> In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the remote operation of the air conditioner 120 is performed according to the user-specified mode set in advance by the user has been described. On the other hand, in this Modification Example 1, an example in which the user-specified mode is set each time the remote operation of the air conditioner 120 is performed will be described. Here, a configuration different from that of the above-described embodiment will be described, and the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0086] (Software Configuration of User Terminal) FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of the user terminal 20 in the first modification example. The user terminal 20 in the first modification example operates as a computer including a display unit F21, an acquisition unit F26, a reception unit F24, and a transmission unit F25 as software modules by the processor 201 executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 203.

[0087] The display unit F21 in this modification example causes the input / output device 204 to output a remote air-conditioning menu screen as shown in FIG. 15 triggered by the activation of a dedicated application program corresponding to remote air-conditioning. The remote air-conditioning menu screen illustrated in FIG. 15 does not include GUI components (e.g., the setting button G31 in FIG. 7 for calling a user-specified mode and execution condition setting screen), but includes an operation button G32 which is a GUI component for calling an operation reception screen for remote air-conditioning, and an end button G33 which is a GUI component for ending the execution of the application program.

[0088] The acquisition unit F26 in this modification example causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen triggered by an operation of selecting the operation button G32 in a state where the remote air-conditioning menu screen illustrated in FIG. 15 is being displayed. The user-specified mode setting screen in the first modification example, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, in addition to a first mode button G34 which is a GUI component for setting the first mode to the user-specified mode, a second mode button G35 which is a GUI component for setting the second mode to the user-specified mode, and a display column D1 for a message prompting the selection of the user-specified mode, may include a display column D5 for the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level of the vehicle 10 at the current time. The mode setting screen in the first modification example corresponds to the "fourth screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0089] When outputting a user-specified mode setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 16 to the input / output device 204, the acquisition unit F26 may send a vehicle information request to the server 30. The vehicle information request signal is a signal that requests the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level of the vehicle 10, and includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10.

[0090] In the server 30 that has received the vehicle information request, the processor 301 identifies the vehicle 10 that is the target of the vehicle information request according to the vehicle ID included in the vehicle information request. The processor 301 of the server 30 sends a vehicle information transmission command to the in-vehicle terminal 100 of the identified vehicle 10 through the communication I / F 304.

[0091] In the in-vehicle terminal 100 that has received the vehicle information transmission command, the processor 101 connects to the in-vehicle network through the communication I / F 104 and communicates with the ECU 110 through the in-vehicle network, thereby acquiring the remaining amount (SOC) of the battery 130 and the remaining fuel level of the fuel tank. The processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 generates vehicle information including the data acquired from the ECU 110. The vehicle information may include, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the vehicle ID, the remaining amount (SOC) of the battery 130, and the remaining fuel level of the fuel tank. When such vehicle information is generated, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 connects to the external network N1 through the communication I / F 104 and sends the vehicle information to the server 30 through the network N1.

[0092] In the server 30 that has received the vehicle information sent from the in-vehicle terminal 100, the processor 301 sends the received vehicle information to the user terminal 20 through the communication I / F 304. In the user terminal 20 that has received the vehicle information sent from the server 30, the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0093] When an operation of selecting either the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 while the user-specified mode setting screen is being displayed, the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen (for example, the execution condition setting screen illustrated in FIGS. 9 or 10 described above) corresponding to the mode specified in the user-specified mode. At this time, if the user-specified mode is the first mode, the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode may include a display column for the current battery remaining amount. Also, if the user-specified mode is the second mode, the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode may include a display column for the current fuel remaining amount. The execution condition setting screen in this Modification Example 1 corresponds to the "fifth screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0094] In this Modification Example 1, the reception unit F24 causes the input / output device 204 to output an operation reception screen triggered by the setting of the execution conditions in the execution condition setting screen corresponding to the mode specified in the user-specified mode. The operation reception screen at this time may be the same as that in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 11). Output to the input / output device 204. The operation reception screen at that time may be the same as in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 11).

[0095] In this Modification Example 1, the transmission unit F25 transmits an execution request to the server 30 triggered by an operation of selecting the execution button G40 being input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen is being displayed, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

[0096] (Flow of processing) In the user terminal 20 in this Modification Example 1, a processing routine similar to that in FIG. 13 described above is executed, triggered by the operation button G32 being operated while the remote air-conditioning menu screen (see FIG. 15) is being displayed. However, instead of the processing in step S201 in FIG. 13 described above, the processing in steps S2011 - S2015 shown in FIG. 18 is executed.

[0097] In FIG. 18, when the operation button G32 is operated while the remote air-conditioning menu screen (see FIG. 15) is being displayed, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as an acquisition unit F26 and acquires vehicle information of the vehicle 10 (step S2011). For example, the acquisition unit F26 transmits a vehicle information request to the server 30 via the communication I / F 205. When the vehicle information transmitted from the server 30 in response thereto is received by the communication I / F 205 of the user terminal 20, the acquisition unit F26 executes the process of step S2012.

[0098] In step S2012, the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen. In this first modification example, the user-specified mode setting screen is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, a first mode button G34 which is a GUI component for setting the first mode to the user-specified mode, a second mode button G35 which is a GUI component for setting the second mode to the user-specified mode, and in addition to a display column D1 for a message prompting selection of the user-specified mode, it may include a display column D5 for the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level of the vehicle 10 at the current time. The remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level displayed in the display column D5 are the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level included in the vehicle information acquired in step S2011. After finishing the execution of the process of step S2012, the acquisition unit F26 executes the process of step S2013.

[0099] In step S2013, the acquisition unit F26 determines whether an operation of selecting either the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 while the user-specified mode setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 16 is being displayed. If an operation of selecting either the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is not input to the input / output device 204 (negative determination in step S2013), the acquisition unit F26 waits until such an operation is input to the input / output device 204. On the other hand, if an operation of selecting either the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 (positive determination in step S2013), the acquisition unit F26 executes the process of step S2014.

[0100] In step S2014, the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the mode specified on the user-specified mode setting screen. Here, when the first mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when the first mode button G34 in FIG. 16 is operated), the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the first mode (for example, a screen similar to FIG. 9). Also, when the second mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when the second mode button G35 in FIG. 16 is operated), the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen corresponding to the second mode (for example, a screen similar to FIG. 10). After finishing the execution of the process in step S2014, the acquisition unit F26 executes the process in step S2015.

[0101] In step S2015, the acquisition unit F26 determines whether the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set. If the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are not set (negative determination in step S2015), the acquisition unit F26 waits until the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set. On the other hand, if the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set (positive determination in step S2015), the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 ends the execution of the process flow in FIG. 18 and executes the same processes as steps S202 - S205 in the process routine in FIG. 13 described above.

[0102] (Operational effects of Modification 1) In Modification 1 described above, when the user terminal 20 receives a remote operation of the air conditioner 120, it sets the user-specified mode and execution conditions. At that time, the user terminal 20 presents the current battery remaining amount and fuel remaining amount to the user of the vehicle 10. Thereby, the user of the vehicle 10 can set the user-specified mode and execution conditions with reference to the battery remaining amount and fuel remaining amount at the time of performing the remote operation of the air conditioner 120.

[0103] <Modification Example 2> In this Modification Example 2, an example will be described in which, after remote air conditioning is executed, the amount of battery or fuel consumed by the execution of the remote air conditioning is presented to the user of the vehicle 10. Here, a configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0104] The in-vehicle terminal 100 in this Modification Example 2 is configured to transmit performance information to the server 30 triggered by the end of the execution of remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode. The performance information is information including the amount of battery or fuel consumed by the execution of the remote air conditioning. Here, when the user-specified mode is the first mode, the performance information includes the amount of battery consumed by the execution of the first mode. Also, when the user-specified mode is the second mode, the performance information includes the amount of fuel consumed by the execution of the second mode.

[0105] When transmitting the performance information as described above to the server 30, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 first communicates with the ECU 110 through the communication I / F 104 to obtain the remaining battery amount or fuel amount at the start time of the remote air conditioning and the remaining battery amount or fuel amount at the end time of the remote air conditioning. Subsequently, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 calculates the difference in the remaining battery amount (the amount of battery consumed by the execution of the remote air conditioning) or the difference in the remaining fuel amount (the amount of fuel consumed by the execution of the remote air conditioning) between the start time and the end time of the remote air conditioning. Then, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 transmits the performance information including the calculated amount of battery or fuel to the server 30 through the communication I / F 104.

[0106] In addition, the in-vehicle terminal 100 may be configured to generate performance information including the amount of battery or fuel consumed by the execution of the remote air conditioner, as well as the remaining battery level or remaining fuel level at the end of the remote air conditioner, and transmit the generated performance information to the server 30. Further, when the remote air conditioner is not executed because the execution conditions of the user-specified mode are not satisfied, the in-vehicle terminal 100 may transmit information indicating that the execution conditions were not satisfied to the server 30 instead of the performance information.

[0107] Also, the server 30 in this Modification Example 2 is configured to transmit the performance information to the user terminal 20 in response to receiving the performance information transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 100. Specifically, in response to the performance information transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 100 being received by the communication I / F 304 of the server 30, the processor 301 of the server 30 transmits the performance information to the user terminal 20 through the communication I / F 304.

[0108] Also, the user terminal 20 in this Modification Example 2 is configured to present the performance information to the user of the vehicle 10 in response to receiving the performance information transmitted from the server 30. Specifically, in response to the communication I / F 205 receiving the performance information transmitted from the server 30, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 causes the input / output device 204 to output the performance information.

[0109] (Software Configuration of User Terminal) FIG. 19 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of the user terminal 20 in this Modification Example 2. The user terminal 20 in this Modification Example 2 operates as a computer including a display unit F21, a setting unit F22, an acquisition unit F23, a reception unit F24, a transmission unit F25, and a notification unit F27 as software modules by the processor 201 executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 203.

[0110] The display unit F21, setting unit F22, acquisition unit F23, reception unit F24, and transmission unit F25 in this Modification 2 are the same as those in the foregoing embodiment, and thus their descriptions are omitted.

[0111] The notification unit F27 in this Modification 2 triggers the output of a performance notification screen to the input / output device 204 upon receiving the performance information transmitted from the server 30. As an example, the performance notification screen may include, as shown in FIG. 20, a display column D6 for the execution date and time of the remote air conditioner and a display column D7 for the amount of battery consumed (battery consumption cost) or fuel amount (fuel consumption) by the execution of the remote air conditioner. Note that in addition to the battery consumption or fuel consumption, the remaining battery amount or remaining fuel amount at the end point of the remote air conditioner may be displayed in the display column D7.

[0112] (Flow of processing) Next, the flow of processing executed in the user terminal 20 in this Modification 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed in the user terminal 20 when receiving an operation of the remote air conditioner. In FIG. 21, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as those in the processing routine of FIG. 13 described above.

[0113] In the processing routine of FIG. 21, after the processes of steps S201 - S205 are executed, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the notification unit F27 and executes the process of step S206. In step S206, the notification unit F27 determines whether the communication I / F 205 has received the performance information transmitted from the server 30. If the communication I / F 205 has not received the performance information (negative determination in step S206), the notification unit F27 waits until the communication I / F 205 receives the performance information. On the other hand, if the communication I / F 205 has received the performance information (positive determination in step S206), the notification unit F27 executes the process of step S207.

[0114] In step S207, the notification unit F27 causes the input / output device 204 to output a performance notification screen. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the performance notification screen may include a display column D6 for the execution date and time of the remote air conditioning, and a display column D7 for the amount of battery (battery consumption) or fuel (fuel consumption) consumed by the execution of the remote air conditioning.

[0115] Note that when the communication I / F205 of the user terminal 20 receives information indicating that the execution condition of the user-specified mode has not been satisfied instead of the performance information, the notification unit F27 may end the execution of the processing routine in FIG. 21 without executing the processing in step S207. Alternatively, the notification unit F27 may cause the input / output device 204 to output a screen indicating that the execution condition of the user-specified mode has not been satisfied and that the remote air conditioning has not been executed, instead of the performance notification screen.

[0116] (Operation and Effect of Modification Example 2) In the modification example 2 described above, after the remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode is executed, the user terminal 20 presents the amount of battery or fuel consumed by the execution of the remote air conditioning to the user of the vehicle 10. Thereby, the user of the vehicle 10 can use the actual value of the amount of battery or fuel consumed by the execution of the user-specified mode as a reference to specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution condition for the remote air conditioning after the next time. As a result, the user of the vehicle 10 can more appropriately specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution condition.

[0117] <Others> The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the execution conditions of the user-specified mode do not necessarily have to be variable conditions set by the user, and may be fixed conditions set in advance for each vehicle 10. In that case, the vehicle 10 may determine whether or not to execute the user-specified mode according to the preset fixed execution conditions. Further, when it is determined that the execution conditions of the user-specified mode are not satisfied, the user terminal 20 may be configured to prompt the user to select whether to execute the remote air conditioning in a mode other than the user-specified mode.

[0118] In addition, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, the processes described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Also, the processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. For example, at least a part of the processes performed by the user terminal 20 may be executed by the server 30. In that case, the server 30 may obtain the user-specified mode, execution conditions, etc. by interacting with the user terminal 20 through the execution of a web server.

[0119] In addition, the present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to the user terminal 20, and causing the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 to read and execute the computer program. Such a computer program may be provided to a computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to a computer system bus, or may be provided to a computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical actions and can be read by a computer or the like. Such recording media may be any type of disk, for example, a magnetic disk (such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.) or an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc.). The recording medium may also be a medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or a solid state drive (SSD).

Explanation of Signs

[0120] 10 Vehicle 120 Air conditioner 130 Battery 140 Electric motor 150 Internal combustion engine 160 Generator 170 Fuel level sensor 20 User terminal 201 Processor 202 Main memory device 203 Auxiliary storage device 204 Input / output device 205 Communication I / F 231 Mode data F21 Display unit F22 Setting unit F23 Acquisition unit F24 Reception unit F25 Transmission unit F26 Acquisition unit F27 Notification Unit 30 Server 301 Processor 302 Main Memory Device 303 Auxiliary Memory Device 304 Communication I / F

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus for performing remote operation of a vehicle configured to be capable of executing a first mode of operating an air conditioner without operating an internal combustion engine and a second mode of operating the air conditioner by operating the internal combustion engine, obtaining a user-specified mode that is one of the first mode and the second mode and is a mode specified by a user of the vehicle; transmitting a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle in response to obtaining the user-specified mode; and comprising a control unit configured to execute the above. Information processing apparatus.

2. Transmitting the request to execute the user-specified mode to the external device related to the vehicle includes: outputting a first screen for selecting whether to execute the obtained user-specified mode; receiving an operation to select execution of the user-specified mode while the first screen is being output; transmitting the request to execute the user-specified mode to the external device related to the vehicle in response to receiving the operation to select execution of the user-specified mode; and including The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. further comprising a storage unit for storing the user-specified mode, and obtaining the user-specified mode includes obtaining the user-specified mode stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control unit outputs a second screen for designating one of the first mode and the second mode; receives an operation to designate the first mode or the second mode while the second screen is being output; Storing, in the storage unit, the first mode or the second mode specified by the received operation as the user-specified mode; configured to further execute; The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The control unit: outputting a third screen for setting execution conditions of the user-specified mode; receiving an operation for setting the execution conditions in a state where the third screen is being output; storing, in the storage unit, the execution conditions set by the received operation in association with the user-specified mode; configured to further execute; The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. When transmitting the execution request of the user-specified mode to the external device related to the vehicle, the control unit: acquiring the execution conditions stored in the storage unit; transmitting the acquired execution conditions to the external device together with the execution request of the user-specified mode; configured to further execute; The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The execution conditions when the user-specified mode is the first mode are conditions related to the remaining amount of the battery mounted on the vehicle, and the execution conditions when the user-specified mode is the second mode are conditions related to the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank mounted on the vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. Acquiring the user-specified mode includes: outputting a fourth screen for designating either the first mode or the second mode; Receiving an operation for specifying the first mode or the second mode in a state where the fourth screen is being output; Obtaining, as the user-specified mode, the first mode or the second mode specified by the received operation; including; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The control unit: Outputting a fifth screen for setting execution conditions of the user-specified mode; Receiving an operation for setting the execution conditions in a state where the fifth screen is being output; Transmitting the execution conditions set by the received operation to the external device together with the execution request of the user-specified mode; configured to further execute: The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The execution conditions when the user-specified mode is the first mode are conditions related to the remaining amount of the battery mounted on the vehicle, The execution conditions when the user-specified mode is the second mode are conditions related to the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank mounted on the vehicle, The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The first mode is a mode in which the air conditioner is operated using the power of the battery mounted on the vehicle, The second mode is a mode in which the air conditioner is operated using the power generated by using the power of the internal combustion engine, The control unit is further configured to obtain an actual value of the battery amount or fuel amount consumed by the execution of the user-specified mode after the user-specified mode is executed in the vehicle, and output the obtained actual value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

12. A program executed by a computer for remotely operating a vehicle configured to be able to execute a first mode of operating an air conditioner without operating an internal combustion engine and a second mode of operating the internal combustion engine to operate the air conditioner, causing the computer to, obtain a user-specified mode which is one of the first mode and the second mode and is a mode specified by a user of the vehicle, in response to obtaining the user-specified mode, transmit a request to execute the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle, and a program for causing the computer to execute the above.

13. Transmitting the request to execute the user-specified mode to the external device related to the vehicle includes, outputting a first screen for selecting whether to execute the obtained user-specified mode, receiving an operation of selecting execution of the user-specified mode while the first screen is being output, and in response to receiving the operation of selecting execution of the user-specified mode, transmitting the request to execute the user-specified mode to the external device related to the vehicle, and includes, the program according to claim 12.

14. The computer further includes a storage unit for storing the user-specified mode, obtaining the user-specified mode includes obtaining the user-specified mode stored in the storage unit, the program according to claim 13.

15. causing the computer to, output a second screen for specifying one of the first mode and the second mode, receive an operation of specifying the first mode or the second mode while the second screen is being output, Storing the specified first mode or second mode in the storage unit as the user-specified mode according to the received operation; and further causing; the program according to claim 14. **Claim 16** causing the computer to: output a third screen for setting execution conditions of the user-specified mode; receive an operation for setting the execution conditions while the third screen is being output; store the execution conditions set by the received operation in the storage unit in association with the user-specified mode; and further causing; the program according to claim 15. **Claim 17** when transmitting the execution request of the user-specified mode to the external device related to the vehicle, causing the computer to: acquire the execution conditions stored in the storage unit; transmit the acquired execution conditions to the external device together with the execution request of the user-specified mode; and further causing; the program according to claim 16. **Claim 18** the execution conditions when the user-specified mode is the first mode are conditions related to the remaining amount of the battery mounted on the vehicle, and the execution conditions when the user-specified mode is the second mode are conditions related to the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank mounted on the vehicle, the program according to claim 17. **Claim 19** Acquiring the user-specified mode includes: outputting a fourth screen for designating either the first mode or the second mode; Receiving an operation for specifying the first mode or the second mode in a state where the fourth screen is being output; Obtaining, as the user-specified mode, the first mode or the second mode specified by the received operation; including the program according to claim 12.

20. causing the computer to output a fifth screen for setting execution conditions for the user-specified mode; receiving an operation for setting the execution conditions in a state where the fifth screen is being output; transmitting the execution conditions set by the received operation to the external device together with the execution request for the user-specified mode; and further causing to execute the program according to claim 19.

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