Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of improving convenience of a user when remotely operating a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus controls a vehicle such that a communication function related to remote operation is shifted to a stopped state in response to elapse of a first period from an operation stop of an internal combustion engine. In the information processing apparatus, the control unit executes an automatic start process that is a process of transmitting a start command for operating the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time to the vehicle in response to elapse of a second period shorter than the first period from the operation stop of the internal-combustion engine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A technique for remotely operating an air conditioner mounted on a vehicle is known (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 technology capable of improving the convenience of a user when remotely operating a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that controls a vehicle in which a communication function related to remote operation shifts to a stopped state in response to elapse of a first period from the stop of operation of an internal combustion engine. In that case, the information processing apparatus may include, for example, a control unit configured to execute an automatic start process that is a process of transmitting a start command for operating the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time to the vehicle in response to elapse of a second period shorter than the first period from the stop of operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method for controlling a vehicle in which a communication function related to remote operation shifts to a stopped state in response to elapse of a first period from the stop of operation of an internal combustion engine. In that case, the information processing method includes, for example, a computer It is possible to execute an automatic start process, which is a process of transmitting a start command to the vehicle to operate the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time in response to the elapse of a second period shorter than the first period since the operation of the internal combustion engine has stopped.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a non-transitory storage medium that stores the 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 a user when remotely operating a vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In recent years, in vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine (for example, internal combustion engine automobiles, HEVs, and PHEVs, etc.), a service in which a user remotely operates in-vehicle devices such as an air conditioner and a door lock actuator of the parked vehicle through a terminal such as a smartphone (hereinafter, may also be referred to as "remote service") has been spreading. The vehicle targeted by the remote service is equipped with a communication terminal (for example, DCM (Data Communication Module), etc.) for receiving signals related to remote operation. Such a communication terminal operates using a battery (secondary battery) as a power source. The battery is charged by the electric power generated during the operation of the internal combustion engine. Therefore, when the vehicle is in a parked state (the internal combustion engine is in an operating stop state) and the communication terminal continues to wait in a standby state (a state in which signals related to remote operation can be received), the remaining battery level may become too low, which may affect the operation of the communication terminal. And operates.

[0011] On the other hand, when a predetermined period (first period) has elapsed since the operation of the internal combustion engine stopped, a countermeasure can be considered to shift the communication terminal from the standby state to the stopped state (a state in which signals related to remote operation cannot be received). However, if the above countermeasure is adopted, when the user wants to use the remote service, there is a possibility that the communication terminal cannot receive signals related to remote operation. As a result, the convenience of users who use the remote service may be impaired.

[0012] Therefore, the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure controls the vehicle to start the internal combustion engine after the operation of the internal combustion engine stops and before the communication function of the vehicle shifts to the stopped state. Specifically, in the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the control unit executes a process (automatic start process) of automatically transmitting a command (start command) for operating the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time to the vehicle in response to the elapse of a second period shorter than the first period since the operation of the internal combustion engine stopped.

[0013] The vehicle to be controlled by the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is a vehicle in which the communication function related to remote operation shifts to the stopped state in response to the elapse of the first period since the operation of the internal combustion engine stopped. The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is a computer that processes remote operation of the vehicle. In one example, the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may be a server connected to the vehicle through a network. The predetermined time may be, for example, the time required for the charge amount of the battery mounted on the vehicle (e.g., SOC (State Of Charge), etc.) to become equal to or greater than the threshold value. The battery at that time is a battery for operating the communication function of the vehicle, and may be a battery (secondary battery) charged using the electric power generated during the operation of the internal combustion engine. Also, the start command may be a command corresponding to a remote operation involving starting the internal combustion engine among the remote operations that the vehicle can receive. In one example, the start command may be a command for executing remote air conditioning. Remote air conditioning When the vehicle is in a parked state (the power switch or ignition switch is off), the internal combustion engine and the air conditioner are operated by remote control. As a result, for a vehicle corresponding to remote air conditioning, an automatic start process can be applied.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a start command is transmitted from the information processing device to the vehicle after the operation of the internal combustion engine has stopped and before the communication function of the vehicle shifts to a stopped state. As a result, the vehicle can receive the start command. Then, the vehicle can operate the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time according to the received start command. When the internal combustion engine is operated for a predetermined time, the start point of the first period is reset and the battery is charged, so that the period during which the communication function of the vehicle can standby in the standby state can be extended.

[0015] Further, in the automatic start process according to the present disclosure, the control unit can repeatedly execute the transmission of the start command to the vehicle. That is, even after the internal combustion engine has been operated for a predetermined time in response to the start command, when the second period has elapsed since the operation of the internal combustion engine stopped, the control unit can transmit the start command to the vehicle again. As a result, the communication function of the vehicle can continue to standby in the standby state. As a result, it is possible to suppress the vehicle user from falling into a state where the communication function of the vehicle cannot receive a signal related to remote operation when the user wants to use a remote service.

[0016] In the automatic start-up process according to the present disclosure, the number of transmissions of the start command may be limited to a predetermined number or less. That is, executing the automatic start-up process according to the present disclosure includes determining whether the actual value of the past number of transmissions of the start command is less than a predetermined number in response to the elapse of a second period from the stop of the operation of the internal combustion engine, and transmitting a start command to the vehicle in response to the determination that the actual value is less than the predetermined number. Thereby, the number of transmissions of the start command in the automatic start-up process can be limited to a predetermined number or less. That is, the number of times the internal combustion engine is started in the automatic start-up process can be limited to a predetermined number or less. Therefore, it is possible to suppress excessive consumption of the fuel of the internal combustion engine due to the execution of the automatic start-up process.

[0017] Here, the execution timing of the automatic start-up process, the second period, and the predetermined number may be arbitrarily determined by the user. In that case, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may receive a request signal, which is a signal requesting execution of the automatic start-up process and includes information specifying the second period and the predetermined number, from a first terminal used by the user of the vehicle, and may further be configured to start execution of the automatic start-up process according to the second period and the predetermined number specified by the request signal. Thereby, the user can determine the execution timing of the automatic start-up process, the second period, and the predetermined number in consideration of the period during which the vehicle is not used and the remaining fuel amount of the vehicle. As a result, it becomes possible to execute the automatic start-up process in a manner suitable for the way the user uses the vehicle.

[0018] Also, in the automatic start-up process according to the present disclosure, an expiration date may be provided. That is, executing the automatic start-up process according to the present disclosure includes determining whether the expiration date of the automatic start-up process has passed in response to the elapse of a second period from the stop of the operation of the internal combustion engine, and transmitting a start command to the vehicle in response to the determination that the expiration date has not passed. Thereby, the execution of the automatic start-up process can be limited until the expiration date. Therefore, it is possible to suppress excessive consumption of the fuel of the internal combustion engine due to the execution of the automatic start-up process.

[0019] Here, the execution timing, the second period, and the expiration date of the automatic startup process may be arbitrarily determined by the user. In that case, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is a signal that requests the execution of the automatic startup process, and is a request The system signal includes a signal that includes information specifying the second period and the expiration date, and further configured to receive the system signal from the first terminal used by the user of the vehicle, and to start the execution of the automatic startup process according to the second period and the expiration date specified by the request signal. As a result, the user can specify the execution timing, the second period, and the expiration date of the automatic startup process in consideration of the period during which the vehicle is not used and the remaining fuel amount of the vehicle. As a result, it becomes possible to execute the automatic startup process in a manner suitable for the user's usage of the vehicle.

[0020] Note that in a mode in which the execution timing, the second period, and the predetermined number of times (or the expiration date) of the automatic startup process are arbitrarily determined by the user, the control unit, in response to receiving the above-described request signal, further executes a notification indicating that the execution of the automatic startup process has started to the second terminal used by the shared user of the vehicle. The shared user is a user who shares the vehicle with the above-described user (for example, family members, etc.). As a result, it is possible to make the shared user recognize that the execution of the automatic startup process has started.

[0021] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present embodiments described below are merely examples of the present disclosure in all respects. Various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In implementing the present disclosure, a specific configuration according to the embodiment 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 pseudo language, command, parameter, machine language, etc. that can be recognized by a computer.

[0022] (Overview of the System) 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. 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 automobile equipped with an internal combustion engine 130 described later. In one example, the vehicle 10 may be an internal combustion engine vehicle. Note that the vehicle 10 is not limited to an internal combustion engine vehicle, and may be an HEV or PHEV equipped with the internal combustion engine 130. Further, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a communication terminal 100 described later and communicates with the server 30 through the communication terminal 100. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 receives an operation command signal transmitted from the server 30 through the communication terminal 100. The operation command signal is a signal including a command related to remote operation. Examples of commands related to remote operation include an execution command for remote air conditioning and an execution command for remote door lock. The remote air conditioning starts the internal combustion engine 130 remotely and operates the air conditioner 120 and the generator 140 described later. The remote door lock locks or unlocks the doors of the vehicle 10 remotely. The vehicle 10 operates the devices mounted on the vehicle 10 according to the operation command received from the server 30.

[0024] Note that the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 in the present embodiment is configured to operate using a battery 105 described later as a power source. The battery 105 is a secondary battery that is charged using electric power generated by a generator 140 described later during operation of the internal combustion engine 130. Accordingly, the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 in the present embodiment is configured to shift from a standby state (a state capable of receiving an operation command signal transmitted from the server 30) to a stop state (a state incapable of receiving an operation command signal transmitted from the server 30) in response to the elapse of a first period since the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 has stopped. This is because if the standby state of the communication terminal 100 continues for a long period when the internal combustion engine 130 is in an operation stop state (a state in which the battery 105 is not charged), the remaining amount of the battery 105 may become too small, which may affect the operation of the communication terminal 100.

[0025] The user terminal 20 is a computer used by the user of the vehicle 10, and has a function of receiving a remote operation performed by the user and a function of transmitting a remote operation signal including information regarding the received remote operation (for example, an operation method of an in-vehicle device targeted by the remote operation) to the server 30. Further, in the present embodiment, the user terminal 20 also has a function of receiving a request for execution of an automatic start process described later by the user and a function of transmitting a request signal including the request for execution of the automatic start process to the server 30. Details of the automatic start process will be described later.

[0026] The server 30 is one or more computers that perform processing related to remote operation of the vehicle 10. The server 30 has a function of transmitting an operation command signal for operating the target in-vehicle device in the operation method included in the remote operation signal to the vehicle 10 in response to receiving the remote operation signal transmitted from the user terminal 20. Further, in the present embodiment, the server 30 has a function of executing an automatic start process in response to receiving the request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20.

[0027] (Automatic Start Process) Here, the automatic start-up process in the present embodiment will be described. The automatic start-up process is a process in which, in response to the elapse of a second period after the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 has been stopped, an operation command signal for operating the internal combustion engine 130 for a predetermined time is automatically transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10. The second period is a period shorter than the first period. The first period is, as described above, the period required from when the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 stops until the communication terminal 100 shifts to the stopped state. In the present embodiment, the second period is arbitrarily set by the user of the vehicle 10. The method for setting the second period will be described later.

[0028] In the automatic start-up process in the present embodiment, as the operation command signal for operating the internal combustion engine 130 for a predetermined time, an operation command signal for executing remote air conditioning (hereinafter, may also be referred to as a "remote air conditioning command signal") is used. It is assumed that the remote air conditioning command signal at that time includes the operation time (predetermined time) of the remote air conditioning. In addition, when the vehicle 10 supports a remote operation for starting the internal combustion engine 130 without operating the air conditioner 120, an operation command signal corresponding to the remote operation may be used.

[0029] When the above-described automatic start-up process is executed by the server 30, before the first period elapses from the stop of the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 (when the second period elapses from the stop of the operation of the internal combustion engine 130), a remote air conditioning command signal is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10. That is, after the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 stops and before the communication terminal 100 shifts from the standby state to the stopped state, a remote air conditioning command signal is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10. As a result, the vehicle 10 can receive the remote air conditioning command signal. As a result, the vehicle 10 can execute the remote air conditioning according to the remote air conditioning command signal. Specifically, the vehicle 10 can start the internal combustion engine 130 and operate the air conditioner 120 and the generator 140. Further, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the internal combustion engine 130, the vehicle 10 can stop the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 and stop the operation of the air conditioner 120 and the generator 140.

[0030] When the vehicle 10 executes remote air conditioning as described above, the start point of the first period can be reset, and the battery 105, which is the power source of the communication terminal 100, can be charged. As a result, the period during which the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 can wait in the standby state can be extended.

[0031] Also, in the automatic start process in the present embodiment, the process of automatically transmitting a remote air conditioning command signal from the server 30 to the vehicle 10 is repeatedly executed. That is, even after the internal combustion engine has been operated for a predetermined time according to the remote air conditioning command signal, when the second period has elapsed since the operation of the internal combustion engine stopped, the server 30 automatically transmits a remote air conditioning command signal to the vehicle 10 again. As a result, the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 can continue to wait in the standby state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 from falling into a state where it cannot receive a signal from the server 30 when the user of the vehicle 10 wants to use a remote service.

[0032] If the process of automatically transmitting a remote air conditioning command signal from the server 30 to the vehicle 10 continues to be repeatedly executed, the remaining fuel amount (the amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank mounted on the vehicle 10) may become too small, which may affect the running of the vehicle 10 and the like. Therefore, in the automatic start process in the present embodiment, the number of times of automatically transmitting a remote air conditioning command signal from the server 30 to the vehicle 10 (hereinafter, may also be referred to as the "automatic transmission number") is limited to a predetermined number of times or less. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times is arbitrarily set by the user of the vehicle 10. The method of setting the predetermined number of times will be described later. When the above-described automatic transmission number is limited to a predetermined number of times or less, it is possible to prevent the remaining fuel amount from becoming too small due to the execution of the automatic start process.

[0033] (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. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of each of the vehicle 10, user terminal 20, and server 30 included in the system of this embodiment.

[0034] (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 internal combustion engine vehicle. Such a vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a communication terminal 100, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110, an air conditioner 120, an internal combustion engine 130, and a generator 140. The communication terminal 100, ECU 110, air conditioner 120, internal combustion engine 130, and generator 140 are interconnected through an in-vehicle network based on a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network) , LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or FlexRay.

[0035] Note that in FIG. 2, only the hardware components related to the automatic start process are extracted and illustrated, and hardware components other than those shown in FIG. 2 may be mounted on the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle 10 may be equipped with devices that can be remotely operated, such as a door lock actuator and a power window actuator.

[0036] The communication terminal 100 is a computer that communicates with the server 30 through the network N1 with the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the communication terminal 100 is configured to receive an operation command signal related to remote operation from the server 30 and transmit the received operation command signal to the ECU 110. The operation command signal here also includes an operation command signal corresponding to the automatic start process (remote air conditioning command signal). Such a communication terminal 100 includes, as shown in FIG. 2, a processor 101, a main storage device 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a communication I / F 104, and a battery 105. The processor 101, the main storage device 102, the auxiliary storage device 103, the communication I / F 104, and the battery 105 are interconnected by a bus.

[0037] The processor 101 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The pro cessor 101 controls the communication terminal 100 by loading and executing the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 into the main storage device 102.

[0038] The main storage device 102 is configured to include semiconductor memories such as, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The main storage device 102 provides a storage area and a work area for loading the 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.

[0039] 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 is a removable medium, that is It can include a removable recording medium. The removable medium is, for example, a disk recording medium such as a USB (Universal 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.

[0040] The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 include, in addition to the OS (Operating System), dedicated programs for causing the processor 101 to execute processes related to remote operations. 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.

[0041] The communication I / F 104 is configured to include an interface for connecting the communication terminal 100 to the in-vehicle network and an interface for connecting the communication terminal 100 to an external network N1. In this embodiment, the communication I / F 104 communicates with the ECU 110 through the in-vehicle network. Also, in this 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, a global public communication network, or other communication networks. The communication I / F 104 connects the communication 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).

[0042] The battery 105 is a secondary battery that serves as the power source for the communication terminal 100. The battery 105 is charged using the electric power generated by the generator 140 during the operation of the internal combustion engine 130. Note that the power source of the communication terminal 100 may be a battery that serves as the power source for the electrical components of the vehicle 10 instead of the dedicated battery 105 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0043] In the communication terminal 100 configured as described above, in response to the communication I / F 104 receiving an operation command signal transmitted from the server 30, the processor 101 transmits the received operation command signal to the ECU 110 through the communication I / F 104 and the in-vehicle network. Further, in the communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment, when a first period (for example, about 7 to 9 days) elapses from the stop of the operation of the internal combustion engine 130, the processor 101 causes the communication terminal 100 to shift from the standby state to the stop state. Note that after the communication terminal 100 shifts from the standby state to the stop state, if the user gets into the vehicle 10 and starts the internal combustion engine 130 (for example, turns on the power switch or the ignition switch), a wake-up signal is transmitted from the ECU 110 to the communication terminal 100 described later, and the processor 101 causes the communication terminal 100 to shift from the stop state to the standby state.

[0044] Next, the air conditioner 120 is a mechanical air conditioner that cools or heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 using the power of the internal combustion engine 130. Note that the air conditioner 120 may be an electric air conditioner that cools or heats the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 using the electric power generated by the generator 140.

[0045] The generator 140 generates electricity by converting the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 130 into electrical energy. Note that the generator 140 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.

[0046] The ECU 110 is a computer that controls in-vehicle devices such as the air conditioner 120, the internal combustion engine 130, and the generator 140. In the present embodiment, when the ECU 110 receives an operation command signal transmitted from the communication terminal 100, it operates the in-vehicle devices according to the operation command signal. Here, if the operation command signal is a signal for executing remote air conditioning, the ECU 110 starts the internal combustion engine 130 and operates the air conditioner 120 and the generator 140. Thereby, the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 can be cooled or heated, and the battery 105 of the communication terminal 100 can be charged.

[0047] (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). As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 20 in the present embodiment includes a processor 201, a main storage device 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, an input / output device 204, and a communication I / F 205. 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.

[0048] Note that in FIG. 2, only the hardware configuration components related to remote operation are extracted and illustrated, and hardware configuration components other than those shown in FIG. 2 may be included in the user terminal 20.

[0049] Since the processor 201, the main storage device 202, and the auxiliary storage device 203 of the user terminal 20 are the same as those of the processor 101, the main storage device 102, and the auxiliary storage device 103 of the communication terminal 100, respectively, the description thereof is omitted. However, a dedicated program (application program) for causing the processor 201 to execute functions related to remote operation is stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 of the user terminal 20.

[0050] The input / output device 204 receives the input operations performed by the user while presenting information to the user. The input / output device 204 is configured to include, for example, a touch panel display and its control circuit. In the present embodiment, the input / output device 204 outputs a menu screen for remote operation and receives the operations input on the menu screen. Further, the input / output device 204 outputs an operation screen for the remote operation selected on the above-described menu screen and receives the operations input on the operation screen.

[0051] The communication I / F 205 is configured to include an 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.

[0052] In the user terminal 20 configured as described above, when an operation to start a dedicated application program corresponding to remote air conditioning is input to the input / output device 204, the processor 201 causes the input / output device 204 to output a menu screen for remote operation. The menu screen for remote operation is a screen that presents a list of items that can be operated remotely. In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, the menu screen for remote operation may include a GUI component for selecting remote air conditioning (remote air conditioning button G31 in FIG. 3), a GUI component for selecting remote door lock (remote door lock button G32 in FIG. 3), and a GUI component for selecting automatic start processing (automatic start processing button G33 in FIG. 3), etc. The input / output device 204 outputs an operation screen for the remote operation selected on the menu screen and receives the operations input on the operation screen.

[0053] When an operation to select any item is input to the input / output device 204 while the remote operation menu screen as described above is being displayed on the input / output device 204, the processor 201 causes the input / output device 204 to output the operation screen for the selected item. As an example, when an operation to select the automatic start process (for example, an operation of tapping or clicking the automatic start process button G33 in FIG. 3) is input to the input / output device 204 while the menu screen as illustrated in FIG. 3 is being displayed on the input / output device 204, the processor 201 causes the input / output device 204 to output the operation screen for the automatic start process.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen for the automatic start process. The operation screen for the automatic start process illustrated in FIG. 4 may include GUI components for selecting the second period (the pull-down menu G34 in FIG. 4), GUI components for selecting the number of times (the pull-down menu G35 in FIG. 4), GUI components for inputting the contact information of the shared user (for example, the email address of the terminal used by the shared user) (the input field G36 in FIG. 4), GUI components for executing the automatic start process (the execute button G37 in FIG. 4), and GUI components for canceling the operation of the automatic start process (the cancel button G38 in FIG. 4), etc. Note that the options for the second period that can be selected with the pull-down menu G34 illustrated in FIG. 4 are periods shorter than the above-described first period. As an example, if the first period is 9 days, the options for the second period that can be selected with the pull-down menu G34 illustrated in FIG. 4 are from 1 day to 8 days. Also, the shared user is a user who shares the user and the vehicle 10 (for example, a family member, etc.). Input of the contact information of the shared user is not essential.

[0055] With the operation screen of the automatic start process being displayed on the input / output device 204, after the second period and the predetermined number of times are selected and the contact information of the shared user is input, when an operation for executing the automatic start process (operation of tapping or clicking the execution button G37 in FIG. 4) is input to the input / output device 204, the processor 201 generates a request signal. The request signal is, as an example, a signal including the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10, the second period selected on the operation screen of the automatic start process, the predetermined number of times selected on the operation screen of the automatic start process, and the shared user information, etc., as shown in FIG. 5. The shared user information is information indicating the contact information of the shared user. Note that, with the operation screen of the automatic start process being displayed on the input / output device 204, after the second period and the predetermined number of times are selected, if an operation for executing the automatic start process (operation of tapping or clicking the execution button G37 in FIG. 4) is input to the input / output device 204 without the contact information of the shared user being input, the processor 201 generates a request signal not including the shared user information. The request signal generated in this way is transmitted to the server 30 through the communication I / F 205.

[0056] (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, the manufacturer of the vehicle 10 or a contractor commissioned by the manufacturer, etc. The server 30 is configured to include a processor 301, a main storage device 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, and a communication I / F 304, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] Note that in FIG. 2, only the hardware configuration components related to the remote service are extracted and illustrated, and hardware configuration components other than those shown in FIG. 2 may be included in the server 30.

[0058] Since the processor 301, main memory device 302, and auxiliary storage device 303 of the server 30 are the same as those of the communication terminal 100's processor 101, main memory device 102, and auxiliary storage device 103 respectively, their descriptions are omitted. However, in the auxiliary storage device 303 of the server 30, in addition to a dedicated program for causing the processor 101 to execute processes related to the OS and remote services, data such as vehicle data 331 is stored.

[0059] Here, the vehicle data 331 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 will be described. The vehicle data 331 in the present embodiment stores data of the vehicles 10 that are targets of the automatic start process among the vehicles 10 under the management of the server 30. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the vehicle data 331. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle data 331 includes a plurality of records for each vehicle (hereinafter, may also be referred to as "vehicle-specific records"). Each of the plurality of vehicle-specific records is generated when the server 30 receives a request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20. Each of the plurality of vehicle-specific records has fields such as a vehicle ID, a second period, a predetermined number of times, a previous date and time, an actual value, a next date and time, and a shared user.

[0060] In the vehicle ID field, information for identifying each of the plurality of vehicles 10 that are targets of the automatic start process is registered. The information registered in the vehicle ID field may be information for identifying the communication terminal 100 (auxiliary storage device 103) of each vehicle 10.

[0061] In the second period field, the second period corresponding to each of the plurality of vehicles 10 that are targets of the automatic start process is registered. The information registered in the second period field is the same as the second period included in the request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20 corresponding to each vehicle 10 to the server 30.

[0062] In the predetermined number of times field, a predetermined number of times corresponding to each of a plurality of vehicles 10 targeted for the automatic start process is registered. The information registered in the predetermined number of times field is the same as the predetermined number of times included in the request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20 corresponding to each vehicle 10 to the server 30.

[0063] In the previous date and time field, the date (previous date) when the remote air conditioning command signal was last transmitted to each vehicle 10 through the execution of the automatic start process is registered. When a corresponding vehicle-specific record is newly generated, the date when the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 was last stopped retroactively from that point may be registered in the previous date field.

[0064] In the actual value field, the actual value of the number of times the remote air conditioning command signal has been transmitted to each vehicle 10 in the past through the execution of the automatic start process is registered.

[0065] In the next date field, the date (next date) when the remote air conditioning command signal will be transmitted to each vehicle 10 next through the execution of the automatic start process is registered. The information registered in the next date field may be the date obtained by adding the second period registered in the second period field to the previous date registered in the previous date field.

[0066] In the shared user field, the contact information of the shared users of each of the plurality of vehicles 10 targeted for the automatic start process (for example, the email address of the terminal used by the shared user) is registered. The information registered in the shared user field is the same as the shared user information included in the request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20 corresponding to each vehicle 10 to the server 30. When the shared user information is not included in the request signal, the shared user field may be blank.

[0067] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, 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, a wireless communication interface for wireless communication, and the like. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 304 communicates with the user terminal 20 and the communication terminal 100 through the network N1.

[0068] Note that the hardware configuration of the server 30 can be appropriately omitted, replaced, and added with components according to the embodiment. For example, the server 30 may include a plurality of processors. Also, the server 30 may be configured to include a plurality of computers. Furthermore, the server 30 may be configured to include an external storage device connected through the network N1.

[0069] (Software Configuration of Server) Next, the software configuration of the server 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of the server 30. The server 30 operates as a computer including reception unit F31, notification unit F32, determination unit F33, and command unit F34 as software modules when the processor 301 executes a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 303.

[0070] Note that some or all of the reception unit F31, notification unit F32, determination unit F33, and command unit F34 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0071] The reception unit F31 receives a request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20 through the communication I / F 304. In response to receiving the request signal, the reception unit F31 accesses the vehicle data 331 in the auxiliary storage device 303 and newly adds a vehicle-specific record corresponding to the vehicle 10 (the vehicle 10 subject to the automatic start process) targeted by the request signal. At that time, the vehicle ID, the second period, the predetermined number of times, and the shared user information included in the request signal are registered in the vehicle ID field, the second period field, the predetermined number of times field, and the shared user field, respectively. If the request signal does not include shared user information, the shared user field is left blank. Also, in the previous date field, the date when the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 was last stopped is registered retroactively from the time when the request signal was received. The date when the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 was last stopped retroactively from the time when the request signal was received may be obtained by the reception unit F31 communicating with the communication terminal 100 of the target vehicle 10 through the communication I / F 304. The performance value field is left blank. In the next date field, the date obtained by adding the second period to the date registered in the previous date field (the date when the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 was last stopped retroactively from the time when the request signal was received) is registered.

[0072] In response to the addition of the vehicle-specific record of the vehicle 10 targeted by the request signal to the vehicle data 331, the notification unit F32 transmits an execution start notification to the contact registered in the shared user field (for example, the email address of the terminal used by the shared user). The execution start notification is a notification indicating that the execution of the automatic start process has started. Such an execution start notification is transmitted to the terminal of the shared user through the communication I / F 304 of the server 30. If the shared user field is blank, the notification unit F32 does not transmit the execution start notification.

[0073] The determination unit F33 accesses the vehicle data 331 in the auxiliary storage device 303 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every day) to determine whether there is a vehicle 10 whose next date has arrived (a vehicle-specific record in which the date registered in the next date field matches the current date). When it is determined that there is a vehicle 10 whose next date has arrived, the determination unit F33 determines whether the actual value registered in the actual value field of the code is less than the number of times registered in the predetermined number of times field. At this time, if the number of times registered in the actual value field is not less than the predetermined number of times registered in the predetermined number of times field, the determination unit F33 deletes the vehicle-specific record corresponding to the vehicle from the vehicle data 331. Thereby, the execution of the automatic start process for the vehicle is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of times registered in the actual field is less than the number of times registered in the predetermined number of times field, the processor 301 of the server 30 operates as the command unit F34.

[0074] The command unit F34 generates a remote air-conditioning command signal corresponding to the vehicle 10 whose next date has arrived. As shown in FIG. 8, the remote air-conditioning command signal is a signal including information specifying the target in-vehicle device (in this case, the air conditioner 120) and the operating time of the target in-vehicle device (in this case, a predetermined time). The predetermined time included in the remote air-conditioning command signal is until the remaining amount of the battery 105 of the communication terminal 100 (for example, SOC (State Of Charge)) becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value This is the operating time of the air conditioner 120 (the operating time of the internal combustion engine 130) required for charging. The threshold value mentioned here may be, for example, the remaining amount of the battery 105 that allows the communication terminal 100 to continue operating in the standby state for a first period or longer. Also, the predetermined time may be, for example, the operating time of the air conditioner 120 (the operating time of the internal combustion engine 130) required for charging until the remaining amount of the battery 105 reaches the threshold value or more from 0%. In another example, the predetermined time may be the operating time of the air conditioner 120 (the operating time of the internal combustion engine 130) required for charging until the remaining amount of the battery 105 reaches the threshold value or more from the remaining amount at the time when the next date and time arrives. The remote air-conditioning command signal generated by the command unit F34 is transmitted to the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 when the next date and time arrives through the communication I / F 304.

[0075] Also, when the command unit F34 finishes transmitting the remote air-conditioning command signal to the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 when the next date and time arrives, it accesses the vehicle data 331 in the auxiliary storage device 303 and updates the information registered in the vehicle-specific record corresponding to the vehicle 10. Specifically, the command unit F34 changes the date registered in the previous date field of the vehicle-specific record to the date (current date) when the current remote air-conditioning command signal was transmitted. Also, the command unit F34 increments by one the number of times registered in the performance value field of the vehicle-specific record. Further, the command unit F34 calculates a new next date by adding the second period registered in the second period field of the vehicle-specific record to the current date. Then, the command unit F34 changes the date registered in the next date field of the vehicle-specific record to the calculated new next date.

[0076] Note that the software configuration of the server 30 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7, and depending on the embodiment, omission, replacement, and addition of software components can be appropriately performed. In one example, the reception unit F31 may be configured to also receive a remote operation signal transmitted from the user terminal 20. In that case, the reception unit F31 may be configured to pass the received remote operation signal to the command unit F34. Then, the command unit F34 may be configured to transmit an operation command signal for operating the target in-vehicle device by the operation method included in the remote operation signal to the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 that is the target of the remote operation signal.

[0077] (Flow of processing) Next, the flow of processing executed by the server 30 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing routine executed by the server 30 triggered by receiving a request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing routine executed by the server 30 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every day). Although the execution subject of FIGS. 9 and 10 is the processor 301 of the server 30, here, the software module of the server 30 will be described as the execution subject.

[0078] First, in the processing routine of FIG. 9, when a request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20 is received by the communication I / F 304 of the server 30, the processor 301 of the server 30 operates as the reception unit F31 by executing the program of the auxiliary storage device 303. The reception unit F31 receives the request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20 through the communication I / F 304 (step S101). After finishing the process of step S101, the reception unit F31 executes the process of step S102.

[0079] In step S102, the reception unit F31 registers information of the vehicle 10 (the vehicle 10 subject to the automatic start process) targeted by the request signal received in step S101 in the vehicle data 331 of the auxiliary storage device 303. Specifically, the reception unit F31 first accesses the vehicle data 331 of the auxiliary storage device 303 and adds a new vehicle-specific record. Subsequently, the reception unit F31 registers the vehicle ID, the second period, the predetermined number of times, and the shared user information included in the request signal in the vehicle ID field, the second period field, the predetermined number of times field, and the shared user field of the added vehicle-specific record, respectively. Also, the reception unit F31 communicates with the communication terminal 100 of the target vehicle 10 through the communication I / F 304 to obtain the date when the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 was last stopped retroactively from the current time. Then, the reception unit F31 registers the date obtained from the communication terminal 100 in the previous date field of the added vehicle-specific record. Further, the reception unit F31 registers the date obtained by adding the second period to the date obtained from the communication terminal 100 in the next date field of the added vehicle-specific record. Also, the reception unit F31 leaves the performance value field of the added vehicle-specific record blank. If the request signal received in step S101 does not include shared user information, the reception unit F31 also leaves the shared user field of the added vehicle-specific record blank. When the reception unit F31 finishes executing the process of step S102, the processor 301 of the server 30 operates as the notification unit F32 and executes the process of step S103.

[0080] In step S103, the notification unit F32 determines whether shared user information is registered in the shared user field of the vehicle-specific record added in step S102. That is, it determines whether there is a shared user who shares the vehicle 10 with the user of the user terminal 20. If the shared user information is not registered in the shared user field of the vehicle-specific record added in step S102 (if the shared user field is blank), the notification unit F32 determines that there is no shared user who shares the vehicle 10 with the user of the user terminal 20 (negative determination in step S103). In that case, the execution of the processing routine in FIG. 9 ends. On the other hand, if the shared user information is registered in the shared user field of the vehicle-specific record added in step S102, the notification unit F32 determines that there is a shared user who shares the vehicle 10 with the user of the user terminal 20 (positive determination in step S103). In that case, the notification unit F32 executes the processing of step S104.

[0081] In step S104, the notification unit F32 transmits a start execution notification to the contact information (the terminal of the shared user) registered in the shared user field of the vehicle-specific record added in step S102 through the communication I / F304. The start execution notification is a notification indicating that the execution of the automatic start process is started for the vehicle 10 that is the target of the request signal. When the notification unit F32 finishes executing the processing of step S104, the execution of the processing routine in FIG. 9 ends.

[0082] Next, the processor 301 of the server 30 executes the processing routine in FIG. 10 at a predetermined cycle. The processing of steps S201 - S207 in the processing routine in FIG. 10 is executed for each of one or more vehicles 10 registered in the vehicle data 331 of the auxiliary storage device 303.

[0083] In the processing routine of FIG. 10, first, the processor 301 of the server 30 operates as a determination unit F33 by executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 303. The determination unit F33 accesses the vehicle-specific record of the target vehicle 10 among one or more vehicle-specific records registered in the vehicle data 331, and acquires the next date registered in the next date field (step S201). After finishing the process of step S201, the determination unit F33 executes the process of step S202.

[0084] In step S202, the determination unit F33 determines whether the next date acquired in step S201 has arrived. That is, the determination unit F33 determines whether the next date acquired in step S201 matches the current date. If the next date acquired in step S201 matches the current date (positive determination in step S202), the determination unit F33 executes the process of step S203. If the next date acquired in step S201 does not match the current date (negative determination in step S202), the processes after step S201 are executed for another vehicle 10 registered in the vehicle data 331 (a vehicle 10 that has not yet been the target in steps S201 - S207).

[0085] In step S203, the determination unit F33 acquires the actual value and the predetermined number of times registered in the actual value field and the predetermined number of times field of the vehicle-specific record of the target vehicle 10. After finishing the process of step S203, the determination unit F33 executes the process of step S204.

[0086] In step S204, the determination unit F33 compares the actual value and the predetermined number of times acquired in step S203, and determines whether the actual value is less than the predetermined number of times. If the actual value is less than the predetermined number of times (positive determination in step S204), the processor 301 of the server 30 operates as a command unit F34 and executes the process of step S205.

[0087] In step S205, the command unit F34 generates a remote air-conditioning command signal corresponding to the target vehicle 10. As described with reference to FIG. 8, the remote air-conditioning command signal is a signal including information specifying the air-conditioning device 120 as the target in-vehicle terminal and the operating time of the air-conditioning device 120. The operating time included in the remote air-conditioning command signal may be the same as a predetermined time. The predetermined time is the operating time (operating time of the internal combustion engine 130) of the air-conditioning device 120 required for charging until the remaining amount of the battery 105 of the communication terminal 100 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value. When the command unit F34 finishes executing the process of step S205, it executes the process of step S206.

[0088] In step S206, the command unit F34 transmits the remote air-conditioning command signal generated in step S205 to the communication terminal 100 of the target vehicle 10 through the communication I / F 304. When the command unit F34 finishes executing the process of step S206, the processes after step S201 are executed for another vehicle 10 (a vehicle 10 that has not yet been the target in steps S201 - S207) registered in the vehicle data 331.

[0089] Also, when a negative determination is made in step S204 (when the actual value is not less than the predetermined number of times), the determination unit F33 executes the process of step S207. In step S207, the determination unit F33 accesses the vehicle-specific record corresponding to the target vehicle 10 in the vehicle data 331 of the auxiliary storage device 303 and deletes it. When the determination unit F33 finishes executing the process of step S207, the processes after step S201 are executed for another vehicle 10 (a vehicle 10 that has not yet been the target in steps S201 - S207) registered in the vehicle data 331.

[0090] When the processes of steps S201 - S207 are executed for each of all the vehicles 10 registered in the vehicle data 331, the processor 301 of the server 30 ends the execution of the processing routine in FIG. 10. ends.

[0091] (Operational effects of the embodiment) In the above-described specific embodiment, when a user of the vehicle 10 transmits a request signal to the server 30 through the user terminal 20, an automatic start process is executed for the vehicle 10. In the automatic start process, after the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 of the vehicle 10 has stopped and before the communication terminal 100 transitions to the stopped state, a remote air conditioning command signal is automatically transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10. Thereby, the vehicle 10 can execute remote air conditioning according to the remote air conditioning command signal. When remote air conditioning is executed in the vehicle 10, the internal combustion engine 130 is started, and the air conditioner 120 and the generator 140 are operated. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the internal combustion engine 130, the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 is stopped, and the operations of the air conditioner 120 and the generator 140 are stopped. As a result, the starting point of the first period is reset, and the battery 105 of the communication terminal 100 is charged for a predetermined time.

[0092] Also, in the automatic start process in this embodiment, each time a second period elapses since the operation of the internal combustion engine 130 has stopped, a remote air conditioning command signal is automatically transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10. Thereby, the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 can continue to wait in the standby state. As a result, it is possible to suppress the situation where the communication terminal 100 of the vehicle 10 falls into a state where it cannot receive a signal from the server 30 when the user of the vehicle 10 wants to use a remote service. However, in the automatic start process in the embodiment, the number of transmissions of the remote air conditioning command signal is limited to a predetermined number set by the user. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the fuel remaining amount from becoming too small due to the execution of the automatic start process.

[0093] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the convenience of the user who uses the remote service from being impaired.

[0094] <Modification Example> In the foregoing embodiment, an example in which the number of transmissions of the remote air - conditioning command signal in the automatic start - up process is limited to a predetermined number or less has been described. In contrast, an example in which the execution of the automatic start - up process is limited until an expiration date will be described. The expiration date is a deadline at which, when the expiration date has passed, the execution of the automatic process ends. Note that in this modified example, configurations different from those of the foregoing embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same configurations will be omitted.

[0095] The user terminal 20 in this modified example is configured to receive a user - specified expiration date. That is, in the user terminal 20 in this modified example, when an operation to select the automatic start - up process (for example, an operation of tapping or clicking the automatic start - up process button G33 in FIG. 3) is input to the input / output device 204 while the remote operation menu screen (see, for example, FIG. 3) is displayed on the input / output device 204, the processor 201 outputs an operation screen for the automatic start - up process as shown in FIG. 11 to the input / output device 204.

[0096] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for the automatic start - up process in this modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation screen for the automatic start - up process in this modified example may include a GUI component (pull - down menu G34 in FIG. 11) for selecting a second period, a GUI component (pull - down menu G351 in FIG. 11) for selecting an expiration date, a GUI component (input field G36 in FIG. 11) for inputting contact information of a shared user (for example, the e - mail address of the terminal used by the shared user, etc.), a GUI component (execution button G37 in FIG. 11) for executing the automatic start - up process, and a GUI component (cancel button G38 in FIG. 11) for canceling the operation of the automatic start - up process, etc. That is, the operation screen for the automatic start - up process in this modified example includes a pull - down menu G351 for selecting the expiration date of the automatic start - up process instead of the pull - down menu G35 (GUI component for selecting a predetermined number) in FIG. 3. It is configured.

[0097] While the operation screen of the automatic start process as illustrated in FIG. 11 is being displayed on the input / output device 204, after the second period and the expiration date are selected and the contact information of the shared user is input, when an operation for executing the automatic start process (an operation of tapping or clicking the execute button G37 in FIG. 11) is input to the input / output device 204, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 generates a request signal. The request signal in this modification example is a signal including the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10, the second period selected on the operation screen of the automatic start process, the expiration date selected on the operation screen of the automatic start process, and the shared user information, as shown in FIG. 12. The request signal generated by the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 is transmitted to the server 30 through the communication I / F 205.

[0098] Next, the vehicle data 331 stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 of the server 30 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the vehicle data 331 in this modification example. Each vehicle-specific record of the vehicle data 331 in this modification example has fields for vehicle ID, second period, expiration date, previous date, next date, and shared user, as shown in FIG. 13. The information registered in each of the vehicle ID field, second period field, previous date field, next date field, and shared user field is the same as in the above-described embodiment (see, for example, FIG. 6). In the expiration date field, the expiration dates corresponding to each of the plurality of vehicles 10 targeted for the automatic start process are registered. The information registered in the expiration date field is the same as the expiration date included in the request signal transmitted from the user terminal 20 corresponding to each vehicle 10 to the server 30.

[0099] Next, the software configuration of the server 30 in this modification example will be described. The server 30 in this modification example includes a reception unit F31, a notification unit F32, a determination unit F33, and a command unit F34 as software modules, similar to the above-described embodiment. The reception unit F31, the notification unit F32, and the command unit F34 in this modification example are the same as the reception unit F31, the notification unit F32, and the command unit F34 in the above-described embodiment.

[0100] In this modification example, the determination unit F33 accesses the vehicle data 331 in the auxiliary storage device 303 at a predetermined cycle to determine whether there is a vehicle 10 whose next date has arrived. When it is determined that there is a vehicle 10 whose next date has arrived, the determination unit F33 determines whether the expiration date registered in the expiration date field of the vehicle-specific record corresponding to the vehicle 10 has passed (whether the current date is before the expiration date). At this time, if the expiration date registered in the expiration date field has passed, the determination unit F33 deletes the vehicle-specific record corresponding to the vehicle from the vehicle data 331. As a result, the execution of the automatic start process for the vehicle is terminated. On the other hand, if the expiration date registered in the expiration date field has not passed, the processor 301 of the server 30 operates as the command unit F34.

[0101] (Flow of processing) Here, the flow of the process executed by the server 30 in this modification example will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing routine executed by the server 30 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every day). In the processing routine of FIG. 14, the same processes as those in the processing routine of FIG. 10 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0102] In the processing routine of FIG. 14, when an affirmative determination is made in step S202 (when it is determined that the next date has arrived), the determination unit F33 executes the process of step S2031. In step S2031, the determination unit F33 acquires the expiration date registered in the expiration date field of the vehicle-specific record of the target vehicle 10. After the determination unit F33 finishes executing the process of step S2 031, it executes the process of step S2041.

[0103] In step S2041, the determination unit F33 determines whether the expiration date obtained in step S2031 has passed. That is, it determines whether the current date is before the expiration date. If the expiration date obtained in step S2031 has not passed (positive determination in step S2041), the processor 301 of the server 30 operates as the command unit F34 and executes the process of step S205. On the other hand, if the expiration date obtained in step S2031 has passed (negative determination in step S2041), the determination unit F33 executes the process of step S207.

[0104] (Operation and effect of the modified example) In this modified example, when the expiration date set by the user has passed, the execution of the automatic start process is terminated. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the fuel remaining amount from becoming too small due to the execution of the automatic start process.

[0105] <Others> The above-described embodiments and modified examples are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiments and modified examples, an example in which the second period and the predetermined number of times (or expiration date) are arbitrarily set by the user has been described. However, at least one of the second period and the predetermined number of times (or expiration date) may be automatically determined by the server 30. Further, in addition to the above-described second period and predetermined number of times (or expiration date), the time zone in which the remote air-conditioning command signal is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10 may also be arbitrarily set by the user. Furthermore, after the remote air-conditioning command signal is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10, a signal indicating whether the execution of the remote air-conditioning has been successful may be transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the server 30. And the said signal may be transmitted from the server 30 to the user terminal 20 (and the terminals of the shared users).

[0106] In addition, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Further, 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.

[0107] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to the server 30, and one or more processors included in the server 30 reading and executing 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. A 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, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.) or an optical disk (e.g., 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 Reference Numerals

[0108] 10 Vehicle 100 Communication Terminal 105 Battery 110 ECU 120 Air Conditioning Device 130 Internal Combustion Engine 140 Generator 20 User Terminal 30 Server 301 Processor 302 Main Memory Device 303 Auxiliary storage device 331 Vehicle data 304 Communication I / F F31 Reception unit F32 Notification unit F33 Judgment unit F34 Command unit

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus for controlling a vehicle in which a communication function related to remote operation shifts to a stopped state in response to the elapse of a first period from the stop of an internal combustion engine, comprising a control unit configured to execute an automatic start process that is a process of transmitting a start command for operating the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time to the vehicle in response to the elapse of a second period shorter than the first period from the stop of the internal combustion engine. Information processing apparatus.

2. Executing the automatic start process includes determining whether an actual value of the past number of transmissions of the start command is less than a predetermined number in response to the elapse of a second period from the stop of the internal combustion engine, and transmitting the start command to the vehicle in response to the determination that the actual value is less than the predetermined number. Including, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit receives a request signal that is a signal requesting execution of the automatic start process and includes information specifying the second period and the predetermined number from a first terminal used by a user of the vehicle, and starts execution of the automatic start process according to the second period and the predetermined number specified by the request signal. Further configured to execute, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control unit is further configured to transmit a notification indicating that execution of the automatic start process has been started to a second terminal used by a shared user of the vehicle in response to receiving the request signal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. Executing the automatic start process includes determining whether the expiration date of the automatic start process has passed in response to the elapse of a second period from the stop of the internal combustion engine, and transmitting the start command to the vehicle in response to the determination that the expiration date has not passed. Including, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The control unit receives a request signal that is a signal requesting execution of the automatic start process and includes information specifying the second period and the expiration date from a first terminal used by a user of the vehicle, and starts execution of the automatic start process according to the second period and the expiration date specified by the request signal. Further configured to execute, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. In response to receiving the request signal, the control unit transmits a notification indicating that the execution of the automatic start process is to be started to a second terminal used by a shared user of the vehicle. configured to further execute: The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The vehicle is equipped with a battery for operating the communication function, and the battery is charged using electric power generated during operation of the internal combustion engine. The predetermined time is the time required for the charge amount of the battery to reach a threshold value or more. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The start command includes a command for starting the internal combustion engine and operating an air conditioner mounted on the vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. An information processing method for controlling a vehicle in which a communication function related to remote operation shifts to a stopped state in response to elapse of a first period from a stop of operation of an internal combustion engine, wherein a computer executes an automatic start process, which is a process of transmitting a start command for operating the internal combustion engine for a predetermined time to the vehicle in response to elapse of a second period shorter than the first period from the stop of operation of the internal combustion engine. Information processing method.

11. Executing the automatic start process includes determining whether an actual value of the past transmission count of the start command is less than a predetermined count in response to elapse of a second period from the stop of operation of the internal combustion engine; and transmitting the start command to the vehicle in response to determining that the actual value is less than the predetermined count. including The information processing method according to claim 10.

12. wherein the computer receives a request signal, which is a signal requesting execution of the automatic start process and includes information specifying the second period and the predetermined count, from a first terminal used by a user of the vehicle; and starts execution of the automatic start process according to the second period and the predetermined count specified by the request signal. further executes The information processing method according to claim 11.

13. wherein the computer further executes transmitting a notification indicating that execution of the automatic start process is to be started to a second terminal used by a shared user of the vehicle in response to receiving the request signal. The information processing method according to claim 12.

14. Executing the automatic start process Determining whether the expiration date of the automatic start process has passed in response to the elapse of a second period since the operation of the internal combustion engine has stopped; Transmitting the start command to the vehicle in response to a determination that the expiration date has not passed; Including; The information processing method according to claim 10.

15. The computer; Receiving, from a first terminal used by a user of the vehicle, a request signal that is a signal requesting execution of the automatic start process and includes information specifying the second period and the expiration date; Starting execution of the automatic start process according to the second period and the expiration date specified by the request signal; Further executing; The information processing method according to claim 14.

16. The computer further executes transmitting, to a second terminal used by a shared user of the vehicle, a notification indicating that execution of the automatic start process has been started in response to receiving the request signal. The information processing method according to claim 15.

17. The vehicle is equipped with a battery for operating the communication function, the battery being charged using electric power generated during operation of the internal combustion engine. The predetermined time is the time required for the charge amount of the battery to reach a threshold value or more. The information processing method according to claim 10.

18. The start command includes a command for starting the internal combustion engine and operating an air conditioner mounted on the vehicle. The information processing method according to claim 10.

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