Method, program, and information processing device

Abstract

To reduce the likelihood of a vehicle breaking down while replenishing the vehicle with consumables.SOLUTION: A method disclosed herein is implemented by an information processing device 20 and comprises displaying an image of an engine compartment of a vehicle 10 upon detection of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle 10, identifying a consumable to be replenished in the vehicle 10, and displaying support information, including the location of a refill port for the identified consumable in the engine compartment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle such as an automobile, consumables such as washer fluid are replenished from a replenishment port provided in the engine room of the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information notification system that displays the usage amount and renewal time of washer fluid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, in the engine room of a vehicle, there are dedicated replenishment ports corresponding to each of a plurality of consumables, not limited to washer fluid, such as brake fluid or battery fluid. Therefore, for example, when a user is unfamiliar with vehicle maintenance, if a consumable is replenished from the wrong replenishment port, there is a possibility that the vehicle will break down.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the probability that a vehicle will break down when replenishing consumables for the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method executed by an information processing apparatus, displaying an image of the engine room of the vehicle when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle, identifying a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle, and displaying support information including the position of the replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the specified consumable.

[0007] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle, display an image of the engine room of the vehicle, specify a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle, and display support information including the position of the replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the specified consumable causes a computer to execute operations including this.

[0008] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus provided with a control unit, the control unit when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle, displays an image of the engine room of the vehicle on a display, specifies a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle, displays support information including the position of the replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the specified consumable on the display.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the probability that the vehicle breaks down when replenishing consumables for the vehicle is reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] (Overview of the Embodiment) With reference to FIG. 1, the overview of the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The system 1 includes a vehicle 10, an information processing apparatus 20, and a server 30. The server 30 can communicate with each of the vehicle 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 via a network 40 such as the Internet.

[0013] The vehicle 10 is, for example, a gasoline vehicle, but is not limited thereto, and may be any vehicle that can carry a person, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). In the present embodiment, dedicated refill ports corresponding to each of a plurality of consumables, such as brake fluid or battery fluid, are provided in the engine room of the vehicle 10.

[0014] The information processing apparatus 20 is a computer such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 20 is used by the user of the vehicle 10.

[0015] The server 30 includes one or a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 can communicate with each other via the server 30. However, the vehicle 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 may be able to communicate directly without going through the server 30.

[0016] Here, the outline of this embodiment will be described, and the details will be described later. When the information processing apparatus 20 according to this embodiment detects the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle 10, it displays an image of the engine room of the vehicle 10. The information processing apparatus 20 identifies consumables to be replenished for the vehicle 10. Then, the information processing apparatus 20 displays support information including the position of the replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the identified consumables.

[0017] As described above, according to this embodiment, in response to the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle 10, an image of the engine room of the vehicle 10 and support information including the position of the replenishment port corresponding to, for example, consumables to be replenished for the vehicle 10 are displayed. For this reason, for example, a user who wants to replenish the windshield washer fluid for the vehicle 10 can perform the replenishment work while referring to the image of the engine room and the support information displayed on the information processing apparatus 20 even if they are not familiar with the maintenance of the vehicle 10, thereby reducing the probability of replenishing the windshield washer fluid from the wrong replenishment port. Therefore, the probability of the vehicle 10 malfunctioning when replenishing consumables for the vehicle 10 is reduced.

[0018] Next, each component of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0019] (Configuration of the vehicle) Referring to FIG. 2, each component included in the vehicle 10 will be described. The vehicle 10 includes a communication unit 11, a sensor unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0020] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 40. The communication interface corresponds to, for example, mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation), but is not limited thereto and may correspond to any communication standard.

[0021] The sensor unit 12 includes one or more sensors that detect the state of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 12 includes an open / close sensor that detects the opening and closing of the bonnet.

[0022] The storage unit 13 includes one or more memories. The memory is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc., but is not limited thereto. Each memory included in the storage unit 13 may function as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores any information used for the operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the storage unit 13 may store a system program, an application program, embedded software, map information, etc.

[0023] The control unit 14 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing, but is not limited thereto. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), but is not limited thereto. The control unit 14 controls the operation of the entire vehicle 10.

[0024] (Configuration of the information processing device) As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an output unit 22, an input unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0025] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces for connecting to the network 40. The communication interface corresponds to, for example, a mobile communication standard, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) standard, or a wireless LAN standard, but is not limited thereto and may correspond to any communication standard.

[0026] The output unit 22 includes one or more output devices that output information. The output device is, for example, a display that outputs information as video, or a speaker that outputs information as sound, etc., but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the output unit 22 may include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0027] The input unit 23 includes one or more input devices that detect input operations by the user. The input device is, for example, a physical key, a capacitance key, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch screen provided integrally with the display of the output unit 22, a camera, or a microphone, etc., but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the input unit 23 may include an interface for connecting an external input device.

[0028] The storage unit 24 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 24 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 24 stores any information used for the operation of the information processing device 20. For example, the storage unit 24 may store a system program, an application program, and vehicle information, etc. The vehicle information includes, for example, an image of the engine room of the vehicle 10 and the positions of the replenishment ports of each consumable in the engine room, but is not limited thereto and may include any information related to the vehicle 10.

[0029] The control unit 25 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire information processing device 20.

[0030] (Configuration of the server) With reference to FIG. 4, each component included in the server 30 will be described. The server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0031] The communication unit 31 includes one or more communication interfaces for connecting to the network 40. The communication interface may conform to, for example, a wired LAN standard or a wireless LAN standard, but is not limited thereto and may conform to any communication standard.

[0032] The storage unit 32 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 32 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores any information used for the operation of the server 30. For example, the storage unit 32 may store a system program, an application program, embedded software, a database, and the like.

[0033] The control unit 33 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 33 controls the operation of the entire server 30.

[0034] (Operation of the information processing device) With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the information processing device 20 will be described.

[0035] S100: The control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 determines whether or not the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle 10 has been detected. If it is determined that the occurrence of the trigger has been detected (S100-Yes), the process proceeds to S101. On the other hand, if it is determined that the occurrence of the trigger has not been detected (S100-No), the process repeats S100.

[0036] In this embodiment, the "predetermined trigger" is that the hood of the vehicle 10 is opened. Specifically, when the user opens the hood to replenish consumables such as windshield washer fluid in the vehicle 10, the control unit 14 of the vehicle 10 detects that the hood is opened by the open / close sensor of the sensor unit 12. The control unit 14 transmits a notification indicating the occurrence of a predetermined trigger (that is, a notification indicating that the hood is opened) to the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 11 and the server 30. Then, when the control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 receives the notification via the communication unit 21, it determines that the occurrence of a predetermined trigger has been detected.

[0037] S101: When it is determined in S100 that the occurrence of a trigger has been detected (S100-Yes), the control unit 25 displays an image of the engine room of the vehicle 10 on the display of the output unit 22.

[0038] Specifically, the control unit 25 acquires an image of the engine room from the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 24 and displays it on the display of the output unit 22. The image of the engine room may be, for example, an image of the engine room taken, or a schematic diagram of the engine room.

[0039] S102: The control unit 25 identifies the consumables to be replenished for the vehicle 10.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control unit 25 identifies the consumables to be replenished for the vehicle 10 from among five types of consumables: windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, coolant fluid, and engine oil. However, it is not limited to these five types, and the consumables to be replenished for the vehicle 10 may be identified from among any six or more types of consumables.

[0041] Any method can be adopted to identify the consumables to be replenished for the vehicle 10. For example, the control unit 25 may receive a user input for selecting or designating the consumables to be replenished for the vehicle 10 via the input unit 23.

[0042] For example, the control unit 25 may also acquire an image of a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle 10 according to a user operation, and identify the consumable from the image by image recognition. Specifically, when the user uses the camera of the input unit 23 of the information processing apparatus 20 to photograph a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle 10, the control unit 25 identifies the consumable from the photographed image by image recognition.

[0043] S103: The control unit 25 displays, on the display of the output unit 22, support information including the position of the replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the consumable identified in S102.

[0044] Note that the "support information" is not limited to the position of the replenishment port corresponding to the identified consumable, and may further include any information regarding the consumable. For example, the "support information" may further include the replenishment procedure of the identified consumable.

[0045] As described above, when the information processing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment detects the occurrence of a predetermined trigger regarding the vehicle 10, it displays an image of the engine room of the vehicle 10. The information processing apparatus 20 identifies a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle 10. Then, the information processing apparatus 20 displays support information including the position of the replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the identified consumable.

[0046] According to such a configuration, in response to the occurrence of a predetermined trigger regarding the vehicle 10, an image of the engine room of the vehicle 10 and support information including, for example, the position of the replenishment port corresponding to a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle 10 are displayed. For this reason, for example, a user who wants to replenish the windshield washer fluid for the vehicle 10 can perform the replenishment work while referring to the image of the engine room and the support information displayed on the information processing apparatus 20 even if they are not familiar with the maintenance of the vehicle 10, thereby reducing the probability of replenishing the windshield washer fluid from the wrong replenishment port. Therefore, the probability of the vehicle 10 malfunctioning when replenishing consumables for the vehicle 10 is reduced.

[0047] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions and the like included in each component or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and a plurality of components or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0048] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an embodiment in which the configuration and operation of the information processing apparatus 20 are distributed to a plurality of computers capable of communicating with each other is also possible. Further, an embodiment in which an in-vehicle device (for example, a navigation device or the like) mounted on the vehicle 10 is used as the information processing apparatus 20 described above is also possible.

[0049] In addition, for example, an embodiment in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing apparatus 20 according to the above-described embodiment is also possible. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the information processing apparatus 20 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of a general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

[0050] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the sensor unit 12 of the vehicle 10 may further include a sensor that detects the remaining amount of consumables such as windshield washer fluid in the vehicle 10. In such a case, when a consumable with a remaining amount less than a predetermined threshold is detected, the control unit 14 of the vehicle 10 may transmit a notification indicating the consumable to the information processing apparatus 20 via the communication unit 11 and the server 30. When receiving the notification from the vehicle 10, the control unit 25 of the information processing apparatus 20 may display on the display of the output unit 22 a web page (for example, a web page of an EC site or the like) where the consumable can be purchased.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, the "predetermined trigger" is that the hood of the vehicle 10 is opened. However, the "predetermined trigger" is not limited to this example.

[0052] For example, the "predetermined trigger" may be that a user input indicating the start of a replenishment operation of consumables for the vehicle 10 is performed. The user input may be performed on the vehicle 10 or on the information processing device 20. Further, the user input may be detected via an input device such as a physical key, a capacitance key, a touch panel, a touch screen, or a microphone.

[0053] Alternatively, the "predetermined trigger" may be that an application program related to the vehicle 10 installed in the information processing device 20 is started. The application program related to the vehicle 10 is, for example, an application program that performs a predetermined operation on the vehicle 10 such as remote operation or setting change of the vehicle 10, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] Alternatively, the "predetermined trigger" may be, for example, that consumables such as windshield washer fluid are purchased from a web page of an EC site or that the delivery of the consumables is completed. Specifically, when the control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 displays the web page on the display of the output unit 22 and the consumables are purchased by the user, it may be determined that the occurrence of the "predetermined trigger" is detected. Alternatively, when the control unit 25 receives a notification indicating the completion of the delivery of the consumables purchased by the user (for example, a delivery completion email from a logistics company), it may be determined that the occurrence of the "predetermined trigger" is detected.

[0055] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 25 of the information processing apparatus 20 displays an image of the engine room on the display of the output unit 22. Here, when the control unit 25 detects a user operation for designating a part in the engine room on the image via the input unit 23, it may display information regarding the designated part on the display of the output unit 22. For example, when the windshield washer fluid refill port is designated by a user operation, general explanations of the windshield washer fluid, refill procedures, precautions, or a link to a web page where the windshield washer fluid can be purchased may be displayed.

[0056] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be exemplified below. However, note that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Appendix 1] A method executed by an information processing apparatus, comprising: displaying an image of the engine room of the vehicle when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle; identifying a consumable to be refilled for the vehicle; and displaying support information including the position of a refill port in the engine room corresponding to the identified consumable. A method comprising the above. [Appendix 2] The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the trigger includes the hood of the vehicle being opened. [Appendix 3] The method according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the support information further includes a refill procedure for the identified consumable. [Appendix 4] The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, further comprising displaying information regarding the designated part when detecting a user operation for designating a part in the engine room on the image. [Appendix 5] The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein A method for the information processing apparatus to identify washer fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, coolant, or engine oil as the consumable. [Appendix 6] The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, further comprising acquiring an image of the consumable in response to a user operation, wherein the information processing apparatus identifies the consumable from the image. [Appendix 7] The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, further comprising displaying a web page on which the consumable can be purchased when a consumable with a remaining amount less than a threshold value is detected in the vehicle. [Appendix 8] When detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle, displaying an image of the engine compartment of the vehicle, identifying a consumable to be replenished for the vehicle, and displaying support information including the position of a replenishment port in the engine compartment corresponding to the identified consumable A program for causing a computer to execute an operation including the above. [Appendix 9] The program according to Appendix 8, wherein the trigger includes that the bonnet of the vehicle is opened. [Appendix 10] The program according to Appendix 8 or 9, wherein the support information further includes a replenishment procedure for the identified consumable. [Appendix 11] The program according to any one of Appendices 8 to 10, wherein the operation further includes displaying information about the designated part when detecting a user operation for designating a part in the engine compartment on the image. The program further including the above. [Appendix 12] The program according to any one of Appendices 8 to 11, A program in which the computer identifies washer fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, coolant, or engine oil as the consumable item. [Appendix 13] A program according to any one of Appendices 8 to 12, wherein the operation further includes acquiring an image of the consumable item in response to a user operation and the computer is a program that identifies the consumable item from the image. [Appendix 14] A program according to any one of Appendices 8 to 13, wherein the operation further includes displaying a web page where the consumable item can be purchased when a consumable item with a remaining amount less than a threshold value is detected in the vehicle. A program that includes this. [Appendix 15] An information processing device including a control unit, wherein the control unit when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle, displays an image of the engine room of the vehicle on a display, identifies a consumable item to be replenished for the vehicle, and an information processing device that displays support information including the position of a replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the identified consumable item on the display. [Appendix 16] An information processing device according to Appendix 15, wherein the trigger includes the hood of the vehicle being opened. [Appendix 17] An information processing device according to Appendix 15 or 16, wherein the support information further includes a replenishment procedure for the identified consumable item. [Appendix 18] An information processing device according to any one of Appendices 15 to 17, When the control unit detects a user operation for designating a part within the engine room on the image, the information processing apparatus displays information regarding the designated part on the display. [Appendix 19] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 15 to 18, wherein the control unit identifies washer fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, coolant, or engine oil as the consumable. [Appendix 20] The information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 15 to 19, wherein the control unit acquires an image of the consumable according to a user operation, and identifies the consumable from the image.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0057] 1 System 10 Vehicle 11 Communication Unit 12 Sensor Unit 13 Storage Unit 14 Control Unit 20 Information Processing Apparatus 21 Communication Unit 22 Output Unit 23 Input Unit 24 Storage Unit 25 Control Unit 30 Server 31 Communication Unit 32 Storage Unit 33 Control Unit 40 Network

Claims

1. A method executed by an information processing apparatus, comprising: when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to a vehicle, displaying an image of the engine room of the vehicle; identifying consumables to be replenished for the vehicle; and displaying support information including the position of a replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the identified consumables. A method comprising the above.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the trigger includes that the bonnet of the vehicle is opened.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the support information further includes a replenishment procedure for the identified consumables.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: when detecting a user operation for designating a part in the engine room on the image, displaying information regarding the designated part.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus identifies washer fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, coolant, or engine oil as the consumables.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: acquiring an image of the consumables according to a user operation, and the information processing apparatus identifies the consumables from the image.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: when detecting a consumable with a remaining amount less than a threshold in the vehicle, displaying a web page on which the consumable can be purchased.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute an operation comprising: when detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to a vehicle, displaying an image of the engine room of the vehicle; identifying consumables to be replenished for the vehicle; and displaying support information including the position of a replenishment port in the engine room corresponding to the identified consumables.

9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the trigger includes that the bonnet of the vehicle is opened.

10. The program according to claim 8, wherein the support information further includes a replenishment procedure for the identified consumables.

11. The program according to claim 8, wherein the operation further comprises: when detecting a user operation for designating a part in the engine room on the image, displaying information regarding the designated part. A program comprising the above.

12. The program according to claim 8, wherein A program in which the computer identifies washer fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, coolant, or engine oil as the consumable.

13. The program according to claim 8, wherein the operation further includes acquiring an image of the consumable in response to a user operation, and the computer is a program that identifies the consumable from the image.

14. The program according to claim 8, wherein the operation further includes displaying a web page on which the consumable can be purchased when a consumable with a remaining amount less than a threshold value is detected in the vehicle. This is a program.

15. An information processing apparatus including a control unit, wherein when the control unit detects the occurrence of a predetermined trigger related to the vehicle, it displays an image of the engine compartment of the vehicle on a display, identifies consumables to be replenished for the vehicle, and displays on the display support information including the position of the replenishment port in the engine compartment corresponding to the identified consumable.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the trigger includes that the bonnet of the vehicle has been opened. This is an information processing apparatus.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the support information further includes a replenishment procedure for the identified consumable. This is an information processing apparatus.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when the control unit detects a user operation for designating a part in the engine compartment on the image, it displays information about the designated part on the display. This is an information processing apparatus.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control unit identifies washer fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid, coolant, or engine oil as the consumable. This is an information processing apparatus.

20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control unit acquires an image of the consumable in response to a user operation and identifies the consumable from the image.

Images