Information processor for vehicle

Abstract

To allow a user to be more likely to perform the external power feed in a location where ventilation is sufficient.SOLUTION: A configuration is employed in a vehicle including a power feed device capable of performing external power feed that supplies electric power generated by a generator using driving force of an engine to a load outside the vehicle. The configuration executes: a process for obtaining location information related to a location where the vehicle is located (step S20); a determination process for determining, initiated by reception of execution of the external power feed, and on the basis of the location information, whether or not the location where the vehicle is located satisfies a condition indicating a location where ventilation is poor (step S30); and a process for outputting notification information for notifying a user that the location of the vehicle needs to be changed (step S120) on condition that a determination result in the determination process is affirmative (step S30: YES).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The hybrid vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an engine, a generator, a power line, a connection device, and a relay. The generator generates electricity using the power of the engine. The power line connects the generator to the connection device. A load outside the vehicle is connected to the connection device. The relay is located midway along the power line. When the relay is kept on while the engine is running to cause the generator to generate electricity, the electric power generated by the generator is supplied to the load outside the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-092837 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a technology such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which external power is supplied from an engine as a power source, the engine continues to run while external power is being supplied. Accordingly, the engine continues to emit exhaust gases outside the vehicle while external power is being supplied. Therefore, if external power is supplied in a poorly ventilated location, the exhaust gases will fill the area around the vehicle. To prevent this exhaust gas from filling the area, it is necessary for the user to use external power supply in a well-ventilated location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device for a vehicle that solves the above problem is applied to a vehicle equipped with a power supply device capable of external power supply, which supplies electricity generated by a generator using engine power to a load outside the vehicle, and performs an information acquisition process to acquire location information regarding the location where the vehicle is located, and a judgment process that, upon acceptance of the execution of the external power supply, determines based on the location information whether the location where the vehicle is located satisfies predetermined conditions indicating that the location is poorly ventilated, and, provided that the judgment result in the judgment process is positive, performs an output process to output notification information to notify the user that the vehicle needs to be moved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The above technical concept increases the likelihood that the user will perform external power supply in a well-ventilated location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the power supply process. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the selection process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <Overall structure> An embodiment of an information processing device for a vehicle will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 includes an engine 50, a generator motor 52, and a clutch 54. The engine 50 includes a crankshaft 50A. The engine 50 burns a mixture of fuel and intake air. The crankshaft 50A rotates in response to the combustion of the mixture. The engine 50 discharges exhaust gas generated in response to the combustion of the mixture to the outside of the vehicle 10. The generator motor 52 functions as both a generator and a motor. The generator motor 52 includes a rotating shaft 52A. The rotating shaft 52A is connected to the crankshaft 50A via a clutch 54. The generator motor 52 is capable of generating electricity using the power of the engine 50. The clutch 54 is switchable between an engaged state and a disengaged state. When the clutch 54 is engaged, the crankshaft 50A and the rotating shaft 52A of the generator motor 52 are connected. When the clutch 54 is in a disengaged state, the crankshaft 50A is separated from the rotating shaft 52A of the generator motor 52. The vehicle 10 can run using the power of at least one of the engine 50 and the generator motor 52. In other words, the vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle.

[0009] The vehicle 10 includes a battery 60, a main line 62, a main relay 64, and a PCU 66. The battery 60 is a secondary battery. The main line 62 connects the battery 60 and the PCU 66. The main relay 64 is located midway along the main line 62. The main relay 64 switches between a connected state and a disconnected state. When the main relay 64 is in the connected state, the electrical connection between the battery 60 and the PCU 66 is turned on. When the main relay 64 is in the disconnected state, the electrical connection between the battery 60 and the PCU 66 is turned off. The PCU 66 is located between the battery 60 and the generator motor 52. The PCU 66 includes a step-up / step-down converter and an inverter. That is, the PCU 66 increases / decreases the voltage between the battery 60 and the generator motor 52 and converts DC / AC voltage.

[0010] The vehicle 10 includes a connection device 70, a power supply line 72, a power supply relay 74, and a converter 76. The connection device 70 is installed on the body of the vehicle 10. An external electrical load 104 can be connected to the connection device 70 via a connector 102. The power supply line 72 connects the connection device 70 to an intermediate portion of the main line 62. Specifically, the intermediate portion of the main line 62 is the portion of the main line 62 between the main relay 64 and the PCU 66. The converter 76 is located intermediate the power supply line 72. The converter 76 performs DC-AC conversion, etc. The power supply relay 74 is located intermediate the power supply line 72. Specifically, the power supply relay 74 is located between the connection device 70 and the converter 76. The power supply relay 74 switches between a connected state and a disconnected state. Assume now that an external electric load 104 is connected to the connection device 70. When the power supply relay 74 is in a connected state, the electric load 104 and the PCU 66, and therefore the generator motor 52, are electrically connected to each other. When the power supply relay 74 is in a disconnected state, the electric load 104 and the PCU 62, and therefore the generator motor 52, are electrically disconnected from each other.

[0011] The electrical path from the connection device 70 to the PCU 66 is referred to as the power feeding path. The devices located on the power feeding path, the generator motor 52, the clutch 54, and the engine 50 constitute the power feeding device 10A. The devices on the power feeding path include the connection device 70, the power feeding line 72, the power feeding relay 74, the conversion device 76, the main line 62, and the PCU 66. The power feeding device 10A is capable of external power feeding. The external power feeding is the supply of electric power generated by the generator motor 52 using the power of the engine 50 to an electric load 104 outside the vehicle.

[0012] Although not shown in the figures, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a charging device that uses external power to charge the battery 60. The charging device includes a charging line that connects the connection device 70 and the battery 60, a charging relay that turns the electrical connection of the charging line on and off, and the like.

[0013] The vehicle 10 is equipped with an information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 is equipped with a processing circuit including a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The memory 22 includes three types of memory: RAM, ROM, and electrically rewritable non-volatile memory. In this embodiment, these three types are collectively referred to as the memory 22. The memory 22 stores in advance various programs describing the processes to be executed by the CPU 21, and various data necessary for the CPU 21 to execute the programs.

[0014] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a display 80. The display 80 is located inside the vehicle. The display 80 is capable of communicating with the information processing device 20. The display 80 displays an image corresponding to command information output by the information processing device 20. The display 80 is a touch panel type. That is, when a user performs an input operation on the display 80, the display 80 outputs information corresponding to the input operation to the information processing device 20.

[0015] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a speaker 82. The speaker 82 is located inside the vehicle. The speaker 82 is capable of communicating with the information processing device 20. The speaker 82 emits a sound in accordance with the command information output by the information processing device 20.

[0016] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a first communication device 31. The first communication device 31 is a device that allows the information processing device 20 to wirelessly communicate with the user terminal 200 via an external communication network 300. The user terminal 200 is an operation terminal held by a user. The user terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone. The user terminal 200 is equipped with a CPU, a memory, a display screen, a first device, a second device, etc. The display screen is a touch panel type. The first device is a device that allows the user terminal 200 to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle 10 via the external communication network 300. The second device is a device that allows the user terminal 200 to communicate with the vehicle 10 by short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication will be described later.

[0017] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a second communication device 32. The second communication device 32 is a device that allows the information processing device 20 to perform short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200. Short-range wireless communication is direct wireless communication between the user terminal 200 and the second communication device 32 when the user terminal 200 is located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 10. In other words, short-range wireless communication is wireless communication that does not involve the external communication network 300. The predetermined distance is, for example, 5 meters. The second communication device 32 performs short-range wireless communication in accordance with the BLE communication standard. BLE is an abbreviation for Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy. Note that, before performing wireless communication via the second communication device 32, the information processing device 20 establishes short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200 in advance. When the information processing device 20 receives a request signal from the user terminal 200 to establish short-range wireless communication in response to an acceptance signal emitted by the second communication device 32 targeting a range within the predetermined distance, the information processing device 20 establishes short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 200. The acceptance signal and the request signal include information such as an ID assigned in advance to each device.

[0018] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a changeover switch 33. The changeover switch 33 is located, for example, near the connection device 70. The changeover switch 33 outputs a start signal T1 or an end signal T2 of external power feeding to the information processing device 20 in response to a user's operation. The start signal T1 is a command signal that instructs the start of external power feeding. The end signal T2 is a command signal that instructs the end of external power feeding. Note that the changeover switch 33 outputs the start signal T1 or the end signal T2 only when the vehicle 10 is stopped and an external electric load 104 is connected to the connection device 70 via the connector 102.

[0019] The vehicle 10 is equipped with multiple cameras 90. FIG. 1 shows one of the multiple cameras 90 as a representative. The multiple cameras 90 include an in-vehicle camera and an exterior camera. There are two interior cameras, one for capturing images of the front and one for capturing images of the rear. These interior cameras are installed inside the vehicle, for example, on the windshield and rear window. The interior cameras capture images of the outside of the vehicle through the windows. There are four exterior cameras, one for capturing images of the front, one for capturing images of the rear, one for capturing images of the left side, and one for capturing images of the right side. These exterior cameras are installed, for example, around the front and rear license plates and on the side mirrors. The exterior cameras capture images of the outside of the vehicle.

[0020] Each camera 90 generates a captured image G, which is image data covering its respective imaging range. Objects located around the vehicle 10 outside the vehicle may be depicted in the captured image G. The position and size of the object depicted in the captured image G reflect the distance between the vehicle 10 and the object, i.e., the positional relationship between the vehicle 10 and the object. As can be seen from this, the captured image G is information indicating the positional relationship between the vehicle 10 and an object located outside the vehicle. The positional relationship between the vehicle 10 and the object indicates the location where the vehicle 10 is located, for example, whether the vehicle 10 is located near the object. In other words, the captured image G is location information, which is information regarding the location where the vehicle 10 is located. After generating the captured image G, each camera 90 outputs the generated captured image G to the information processing device 20. Each camera 90 is a device that acquires information regarding the location where the vehicle 10 is currently located.

[0021] The vehicle 10 is equipped with an exhaust sensor 92. The exhaust sensor 92 is installed, for example, on the front bumper of the vehicle 10. The exhaust sensor 92 detects the concentration V of a specific component in the atmosphere surrounding the vehicle 10. A specific component is a component contained in the exhaust from the engine 50, excluding oxygen and nitrogen. One example of a specific component is carbon monoxide. Another example of a specific component is nitrogen oxides. The exhaust sensor 92 of this embodiment detects the concentration V of only one specific component out of various specific components. The vehicle 10 of this embodiment is equipped with only one such exhaust sensor 92. When the exhaust sensor 92 detects the concentration V of the specific component, it outputs a signal corresponding to the detected concentration V to the information processing device 20.

[0022] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a crank position sensor 94. The crank position sensor 94 is installed near the crankshaft 50A. The crank position sensor 94 detects the rotational position Y of the crankshaft 50A. When the crank position sensor 94 detects the rotational position Y of the crankshaft 50A, the crank position sensor 94 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected rotational position Y to the information processing device 20.

[0023] <Power supply processing> The information processing device 20 controls various components of the vehicle 10, such as the power supply device 10A, the main relay 64, the display 80, and the speaker 82. The information processing device 20 controls the power supply device 10A to cause the power supply device 10A to perform external power supply.

[0024] When the information processing device 20 receives a start signal T1 in response to a user operation, the information processing device 20 starts a power supply process in response to the reception of the start signal T1. As shown in FIG. 2, when the information processing device 20 starts the power supply process, the information processing device 20 first executes the process of step S10. In step S10, the information processing device 20 causes the power supply device 10A to start external power supply. Specifically, the information processing device 20 connects the clutch 54. At the same time, the information processing device 20 starts the engine 50. The information processing device 20 also starts a power generation operation in which the generator motor 52 is controlled so that the generator motor 52 generates power using the power of the engine 50. The information processing device 20 realizes the power generation operation by controlling the PCU 66. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 connects the power supply relay 74. When the above processes are completed, external power supply is started. That is, the process of step S10 is a start process in which the power supply device 10A starts external power supply. The information processing device 20 performs this start process in response to the reception of the start signal T1. When the information processing device 20 causes the power supply device 10A to start external power supply, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0025] In step S20, the information processing device 20 causes each camera 90 to capture an image of its respective imaging range and generate a captured image G. Then, the information processing device 20 acquires the captured image G from each camera 90. The processing of step S20 is an information acquisition processing in which the information processing device 20 acquires location information. After acquiring the captured image G, the information processing device 20 proceeds to the processing of step S30.

[0026] In step S30, the information processing device 20 determines whether the location where the vehicle 10 is located satisfies a predetermined closed environment condition. The closed environment condition is a condition indicating that the location is poorly ventilated. The closed environment condition is composed of the following requirements (A1) and (A2). Note that, hereinafter, the distance between the outer surface of the vehicle 10 and a point of an object outside the vehicle that faces the outer surface is referred to as the facing distance. The facing distance is measured in a direction approximately perpendicular to the outer surface of the vehicle 10. When focusing on one direction among the left, right, front, and rear of the vehicle 10, the maximum value of the facing distances at various points on the outer surface of the vehicle 10 is referred to as the maximum distance. (A1) The vehicle 10 is surrounded by a continuous object on at least three sides, i.e., the front, rear, left, and right. (A2) In each direction in which the vehicle 10 and the object face each other, the maximum distance between the outer surface of the vehicle 10 and the object is equal to or less than the judgment distance.

[0027] An example of a continuous object is a wall made of concrete, brick, wood, metal plate, etc. Even if the material changes along the way, it is considered to be continuous as long as it is continuous without any gaps. Regarding (A2) above, the judgment distance is predetermined as a predetermined value of 5 meters or less.

[0028] The information processing device 20 determines whether the closed environment condition is met by analyzing the captured image G acquired from each camera 90. When analyzing the captured image G, the information processing device 20 uses, for example, a trained image recognition model that has been previously machine-learned. The information processing device 20 then grasps the shape, dimensions, position, and the like of the object through image recognition. In this way, in step S30, the information processing device 20 determines whether the closed environment condition is met based on the captured image G. If at least one of the requirements (A1) and (A2) is not met, that is, if the location where the vehicle 10 is located does not meet the closed environment condition (step S30: NO), the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S200. In step S200, the information processing device 20 waits until it receives an end signal T2. If the information processing device 20 receives the end signal T2 (step S200: YES), the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S60. The details of the processing in step S60 will be described later.

[0029] On the other hand, in step S30, if both requirements (A1) and (A2) are satisfied, i.e., if the location where the vehicle 10 is located satisfies the closed environment condition (step S30: YES), the information processing device 20 performs the following startup process and then proceeds to step S40. In the startup process, the information processing device 20 activates the exhaust sensor 92 and the crank position sensor 94, which are in a sleep state. After this, the exhaust sensor 92 and the crank position sensor 94 repeatedly detect the parameters that they are intended to detect and output signals corresponding to the detected information. Note that the process of step S30 is a determination process that determines whether the location where the vehicle 10 is located satisfies the closed environment condition. The following can be said about the timing of executing this determination process. Upon receiving the start signal T1, the information processing device 20 promptly performs steps S10 and S20 and proceeds to step S30. That is, upon receiving the start signal T1, the information processing device 20 performs the determination process.

[0030] In step S40, the information processing device 20 acquires the latest information about the concentration V of the specific component from the exhaust sensor 92. The process of step S40 is a concentration acquisition process. After this, the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S50.

[0031] In step S50, the information processing device 20 determines whether the concentration V of the specific component acquired in step S40 is equal to or greater than a second threshold V2. The second threshold V2 is predetermined as a value greater than a first threshold V1, which will be described later. The second threshold V2 is predetermined as a concentration V at which exhaust emission should be stopped from a safety standpoint, even though it does not affect the human body. If the concentration V of the specific component is less than the second threshold V2 (step S50: NO), the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S110.

[0032] In step S110, the information processing device 20 determines whether the concentration V of the specific component acquired in step S40 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value V1. The first threshold value V1 is predetermined as a concentration V at which the concentration V of the specific component is still considerably low but a user warning is required for continued external power supply. If the concentration V of the specific component is less than the first threshold value V1 (step S110: NO), the information processing device 20 skips the processing of step S120, which will be described later, and proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, if the concentration V of the specific component is equal to or greater than the first threshold value V1 (step S110: YES), the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S120.

[0033] In step S120, the information processing device 20 outputs first notification information P1 and first time information Q1 to the display 80. The first notification information P1 is command information instructing the display of a message indicating that the vehicle 10 needs to be relocated in order to perform external power feeding. In other words, the first notification information P1 is information for notifying the user that the vehicle 10 needs to be relocated. The first time information Q1 is command information instructing the display of a predicted time period for which external power feeding can be continued. In other words, the first time information Q1 is information for notifying the user of the predicted time period. A method for calculating the predicted time period will be described later. The information processing device 20 continues the process of step S120 for a predetermined set time period. In other words, the information processing device 20 continues outputting the first notification information P1 and the first time information Q1 for the set time period. The set time period is, for example, 10 seconds. While the information processing device 20 continues outputting the first notification information P1 and the first time information Q1, the display 80 continues displaying an image corresponding to this information. That is, the display 80 is a device that makes a notification according to the first notification information P1 and the first time information Q1.

[0034] Furthermore, in step S120, the information processing device 20 outputs second notification information P2 and second time information Q2 to the speaker 82. The second notification information P2 is command information instructing audio guidance to the effect that the vehicle 10 needs to be relocated in order to perform external power feeding. The second time information Q2 is command information instructing audio guidance for the predicted time. Unlike the first notification information P1 and the first time information Q1, the information processing device 20 does not output the second notification information P2 and the second time information Q2 continuously over the set time, but outputs them temporarily within the set time. When the information processing device 20 outputs the second notification information P2 and the second time information Q2, the speaker 82 sequentially provides audio guidance according to this information. In other words, the speaker 82 is a device that provides notifications according to the second notification information P2 and the second time information Q2. When the set time has elapsed since the process proceeded to step S120, the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S130.

[0035] The process of step S120 described above, i.e., the process of outputting the first alarm information P1, the first time information Q1, the second alarm information P2, and the second time information Q2, is an output process. Note that the process proceeds to step S120 when the determination result of step S30 is positive (step S30: YES). That is, the information processing device 20 performs the output process on the condition that the determination result in the determination process of step S30 is positive.

[0036] In step S130, the information processing device 20 determines whether or not an end signal T2 has been received between the start of the most recent processing in step S40 and the present time. If the information processing device 20 has received the end signal T2 (step S130: YES), the information processing device 20 proceeds to the processing in step S60, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the information processing device 20 has not received the end signal T2 (step S130: NO), the information processing device 20 returns to the processing in step S40. If the situation continues in which step S130 is NO and step S50 is NO, the information processing device 20 will repeat the processing from step S40 to step S130.

[0037] Now, in step S50, if the concentration V of the specific component is equal to or greater than the second threshold value V2 (step S50: YES), the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the information processing device 20 causes the power supply device 10A to stop external power supply. That is, the information processing device 20 stops the operation of the engine 50. The information processing device 20 also causes the generator motor 52 to stop power generation operation. The information processing device 20 also switches the power supply relay 74 to an interrupted state. The information processing device 20 also switches the clutch 54 to an interrupted state. The information processing device 20 also switches the exhaust sensor 92 and the crank position sensor 94 to a sleep state. When the information processing device 20 causes the power supply device 10A to stop external power supply, the series of processes in the power supply process ends. The process of step S60 in which the operation of the engine 50 is stopped is a stop process.

[0038] <Calculation method for estimated time> In step S120, the information processing device 20 calculates a predicted time as part of the output process prior to outputting the first time information Q1 and the second time information Q2. As a premise for calculating this predicted time, the information processing device 20 adjusts the rotation speed of the engine 50 so that the power required by the external power feeding can be supplied to the electric load 104 during execution of the external power feeding. The rotation speed of the engine 50 is the rotation speed of the crankshaft 50A. The power required by the external power feeding can be specified by the user via the display 80, or can be automatically recognized by the information processing device 20 itself. Note that after the determination in step S30 is YES and the crank position sensor 94 is activated, the information processing device 20 repeatedly calculates the rotation speed of the engine 50 based on the transition of the rotation position Y of the crankshaft 50A acquired from the crank position sensor 94. The information processing device 20 also stores an exhaust map in advance. The exhaust map represents the relationship between the rotation speed of the engine 50 and the emission rate of specific components contained in the exhaust. The excretion rate of a particular component is the amount of the particular component excreted per unit time.

[0039] When calculating the predicted time, the information processing device 20 refers to the current rotation speed, which is the rotation speed of the engine 50 at the start of the processing of step S120, and the exhaust map. Then, based on the exhaust map, the information processing device 20 calculates the emission rate of the specific component corresponding to the current rotation speed as the current emission rate. After calculating the current emission rate, the information processing device 20 calculates the allowable amount. The allowable amount is a value obtained by subtracting the concentration V of the specific component acquired in the most recent step S40 from the second threshold value V2. Then, the information processing device 20 calculates the predicted time based on the allowable amount and the current emission rate. Specifically, the information processing device 20 calculates the predicted time by dividing the allowable amount by the current emission rate. The information processing device 20 calculates the predicted time in this manner. As can be seen from the calculation method of the predicted time, the predicted time is the predicted time until the concentration V of the specific component reaches the second threshold value V2. Then, the information processing device 20 calculates this predicted time based on the rotation speed of the engine 50 at the time of performing the processing of step S120. When the information processing device 20 performs step S120 for the first time after the start of the power supply process, the rotation speed of the engine 50 that is referenced in calculating the predicted time is the rotation speed of the engine 50 at the time when the concentration V of the specific component reaches the first threshold value V1. That is, in the initial processing of step S120, the information processing device 20 calculates the predicted time based on the rotation speed of the engine 50 at the time when the concentration V of the specific component reaches the first threshold value V1.

[0040] In step S120, after calculating the predicted time as described above, the information processing device 20 outputs the calculated predicted time as the first time information Q1 and the second time information Q2. <Operation of the embodiment> The flow of the power feeding process will be described below, assuming that there is no end instruction from the user. When the information processing device 20 receives a start signal T1, it causes the power feeding device 10A to start external power feeding (step S10). During execution of external power feeding, if the closed environment condition is satisfied (step S30: YES), the information processing device 20 repeats a process of acquiring a concentration V of a specific component in the atmosphere surrounding the vehicle 10 (step S40). When the concentration V of the specific component reaches a first threshold V1 (step S110: YES), the information processing device 20 outputs first notification information P1 and first time information Q1 to the display 80 (S120). In addition, the information processing device 20 outputs second notification information P2 and second time information Q2 to the speaker 82. Thereafter, the information processing device 20 repeats outputting the first notification information P1, the first time information Q1, the second notification information P2, and the second time information Q2. During this repetition, the predicted time notified through the first time information Q1 and the second time information Q2 gradually becomes shorter. When the concentration V of the specific component reaches the second threshold V2 (step S50: YES), the information processing device 20 stops the operation of the engine 50 and therefore the external power supply (step S60).

[0041] <Effects of the embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, if the location where external power feeding is to be performed is a poorly ventilated location, the user is prompted to move the location of the vehicle 10. This increases the likelihood that the user will move the vehicle 10 to a well-ventilated location and perform external power feeding.

[0042] (2) If the concentration V of the specific component in the atmosphere surrounding the vehicle 10 is extremely low, there is no problem even if external power supply is performed in a poorly ventilated location. The information processing device 20 does not take any action in such a situation. With this configuration, the implementation of external power supply is not restricted more than necessary. On the other hand, the information processing device 20 notifies the user that the vehicle 10 needs to be moved when the concentration V of the specific component becomes slightly high. By prompting the user to move the vehicle 10 at this stage, the user is more likely to move the vehicle 10 before the concentration V of the specific component in the ambient atmosphere begins to increase. This makes it possible to prevent the specific component from filling the area around the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 stops the external power supply when the concentration V of the specific component becomes slightly high. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the specific component from filling the area around the vehicle 10.

[0043] (3) When notifying the user that the vehicle 10 needs to be relocated, the information processing device 20 also notifies the user of a predicted time for which external power feeding can be continued. By notifying the user of the predicted time, the user can know how long external power feeding can be continued from now on. This makes it easier for the user to plan their future actions.

[0044] (4) When the vehicle 10 is surrounded on three sides, the area around the vehicle 10 tends to be poorly ventilated. If the engine 50 continues to run in such a location, exhaust gases are likely to fill the area around the vehicle 10. In such a location, taking measures such as providing an alert that the vehicle 10 is moving is advantageous in preventing the area around the vehicle 10 from filling up with exhaust gases.

[0045] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0046] The device that outputs the start signal T1 is not limited to the changeover switch 33. For example, the display 80 may output the start signal T1 in response to a user operation, or the user terminal 200 may output the start signal T1. As with the start signal T1, the device that outputs the end signal T2 is not limited to the changeover switch 33.

[0047] The target to which the information processing device 20 outputs the first alarm information P1 and the first time information Q1 is not limited to the display 80. The information processing device 20 may output the first alarm information P1 and the first time information Q1 to the user terminal 200 instead of or in addition to the display 80. As with the first alarm information P1 and the first time information Q1, the target to which the information processing device 20 outputs the second alarm information P2 and the second time information Q2 is not limited to the speaker 82.

[0048] It is not essential to output the first time information Q1. The same applies to the second time information Q2. It is not essential that the information processing device 20 starts the start process upon receiving the start signal T1. Regardless of whether external power feeding is to be started or not, the information processing device 20 may be configured to perform the determination process upon receiving the start signal T1. The information processing device 20 may be configured to output notification information to notify the user that the vehicle 10 needs to be relocated, provided that the determination result of the determination process is positive. The timing of outputting the notification information does not need to be related to the concentration V of the specific component.

[0049] The closed environment condition is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. The closed environment condition may be any condition that indicates that the location where the vehicle 10 is located is poorly ventilated. Among the requirements (A1) and (A2) constituting the closed environment condition, requirement (A1) may be changed to the following requirement (N). Requirement (N) is that the vehicle 10 is surrounded on all four sides (front, back, left, and right) by a continuous series of objects. When the closed environment condition is constituted by such requirement (N) and requirement (A2) of the above embodiment, the information processing device 20 may perform a selection process for selecting whether to start external power feeding, triggered by receiving the start signal T1. As shown in FIG. 3, in the selection process, the information processing device 20 first performs an information acquisition process similar to step S20 of the above embodiment. In FIG. 3, steps that perform the same processes as in FIG. 2 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIG. 2. After executing the process of step S20, the information processing device 20 performs, in step S30A, a determination process in which, in addition to a first determination of whether the location where the vehicle 10 is located satisfies the closed environment condition, a second determination of whether short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 200 and the vehicle 10 has been established. The first determination is performed by the information processing device 20 by analyzing the captured image G using an image recognition model or the like, similar to step S30 in the above embodiment. If the determination results of both the first determination and the second determination are positive (step S30A: YES), the information processing device 20 performs the process of step S120A in response to the determination results. That is, in step S120A, the information processing device 20 performs output processing to output the first alarm information P1 and the second alarm information P2, similar to step S120 in the above embodiment. At the same time, in step S120A, the information processing device 20 maintains the engine 50 in a stopped state. Then, the information processing device 20 ends the selection process. The output target of the first alarm information P1 is, for example, the display 80. The output target of the second alarm information P2 is, for example, the speaker 82. As in the above embodiment, for example, the information processing device 20 continues the process of step S120A, and in turn continues outputting the first notification information P1 for a set time, and temporarily outputs the second notification information P2 during the set time. Note that, if at least one of the first determination and the second determination in step S30A is negative (step S30A: NO), the information processing device 20 causes the power supply device 10A to start external power supply in step S10. Thereafter, the information processing device 20 ends the selection process.Thereafter, the information processing device 20 may notify the user or stop the engine 50 depending on the concentration V of the specific component, for example.

[0050] When the vehicle 10 is surrounded on all four sides, it is difficult for wind to circulate around the vehicle 10. If the engine 50 is operated in such a location, the area around the vehicle 10 may quickly become filled with exhaust gas. It is not desirable for the user to be in such an environment. Here, if short-range wireless communication is established, there is a high possibility that the user is in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the selection process, if the determination results of both the first determination and the second determination are positive, the information processing device 20 prohibits operation of the engine 50 and therefore external power supply at that time. This makes it possible to prevent the user from being in an environment that may quickly become filled with exhaust gas.

[0051] The location information is not limited to the example in the above embodiment, and may be any location information that is appropriate from the perspective of determining whether the vehicle 10 is located in a poorly ventilated location. The device for acquiring information about the location where the vehicle 10 is located is not limited to the camera 90. For example, instead of or in addition to the camera 90, a sonar that uses ultrasound to detect the distance between the vehicle 10 and objects around the vehicle 10 may be used as the device. The configuration of the device is not important as long as it can acquire information about the location where the vehicle 10 is located.

[0052] The communication standard used for short-range wireless communication is not limited to BLE. The vehicle 10 may be equipped with multiple exhaust sensors 92. These multiple exhaust sensors 92 may detect the concentrations V of different specific components. When the vehicle 10 is equipped with multiple exhaust sensors 92, it is possible to predetermine a first threshold value V1 and a second threshold value V2 for the power supply process for each specific component. When the vehicle 10 is equipped with multiple exhaust sensors 92, it is possible to predetermine an exhaust map for each specific component. The power supply process may employ the following configuration: In step S40, the information processing device 20 acquires one or more of the concentrations V of the multiple specific components. When the concentration V of any of the multiple specific components reaches the threshold value, the information processing device 20 treats the determination result of each process as YES in steps S50 and S110. When calculating the predicted time in step S120, the information processing device 20 calculates the predicted time for each specific component being detected. Then, in step S120, the information processing device 20 notifies the shortest predicted time for each specific component as the first time information Q1 and the second time information Q2. Note that it is not essential that the vehicle 10 is equipped with the exhaust sensor 92. In other words, the exhaust sensor 92 may be eliminated from the vehicle 10.

[0053] The overall configuration of the vehicle 10 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the vehicle 10 may be provided with a generator motor for propulsion in addition to the generator motor 52. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10... Vehicle 10A... Power supply device 20... Information processing device 50... Engine 52... Generator motor 104... Electric load

Claims

1. The present invention is applied to a vehicle equipped with a power supply device capable of externally supplying power to a load outside the vehicle by generating power from a generator using engine power, an information acquisition process for acquiring location information relating to a location where the vehicle is located; performing a determination process, triggered by acceptance of the execution of the external power feeding, to determine, based on the location information, whether or not a location where the vehicle is located satisfies a predetermined condition indicating that the location is a poorly ventilated location; On the condition that the determination result in the determination process is positive, an output process is performed to output notification information for notifying the user that the location of the vehicle needs to be changed. An information processing device for a vehicle.

2. When the components contained in the exhaust gas from the engine, excluding oxygen and nitrogen, are defined as specific components, When the execution of the external power feeding is accepted, a start process is performed to cause the power feeding device to start the external power feeding; During the execution of the external power feeding, a concentration acquisition process is repeatedly performed to acquire a concentration of at least one component among the specific components in the ambient atmosphere of the vehicle; If the determination result in the determination process is positive, When the density reaches a predetermined first threshold, the output process is performed; When the concentration reaches a second threshold value that is a value greater than the first threshold value and is predetermined, a stop process is performed to stop the operation of the engine. The vehicle information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. In the output process, a predicted time until the concentration reaches the second threshold is calculated based on the engine rotation speed at the time when the concentration reaches the first threshold, and time information for notifying a user of the calculated predicted time is output together with the notification information. The vehicle information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the location information relates to a positional relationship between the vehicle and an object located outside the vehicle, The condition indicating that the location is poorly ventilated is that the vehicle is surrounded by a continuous object from at least three directions, i.e., the front, rear, left, and right, and that the distance between the vehicle and the object in each of the three directions is equal to or less than a predetermined judgment distance.

3. The information processing device for a vehicle according to claim 1.

5. the location information relates to a positional relationship between the vehicle and an object located outside the vehicle, The condition indicating that the location is poorly ventilated is that the vehicle is surrounded by a continuous series of objects from four directions, i.e., front, rear, left, and right, and that the distance between the vehicle and the objects in each of the four directions is equal to or less than a predetermined judgment distance, In the determination process, in addition to a first determination of whether the condition indicating that the location is poorly ventilated is satisfied, a second determination of whether wireless communication between an operation terminal held by a user and the vehicle is established is performed; When the determination results of both the first determination and the second determination are positive, the output processing is performed and the engine is maintained in a stopped state in response to the determination results. The vehicle information processing device according to claim 1 .

Images