Control system, control device, and control method

Abstract

To raise awareness of a vehicle's traveling mode by presenting an appropriate traveling mode (recommended mode) to a user who is not aware of the vehicle's traveling.SOLUTION: A control system for controlling a vehicle that can be set to a first traveling mode and a second traveling mode that has a lower environmental load than that of the first traveling mode includes: a determination unit 26 configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a second traveling mode recommended state in which it is recommended to set the vehicle to the second traveling mode; and a recommendation processing unit 28 that can execute recommendation processing to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the vehicle be set to the second traveling mode when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in the second traveling mode recommended state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system, a management device, and a management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control device for a hybrid vehicle that switches the control mode of the hybrid system depending on the driving situation and the driving preferences of the driver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7234562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is preferable to drive a vehicle in an appropriate driving mode, but many users are not aware of the driving mode of their vehicle.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a management system that manages a vehicle, wherein the driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode and a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode, and the management system includes: a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode; and a recommendation processing unit that, when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state, executes a recommendation process to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a management device that manages vehicles, wherein the driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode or a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode, and the management device includes: a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode; and a recommendation processing unit that, when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state, executes a recommendation process to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a management method for managing a vehicle, wherein the driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode and a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode, and the management method includes: a determination step for determining whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode; and a recommendation processing step for executing a recommendation process to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode when it is determined in the determination step that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to raise the user's awareness regarding the driving mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a process for recommending the second driving mode in the vehicle. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a management device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a management device having a first additional function. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a management device having a second additional function. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a management device having a third additional function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Recently, there has been a demand for reducing environmental impact. To contribute to reducing environmental impact, some vehicles can be set to a driving mode with low environmental impact. Examples of a driving mode with low environmental impact include, but are not limited to, a driving mode with low energy consumption. The following describes an embodiment in which it is appropriately recommended that a vehicle be driven in a driving mode with low environmental impact.

[0012] [1 First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a management system 10 that appropriately notifies a user of a vehicle 14 of a message recommending that the user drive in a driving mode that places a low burden on the environment will be described.

[0013] [1-1 Overall configuration of management system 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system 10 according to a first embodiment. The management system 10 includes a management device 12 and one or more vehicles 14. In the embodiment described below, there are multiple vehicles 14. The management device 12 can be connected to a communication line 16, such as the Internet, via a wire. The management device 12 can also be connected to the communication line 16 wirelessly. Meanwhile, the vehicle 14 can be connected to the communication line 16, such as the Internet, wirelessly. The management device 12 and the vehicle 14 can communicate bidirectionally via the communication line 16.

[0014] The vehicle 14 is equipped with, for example, an internal combustion engine (not shown), but is not limited to this. The vehicle 14 can set the driving mode to a first driving mode or a second driving mode to operate the drive source. The second driving mode has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode. For example, the first driving mode is a normal mode. For example, the second driving mode is an energy-saving mode. The driving mode can be set by operating a driving mode change switch 18 provided in the vehicle 14. The driving mode change switch 18 is operated by the user of the vehicle 14. For example, when the driving mode change switch 18 is not turned on, the driving mode of the vehicle 14 is set to the first driving mode. For example, when the driving mode change switch 18 is turned on, the driving mode of the vehicle 14 is set to the second driving mode.

[0015] [1-2 Configuration of management device 12] 2 is a functional block diagram of the management device 12 according to the first embodiment. The management device 12 includes a calculation unit 20 and a storage unit 22. The management device 12 may be configured by a computer such as a server, for example.

[0016] The calculation unit 20 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the calculation unit 20 may be configured by processing circuitry. At least a part of the calculation unit 20 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the calculation unit 20 may be realized by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0017] The calculation unit 20 includes an acquisition unit 24, a determination unit 26, and a recommendation processing unit 28. The acquisition unit 24, the determination unit 26, and the recommendation processing unit 28 can be realized by the calculation unit 20 executing a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0018] The acquisition unit 24 acquires various information via the communication line 16. For example, the acquisition unit 24 acquires vehicle information, which will be described later, from the vehicle 14. The determination unit 26 determines whether the vehicle 14 is in a state in which it is recommended to set the driving mode to the second driving mode. In this specification, a state in which it is recommended to set the driving mode of the vehicle 14 to the second driving mode is referred to as a second driving mode recommended state. When the determination unit 26 determines that the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state, the recommendation processing unit 28 executes recommendation processing to recommend to the user of the vehicle 14 that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode.

[0019] The storage unit 22 is a computer-readable storage medium. The storage unit 22 is composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. Data, etc. are stored in, for example, the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc. are stored in, for example, the non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 22 may be provided in the above-mentioned processor, integrated circuit, etc.

[0020] The memory unit 22 stores in advance determination information for determining whether the second driving mode is recommended. The memory unit 22 stores, for example, information related to roads, temperatures, and seasons as the determination information. For example, on certain roads, such as suburban roads, flat roads, and expressways, the output fluctuations of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle 14 are relatively small. Therefore, the vehicle 14 can reduce fuel consumption by setting the driving mode to the second driving mode and driving on certain roads. Furthermore, in temperature environments that are neither high nor low, or in seasons such as spring and autumn, the temperature adjustment range of the air conditioning system is relatively small, and the output fluctuations of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle 14 for operating the air conditioning system are also relatively small. Therefore, the vehicle 14 can reduce fuel consumption by setting the driving mode to the second driving mode and driving in certain temperature environments or in certain seasons. The acquisition unit 24 acquires this information from multiple vehicles 14, and the determination unit 26 determines whether the environment of the host vehicle is generally in a state where the second driving mode is recommended. Furthermore, the determination unit 26 may directly use the driving mode selected by the other vehicle as the determination information. As described above, the storage unit 22 stores at least one of a specific road, a specific temperature environment, and a specific season as the determination information for determining whether the second driving mode is recommended.

[0021] [1-3 Vehicle 14 Configuration] 3 is a functional block diagram of the vehicle 14. The vehicle 14 includes a communication unit 30, a detection unit 32, a display unit 34, an audio unit 36, a calculation unit 38, and a storage unit 40.

[0022] The communication unit 30 may be configured by, for example, a communication module (integrated circuit module) such as a TCU (Telematics Control Unit). The TCU includes a communication circuit for performing two-way communication with the management device 12 via the communication line 16, and a receiving circuit for a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0023] The detection unit 32 may be composed of multiple sensors. The sensors detect the state of the detection target parts of the vehicle 14. For example, a switch sensor included in the detection unit 32 detects the ON operation of the driving mode change switch 18 (detection target part). For example, a pressure sensor included in the detection unit 32 detects the pressure value of the fuel injected by the fuel injection system (detection target part) provided in the vehicle 14. For example, a temperature sensor included in the detection unit 32 detects the temperature of the passenger compartment (detection target part).

[0024] The display unit 34 may be configured, for example, by a display device that displays images. The audio unit 36 ​​may be configured, for example, by an audio device (including an amplifier, a speaker, etc.) that outputs sound.

[0025] The calculation unit 38 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. That is, the calculation unit 38 may be configured by a processing circuit. At least a part of the calculation unit 38 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. At least a part of the calculation unit 38 may be realized by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0026] The calculation unit 38 includes an acquisition unit 42, a display control unit 44, an audio control unit 46, a communication control unit 48, and a driving mode control unit 50. The acquisition unit 42, the display control unit 44, the audio control unit 46, the communication control unit 48, and the driving mode control unit 50 can be realized by the calculation unit 38 executing a program stored in the storage unit 40.

[0027] The acquisition unit 42 acquires status information indicating the status of the vehicle 14. For example, the acquisition unit 42 acquires status information indicating the status of each detected part of the vehicle 14 from each sensor of the detection unit 32. The acquisition unit 42 also acquires position information indicating the position of the vehicle 14 from the GNSS receiving circuit of the communication unit 30. The acquisition unit 42 generates vehicle information including the acquired status information and the acquired position information. The vehicle information is information regarding the status of the vehicle 14. The vehicle information is also referred to as FCD (floating car data), probe data, etc.

[0028] The display control unit 44 can cause a notification device such as the display unit 34 to display a message based on the notification information acquired from the management device 12. The audio control unit 46 can cause the audio device of the audio unit 36 ​​to output a message based on the notification information acquired from the management device 12. The communication control unit 48 can perform processing to acquire notification information from the management device 12 and processing to transmit vehicle information to the management device 12 using the communication module of the communication unit 30. The driving mode control unit 50 sets the driving mode of the vehicle 14 to either a first driving mode or a second driving mode.

[0029] The storage unit 40 is a computer-readable storage medium. The storage unit 40 is composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a ROM, a flash memory, etc. Data, etc. are stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc. are stored in the non-volatile memory, for example. At least a part of the storage unit 40 may be provided in the above-mentioned processor, integrated circuit, etc.

[0030] [1-4 Processing for recommending the second driving mode in vehicle 14] 4 is a sequence diagram of a process for recommending the second driving mode in the vehicle 14. The series of processes described below are performed at predetermined time intervals. Note that FIG. 4 shows the process performed by the management device 12 and one vehicle 14. The management device 12 and each vehicle 14 execute the series of processes shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] In step S1, the acquisition unit 42 of the vehicle 14 acquires state information from each sensor of the detection unit 32. The acquisition unit 42 also acquires position information of the vehicle 14 from the GNSS receiving circuit. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 42 generates vehicle information including the acquired state information and the acquired position information.

[0032] In step S2, the communication control unit 48 of the vehicle 14 performs a transmission process to transmit the vehicle information generated by the acquisition unit 42 to the management device 12. As a result, the communication unit 30 of the vehicle 14 transmits the vehicle information to the management device 12 via the communication line 16.

[0033] In step S3, the acquisition unit 24 of the management device 12 acquires the vehicle information.

[0034] In step S4, the determination unit 26 of the management device 12 determines whether the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state. For example, the determination unit 26 determines whether the driving mode change switch 18 is turned on based on state information related to the driving mode change switch 18 included in the vehicle information. If the driving mode change switch 18 is not turned on, the determination unit 26 determines that the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state. On the other hand, if the driving mode change switch 18 is turned on, the determination unit 26 determines that the vehicle 14 is not in the second driving mode recommended state. Note that the determination unit 26 may make a determination based on the determination information stored in the memory unit 40 in addition to determining whether the driving mode change switch 18 is turned on (first determination). For example, the determination unit 26 may further perform the following second to fourth determinations on the vehicle 14 for which it has been determined that the driving mode change switch 18 is not turned on.

[0035] The determination unit 26 may perform a second determination of whether the vehicle 14 is traveling on a specific road (such as a highway) based on the position information of the vehicle 14 included in the vehicle information and the information about the specific road included in the determination information. For example, when the vehicle 14 is traveling on a specific road, the determination unit 26 determines that the vehicle 14 is in a second driving mode recommended state.

[0036] The determination unit 26 may perform a third determination of whether the vehicle interior is in a specific temperature environment based on the vehicle interior temperature information included in the vehicle information and the information on the specific temperature environment included in the determination information. For example, the determination unit 26 determines that the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state when the vehicle interior temperature environment is the specific temperature environment.

[0037] The determination unit 26 may perform a fourth determination of whether the current season is a specific season based on current date and time information (such as the system date) and information about the specific season included in the determination information. For example, if the current season is a specific season, the determination unit 26 determines that the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state.

[0038] Furthermore, the determination unit 26 may perform the second to fourth determinations comprehensively, rather than stepwise, in a stepwise manner. For example, the determination unit 26 may determine whether the second driving mode is recommended for the vehicle 14 by comprehensively considering which driving mode is optimal for this season, this time of day, this temperature, and this route, based on various driving history data previously acquired by multiple vehicles 14.

[0039] In step S4, if the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state (step S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the vehicle 14 is not in the second driving mode recommended state (step S4: NO), the process ends.

[0040] When the process moves from step S4 to step S5, the recommendation processing unit 28 of the management device 12 executes recommendation processing to recommend to the user of the vehicle 14 that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode. For example, the recommendation processing unit 28 performs processing to transmit notification information to the vehicle 14 to notify the user of the vehicle 14 of a message such as "We recommend that you set the driving mode to the second driving mode." The notification information may be information for displaying the message on a screen or information for outputting the message by voice.

[0041] In step S6, notification information is transmitted to the vehicle 14 via the communication line 16 by the recommendation process performed by the recommendation processor 28.

[0042] In step S7, the acquisition unit 42 of the vehicle 14 acquires the notification information.

[0043] In step S8, the display control unit 44 of the vehicle 14 displays a message on the display device of the display unit 34 based on the notification information acquired by the acquisition unit 42. Alternatively, the audio control unit 46 of the vehicle 14 outputs a message from the audio device of the audio unit 36 ​​based on the notification information acquired by the acquisition unit 42.

[0044] Through the above process, a message recommending the second driving mode is notified to the user of the vehicle 14 whose driving mode is not set to the second driving mode.

[0045] [1-5 Effects of the first embodiment] In the first embodiment, a message is sent to a user of the vehicle 14 whose driving mode is not set to the second driving mode, encouraging the user to set the driving mode to the second driving mode. This recommendation can raise the user's awareness of the driving mode. If the user sets the driving mode to the second driving mode in response to this recommendation, the vehicle 14 after the setting change will run in a driving mode that has a low environmental impact. As a result, exhaust gas emissions from the vehicle 14 are suppressed, contributing to a reduction in the environmental impact.

[0046] According to the first embodiment, the management device 12 can manage information acquired from a plurality of vehicles 14. Therefore, it is possible to analyze the recommendation results for a plurality of vehicles 14.

[0047] In the first embodiment, when the driving mode of the vehicle 14 is not set to the second driving mode, the determination unit 26 determines whether the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state. In other words, when the driving mode of the vehicle 14 is set to the second driving mode, the determination unit 26 does not need to determine whether the vehicle 14 is in the second driving mode recommended state. This reduces the calculation load on the determination unit 26.

[0048] [2 Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, a management system 10 will be described that notifies the user of the vehicle 14 of the setting ratio of the second driving mode on the driving route of the vehicle 14. Regarding the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0049] 5 is a functional block diagram of the management device 12 according to the second embodiment. The calculation unit 20 includes an acquisition unit 24, a determination unit 26, a recommendation processing unit 28, and an analysis unit 52. The acquisition unit 24, the determination unit 26, the recommendation processing unit 28, and the analysis unit 52 can be realized by the calculation unit 20 executing a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0050] The analysis unit 52 analyzes the setting ratio of the second driving mode in the same environment on the route on which the vehicle 14 is traveling. For example, the analysis unit 52 calculates the setting ratio of the second driving mode as follows.

[0051] Vehicles 14 transmit vehicle information to management device 12 at predetermined time intervals while traveling. Acquisition unit 24 of management device 12 stores the acquired vehicle information in memory unit 22. In this way, memory unit 22 of management device 12 stores time-series vehicle information, i.e., time-series location information, of each vehicle 14. The time-series location information corresponds to information about the route traveled by vehicle 14 (referred to as route information).

[0052] The analysis unit 52 calculates the setting ratio of the second driving mode for each route (each road) based on the route information of each vehicle 14 stored in the memory unit 22. Note that the route does not need to include the entire portion from the travel start position to the travel end position of the vehicle 14. The route may be a portion of the portion between the travel start position and the travel end position of the vehicle 14.

[0053] The analysis unit 52 counts the number of vehicles 14 that have traveled on each route. This number of vehicles 14 is referred to as the first number. Furthermore, the analysis unit 52 counts, for each route, the number of vehicles 14 that have set their travel mode to the second travel mode among the vehicles 14 that have traveled on each route. This number of vehicles 14 is referred to as the second number. The analysis unit 52 calculates the setting ratio of the second travel mode (second number / first number) for each route.

[0054] The analysis unit 52 may calculate the setting percentage of the second driving mode for each temperature environment instead of calculating the setting percentage of the second driving mode for each route.The analysis unit 52 may also calculate the setting percentage of the second driving mode for each season.

[0055] 4, the recommendation processing unit 28 performs processing to transmit notification information for notifying (providing) the setting percentage of the second driving mode calculated by the analysis unit 52 to the vehicle 14. In this case, in step S8, the display control unit 44 of the vehicle 14 causes the display device of the display unit 34 to display the setting percentage of the second driving mode based on the notification information acquired by the acquisition unit 42. Alternatively, the audio control unit 46 of the vehicle 14 causes the audio device of the audio unit 36 ​​to output the setting percentage of the second driving mode based on the notification information acquired by the acquisition unit 42.

[0056] In the second embodiment, a user of a vehicle 14 whose driving mode is not set to the second driving mode is notified (provided) of the setting percentage of the second driving mode, thereby recommending that the user set the driving mode to the second driving mode. This recommendation can raise the user's awareness of the driving mode. If the user sets the driving mode to the second driving mode in response to this recommendation, the vehicle 14 after the setting change will run in a driving mode that has a low environmental impact. As a result, exhaust gas from the vehicle 14 is suppressed, which can contribute to reducing the environmental impact.

[0057] [3 Additional Features] The management device 12 according to the first and second embodiments may have additional functions. The following describes a management device 12 having additional functions. Note that the following describes a case where the management device 12 according to the first embodiment has additional functions, but the management device 12 according to the second embodiment may also have additional functions.

[0058] [3-1 First additional function] 6 is a functional block diagram of management device 12 having a first additional function. Calculation unit 20 includes acquisition unit 24, determination unit 26, recommendation processing unit 28, and calculation unit 54. Acquisition unit 24, determination unit 26, recommendation processing unit 28, and calculation unit 54 can be realized by calculation unit 20 executing a program stored in storage unit 22.

[0059] In the following description, a vehicle 14 whose setting has been changed to the second driving mode after the second driving mode has been recommended will be referred to as a first vehicle 14. A vehicle 14 of the same model as the first vehicle 14 whose setting has not been changed to the second driving mode will be referred to as a second vehicle 14. It is preferable that the driving environment (route, temperature, season, etc.) of the first vehicle 14 and the driving environment of the second vehicle 14 are the same.

[0060] After recommending the second driving mode, the calculation unit 54 calculates the effect of reducing the environmental load when the driving mode of the vehicle 14 is set to the second driving mode. For example, the calculation unit 54 compares the fuel injection amount of the first vehicle 14 with the fuel injection amount of the second vehicle 14. The calculation unit 54 may calculate the fuel injection amount based on a fuel pressure value included in the vehicle information. The calculation unit 54 calculates the ratio between the fuel injection amount of the first vehicle 14 and the fuel injection amount of the second vehicle 14. The ratio calculated by the calculation unit 54 corresponds to the reduction ratio of the fuel injection amount when the driving mode is set to the second driving mode. The calculation unit 54 stores the calculation result in the storage unit 22.

[0061] The recommendation processing unit 28 may add the calculation result by the calculation unit 54 to the notification information during the recommendation processing in step S5 of FIG.

[0062] The first additional function can provide information for determining to what extent the recommendation of the second driving mode will contribute to reducing the environmental load.

[0063] [3-2 Second additional function] 7 is a functional block diagram of management device 12 having a second additional function. Computing unit 20 includes acquisition unit 24, determination unit 26, recommendation processing unit 28, and monitoring unit 56. Acquisition unit 24, determination unit 26, recommendation processing unit 28, and monitoring unit 56 can be realized by computing unit 20 executing a program stored in storage unit 22.

[0064] The monitoring unit 56 monitors whether the second driving mode has been set by the user in response to the recommendation processing by the recommendation processing unit 28. For example, after the recommendation processing by the recommendation processing unit 28 is performed, the monitoring unit 56 monitors the setting state of the driving mode in the vehicle 14 based on vehicle information acquired from the vehicle 14 for which the second driving mode was recommended. The monitoring unit 56 calculates the percentage of vehicles 14 for which the setting has been changed to the second driving mode out of all vehicles 14 for which the second driving mode was recommended. The monitoring unit 56 stores the calculation result in the storage unit 22.

[0065] The second additional function allows the user to understand the impact that the recommendation of the second driving mode will have on the user.

[0066] [3-3 Third additional function] 8 is a functional block diagram of the management device 12 having the third additional function. The third additional function is an embodiment in which the first additional function is added to the second additional function.

[0067] In the following description, a vehicle 14 whose setting has been changed to the second driving mode after the second driving mode has been recommended will be referred to as a first vehicle 14. A vehicle 14 of the same model as the first vehicle 14 whose setting has not been changed to the second driving mode will be referred to as a second vehicle 14. It is preferable that the driving environment (route, temperature, season, etc.) of the first vehicle 14 and the driving environment of the second vehicle 14 are the same.

[0068] The calculation unit 54 calculates the degree of reduction in environmental load based on the recommended processing by the recommendation processing unit 28 based on the monitoring results by the monitoring unit 56. For example, the calculation unit 54 calculates the ratio between the total value of the fuel injection amounts of a predetermined number of first vehicles 14 and the total value of the fuel injection amounts of a predetermined number of second vehicles 14. The ratio calculated by the calculation unit 54 corresponds to the degree of reduction in environmental load based on the recommended processing. The calculation unit 54 stores the calculation result in the memory unit 22.

[0069] The third additional function can provide information for determining to what extent the recommendation of the second driving mode contributes to reducing the environmental load.

[0070] [4 Variations] At least one of the determination unit 26, recommendation processing unit 28, analysis unit 52, calculation unit 54 and monitoring unit 56 provided in the calculation unit 20 of the management device 12 may be provided in the calculation unit 38 of the vehicle 14.

[0071] [5 Notes] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0072] (Appendix 1) The management system (10) of the present disclosure is a management system for managing a vehicle (14), in which the driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode and a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode, and includes a determination unit (26) that determines whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode, and a recommendation processing unit (28) that can execute recommendation processing to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state.

[0073] In the configuration of Supplementary Note 1, a user of a vehicle whose driving mode is not set to the second driving mode is recommended to set the driving mode to the second driving mode. This recommendation can raise the user's awareness regarding the driving mode. If the user sets the driving mode to the second driving mode in response to this recommendation, the vehicle will run in a driving mode with a lower environmental impact after the setting change. As a result, vehicle exhaust gases are suppressed, which can contribute to reducing the environmental impact.

[0074] In other words, the configuration of Supplementary Note 1 can contribute to energy efficiency and improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

[0075] (Appendix 2) The management system according to Supplementary Note 1 may further include a management device (12) capable of communicating with the vehicle, and the determination unit may be provided in the management device.

[0076] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 2, the management device can manage information acquired from a plurality of vehicles, which allows the recommendation results to be analyzed for a plurality of vehicles.

[0077] (Appendix 3) In the management system described in Supplementary Note 2, the determination unit may determine whether the vehicle is in the second recommended driving mode state based on vehicle information including information related to the state of the vehicle.

[0078] (Appendix 4) In the management system described in Supplementary Note 3, the vehicle information may include information indicating whether the driving mode of the vehicle is set to the second driving mode, and if the driving mode of the vehicle is not set to the second driving mode, the determination unit may determine whether the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state.

[0079] In the configuration of Supplementary Note 4, when the vehicle's driving mode is not set to the second driving mode, the determination unit determines whether the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state. In other words, when the vehicle's driving mode is set to the second driving mode, the determination unit does not need to determine whether the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state. This reduces the calculation load on the determination unit.

[0080] (Appendix 5) In the management system described in Supplementary Note 1, the recommendation processing unit may execute the recommendation processing when the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state and the driving mode of the vehicle is not set to the second driving mode.

[0081] (Appendix 6) The management system described in Appendix 1 may further include an analysis unit (52) that analyzes the setting ratio of the second driving mode in the same environment on the route on which the vehicle is traveling, and the recommendation processing unit may provide the setting ratio analyzed by the analysis unit to the user.

[0082] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 6, by providing the setting ratio of the second driving mode, it is possible to recommend setting the driving mode to the second driving mode. This recommendation can raise the user's awareness regarding the driving mode.

[0083] (Appendix 7) In the management system described in Supplementary Note 6, the analysis unit may analyze the set ratio based on vehicle information including information on a state of the vehicle.

[0084] (Appendix 8) The management system according to Supplementary Note 1 may further include a calculation unit (54) that calculates an effect of reducing environmental load when the driving mode of the vehicle is set to the second driving mode.

[0085] The configuration of Supplementary Note 8 can provide information for determining the extent to which recommending the second driving mode contributes to reducing environmental load.

[0086] (Appendix 9) The management system described in Supplementary Note 1 may further include a monitoring unit (56) that monitors whether the second driving mode has been set by the user in response to the recommendation process by the recommendation processing unit.

[0087] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 9, the influence that the recommendation of the second driving mode has on the user can be determined.

[0088] (Appendix 10) The management system according to Supplementary Note 9 may further include a calculation unit that calculates a degree of reduction in environmental load based on the recommended process by the recommendation processing unit based on a monitoring result by the monitoring unit.

[0089] The configuration of Supplementary Note 10 can provide information for determining to what extent the recommendation of the second driving mode contributes to reducing environmental load.

[0090] (Appendix 11) The management device disclosed herein is a management device that manages vehicles, and the driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode or a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode.The management device includes a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state, in which it is recommended that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode, and a recommendation processing unit that, when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state, can execute a recommendation process to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode.

[0091] (Appendix 12) The management method disclosed herein is a management method for managing a vehicle, wherein the driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode or a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode, and includes a determination step for determining whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode, and a recommendation processing step for executing a recommendation process to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode when it is determined in the determination step that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state.

[0092] As with the configuration of Supplementary Note 1, in the configurations of Supplementary Note 11 and Supplementary Note 12, a user of a vehicle whose driving mode is not set to the second driving mode is recommended to set the driving mode to the second driving mode. This recommendation can raise the user's awareness of the driving mode. If the user sets the driving mode to the second driving mode in response to this recommendation, the vehicle after the setting change will run in a driving mode with a lower environmental impact. As a result, vehicle exhaust gases are suppressed, which can contribute to reducing the environmental impact.

[0093] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10...Management system 12...Management device 14...Vehicle 26...Judgment unit 28...Recommendation processing unit 52...Analysis unit 54...Calculation section 56...Monitoring section

Claims

1. A management system for managing vehicles, a driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode and a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode; a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended to set the driving mode to the second driving mode; a recommendation processing unit that, when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state, executes a recommendation process to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode; A management system comprising:

2. 2. The management system according to claim 1, Further, a management device capable of communicating with the vehicle is provided. The determination unit is provided in the management device.

3. 3. The management system according to claim 2, The determination unit determines whether the vehicle is in the second recommended driving mode state based on vehicle information including information about the state of the vehicle.

4. 4. The management system according to claim 3, the vehicle information includes information indicating whether the driving mode of the vehicle is set to the second driving mode; When the driving mode of the vehicle is not set to the second driving mode, the determination unit determines whether the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state.

5. 2. The management system according to claim 1, The recommendation processing unit executes the recommendation processing when the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state and the driving mode of the vehicle is not set to the second driving mode.

6. 2. The management system according to claim 1, an analysis unit that analyzes a setting ratio of the second driving mode in the same environment on the route on which the vehicle is traveling, The recommendation processing unit provides the setting ratio analyzed by the analysis unit to the user.

7. 7. The management system according to claim 6, The analysis unit analyzes the set ratio based on vehicle information including information about the state of the vehicle.

8. 2. The management system according to claim 1, The management system further includes a calculation unit that calculates an effect of reducing environmental load when the driving mode of the vehicle is set to the second driving mode.

9. 2. The management system according to claim 1, The management system further includes a monitoring unit that monitors whether the second driving mode has been set by the user in response to the recommendation process by the recommendation processing unit.

10. 10. The management system according to claim 9, The management system further comprises a calculation unit that calculates a degree of reduction in environmental load based on the recommended process by the recommendation processing unit based on a monitoring result by the monitoring unit.

11. A management device that manages vehicles, a driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode and a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode; a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended to set the driving mode to the second driving mode; a recommendation processing unit that, when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state, executes a recommendation process to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode; A management device comprising:

12. A vehicle management method, comprising: a driving mode of the vehicle can be set to a first driving mode and a second driving mode that has a lower environmental impact than the first driving mode; a determination step of determining whether the vehicle is in a second driving mode recommended state in which it is recommended to set the driving mode to the second driving mode; a recommendation processing step of executing a recommendation processing to recommend to a user of the vehicle that the driving mode be set to the second driving mode when it is determined in the determination step that the vehicle is in the second driving mode recommended state; A management method comprising:

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