Information processing device

Abstract

It is inconvenient for users because it is not clear how much a removable hydrogen tank can be used with each hydrogen consuming device. [Solution] The information processing device includes a memory unit in which information on multiple hydrogen consuming devices that operate by receiving hydrogen from a removable hydrogen tank is registered, a remaining amount acquisition unit that acquires the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank based on information transmitted from a hydrogen consuming device among the multiple hydrogen consuming devices that is equipped with a hydrogen tank, a calculation unit that calculates the operable amount of each of the multiple hydrogen consuming devices based on the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit, and a display control unit that displays the calculation results by the calculation unit on a specified display unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to information processing related to the use of hydrogen tanks. [Background technology]

[0002] Detachable hydrogen tanks that can be attached to and detached from hydrogen-consuming devices that consume hydrogen are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a hydrogen-fueled fuel cell and a hydrogen cooker. According to Patent Document 1, the fuel cell vehicle has a detachable hydrogen tank, and hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell and the hydrogen cooker from the hydrogen tank attached to the fuel cell vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-56869 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A user can use a removable hydrogen tank with various hydrogen consuming devices, for example, by attaching it to one hydrogen consuming device and then removing it and attaching it to another hydrogen consuming device. In this type of usage scenario, it would be inconvenient for the user if they did not know how much hydrogen can be used with each hydrogen consuming device when the hydrogen tank is attached. This specification presents a technique for improving convenience for users who use a detachable hydrogen tank with a hydrogen-consuming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses an information processing device that includes a storage unit that stores information about a plurality of hydrogen consuming devices that operate by receiving a supply of hydrogen from a detachable hydrogen tank, a remaining amount acquisition unit that acquires the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank based on information transmitted from one of the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices to which the hydrogen tank is attached, a calculation unit that calculates the operable amount of each of the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices based on the remaining amount of hydrogen acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit, and a display control unit that displays the calculation results by the calculation unit on a predetermined display.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the information processing device calculates the operable amount of each of the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices based on the remaining amount of hydrogen acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit, and displays the calculation result on the display unit, thereby enabling the user to know how much of each of the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices can be used when a detachable hydrogen tank is attached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified system configuration of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the hydrogen consuming device and the information processing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of a history of remaining hydrogen amount. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrogen tank information screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the hydrogen tank information screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is merely an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the contents shown in the drawings. Also, since each drawing is an example, some parts may be omitted.

[0009] (First Example) FIG. 1 shows a simplified configuration of a system 10 according to a first embodiment. The system 10 includes a hydrogen tank 20, a hydrogen consuming device 30, and an information processing device 40. The hydrogen tank 20 is filled with hydrogen. The hydrogen tank 20 is a removable hydrogen tank. A user can attach the hydrogen tank 20 to a connection port 31 of a desired hydrogen consuming device 30, or detach it from the connection port 31 of the hydrogen consuming device 30. The hydrogen tank 20 may be referred to as a hydrogen cartridge, for example.

[0010] A tag 21 is attached to the hydrogen tank 20. Unique identification information (hereinafter referred to as the hydrogen tank ID) for identifying the individual hydrogen tank 20 is printed or written on the tag 21. The hydrogen tank ID may be a character string that can be read by a user. Alternatively, the hydrogen tank ID may be written in a code 22 such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, and the code 22 may be printed on the tag 21.

[0011] The hydrogen consuming device 30 can be operated by receiving a supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 20 attached to the connection port 31. The hydrogen consuming device 30 is, for example, a mobile object, a generator, a hydrogen cooker, or the like that uses hydrogen as fuel. Mobile objects include various types such as four-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, golf carts, as well as ships and aircraft. The hydrogen consuming device 30 includes a hydrogen consuming unit 33 that actually consumes hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank 20 through the connection port 31 and the flow path 32. The hydrogen consuming unit 33 may be, for example, a fuel cell or hydrogen engine mounted on the mobile object or the like, or a hydrogen stove provided in a hydrogen cooker. One hydrogen consuming device 30 may be configured to include multiple hydrogen consuming units 33.

[0012] Although it is sufficient for the hydrogen consuming device 30 to have at least one connection port 31, in the example of Figure 1, the hydrogen consuming device 30 has multiple connection ports 31. A user can attach and detach the hydrogen tank 20 to each of the multiple connection ports 31. The flow path 32 has a common flow path 32a connected to the hydrogen consuming unit 33, and branch flow paths 32b that branch off between the common flow path 32a and each connection port 31 in correspondence with each connection port 31. The branch flow paths 32b are provided with valves 34 that correspond one-to-one to the connection ports 31 and open and close the branch flow paths 32b. The valves 34 are, for example, solenoid valves.

[0013] Furthermore, the hydrogen consuming device 30 is equipped with a pressure sensor 35, a temperature sensor 36, a first control unit 37, a first wireless communication unit 38, etc. The first control unit 37 is a type of controller that controls the hydrogen consuming device 30, and includes, for example, at least one of the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) mounted on the hydrogen consuming device 30. The first control unit 37 can control the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device 33 for each hydrogen tank 20 by individually opening and closing the valves 34 that correspond one-to-one to the connection ports 31.

[0014] The pressure sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 36 are attached to the common flow path 32a. The pressure sensor 35 detects the gas pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the common flow path 32a. The temperature sensor 36 detects the gas temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing through the common flow path 32a. The detection results of the pressure sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 36 are output to the first control unit 37.

[0015] The multiple hydrogen tanks 20 shown in Figure 1 may be distinguished by being referred to as hydrogen tanks 20a and 20b. Furthermore, the connection port 31 to which hydrogen tank 20a is attached will be referred to as connection port 31a, and the valve 34 corresponding to connection port 31a will be referred to as valve 34a. Similarly, the connection port 31 to which hydrogen tank 20b is attached will be referred to as connection port 31b, and the valve 34 corresponding to connection port 31b will be referred to as valve 34b. The first control unit 37 can obtain the gas pressure and gas temperature for each of the multiple hydrogen tanks 20 by individually opening and closing the valves 34 that correspond one-to-one to the connection ports 31.

[0016] 1, first control unit 37 closes valve 34b and opens valve 34a, thereby causing pressure sensor 35 to detect the gas pressure of hydrogen tank 20a and temperature sensor 36 to detect the gas temperature of hydrogen tank 20a. In this way, first control unit 37 obtains the gas pressure and gas temperature of hydrogen tank 20a. Similarly, first control unit 37 closes valve 34a and opens valve 34b, thereby causing pressure sensor 35 to detect the gas pressure of hydrogen tank 20b and temperature sensor 36 to detect the gas temperature of hydrogen tank 20b. In this way, first control unit 37 obtains the gas pressure and gas temperature of hydrogen tank 20b.

[0017] The first control unit 37 calculates the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 20 based on the gas pressure and gas temperature. The first control unit 37 can calculate the remaining amount of hydrogen, for example, by inputting the gas pressure and gas temperature into a preset function or table. A well-known method can be used to calculate the remaining amount of hydrogen based on the gas pressure and gas temperature, so details will be omitted. In any case, the first control unit 37 can calculate the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 20a based on the gas pressure and gas temperature of the hydrogen tank 20a obtained from the pressure sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 36. Similarly, the first control unit 37 can calculate the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 20b based on the gas pressure and gas temperature of the hydrogen tank 20b obtained from the pressure sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 36.

[0018] The first wireless communication unit 38 is a general term for an interface that allows the hydrogen consuming device 30 to perform wireless communication. Wireless communication includes so-called short-range wireless communication and communication via a network line. The first wireless communication unit 38 is capable of communicating with the information processing device 40 and external devices other than the information processing device 40.

[0019] The information processing device 40 includes a second control unit 41, a second wireless communication unit 42, a storage unit 43, a display unit 44, an operation reception unit 45, etc. The second control unit 41 includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program 46 stored in the memory or the like to function as, for example, a remaining amount acquisition unit 46a, a calculation unit 46b, an estimation unit 46c, an evaluation unit 46d, a display control unit 46e, etc. The program 46 can be considered as one of the applications installed in the information processing device 40.

[0020] The information processing device 40 is a device that executes the program 46. The information processing device 40 is, for example, a smartphone operated by a user. Alternatively, the information processing device 40 may be any of various information processing devices such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, various mobile terminals, a server, etc. The information processing device 40 may not only be realized by a single device, but also may be realized as a system by multiple devices that are communicatively connected.

[0021] The second wireless communication unit 42 is a general term for an interface through which the information processing device 40 performs wireless communication. Needless to say, the hydrogen consuming device 30 and the information processing device 40 may be capable of performing wired communication with the outside world, not limited to wireless communication. In this embodiment, there is no particular restriction on the communication standard.

[0022] The storage unit 43 is configured with a storage medium. The memory of the second control unit 41 may be considered to be at least a part of the storage unit 43, or the storage unit 43 may be considered to be a part of the second control unit 41. The display unit 44 is a means for displaying visual information and corresponds to an example of a "predetermined display unit." However, the predetermined display unit may be an external display device separate from the display unit 44 of the information processing device 40.

[0023] The operation reception unit 45 is a general term for a user interface for receiving operations by a user. Examples of the operation reception unit 45 include switches, buttons, a keyboard, and a mouse. If the display unit 44 also functions as a touch panel, the display unit 44 also serves as at least a part of the operation reception unit 45.

[0024] 2 shows, in a flow chart format, the processes executed by the hydrogen consuming device 30 and the information processing device 40 in parallel in the first embodiment. The second control unit 41 of the information processing device 40 registers the hydrogen tank ID (step S200). The hydrogen tank 20 is provided to the user, for example, by a business that provides the hydrogen tank 20. When the user receives the hydrogen tank 20, the user first registers the hydrogen tank ID of the hydrogen tank 20 in the information processing device 40. For example, the user operates the operation reception unit 45 to input the hydrogen tank ID of the hydrogen tank 20 into the information processing device 40. Alternatively, the user may input the hydrogen tank ID into the information processing device 40 by having a barcode scanner (not shown) connected to the information processing device 40 read the code 22, or by having a camera (not shown) included in the information processing device 40 read the code 22.

[0025] In step S200, the second control unit 41 associates the hydrogen tank ID entered by the user with the user's identification information and registers it in the memory unit 43. The user's identification information is personal identification information of the user who has already been recognized by the second control unit 41 as the user of the information processing device 40. The user then attaches the hydrogen tank 20, whose hydrogen tank ID has been registered in the information processing device 40, to the connection port 31 of the desired hydrogen consuming device 30.

[0026] 2 will be continued using the example of a state in which the user has registered the hydrogen tank ID of hydrogen tank 20a in information processing device 40 and attached hydrogen tank 20a to connection port 31a of "hydrogen consuming device 30a," one of the hydrogen consuming devices 30. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, it is assumed that hydrogen tanks 20 other than hydrogen tank 20a are not registered in information processing device 40, and that no hydrogen tanks 20 other than hydrogen tank 20a are attached to hydrogen consuming device 30a.

[0027] In the hydrogen consuming device 30a, the first control unit 37 transmits the device ID of the hydrogen consuming device 30a to the information processing device 40 via the first wireless communication unit 38 (step S100). The device ID is unique identification information for identifying an individual hydrogen consuming device 30, and is assigned in advance to each hydrogen consuming device 30. The first control unit 37 executes step S100, for example, when the hydrogen consuming device 30a is started up. In other words, step S100 is executed at the timing when the user starts up the hydrogen consuming device 30a.

[0028] The information processing device 40 receives the device ID transmitted in step S100 via the second wireless communication unit 42. As a result, the second control unit 41 registers the device ID in the storage unit 43 in association with the hydrogen tank ID (step S210). In other words, the second control unit 41 associates the user, the registered hydrogen tank ID, and the received device ID, and recognizes that the user is using the hydrogen tank 20a for the hydrogen consuming device 30a. However, if the second control unit 41 again receives a device ID that has already been registered in the storage unit 43 in association with a hydrogen tank ID, there is no need for the second control unit 41 to register the device ID in association with the hydrogen tank ID again.

[0029] In the hydrogen consuming device 30a, the first control unit 37 calculates the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 20a at the start of use and transmits this value to the information processing device 40 via the first wireless communication unit 38 (step S110). The start of use referred to here does not necessarily have to be strictly defined, but for example, the first control unit 37 calculates the amount of hydrogen remaining based on the gas pressure and gas temperature detected by the pressure sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 36, respectively, immediately after the valve 34a is opened to start the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 33, for example, a predetermined number of seconds later. The first control unit 37 then transmits this amount of hydrogen remaining to the information processing device 40 as the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 20a at the start of use.

[0030] Furthermore, in the hydrogen consuming device 30a, the first control unit 37 calculates the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 20a at the end of use and transmits this value to the information processing device 40 via the first wireless communication unit 38 (step S120). The end of use referred to here does not necessarily have to be strictly defined, but for example, when the first control unit 37 determines that the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 33 should be terminated, it calculates the amount of hydrogen remaining based on the gas pressure and gas temperature detected by the pressure sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 36, respectively, immediately before closing the valve 34a. The first control unit 37 then transmits this amount of hydrogen remaining to the information processing device 40 as the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 20a at the end of use.

[0031] In the information processing device 40, the remaining amount of hydrogen at the start of use transmitted in step S110 is received via the second wireless communication unit 42, and thereby the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a acquires the remaining amount of hydrogen at the start of use in the hydrogen tank 20a (step S220). In addition, in the information processing device 40, the remaining amount of hydrogen at the end of use transmitted in step S120 is received via the second wireless communication unit 42, and thereby the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a acquires the remaining amount of hydrogen at the end of use in the hydrogen tank 20a (step S230).

[0032] The calculation of the remaining amount of hydrogen based on the gas pressure and gas temperature may be performed by the information processing device 40, rather than by the hydrogen consuming device 30a. That is, in steps S110 and S120, the first control unit 37 may transmit information on the gas pressure and gas temperature detected by the pressure sensor 35 and the temperature sensor 36, respectively, to the information processing device 40 via the first wireless communication unit 38. Then, in steps S220 and S230, the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a may calculate the remaining amount of hydrogen based on the received gas pressure and gas temperature information, thereby obtaining the remaining amount of hydrogen at the start of use of the hydrogen tank 20a, or the remaining amount of hydrogen at the end of use of the hydrogen tank 20a.

[0033] If the user arbitrarily starts and stops the hydrogen consuming equipment 30a while the hydrogen tank 20a is attached to the hydrogen consuming equipment 30a, that is, if the hydrogen tank 20a is used intermittently, steps S100 to S120 will be repeatedly executed as shown in Figure 2. In response to this, the information processing device 40 will repeat steps S220 and S230. Naturally, the information processing device 40 will keep track of the date and time when it received the information transmitted in step S110 and the date and time when it received the information transmitted in step S120.

[0034] Therefore, each time steps S220 and S230 are repeated, remaining amount acquisition unit 46a updates information regarding the remaining hydrogen amount (hydrogen remaining amount history), including the period during which hydrogen tank 20a was used by hydrogen consuming device 30a and the amount of hydrogen consumed during that period of use (step S240). Remaining amount acquisition unit 46a stores the hydrogen remaining amount history in memory unit 43 and updates it. For example, the period from the date and time when the information transmitted in step S110 was received to the date and time when the information transmitted in step S120 was received is recognized as one usage period of hydrogen tank 20a. Furthermore, the difference between the remaining hydrogen amount obtained in step S220 and the remaining hydrogen amount obtained in step S230 is recognized as the amount of hydrogen consumed during that one usage period.

[0035] Furthermore, steps S100 to S120 are performed in the same way for a hydrogen consuming device 30 other than the hydrogen consuming device 30a as for the hydrogen consuming device 30a. For example, the hydrogen consuming device 30a is called the "first hydrogen consuming device," and each hydrogen consuming device 30 other than the hydrogen consuming device 30a is called the "second hydrogen consuming device," the "third hydrogen consuming device," etc. The user can attach and use the hydrogen tank 20a to and detach from various hydrogen consuming devices 30, such as the first hydrogen consuming device, the second hydrogen consuming device, and the third hydrogen consuming device, at the desired timing.

[0036] In this situation, the first hydrogen consuming device, the second hydrogen consuming device, and the third hydrogen consuming device each execute steps S100-S120 at different times. Therefore, in the information processing device 40, which executes steps S210-S230 corresponding to steps S100-S120, the remaining amount obtaining unit 46a obtains the usage period and hydrogen consumption amount for each hydrogen consuming device 30 (device ID) as the hydrogen remaining amount history for the hydrogen tank 20a (step S240). In this way, the remaining amount obtaining unit 46a obtains the remaining hydrogen amount in the hydrogen tank 20a based on information transmitted from the hydrogen consuming device 30 to which the hydrogen tank 20a is attached, among the multiple hydrogen consuming devices 30.

[0037] Next, steps S250, S260, and S270 will be described. Each of steps S250, S260, and S270 is executed by referring to the hydrogen remaining amount history that is updated by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a as described above. In this embodiment, the timing and number of times that steps S250, S260, and S270 are executed are not particularly limited. The second control unit 41 may execute steps S250, S260, and S270 in a specific order, or may execute at least some of them simultaneously. The second control unit 41 may execute each of steps S250, S260, and S270 in response to a user operation.

[0038] The calculation unit 46b calculates the operable amount of each of the multiple hydrogen consuming devices 30 according to the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a, and the display control unit 46e causes the display unit 44 to display the calculation result by the calculation unit 46b (step S250). The multiple hydrogen consuming devices 30 here refer to the hydrogen consuming devices 30 whose device IDs are registered in the memory unit 43 as of step S250. As an example, the memory unit 43 is assumed to have registered therein the device IDs of the first hydrogen consuming device, the second hydrogen consuming device, and the third hydrogen consuming device, each associated with a user and a registered hydrogen tank ID (the hydrogen tank ID of the hydrogen tank 20a). According to this example, as of step S250, the memory unit 43 corresponds to a "memory unit in which information on multiple hydrogen consuming devices 30 is registered."

[0039] The operable amount varies depending on the hydrogen consuming device 30 and may be, for example, a possible travel distance (cruising distance) or an operable time period. The calculation unit 46b refers to the latest hydrogen remaining amount history at that time to recognize the remaining hydrogen amount in the hydrogen tank 20a and calculates the operable amount for each hydrogen consuming device 30 based on this remaining hydrogen amount. The calculation unit 46b is capable of determining the type of device each hydrogen consuming device 30 is based on the device ID. As an example, the first hydrogen consuming device is a fuel cell motorcycle, the second hydrogen consuming device is a fuel cell generator, and the third hydrogen consuming device is a hydrogen cooker (see FIG. 4). The calculation unit 46b converts the remaining hydrogen amount into a possible travel distance for the fuel cell motorcycle using a predetermined conversion formula or conversion table, and sets this as the operable amount for the first hydrogen consuming device. The calculation unit 46b also converts the remaining hydrogen amount into the operable time period for the fuel cell generator and the operable time period for the hydrogen cooker, and sets these as the operable amounts for the second and third hydrogen consuming devices, respectively.

[0040] The calculation unit 46b calculates the hydrogen usage fee corresponding to the amount of hydrogen consumed in the hydrogen tank 20a based on the history of the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a, and the display control unit 46e displays the calculation result by the calculation unit 46b on the display unit 44 (step S260).

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a simplified view of the hydrogen level history for hydrogen tank 20a. In FIG. 3, the remaining hydrogen levels acquired by remaining level acquisition unit 46a are represented by open and closed circles in a two-dimensional coordinate system with the vertical axis representing the remaining hydrogen level and the horizontal axis representing time. The open circles represent the remaining hydrogen level at the start of use of hydrogen tank 20a, acquired in step S220, while the closed circles represent the remaining hydrogen level at the end of use of hydrogen tank 20a, acquired in step S230. The example in FIG. 3 shows four usage periods for hydrogen tank 20a. The period from time T1 to time T2 is referred to as the first usage period, the period from time T3 to time T4 as the second usage period, the period from time T5 to time T6 as the third usage period, and the period from time T7 to time T8 as the fourth usage period. Each of the first to fourth usage periods is the usage period of hydrogen tank 20a when hydrogen tank 20a was attached to one of the first to third hydrogen consumption devices.

[0042] The difference between the remaining hydrogen amount S1 at the start of the first usage period and the remaining hydrogen amount E1 at the end of the first usage period corresponds to the hydrogen consumption amount for the first usage period. The remaining hydrogen amount S1 at the start of the first usage period, which is the first usage period for hydrogen tank 20a, may be interpreted as 100%, for example. Similarly, the difference between the remaining hydrogen amount S2 at the start of the second usage period and the remaining hydrogen amount E2 at the end of the second usage period is the hydrogen consumption amount for the second usage period. The difference between the remaining hydrogen amount S3 at the start of the third usage period and the remaining hydrogen amount E3 at the end of the third usage period is the hydrogen consumption amount for the third usage period, and the difference between the remaining hydrogen amount S4 at the start of the fourth usage period and the remaining hydrogen amount E4 at the end of the fourth usage period is the hydrogen consumption amount for the fourth usage period.

[0043] Because these remaining hydrogen amounts are calculated, for example, the remaining hydrogen amount E1 at the end of the first usage period and the remaining hydrogen amount S2 at the start of the second usage period do not necessarily coincide. However, because the remaining hydrogen amount E1 and the remaining hydrogen amount S2 should theoretically coincide or nearly coincide, they are simply shown as the same value in Figure 3. For the same reason, the remaining hydrogen amount E2 and the remaining hydrogen amount S3 are shown as the same value in Figure 3, and the remaining hydrogen amount E3 and the remaining hydrogen amount S4 are shown as the same value.

[0044] Calculation unit 46b determines the current hydrogen consumption amount in hydrogen tank 20a as the difference between the maximum remaining hydrogen amount S1 and the minimum remaining hydrogen amount E4, obtained by referring to the hydrogen remaining amount history, and converts this hydrogen consumption amount into a hydrogen usage fee based on a predetermined fee table or the like.

[0045] The estimation unit 46c estimates the replacement time (tank replacement time) for the hydrogen tank 20a based on the history of the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a. The display control unit 46e causes the display unit 44 to display the tank replacement time estimated by the estimation unit 46c (step S270).

[0046] The estimation unit 46c generates estimated lines L1 to L4 in the two-dimensional coordinate system shown in Figure 3, for example, by connecting the remaining hydrogen amount S1 at the start of the first usage period with the remaining hydrogen amounts E1 to E4 at the end of each usage period. In Figure 3, the estimated lines L1 to L4 are shown as two-dot chain lines. The estimation unit 46c estimates the time when the estimated lines L1 to L4 will reach a predetermined remaining amount, for example, the 10% hydrogen remaining line, as the tank replacement time. According to Figure 3, the time when the estimated line L1 reaches the 10% hydrogen remaining line is time Ta. Furthermore, the times when the estimated lines L2, L3, and L4 each reach the 10% hydrogen remaining line are time Tb, Tc, and Td, respectively.

[0047] Therefore, in the period from the end of the first usage period to the end of the second usage period, the estimated line L1 is valid, and the estimated result of the tank replacement time by the estimating unit 46c is time Ta. In addition, in the period from the end of the second usage period to the end of the third usage period, the estimated line L2 is valid, and the estimated result of the tank replacement time by the estimating unit 46c is time Tb. In the period from the end of the third usage period to the end of the fourth usage period, the estimated line L3 is valid, and the estimated result of the tank replacement time by the estimating unit 46c is time Tc. After the end of the fourth usage period, the estimated line L4 is valid, and the estimated result of the tank replacement time by the estimating unit 46c is time Td.

[0048] The estimation unit 46c may set the predetermined remaining amount to 0%. In other words, the estimation unit 46c may estimate the time when the tank should be replaced when the estimated lines L1 to L4 reach 0% hydrogen remaining amount. The method by which the estimation unit 46c estimates the time when the tank should be replaced is not limited to the method described above. For example, the estimation unit 46c may generate a straight line or curve that approximates the coordinates of each hydrogen remaining amount in the two-dimensional coordinate system shown in FIG. 3, and estimate the time when the line or curve generated by this approximation reaches a predetermined remaining amount as the time when the tank should be replaced.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a hydrogen tank information screen 47 that the display control unit 46e causes the display unit 44 to display. As a result of step S250, the hydrogen tank information screen 47 displays, for example, the user's identification information and the hydrogen tank ID of the hydrogen tank 20a, as well as the operable capacity 47a. As shown in FIG. 4, the operable capacity 47a specifically indicates the travelable distance and operable time calculated by the calculation unit 46b for each hydrogen consuming device 30 for which a device ID has been registered, such as a fuel cell motorcycle, a fuel cell generator, or a hydrogen cooker. The hydrogen tank information screen 47 may also display the device ID of each hydrogen consuming device 30. By displaying the hydrogen tank information screen 47 in this manner, the user can specifically know how much hydrogen can be used with the remaining hydrogen for each of multiple hydrogen consuming devices 30 when the hydrogen tank 20a is attached.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, as a result of step S260, the hydrogen tank information screen 47 displays the hydrogen usage fee 47b calculated by the calculation unit 46b. This allows the user to know the hydrogen usage fee based on the amount of hydrogen consumed so far in the hydrogen tank 20a. Also, as shown in Figure 4, as a result of step S270, the hydrogen tank information screen 47 displays the tank replacement time 47c estimated by the estimation unit 46c. This allows the user to know when the hydrogen tank 20a should be replaced with a new hydrogen tank 20.

[0051] 4, the operable capacity 47a, hydrogen usage fee 47b, and tank replacement time 47c are simultaneously displayed on the hydrogen tank information screen 47, but this is merely an example. The display control unit 46e may simultaneously display the operable capacity 47a, hydrogen usage fee 47b, and tank replacement time 47c on a single screen, or may display each of them on a different screen or at a different time. For example, the user may switch the screen of the display unit 44 to display each of the operable capacity 47a, hydrogen usage fee 47b, and tank replacement time 47c.

[0052] In step S270, the estimation unit 46c may estimate a tank replacement time earlier than when the hydrogen tank 20a will be empty, based on the history of the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a. Times Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td shown in Figure 3 are examples of times earlier than when the hydrogen tank 20a will be empty. Then, the display control unit 46e may cause the display unit 44 to display a notification urging the user to replace the hydrogen tank 20a when the replacement time estimated by the estimation unit 46c is reached.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows an example of a hydrogen tank information screen 47 that the display control unit 46e displays on the display unit 44, which is different from the example shown in FIG. 5. According to FIG. 5, a tank replacement request notice 47d is displayed on the hydrogen tank information screen 47. The tank replacement request notice 47d is an example of a notice urging the user to replace the hydrogen tank 20a. For example, the estimation unit 46c estimates time Td as the tank replacement date, and when the current date and time reaches time Td, the display control unit 46e displays the tank replacement request notice 47d on the display unit 44. This allows the user to recognize that the hydrogen tank 20a should be replaced. The tank replacement request notice 47d may include an order button 47d1 for the hydrogen tank 20. The user can operate the order button 47d1. When the order button 47d1 is operated, the information processing device 40 notifies the above-mentioned business operator of the replacement order for the hydrogen tank 20 via some communication means, such as email.

[0054] Up to this point, this embodiment has been described assuming a situation in which a user can attach and use a single hydrogen tank 20a with various hydrogen consuming devices 30. However, a user may also use multiple hydrogen tanks 20. For example, assume that the hydrogen tank IDs of the hydrogen tanks 20a and 20b are registered in the memory unit 43 in association with the user's identification information. In such a case, the information processing device 40 performs steps S210 to S270 for each hydrogen tank 20. In the hydrogen consuming device 30, the first control unit 37 can determine when and which hydrogen tank 20 was used by checking the opening and closing of each valve 34. Therefore, when the first control unit 37 transmits information such as the remaining hydrogen amount to the information processing device 40 in steps S110 and S120, it also transmits information (such as the hydrogen tank ID) identifying the hydrogen tank 20 corresponding to that information. In response to this, the second control unit 41 continuously monitors the remaining hydrogen amount for each hydrogen tank 20a and 20b. Therefore, the second control unit 41 can present the user with information such as the operable capacity 47a, hydrogen usage fee 47b, tank replacement timing 47c, and tank replacement request notification 47d for each hydrogen tank 20 such as the hydrogen tanks 20a and 20b.

[0055] (Second Example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Regarding the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and explanations of commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment. Figure 6 partially includes a flowchart executed by the evaluation unit 46d of the information processing device 40.

[0056] The management device 50 is an external device seen from the information processing device 40, and is, for example, an information processing device such as a PC or server used by the business operator described above. Alternatively, the management device 50 may be a single hydrogen consuming device 30. Alternatively, if the information processing device 40 is a system realized by multiple devices connected to each other so as to be able to communicate, the management device 50 may be a device included in such a system (information processing device 40). The management device 50 may be a part of the system 10, or may be configured not to be included in the system 10.

[0057] The management device 50 naturally has the general functions of an information processing device, such as a processor for executing programs, memory, external communication functions, and a user interface. The third control unit 51, which is the controller of the management device 50, obtains the final remaining hydrogen amount E0 in the hydrogen tank 20a from the outside. The final remaining hydrogen amount E0 is the amount of hydrogen remaining measured in the hydrogen tank 20a collected from the user. For example, a business that receives the above-mentioned replacement order provides the user with a new hydrogen tank 20 and collects the hydrogen tank 20a that is no longer needed from the user. The business then measures the remaining hydrogen amount in the collected hydrogen tank 20a and inputs the measurement result into the management device 50 as the remaining hydrogen amount E0. However, there is no particular restriction on the method by which the management device 50 obtains the remaining hydrogen amount E0.

[0058] The third control unit 51 transmits the final remaining hydrogen amount E0 and the initial remaining hydrogen amount S0 in the hydrogen tank 20a to the second control unit 41, and the evaluation unit 46d acquires the remaining hydrogen amount S0 and the remaining hydrogen amount E0. The initial remaining hydrogen amount S0 is the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 20a measured before shipping to a user, and is measured in advance by a business operator, for example. Alternatively, the remaining hydrogen amount S0 is a value determined by the specifications of the hydrogen tank 20a. The third control unit 51 stores this initial remaining hydrogen amount S0 as information.

[0059] The remaining hydrogen amount S0 and the remaining hydrogen amount E0 are examples of the "second remaining hydrogen amount" that is the remaining hydrogen amount in the hydrogen tank 20a, as acquired by the management device 50. The evaluation unit 46d acquires the second remaining hydrogen amount from the management device 50 and evaluates the difference between the second remaining hydrogen amount and the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a (step S300). The remaining hydrogen amounts acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a for evaluation in step S300 are the remaining hydrogen amount S1 at the start of the first usage period for the hydrogen tank 20a (see FIG. 3) and the remaining hydrogen amount Ex last acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit 46a before recovery. If the fourth usage period is the final usage period for the hydrogen tank 20a before recovery, then the remaining hydrogen amount E4 corresponds to the remaining hydrogen amount Ex.

[0060] There are various evaluation methods in step S300, but the evaluation unit 46d evaluates, for example, whether the following inequalities A, B, and C hold. Formula A: |S0-S1|≦TH1 Formula B: |E0-Ex|≦TH2 Formula C: |(S0-E0)-(S1-Ex)|≦TH3

[0061] The predetermined values ​​TH1, TH2, and TH3 are preset thresholds. TH1, TH2, and TH3 may be the same value or different values. Formula A evaluates the difference between the initial hydrogen remaining amount S0 of the hydrogen tank 20a recognized by the management device 50 and the initial hydrogen remaining amount S1 of the hydrogen tank 20a recognized by the information processing device 40 based on information from the hydrogen consuming device 30 to which the hydrogen tank 20a is attached. Formula B evaluates the difference between the final hydrogen remaining amount E0 of the hydrogen tank 20a recognized by the management device 50 and the final hydrogen remaining amount Ex of the hydrogen tank 20a recognized by the information processing device 40 based on information from the hydrogen consuming device 30 to which the hydrogen tank 20a is attached. Formula C evaluates the difference between the hydrogen consumption amount (S0-E0) of the hydrogen tank 20a recognized by the management device 50 and the hydrogen consumption amount (S1-Ex) of the hydrogen tank 20a recognized by the information processing device 40 based on information from the hydrogen consuming device 30 to which the hydrogen tank 20a is attached.

[0062] If the evaluation unit 46d evaluates that the difference is equal to or less than the predetermined value ("Yes" in step S310), the process proceeds to step S320. If the evaluation unit 46d evaluates that the difference exceeds the predetermined value ("No" in step S310), the process proceeds to step S330. For example, the evaluation unit 46d determines "No" in step S310 if one or more of the formulas A, B, and C are not satisfied. In step S330, the display control unit 46e causes the display unit 44 to display a predetermined alert.

[0063] The alert is an alert that indicates that an accurate remaining hydrogen amount cannot be obtained based on information transmitted by the hydrogen consuming device 30 equipped with the hydrogen tank 20a. More specifically, the display control unit 46e may notify the user via an alert of a possible abnormality or malfunction in the pressure sensor 35, temperature sensor 36, controller (first control unit 37), etc. of the hydrogen consuming device 30. The display control unit 46e may also notify the user by including information, such as a device ID, that can identify the hydrogen consuming device 30 equipped with the hydrogen tank 20a and used. In step S320, the flowchart ends without displaying the alert. According to this second embodiment, the user can be made aware that an accurate remaining hydrogen amount cannot be obtained based on information transmitted by the hydrogen consuming device 30 equipped with the hydrogen tank 20a. As a result, the user can, for example, stop using the hydrogen consuming device 30.

[0064] (Third Example) In the second embodiment, at least a part of the processes described as being executed by the information processing device 40 may be executed by the management device 50. Furthermore, with regard to the processes described as being executed by the information processing device 40 in the first embodiment, at least a part of the processes may also be executed by the management device 50. In other words, the management device 50 may acquire necessary information from the information processing device 40 as appropriate through communication between the information processing device 40 and the management device 50, and execute the processes shown in FIG.

[0065] Because the management device 50 can acquire the remaining hydrogen amount S0 and the remaining hydrogen amount E0, it can accurately calculate the hydrogen usage fee for the hydrogen tank 20a based on the difference between the remaining hydrogen amount S0 and the remaining hydrogen amount E0. Therefore, the management device 50 may notify the user of the hydrogen usage fee calculated based on the difference between the remaining hydrogen amount S0 and the remaining hydrogen amount E0 by displaying it on the display unit 44 of the information processing device 40 or another display device. The display of the hydrogen usage fee calculated based on the difference between the remaining hydrogen amount S0 and the remaining hydrogen amount E0 may be executed instead of the display in step S260, or may be executed as a process separate from the display in step S260.

[0066] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieves multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives itself has technical utility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10: System, 20, 20a, 20b: Hydrogen tank, 30, 30a: Hydrogen consuming device, 31: Connection port, 32: Flow path, 33: Hydrogen consuming unit, 34: Valve, 35: Pressure sensor, 36: Temperature sensor, 37: First control unit, 38: First wireless communication unit, 40: Information processing device, 41: Second control unit, 42: Second wireless communication unit, 43: Memory unit, 44: Display unit, 45: Operation acceptance unit, 46: Program, 46a: Remaining amount acquisition unit, 46b: Calculation unit, 46c: Estimation unit, 46d: Evaluation unit, 46e: Display control unit, 47: Hydrogen tank information screen, 47a: Operational amount, 47b: Hydrogen usage fee, 47c: Tank replacement time, 47d: Tank replacement request notification, 50: Management device, 51: Third control unit

Claims

1. a storage unit in which information on a plurality of hydrogen consuming devices that operate by receiving hydrogen from a detachable hydrogen tank is registered; a remaining amount acquiring unit that acquires the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank based on information transmitted from a hydrogen consuming device to which the hydrogen tank is attached, among the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices; a calculation unit that calculates an operable amount of each of the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices according to the remaining amount of hydrogen acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit; a display control unit that causes a calculation result by the calculation unit to be displayed on a predetermined display unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit calculates a hydrogen usage fee corresponding to the amount of hydrogen consumed in the hydrogen tank based on a history of the remaining amount of hydrogen acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit.

3. an estimation unit that estimates when to replace the hydrogen tank based on the history of the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the replacement time estimated by the estimation unit.

4. the estimation unit estimates, based on the history, that the replacement time will be earlier than the time when the hydrogen tank will be empty; The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a notification urging the hydrogen tank to be replaced when the replacement time estimated by the estimation unit has arrived.

5. an evaluation unit that acquires from the management device a second remaining hydrogen amount, which is the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank acquired by the management device, and evaluates the difference between the second remaining hydrogen amount and the remaining hydrogen amount acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein when the evaluation unit evaluates that the difference exceeds a predetermined value, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a predetermined alert.

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