Energy consumption estimation device, energy consumption estimation method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an energy consumption estimation device that can improve the estimation accuracy when estimating the energy consumption of individual mobile units. [Solution] The energy consumption estimation device comprises a first calculation means, a second calculation means, and an estimation means. The first calculation means calculates calculation parameters used for correcting predetermined parameters included in the estimation formula for estimating energy consumption, based on travel information obtained from the movement of the moving body and measured values ​​of energy consumption actually consumed by the movement of the moving body. The second calculation means uses the calculation parameters and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter to calculate a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter this time. The estimation means calculates an estimated value of energy consumption using an estimation formula in which the second correction parameter is applied to the predetermined parameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for estimating the energy consumption of a moving object.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for estimating the energy consumption of a moving object have been proposed.

[0003] Specifically, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a perspective of collecting driving history data including information on vehicle type, driving route, and power consumption amount on the driving route from a large number of electric vehicles and accumulating the data in a driving history database. Patent Document 1 also discloses a perspective of calculating the amount of battery power required when the vehicle travels on a planned driving route based on the amount of power consumed when an electric vehicle of the same type as the own vehicle travels on the same driving route as the planned driving route specified by the user by searching the driving history database.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, according to the perspective disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it may not be possible to identify the power consumption amount suitable for the own vehicle from the power consumption amounts accumulated in the driving history database. In such a case, there is a risk that the estimation accuracy when estimating the energy consumption amount of the battery in each moving object may decrease.

[0006] In view of the above problems, a main object of the present invention is to provide an energy consumption estimation device capable of improving the estimation accuracy when estimating the energy consumption amount in each moving object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in the claim is an energy consumption estimation device comprising: a first calculation means for calculating calculation parameters to be used in correction calculations of predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumption consumed by the movement of a moving body, based on travel information obtained by the movement of a moving body and measured values ​​of energy consumption actually consumed by the movement of the moving body; a second calculation means for calculating a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter in the present using the calculation parameter and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter; and an estimation means for calculating an estimated value of the energy consumption consumed by the movement of the moving body using the estimation formula obtained by applying the second correction parameter to the predetermined parameter.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention described in the claim is a computer-based energy consumption estimation method, which calculates calculation parameters to be used in the correction calculation of predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumption consumed by the movement of a moving body, based on travel information obtained from the movement of a moving body and measured values ​​of energy consumption actually consumed by the movement of the moving body; calculates a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter this time, using the calculation parameters and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter; and calculates an estimated value of energy consumption consumed by the movement of the moving body, using the estimation formula in which the second correction parameter is applied to the predetermined parameter.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention described in the claim is a program executed by a computer that causes the computer to perform the following processes: calculate calculation parameters to be used in the correction calculation of predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumed by the movement of a moving body, based on travel information obtained from the movement of the moving body and measured values ​​of energy consumed by the movement of the moving body; calculate a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter this time, using the calculation parameters and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter; and calculate an estimated value of the energy consumed by the movement of the moving body, using the estimation formula in which the second correction parameter has been applied to the predetermined parameter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the energy consumption estimation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example configuration of the energy consumption estimation system in a modified form. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of a modified server device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the energy consumption estimation device includes: a first calculation means for calculating calculation parameters to be used in correction calculations of predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumption consumed by the movement of a moving body, based on travel information obtained from the movement of the moving body and measured values ​​of energy consumption actually consumed by the movement of the moving body; a second calculation means for calculating a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter using the calculation parameter and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter; and an estimation means for calculating an estimated value of the energy consumption consumed by the movement of the moving body using the estimation formula obtained by applying the second correction parameter to the predetermined parameter.

[0012] The above-described energy consumption estimation device comprises a first calculation means, a second calculation means, and an estimation means. The first calculation means calculates calculation parameters used for correcting predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumption consumed by the movement of a mobile body, based on travel information obtained from the movement of the mobile body and measured values ​​of energy consumption actually consumed by the movement of the mobile body. The second calculation means uses the calculation parameters and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter to calculate a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter this time. The estimation means uses the estimation formula obtained by applying the second correction parameter to the predetermined parameter to calculate an estimated value of energy consumption consumed by the movement of the mobile body. This improves the estimation accuracy when estimating the energy consumption of individual mobile bodies.

[0013] In one embodiment of the energy consumption estimation device described above, the second calculation means calculates the second correction parameter by adding the first correction parameter to a value obtained by multiplying the difference between the calculation parameter and the first correction parameter by a predetermined coefficient.

[0014] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the second calculation means calculates the second correction parameter when a determination condition related to at least one of time, the number of data, and the travel distance is satisfied.

[0015] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the determination condition includes a condition related to the total elapsed time from the date and time when the travel information acquisition started.

[0016] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the determination condition includes a condition related to the elapsed time from the date and time when the calculation of the first correction parameter was completed.

[0017] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the determination condition includes a condition related to the total number of data accumulated as the travel information.

[0018] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the determination condition includes a condition related to the number of data accumulated as the travel information from the time when the calculation of the first correction parameter was completed.

[0019] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the determination condition includes a condition related to the total travel distance of the moving body.

[0020] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the determination condition includes a condition related to the travel distance of the moving body from the time when the calculation of the first correction parameter was completed.

[0021] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the predetermined parameter is at least one general-purpose parameter included in the estimation formula.

[0022] In one aspect of the above energy consumption estimation device, the estimation formula is an estimation model represented by a polynomial, and the predetermined parameter is a plurality of general-purpose parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of terms included in the polynomial.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer-based energy consumption estimation method calculates calculation parameters to be used in correcting predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumption consumed by the movement of a mobile body, based on travel information obtained from the movement of the mobile body and measured values ​​of energy consumption actually consumed by the movement of the mobile body; uses the calculation parameters and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter to calculate a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter this time; and uses the estimation formula in which the second correction parameter is applied to the predetermined parameter to calculate an estimated value of energy consumption consumed by the movement of the mobile body. This improves the estimation accuracy when estimating the energy consumption of individual mobile bodies.

[0024] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a program executed by a computer calculates calculation parameters to be used in correcting predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumed by the movement of a mobile body, based on travel information obtained from the movement of the mobile body and measured values ​​of energy consumed by the movement of the mobile body; calculates a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter using the calculation parameters and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter; and calculates an estimated value of the energy consumed by the movement of the mobile body using the estimation formula in which the second correction parameter has been applied to the predetermined parameter. This program can be stored and used on a storage medium. This improves the estimation accuracy when estimating the energy consumption of individual mobile bodies. [Examples]

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] <System Configuration> [Overall structure] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an energy consumption estimation system according to an embodiment. The energy consumption estimation system 100 has an information processing device 1 that moves together with the vehicle Ve in which the user is riding. The vehicle Ve can be treated as an example of a moving object.

[0027] [Information Processing Device] The information processing device 1 functions as an energy consumption estimation device. It acquires vehicle Ve driving information RJ and uses the acquired driving information RJ to perform correction calculations for general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 uses the energy consumption estimation model SM to calculate an estimated value SV of energy consumed by the vehicle Ve during driving, and outputs an estimated result SR corresponding to the calculated estimated value SV to an external source. The processing performed by the information processing device 1 can be applied to various types of vehicles, such as gasoline-powered vehicles and electric vehicles.

[0028] The driving information RJ includes data relating to the driving status of vehicle Ve at the time the driving information RJ was acquired. For example, the driving information RJ includes data showing the measured value of energy consumed while vehicle Ve was driving (hereinafter also referred to as measured value MV). Note that the measured value MV may be acquired as information separate from the driving information RJ. In addition, the driving information RJ includes data showing the position, speed, acceleration, and road gradient of vehicle Ve while it was driving. The data included in the driving information RJ may be obtained based on the output of sensors installed on vehicle Ve, or it may be obtained based on the user's input operations on vehicle Ve.

[0029] The energy consumption estimation model SM is structured as an estimation formula that can calculate an estimated value SV using data included in the driving information RJ. In other words, the energy consumption estimation model SM is structured as an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumed by the movement of a moving object. A specific example of the energy consumption estimation model SM will be explained later.

[0030] The information processing device 1 may be a device installed in the vehicle Ve, or it may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone carried by the user. Alternatively, the information processing device 1 may be integrated into the vehicle Ve.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a control unit 14, a sensor group 15, and a display unit 16. Each element of the information processing device 1 is interconnected via a bus line 10.

[0032] The communication unit 11 performs data communication with an external device based on the control of the control unit 14. The communication unit 11 can acquire, for example, map data and road data from the external device.

[0033] The memory unit 12 is composed of various storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and non-volatile memory (including hard disk drives, flash memory, etc.). The memory unit 12 also stores programs for the information processing device 1 to execute predetermined processes. Furthermore, the memory unit 12 is used as working memory for the control unit 14. Note that the programs executed by the information processing device 1 may be stored in storage media other than the memory unit 12.

[0034] The memory unit 12 stores the database 4, the driving information RJ, and the energy estimation model SM. The memory unit 12 also stores the driving information RJ acquired by the control unit 14.

[0035] Database 4 stores map data and road data obtained by the communication unit 11. The map data includes, for example, data necessary for displaying a map based on a predetermined location such as the current location of vehicle Ve. The road data includes, for example, data representing the road network using combinations of nodes and links. The map data and road data contained in Database 4 can be updated to the latest data at regular intervals according to the control of the control unit 14. In this embodiment, links can be set as sections that divide the road network in any way. For example, links in this embodiment can be set as sections of any length and / or any shape. Also, links in this embodiment may be set as sections that include nodes, or as sections that do not include nodes.

[0036] Database 4 stores a history of correction parameters previously applied to the energy consumption estimation model SM. Details of the correction parameters will be explained later.

[0037] The input unit 13 has a user interface that accepts user input. The input unit 13 may include at least one user interface, such as a button, a touch panel, and a remote controller. The display unit 16 displays information based on the control of the control unit 14. The display unit 16 may include at least one device, such as a display and a projector.

[0038] The sensor group 15 includes various sensors that perform sensing of the vehicle Ve or the environment outside the vehicle. The sensor group 15 has an external sensor 20 and an internal sensor 21.

[0039] The external sensor 20 has one or more sensors for recognizing the surrounding environment of the vehicle Ve. The external sensor 20 may include, for example, a lidar, radar, ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor, sonar, and camera.

[0040] The internal sensor 21 has one or more sensors for positioning the vehicle Ve. The internal sensor 21 may include, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, a gyro sensor, a tilt sensor, an acceleration sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and a vehicle speed sensor.

[0041] The internal sensor 21 has one or more sensors capable of measuring parameters related to the energy consumption of the vehicle Ve. The internal sensor 21 may include, for example, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a fuel sensor.

[0042] Furthermore, the sensor group 15 only needs to include sensors from which the control unit 14 can directly or indirectly derive the vehicle's speed and acceleration from the output of the sensor group 15. Additionally, the sensor group 15 only needs to include sensors from which the control unit 14 can directly or indirectly derive measured values ​​of the vehicle's energy consumption from the output of the sensor group 15.

[0043] The control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and other components, and controls the entire information processing device 1. For example, the control unit 14 acquires driving information RJ based on the output of one or more sensors included in the sensor group 15, and stores the acquired driving information RJ in the storage unit 12. The control unit 14 can be treated as an example of a computer. Furthermore, the control unit 14 has the functions of a calculation means and an estimation means.

[0044] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control unit 14 is not limited to being implemented by software through a program, but may also be implemented by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Also, the processing performed by the control unit 14 may be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program that the control unit 14 performs in this embodiment may be implemented using this integrated circuit. Thus, the control unit 14 may be implemented using hardware other than a processor.

[0045] The configuration of the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and various modifications may be made to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, instead of the storage unit 12 storing map data and road data, the control unit 14 may receive information equivalent to map data and road data from a server device (not shown) via the communication unit 11. In another example, the input unit 13 may be provided inside the target vehicle as an external device of the information processing device 1, and the generated signals may be supplied to the information processing device 1. Also, at least some of the sensors in the sensor group 15 may be sensors installed on the vehicle Ve. In this case, the information processing device 1 may acquire information output by the sensors installed on the vehicle Ve from the vehicle Ve based on a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0046] <Specific example> Next, we will describe specific examples of processing performed by the information processing device 1. Unless otherwise specified, the processing described in the following examples will be described as processing performed while the vehicle Ve is in motion.

[0047] [Energy Consumption Estimation Model] In this specific example, for example, an energy consumption estimation model SM, as shown in the estimation formula (1) below, is stored in the memory unit 12.

[0048]

number

[0049] The right-hand side of equation (1) above includes a term for obtaining the result of multiplying the general-purpose parameter GP and the calculated value KE. The general-purpose parameter GP in equation (1) above represents a parameter calculated in advance based on data included in driving information obtained from a large number of vehicles, for example. The calculated value KE in equation (1) above represents a value calculated using parameters other than the measured value MV included in the driving information data RJ, for example.

[0050] Furthermore, in this specific example, instead of the estimation formula (1) above, an energy consumption estimation model SM, such as the estimation formula shown in formula (2) below, is stored in the memory unit 12. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4861534 discloses a method for estimating energy consumption using a formula having a similar form to the estimation formula (2) below.

[0051]

number

[0052] The right-hand side of equation (2) above includes a first term corresponding to the general-purpose parameter GP1, a second term for obtaining the result of multiplying the general-purpose parameter GP2 and the calculated value KE2, a third term for obtaining the result of multiplying the general-purpose parameter GP3 and the calculated value KE3, and a fourth term for obtaining the result of multiplying the general-purpose parameter GP4 and the calculated value KE4. In other words, equation (2) above is constructed as an estimation model expressed as a polynomial. Furthermore, the general-purpose parameters GP1 to GP4 in equation (2) above represent parameters calculated in advance based on data included in driving information obtained from a large number of vehicles, for example. Furthermore, the calculated values ​​KE2 to KE4 in equation (2) above represent values ​​calculated using parameters other than the measured value MV included in the driving information data RJ, for example.

[0053] According to this specific example, the control unit 14 can obtain, for example, the energy consumption corresponding to the vehicle's acceleration state as a result of multiplying the general-purpose parameter GP2 and the calculated value KE2. Furthermore, according to this specific example, the control unit 14 can obtain, for example, the energy consumption corresponding to the road surface resistance when the vehicle is running as a result of multiplying the general-purpose parameter GP3 and the calculated value KE3. Furthermore, according to this specific example, the control unit 14 can obtain, for example, the energy consumption corresponding to the air resistance when the vehicle is running as a result of multiplying the general-purpose parameter GP4 and the calculated value KE4.

[0054] Here, if the above formula (1) or (2) is used as the energy consumption estimation model SM, the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM may not be adjusted to suit the vehicle Ve, which could lead to a decrease in the accuracy of calculating the estimated value SV corresponding to the vehicle Ve. In contrast, according to this embodiment, by applying the correction parameters calculated by the method described below to the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM, the general-purpose parameters can be adapted to the vehicle Ve, and the accuracy of calculating the estimated value SV corresponding to the vehicle Ve can be improved.

[0055] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the values ​​multiplied by the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM will be referred to as correction parameters. In this embodiment, "correction parameters" can also be referred to as "correction coefficients" or "weights."

[0056] [Processing related to the calculation of correction parameters] Next, we will explain the process for calculating the correction parameters applied to the energy consumption estimation model SM. In the following explanation, we will assume that the initial value of the correction parameter is set to "1" and that this initial value is stored in the correction parameter history in database 4.

[0057] (Decision regarding the calculation of new correction parameters) The control unit 14 makes a decision on whether or not to calculate a new correction parameter (hereinafter also referred to as the correction parameter HN) to be applied to the energy consumption estimation model SM, based on a decision condition set according to time, number of data points, or distance traveled.

[0058] When making the aforementioned determination, the control unit 14 may use, for example, a threshold value related to the total elapsed time TE1 from the date and time when the driving information RJ was first acquired, as the determination condition CT1 set according to time. According to the aforementioned determination condition CT1, the control unit 14 can determine whether to calculate the correction parameter HN if the total elapsed time TE1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TT1. Also, according to the aforementioned determination condition CT1, the control unit 14 can determine whether to not calculate the correction parameter HN if the total elapsed time TE1 is less than the threshold value TT1.

[0059] When making the aforementioned decision, the control unit 14 may use, for example, a threshold value related to the elapsed time TE2 from the date and time when the calculation of the previous correction parameter (hereinafter also referred to as the correction parameter HZ) applied to the energy consumption estimation model SM was completed, as the decision condition CT2 set according to time. According to the aforementioned decision condition CT2, the control unit 14 can decide to calculate the correction parameter HN if the elapsed time TE2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TT2. Also, according to the aforementioned decision condition CT2, the control unit 14 can decide not to calculate the correction parameter HN if the elapsed time TE2 is less than the threshold value TT2.

[0060] When making the aforementioned determination, the control unit 14 may use, for example, a threshold value related to the total number of data points DN1 stored in the storage unit 12 as driving information RJ, as the determination condition CD1 set according to the number of data points. According to the aforementioned determination condition CD1, the control unit 14 can determine whether to calculate the correction parameter HN if the total number of data points DN1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TD1. Also, according to the aforementioned determination condition CD1, the control unit 14 can determine whether to not calculate the correction parameter HN if the total number of data points DN1 is less than the threshold value TD1.

[0061] When making the aforementioned determination, the control unit 14 may use, for example, a threshold value DN2 related to the number of data points stored in the storage unit 12 as driving information RJ from the time the calculation of the correction parameter HZ is completed, as a determination condition CD2 set according to the number of data points. According to the aforementioned determination condition CD2, the control unit 14 can determine whether to calculate the correction parameter HN if the number of data points DN2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TD2. Also, according to the aforementioned determination condition CD2, the control unit 14 can determine whether to not calculate the correction parameter HN if the number of data points DN2 is less than the threshold value TD2.

[0062] When making the aforementioned determination, the control unit 14 may use, for example, a threshold value related to the total mileage RK1 of the vehicle Ve as the determination condition CR1 set according to the mileage. The control unit 14 can calculate the total mileage RK1 using, for example, the data contained in the mileage information RJ stored in the storage unit 12. According to the aforementioned determination condition CR1, the control unit 14 can determine whether to calculate the correction parameter HN if the total mileage RK1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TR1. Also, according to the aforementioned determination condition CR1, the control unit 14 can determine whether to not calculate the correction parameter HN if the total mileage RK1 is less than the threshold value TR1.

[0063] When making the aforementioned determination, the control unit 14 may use, for example, a threshold value related to the vehicle's mileage RK2 from the time the calculation of the correction parameter HZ is completed, as the determination condition CR2 set according to the mileage. The control unit 14 can calculate the mileage RK2 using, for example, the data contained in the mileage information RJ stored in the storage unit 12. According to the aforementioned determination condition CR2, the control unit 14 can determine whether to calculate the correction parameter HN if the mileage RK2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value TR2. Also, according to the aforementioned determination condition CR2, the control unit 14 can determine whether to not calculate the correction parameter HN if the mileage RK2 is less than the threshold value TR2.

[0064] If the control unit 14 determines, for example, to calculate the correction parameter HN based on any one of the judgment conditions described above, it obtains the driving information RJ used to calculate the correction parameter HN from the storage unit 12. If the control unit 14 determines, for example, not to calculate the correction parameter HN based on any one of the judgment conditions described above, it calculates the estimated value SV using the energy consumption estimation model SM to which the correction parameter HZ has been applied, and the data contained in the latest driving information RJ at the time the determination was made. The control unit 14 can obtain the correction parameter HZ by referring to the history of correction parameters stored in the database 4.

[0065] The control unit 14 may make a decision on whether or not to calculate the correction parameter HN based on a plurality of the decision conditions described above.

[0066] The control unit 14 may make a decision based on any of the above-described judgment conditions while excluding driving information RJ stored in the storage unit 12 that contains data that meets predetermined conditions. Specifically, the control unit 14 may make a decision based on any of the above-described judgment conditions while excluding driving information containing data obtained at links where road gradient fluctuations occur frequently. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may make a decision based on any of the above-described judgment conditions while excluding one or more pieces of driving information containing data obtained at links where the road gradient is 0° or close to 0°.

[0067] (Acquisition of driving information to be used in calculating new correction parameters) The control unit 14 can acquire, from the storage unit 12, for example, information belonging to a predetermined range as traveling information (hereinafter also referred to as traveling information RJx) used for calculating the correction parameter HN. Specifically, for example, when n pieces of traveling information RJ are accumulated in ascending order of acquisition time, the control unit 14 can acquire, from the storage unit 12, (q - p) pieces of information from the traveling information RJp corresponding to the p-th (1 ≦ p < n) acquisition time to the traveling information RJq corresponding to the q-th (p < q ≦ n) acquisition time as the traveling information RJx.

[0068] Also, the control unit 14 can acquire, from the storage unit 12, for example, newly accumulated information from the time when the calculation of the correction parameter HZ is completed as the traveling information RJx.

[0069] When the control unit 14 acquires the traveling information RJx from the storage unit 12, it is desirable to assign a flag indicating that it has been used for calculating the correction parameter HN to each piece of traveling information RJ included in the traveling information RJx.

[0070] (Calculation of a new correction parameter) The control unit 14 calculates an estimated value SV corresponding to each piece of the traveling information RJ using the energy consumption estimation model SM to which the correction parameter HZ is applied and the data included in each piece of the traveling information RJ acquired as the traveling information RJx. Also, the control unit 14 calculates a difference value DV corresponding to the difference between the measured value MV and the estimated value SV for each piece of the traveling information RJ acquired as the traveling information RJx.

[0071] The control unit 14 acquires a correction parameter (hereinafter also referred to as correction parameter HS) that multiplies the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM in order to minimize the difference value DV corresponding to each piece of the traveling information RJ acquired as the traveling information RJx, for example, by performing a regression analysis process using the least squares method or the like.

[0072] The control unit 14 can obtain, for example, a correction parameter HS which is multiplied by the general-purpose parameter GP included in the estimation formula of equation (1) above. The control unit 14 can also obtain, for example, a correction parameter HS which is multiplied by the general-purpose parameter GP1 included in the estimation formula of equation (2) above, a correction parameter which is multiplied by the general-purpose parameter GP2 included in the estimation formula, a correction parameter which is multiplied by the general-purpose parameter GP3 included in the estimation formula, and a correction parameter which is multiplied by the general-purpose parameter GP4 included in the estimation formula.

[0073] The control unit 14 may obtain a processing result in which the same correction parameter is multiplied by multiple general-purpose parameters GP1 to GP4 included in the estimation formula (2) above. In such a case, the control unit 14 can obtain one to three correction parameters as correction parameter HS that are multiplied by the general-purpose parameters GP1 to GP4 included in the estimation formula (2) above. That is, the control unit 14 can obtain at least one correction parameter applied to the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM as correction parameter HS. Furthermore, correction parameter HS can be treated as a calculation parameter used in the correction calculation of the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM.

[0074] The control unit 14 calculates the correction parameter HN by applying the correction parameter HS and the correction parameter HZ to the following formula (3). In formula (3), α represents a predetermined coefficient corresponding to the correction ratio. When the control unit 14 calculates the correction parameter HN for the first time using formula (3), it should apply "1" as the correction parameter HZ.

[0075]

number

[0076] The control unit 14 calculates the correction parameter HN corresponding to each correction parameter obtained as the correction parameter HS by performing processing using the above formula (3). The control unit 14 also stores the correction parameter that was applied to the energy consumption estimation model SM immediately before calculating the correction parameter HN as the correction parameter HZ in the database 4. Then, the control unit 14 calculates the estimated value SV using the energy consumption estimation model SM to which the correction parameter HN has been applied, and the data included in the latest driving information RJ at the time the calculation of the correction parameter HN is completed.

[0077] According to the process described above, the control unit 14 can calculate the correction parameter to be applied to the general-purpose parameter included in the energy consumption estimation model SM if the judgment condition related to at least one of time, number of data points, and distance traveled is met. Furthermore, according to the process described above, the control unit 14 can calculate the correction parameter to be applied to the general-purpose parameter using the calculation parameter used for the correction calculation of the general-purpose parameter included in the energy consumption estimation model SM, and the correction parameter that has been applied to the general-purpose parameter in the past.

[0078] The control unit 14 may, instead of the correction parameter HZ, obtain, for example, a correction parameter applied to the energy consumption estimation model SM before the correction parameter HZ from the database 4, and perform processing related to the calculation of the correction parameter HN using the obtained correction parameter.

[0079] The control unit 14 may, for example, acquire the cumulative value of the estimated value SV calculated at regular intervals along the vehicle Ve's travel route from the starting point to the current location as the estimated result SR, and perform processing to display the information related to the acquired estimated result SR on the display unit 16. Specifically, the control unit 14 may perform processing to display information related to the estimated result SR on the display unit 16, for example, the cruising range of the vehicle Ve and / or the battery level at the time of the vehicle Ve's arrival at its destination. The control unit 14 may also perform processing to display information related to the estimated result SR on the display unit 16, for example, the total energy consumption and / or carbon dioxide emissions when the vehicle Ve traveled from the starting point to the destination.

[0080] [Processing flow] Next, we will explain the processing flow performed by the information processing device 1. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0081] The information processing device 1 makes a decision on whether or not to calculate new correction parameters to be applied to the energy consumption estimation model based on a decision condition set according to time, number of data points, or distance traveled (step S11).

[0082] If the information processing device 1 determines that it will not calculate new correction parameters (step S11: NO), it applies the previous correction parameters obtained from the database 4 to the energy consumption estimation model (step S12), and uses the energy consumption estimation model to calculate an estimated value of the energy consumption of the vehicle Ve (step S16).

[0083] If the information processing device 1 determines to calculate new correction parameters (step S11: YES), it obtains driving information from the database 4 to be used in calculating the new correction parameters (step S13), and calculates the new correction parameters using the obtained driving information (step S14). The information processing device 1 also applies the new correction parameters calculated in step S14 to the energy consumption estimation model (step S15), and calculates an estimated value of the vehicle Ve's energy consumption using the energy consumption estimation model (step S16).

[0084] For example, during the period when vehicle Ve is traveling along the route from the starting point to the destination, the information processing device 1 repeatedly performs the series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, correction parameters can be calculated to correct the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model using driving information, including data obtained from the driving of vehicle Ve. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the correction parameters can be updated at regular intervals, and the estimated energy consumption of vehicle Ve can be calculated using the energy consumption estimation model to which the latest correction parameters have been applied. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the estimation accuracy when estimating the energy consumption of individual mobile units can be improved.

[0086] <Variation> Next, we will describe a suitable modification of the above-described embodiment.

[0087] According to the embodiment described above, at least some of the processes performed by the information processing device 1 may be performed by a server device that communicates data with the information processing device 1.

[0088] Figure 4 shows an example configuration of a modified energy consumption estimation system. The energy consumption estimation system 100A includes an information processing device 1A and a server device 200. The information processing device 1A and the server device 200 communicate data via a network 150.

[0089] The information processing device 1A has the same configuration as the information processing device 1 described in the above embodiment (see Figure 2). The information processing device 1A also transmits the information input at the input unit 13 and the information obtained by the sensor group 15 to the server device 200. For example, the information processing device 1A transmits driving information RJ to the server device 200, which includes data such as the position, speed, acceleration, road gradient, and measured values ​​of the driving vehicle Ve.

[0090] Figure 5 shows a schematic configuration of a modified server device. As shown in Figure 5, the server device 200 includes a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a control unit 304. The communication unit 301, the storage unit 302, and the control unit 304 are interconnected via a bus line 300.

[0091] The communication unit 301 transmits and receives various data via the network 150 based on the control of the control unit 304. The storage unit 302 is composed of, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 302 also stores data that can be used to calculate the estimated value SV, such as the database 4, driving information RJ, and the energy consumption estimation model SM. The database 4 stores a history of correction parameters that have been applied to the energy consumption estimation model SM in the past. The control unit 304 has memory such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and performs overall control of the server device 200 by executing programs stored in memory. The control unit 304 can also be treated as an example of a computer.

[0092] With the configuration described above, the control unit 304 can calculate a correction parameter HS used for correcting the general-purpose parameters included in the energy consumption estimation model SM, based on the driving information RJ obtained from the information processing device 1A and the measured value MV included in the driving information RJ. The control unit 304 can also calculate a correction parameter HN using the correction parameter HS and the correction parameter HZ. Furthermore, the control unit 304 can calculate an estimated value SV corresponding to the vehicle Ve using the energy consumption estimation model SM, which applies the correction parameter HN to the general-purpose parameters.

[0093] According to this modified example, the same processing performed in server device 200 may be performed in a server system having multiple server devices.

[0094] In the embodiments described above, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium and supplied to a control unit, which is a computer. Non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable medium include magnetic storage medium (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage medium (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory)).

[0095] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure, including the claims, and various modifications and alterations that those skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical idea. Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents and other references is incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. 1A Information Processing Device 11, 301 Communications Department 12, 302 Storage section 14, 304 Control Unit 15 Sensor Groups

Claims

1. A first calculation means calculates calculation parameters used in correction calculations for predetermined parameters included in an estimation formula for estimating the energy consumption consumed by the movement of a mobile body, based on the movement information obtained from the movement of the mobile body and the measured value of the energy consumption actually consumed by the movement of the mobile body. A second calculation means for calculating a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameter using the calculation parameter and a first correction parameter previously applied to the predetermined parameter, An estimation means for calculating an estimated value of the energy consumed by the movement of the moving body using the estimation formula obtained by applying the second correction parameter to the predetermined parameter, An energy consumption estimation device having the following features.

2. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the second calculation means calculates the second correction parameter by adding the first correction parameter to a value obtained by multiplying the difference between the calculation parameter and the first correction parameter by a predetermined coefficient.

3. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the second calculation means calculates the second correction parameter when the determination condition relating to at least one of time, number of data points, and distance traveled is met.

4. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the judgment conditions include a condition relating to the total elapsed time from the date and time when the driving information was first acquired.

5. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the judgment condition includes a condition relating to the elapsed time from the date and time on which the calculation of the first correction parameter was completed.

6. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the judgment conditions include conditions relating to the total number of data points accumulated as driving information.

7. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the judgment conditions include a condition relating to the number of data points accumulated as driving information from the time the calculation of the first correction parameter is completed.

8. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the judgment conditions include conditions relating to the total distance traveled by the moving body.

9. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the judgment conditions include conditions relating to the distance traveled by the moving body from the time the calculation of the first correction parameter is completed.

10. The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameter is at least one general-purpose parameter included in the estimation formula.

11. The aforementioned estimation formula is an estimation model expressed as a polynomial, The energy consumption estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters are a plurality of general-purpose parameters corresponding to each of the plurality of terms included in the polynomial.

12. A method for estimating energy consumption performed by a computer, Based on the movement information obtained from the movement of the mobile body and the measured value of the energy consumed by the movement of the mobile body, calculation parameters used in the correction calculation of predetermined parameters included in the estimation formula for estimating the energy consumed by the movement of the mobile body are calculated. Using the aforementioned calculation parameters and the first correction parameters previously applied to the predetermined parameters, a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameters this time is calculated. A method for estimating energy consumption, which calculates an estimated value of the energy consumed by the movement of the moving body using the estimation formula obtained by applying the second correction parameter to the predetermined parameter.

13. A program executed by a computer, Based on the movement information obtained from the movement of the mobile body and the measured value of the energy consumed by the movement of the mobile body, calculation parameters used in the correction calculation of predetermined parameters included in the estimation formula for estimating the energy consumed by the movement of the mobile body are calculated. Using the aforementioned calculation parameters and the first correction parameters previously applied to the predetermined parameters, a second correction parameter to be applied to the predetermined parameters this time is calculated. A program that causes a computer to perform a process of calculating an estimated value of the energy consumed by the movement of the moving body using the estimation formula obtained by applying the second correction parameter to the predetermined parameter.

14. A storage medium storing the program described in claim 13.

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