Terminal device, energy supply device, server device, navigable range display method, navigable range display program, and recording medium

Abstract

The ability to clearly determine the amount of energy supplied to the battery, which is the energy source for the vehicle's operation, even when the destination has not been decided. [Solution] The system includes an input unit 102 for inputting the virtual charge amount of a battery that drives the power source of a mobile body, an acquisition unit 103 for acquiring the navigable range of the mobile body corresponding to the virtual charge amount input by the input unit 102, a display control unit 104 for displaying an image including the navigable range acquired by the acquisition unit 103 on a display unit 105, and a reception unit 106 for receiving an operation to set the virtual charge amount as the target charge amount when the display unit 105 is displaying an image including the navigable range corresponding to the virtual charge amount input by the input unit 102.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device, an energy supply device, a server device, a navigable range display method, a navigable range display program, and a recording medium for displaying the navigable range of a moving object. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the terminal device, the energy supply device, the server device, the navigable range display method, the navigable range display program, and the recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, regarding the charging of a battery that is an energy source for the running of a moving object (vehicle), when it is determined that the current power storage amount of the battery is equal to or greater than the target power storage amount, a communication unit is controlled to notify the user terminal that the power storage amount of the battery has reached the target power storage amount (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when no clear destination is determined, the target power storage amount for the battery that is an energy source for the running of the vehicle is not clearly determined either. In such a case where the destination is ambiguous, it is difficult to determine how much energy supply should be made, which is one example of the problem.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the terminal device according to claim 1 comprises: an input means for inputting a virtual charge amount of a battery that drives the power source of a mobile body; an acquisition means for acquiring the navigable range of the mobile body corresponding to the virtual charge amount input by the input means; a display control means for displaying an image including the navigable range acquired by the acquisition means on a display unit; and a reception means for receiving an operation to set the virtual charge amount as a target charge amount when the display unit is displaying an image including the navigable range corresponding to the virtual charge amount input by the input means.

[0006] Furthermore, the energy supply device according to claim 6 is a terminal device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a means for supplying power to the battery.

[0007] Furthermore, the navigable range display method according to claim 7 is a navigable range display method executed by a terminal device, characterized by including: an input step of inputting a virtual charge amount of a battery that drives the power source of a mobile body; an acquisition step of acquiring the navigable range of the mobile body corresponding to the virtual charge amount input in the input step; a display control step of displaying an image including the navigable range acquired in the acquisition step on a display unit; and a reception step of receiving an operation to set the virtual charge amount as a target charge amount when the display unit is displaying an image including the navigable range corresponding to the virtual charge amount input in the input step.

[0008] Furthermore, the server device according to claim 8 is a server device capable of communicating with a terminal device, which estimates the navigable range according to the amount of charge stored in the battery that drives the power source of the mobile body, and the terminal The terminal device is equipped with a navigable range estimation unit that transmits the data of the navigable range, and the navigable range estimation unit, upon receiving the virtual charge amount of the battery from the terminal device, re-estimates the navigable range of the mobile body according to the virtual charge amount and transmits the data of the navigable range to the terminal device.

[0009] Furthermore, the navigable range display method according to claim 9 is a navigable range display method executed by a server device that can communicate with a terminal device, and includes a navigable range estimation step of estimating the navigable range according to the amount of charge stored in a battery that drives the power source of a mobile body, and transmitting data of the navigable range that can be displayed on the terminal device, wherein the navigable range estimation step, when a virtual amount of charge stored in the battery is input from the terminal device, re-estimates the navigable range of the mobile body according to the virtual amount of charge stored, and transmits data of the navigable range that can be displayed on the terminal device.

[0010] Furthermore, the navigable range display program according to claim 10 is characterized by causing a computer to execute the navigable range display method described in claim 7 or 9.

[0011] Furthermore, the recording medium according to claim 11 is characterized in that it records the navigable range display program described in claim 10.

[0012] Furthermore, the terminal device according to claim 12 is characterized by comprising: an input means for inputting a virtual stored energy amount stored in an energy storage means that supplies energy to the power source of a mobile body; an acquisition means for acquiring the navigable range of the mobile body corresponding to the virtual stored energy amount input by the input means; a display control means for displaying an image including the navigable range acquired by the acquisition means on a display unit; and a reception means for receiving an operation to set the virtual stored energy amount as a target stored energy amount when the display unit is displaying an image including the navigable range corresponding to the virtual stored energy amount input by the input means.

[0013] Furthermore, the energy supply device according to claim 13 is a terminal device as described in claim 12, further comprising a supply means for supplying energy to the energy storage means.

[0014] Furthermore, the server device according to claim 14 is a server device that can communicate with a terminal device, and includes a navigable range estimation unit that estimates the navigable range according to the amount of stored energy stored in an energy storage means that supplies energy to the power source of a mobile body, and transmits the navigable range data to the terminal device, wherein when the navigable range estimation unit receives input from the terminal device of a virtual amount of stored energy stored in the energy storage means, it re-estimates the navigable range of the mobile body according to the virtual amount of stored energy and transmits the navigable range data to the terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for displaying the navigable range based on virtual energy storage according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal in Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a system configuration that displays the navigable range based on the virtual energy storage amount according to Example 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the state of specifying the virtual energy storage amount in Example 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process for displaying the navigable range based on the virtual energy storage amount according to Example 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a system configuration that displays the navigable range based on the virtual energy storage amount according to Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] (Embodiment) Preferred embodiments of the terminal device, energy supply device, server device, navigable range display method, navigable range display program, and recording medium according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. The terminal device (terminal) 101 is an electronic device equipped with a rechargeable battery and mounted on a moving body (vehicle) driven by the battery as a power source. Also, this terminal 101 may be an electronic device that moves with the vehicle, such as being carried by a user.

[0018] The terminal 101 includes an input unit 102, an acquisition unit 103, a display control unit 104, and a display unit 105.

[0019] The input unit 102 can input the virtual power storage amount of the battery that drives the power source of the vehicle by a user operation. The virtual power storage amount is the amount of charge when the battery is charged in the state before actual charging (current) of the battery. For example, when the current power storage amount (power storage rate) is 30%, if 50% is input as the virtual power storage amount, later, actually, the battery will be charged by 20%.

[0020] The acquisition unit 103 acquires the navigable range of the moving body according to the virtual power storage amount input by the input unit 102. For example, it acquires the range (map image) on the map that can be reached with the above virtual power storage amount (power storage rate) of 50% relative to the current position of the vehicle. This navigable range can be acquired, for example, by a server communicatively connected to the terminal 101 performing arithmetic processing and responding to the terminal 101. Also, even without providing a server, it is possible for the terminal 101 to perform arithmetic processing to obtain the navigable range. The display control unit 104 performs display control to cause the display unit 105 to display a map image including the current power storage amount of the battery, the virtual power storage amount of the user operation input by the input unit 102, and the navigable range acquired by the acquisition unit 103.

[0021] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 103 can acquire not only the navigable range of the vehicle according to the virtual charge amount, but also the estimated charging waiting time until the virtual charge amount is reached. The estimated charging waiting time is calculated by the server or the charging device that charges the battery, for example, based on the current charge amount of the battery, the virtual charge amount, and the charging speed depending on the charging mode. In this case, the display control unit 104 can display the estimated charging waiting time on the display unit 105 in conjunction with the virtual charge amount.

[0022] Furthermore, terminal 101 includes a reception unit 106, a transmission unit 107, a receiving unit 108, and a search unit 109. In addition, terminal 101 may also have a charging unit 110 for charging the vehicle's battery.

[0023] The reception unit 106 accepts an operation to set the virtual battery amount as the target battery amount when an image including the navigable range corresponding to the virtual battery amount input by the input unit 102 is displayed on the display unit 105. For example, the reception unit 106 can be configured by a confirmation button on the display unit 105. When the target battery amount is set, the transmission unit 107 transmits the target battery amount to an external device 111 mounted on the vehicle. This external device 111 manages the battery charge amount of the vehicle. These include in-vehicle devices, servers, charging devices, etc.

[0024] Furthermore, the receiving unit 108 receives charging completion information transmitted by the external device 111 when the vehicle's battery charge reaches the target charge level. The receiving unit 108 can also receive the vehicle's current location information. The vehicle's current location can be detected, for example, by an in-vehicle device, such as the external device 111, using GPS. In addition, if the terminal 101 has a GPS function or the like, the vehicle's current location can be detected internally by the terminal 101.

[0025] The search unit 109 searches for facilities (e.g., charging stations, shops, parking lots, etc.) located around the vehicle based on the vehicle's current position. In this case, the display control unit 104 can display the facilities found by the search unit 109 on the display unit 105, overlaid on the navigable range.

[0026] Furthermore, terminal 101 may include a charging unit 110 for charging the vehicle's battery. For example, if the charging unit 110 is installed in a charging facility (charging device), each component of terminal 101 shown in Figure 1 can be installed in the charging device. Alternatively, terminal 101 may be configured to only have the function of receiving and displaying a charging completion notification.

[0027] As described above, a possible system configuration for displaying the navigable range is one consisting of a terminal 101, a server, and a charging device at a charging facility. Alternatively, if the terminal 101 calculates the functions of the server, such as the navigable range and estimated charging waiting time, then there is no need to provide a separate server. Furthermore, the charging device at the charging facility may have the functions of the terminal 101 and display a map image with the vehicle's navigable range superimposed when connected to the vehicle for charging.

[0028] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for displaying the navigable range based on virtual battery storage according to the embodiment. The processing in Figure 2 is performed by terminal 101, but it is not limited to terminal 101; some processing (such as calculation processing) can also be performed by a server or charging device.

[0029] First, terminal 101 displays the current battery charge level on the display unit 105 (step S201). At this time, the acquisition unit 103 of terminal 101 acquires the navigable range that can be reached with the current charge level and displays it on a map on the display unit 105.

[0030] Next, the system waits for the user to input the virtual charge amount (step S202). The user inputs the virtual charge amount of the battery from the input unit 102. As a result, the acquisition unit 103 of the terminal 101 acquires the navigable range that can be reached with the virtual charge amount and displays it on the display unit 105 as a map (step S203). The virtual charge amount input from the input unit 102 is displayed on the display unit 105 and can be changed in stages or continuously.

[0031] The navigable range corresponding to the battery's charge can be obtained, for example, by the technology disclosed in International Publication No. 2013 / 125019. For example, by determining multiple points reachable from the current position based on the battery's charge using a predetermined energy consumption calculation formula, and then connecting these points, the navigable range can be shown on a map.

[0032] In this process, the terminal 101 can use the search unit 109 to search for facilities by genre, find the facility desired by the user, and display it on the display unit 105 as a map. This allows the search results for the desired facility to be displayed. At this time, the user can change the amount of virtual power input into the input unit 102 so that the location of the desired facility is within the navigable range. This also allows the user to obtain the amount of virtual power needed to reach the desired facility.

[0033] As described above, by inputting a virtual charge amount before actually charging the battery, it becomes possible to display the navigable range on a map. In this case, since the navigable range corresponding to the virtual charge amount can be displayed, it becomes possible to obtain the virtual charge amount needed to reach a desired facility, for example. After this, the user can actually charge the vehicle to the desired facility or navigable range by charging the vehicle to the amount corresponding to the determined virtual charge amount. In this way, even when a clear destination is not decided, the target charge amount for the vehicle's battery can be clearly determined, and even when the destination is ambiguous, it becomes possible to make an appropriate judgment on how much to charge.

[0034] While virtual battery capacity can be entered at any point, for example, by entering the virtual battery capacity just before the vehicle arrives at a charging facility and begins charging, the navigable range can be displayed relative to the vehicle's current location at the charging facility. [Examples]

[0035] (Terminal hardware configuration) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal in Embodiment 1. The terminal 101 shown in Figure 1 includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk drive 304, magnetic disk 305, optical disk drive 306, optical disk 307, audio interface 308, microphone 309, speaker 310, input device 311, video interface 312, display 313, camera 314, communication interface 315, GPS unit 316, and various sensors 317. Each component 301 to 317 is connected by a bus 320.

[0036] The CPU 301 controls the entire terminal 101. The ROM 302 stores the terminal's boot program. The RAM 303 is used as the CPU 301's work area. In other words, the CPU 301 controls the entire terminal 101 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 302 while using the RAM 303 as its work area.

[0037] The magnetic disk drive 304 controls the reading and writing of data to the magnetic disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The magnetic disk 305 records the data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. For example, the magnetic disk 305 can be an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk).

[0038] Furthermore, the optical disc drive 306 controls the reading and writing of data to the optical disc 307 according to the control of the CPU 301. The optical disc 307 is a removable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 306. The optical disc 307 can also use a writable recording medium. In addition to the optical disc 307, MO disks, memory cards, etc. can be used as removable recording media.

[0039] Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 and optical disk 307 include map data, vehicle information, images, and driving history. The map data is used when searching for a route and is vector data that includes background data representing features such as buildings, rivers, ground surfaces, and energy supply facilities, and road shape data representing the shape of roads with links and nodes.

[0040] The audio interface 308 is connected to a microphone 309 for audio input and a speaker 310 for audio output. The audio received by the microphone 309 is converted from analog to digital within the audio interface 308. The microphone 309 is installed, for example, on the dashboard of a vehicle, and there may be only one of them. Multiple speakers are allowed. Speaker 310 outputs audio obtained by D / A conversion of a predetermined audio signal within the audio I / F 308.

[0041] The input device 311 may include a remote control, keyboard, or touch panel equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The input device 311 may be implemented in any one form of a remote control, keyboard, or touch panel, but it can also be implemented in multiple forms.

[0042] The video interface 312 is connected to the display 313 and the camera 314. Specifically, the video interface 312 consists of, for example, a graphics controller that controls the entire display 313, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image information that can be displayed immediately, and a control IC that controls the display 313 based on the image data output from the graphics controller.

[0043] The display 313 displays various data such as icons, cursors, menus, windows, text, and images. For example, the display 313 can be a TFT liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0044] Camera 314 captures images of the area outside the terminal, such as a road. The images can be either still images or videos. For example, camera 314 can capture images of the exterior or interior of a vehicle, and the captured images can be analyzed by the CPU 301 or output to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 305 or an optical disk 307 via the video interface 312.

[0045] The communication interface 315 connects to the network wirelessly and functions as an interface for the CPU 301. Communication networks that function as networks include in-vehicle communication networks such as CAN (Controller Area Network) and LIN (Local Interconnect Network), as well as public telephone networks, mobile phone networks, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), LAN, and WAN. Examples of communication interfaces 315 include public telephone network connection modules, ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) units, FM tuners, and VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System: registered trademark) / beacon receivers.

[0046] The GPS unit 316 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current location of the terminal 101 (e.g., a vehicle). The output information from the GPS unit 316, along with the output values ​​from the various sensors 317 described later, is used by the CPU 301 to calculate the vehicle's current location. The information indicating the current location is, for example, information that identifies a specific point on map data, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0047] The various sensors 317, such as a vehicle speed sensor, acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, and tilt sensor, output information to determine the vehicle's position and behavior. The output values ​​of the various sensors 317 are used by the CPU 301 to calculate the vehicle's current position and the amount of change in speed and direction.

[0048] (Example of system configuration in Example 1) Figure 4 shows an example of a system configuration that displays the navigable range based on virtual energy storage capacity according to Example 1. In Example 1, the functions of terminal 101 described in Figure 1 are distributed and executed by multiple devices. The functions of terminal 101 are executed through mutual communication between the user's portable terminal 401, the server 402, and the in-vehicle device 403, such as a navigation system, installed in the vehicle.

[0049] The mobile terminal 401 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 411, a display control unit 412, a battery charge level specification IF 413, and a display 414. Although not shown, it also includes a battery charge level setting application that performs processing for setting a virtual battery charge level and displaying a map of the navigable range.

[0050] The transmitting / receiving unit 411 communicates with the server 402, for example, by sending the user-specified charge rate (the virtual charge amount) to the server 402 and receiving navigable range data from the server 402. The display control unit 412 displays the above-mentioned charge amount and virtual charge amount on the display 414 and displays the navigable range of the vehicle received from the server 402. The charge amount specification IF 413 has the functions of the receiving unit 106 described above and consists of a charge amount specification determination button, etc., which determines the virtual charge amount (the user-specified charge rate) as the target charge amount.

[0051] Server 402 includes a communication interface 421, navigable range estimation software 422 which functions as a navigable range estimation unit, a map database (DB) 423, and a communication interface 424. The communication interface 421 communicates with the mobile terminal 401 and, for example, transmits the navigable range data calculated by Server 402 to the mobile terminal 401.

[0052] The navigable range estimation software 422 is an application that calculates the navigable range reachable from the current position with a predetermined amount of stored energy (including when a virtual amount of stored energy is input) by executing a program on the CPU or other processor of the server 402. The map DB 423 stores map data that is referenced when the navigable range estimation software 422 calculates the navigable range. The communication I / F 424 communicates with the on-board unit 403, transmitting a specified energy storage rate from the server 402 to the on-board unit 403 and receiving the vehicle's current position and current energy storage rate from the on-board unit 403.

[0053] The in-vehicle unit 403 includes a charge level acquisition unit 431, a charge level determination unit 432, and a current location acquisition unit 433. The charge level acquisition unit 431 acquires the battery charge level from the vehicle 400 via CAN or the like. The charge level determination unit 432 determines whether the battery charge level acquired by the charge level acquisition unit 431 has reached a user-specified charge level. The current location acquisition unit 433 transmits the current location of the vehicle 400 detected by GPS or the like, and the current battery charge level acquired by the charge level acquisition unit 431, to the server 402.

[0054] The mobile terminal 401, server 402, and in-vehicle unit 403 shown in Figure 4 each realize their respective functions when the CPU 301 executes a predetermined program using programs and data recorded in the ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk 305, optical disk 307, etc., as shown in Figure 3.

[0055] Here, the server 402 uses programs and data recorded in the ROM 302, RAM 303, magnetic disk 305, optical disk 307, etc., as shown in Figure 3, and the CPU 301 executes a predetermined program to realize the functions of the navigable range estimation software 422. In addition, the map DB 423 provided in the server 402 can use the magnetic disk 305 and optical disk 307 shown in Figure 3.

[0056] Furthermore, the camera 314, GPS unit 316, various sensors 317, etc. shown in Figure 3 can be installed in the mobile terminal 401 or in-vehicle unit 403 shown in Figure 4.

[0057] (Regarding the specification of virtual energy storage capacity) Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the state of specifying the virtual battery amount in Embodiment 1. It shows an example of the display shown on the display 414 by the display control unit 412 of the mobile terminal 401. Figure 5(a) shows the state in which the navigable range based on the current battery amount is displayed on a map. The mobile terminal 401 receives navigable range data from the server 402 and displays the navigable range D1 on the display 414 as a map. This is shown. In the diagram, △ represents the current position d1 of vehicle 400.

[0058] A battery charge level display area 501 is provided at the bottom of the display 414. The current battery charge level acquired by the battery charge level acquisition unit 431 of the in-vehicle unit 403 is output to the mobile terminal 401 via the server 402. The mobile terminal 401 displays the current charge level on the battery charge level display area 501 of the display 414 at the position of the slider 502. The state shown in Figure 5(a) indicates that the slider 502 is at a current charge level of 30%. The position of this slider 502 can be changed continuously or in steps (for example, in 10% increments) by user operation, and the virtual charge level (specified charge level) is changed by sliding the slider 502 through this user operation.

[0059] Regarding the sliding of the slider 502, for example, as shown in Figure 5(b), when it is slid to the 40% position, the navigable range D2 corresponding to the virtual battery level of 40% at the slider 502 position is displayed in the battery level display area 501 of the display 414. This navigable range D2 is displayed after the virtual battery level of 40% is sent to the server 402 and the navigable range data is received from the server 402.

[0060] The user then confirms that the destination (facility) they wish to reach is included in the navigable range D2, based on the changes in the navigable range D1 and D2, and sets the virtual charge amount at this time using the charge amount specification confirmation button 503. The mobile terminal 401 transmits the virtual charge amount (40%) at the time the user operates the charge amount specification confirmation button 503 to the server 402 as the specified charge rate. The charge amount specification confirmation button 503 corresponds to the function of the reception unit 106 shown in Figure 1.

[0061] Furthermore, when setting this virtual energy storage amount, the user can search for a desired destination (facility) and display the search results on the display 414, allowing them to slide the slider 502 by a predetermined amount so that the destination (facility) is included within the navigable range D2. The destination (facility) search process is performed by the server 402 using the map DB 423. For example, the server 402 sends a list of candidate destinations (facility) by genre to the mobile terminal 401, and the mobile terminal 401 selects a destination (facility) from the candidate list, causing the server 402 to perform the search.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates an example of increasing the current charge level, but the virtual charge level can also be set lower than the current charge level. In this case, it becomes possible to display the navigable range (a narrower range than the current navigable range D1) when the virtual charge level is lower than the current charge level, without charging the battery at the current charge level.

[0063] (Example of processing in Example 1) Next, we will explain an example of the calculation process for the navigable range based on the virtual energy storage amount according to the configuration example of Example 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing details for displaying the navigable range based on the virtual energy storage amount according to Example 1.

[0064] Figure 6 shows the processes performed by the mobile terminal 401, server 402, and in-vehicle unit 403 as described in Figure 4. In Example 1, the server 402 calculates the reachable range based on the charge level selected by the mobile terminal 401, the user determines the charge level while viewing an image of the navigable range on the mobile terminal 401 and notifies the server 402, and the in-vehicle unit 403 notifies the user when charging is complete. In the example in Figure 6, the process starts when the vehicle 400 has reached a charging facility where the battery can be charged, and the following explanation will describe the actions of each device in roughly chronological order.

[0065] First, the in-vehicle unit 403 uses the current position acquisition unit 433 to determine when the vehicle 400 has stopped at the charging facility. The system determines whether charging has started (step S601). If the vehicle has not reached the charging facility, the in-vehicle unit 403 waits (loop of step S601: No), and if it has stopped at the charging facility (step S601: Yes), it transmits the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 400, its current location, and the charge level acquired by the charge level acquisition unit 431 to the server 402 (step S602). After this, the in-vehicle unit 403 monitors the change in the charge level (step S603). Note that the determination in step S601 may be triggered by the start of charging of the vehicle's battery.

[0066] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 401 is initially in a state of waiting for the battery charge setting application to be launched (loop of step S604: No). For example, when the vehicle 400 reaches a charging facility where the battery can be charged, the user can launch the battery charge setting application through user operation or the like (step S604: Yes). The battery charge setting application then sends the personal identification information of the user of the mobile terminal 401 to the server 402 (step S605).

[0067] Server 402 receives vehicle identification information, current location, and battery level of vehicle 400 from the in-vehicle unit 403 (step S606), and receives personal identification information from the mobile terminal 401 (step S607). Then, Server 402 determines whether there is an association between the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information (step S608). This process determines whether the user and the vehicle have been registered for service with Server 402 in advance. If there is no association between the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information (step S608: No loop), the example in Figure 6 is to wait, but since the service is not registered, the following service (service to present the navigable range based on virtual battery amount) may be skipped. If there is an association between the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information (step S608: Yes), the process proceeds to step S613.

[0068] After step S605, the mobile terminal 401 performs the process of setting the virtual battery capacity and displaying the navigable range corresponding to the virtual battery capacity (steps S609 to S612). Also, after step S608, the server 402 performs the calculation process for the navigable range corresponding to the virtual battery capacity (steps S613 to S615).

[0069] The server 402 calculates the navigable range when the battery charge is N% (current battery charge) based on the current battery charge transmitted from the onboard unit 403 using the navigable range estimation software 422 (step S614), and transmits the navigable range data to the mobile terminal 401 (step S615). The mobile terminal 401 displays the navigable range when the battery charge is N% transmitted from the server 402 on the map data (step S610). In this state, the navigable range D1 shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed on the mobile terminal 401.

[0070] Subsequently, when the specified charge level is changed by a user operation (slider operation) of the virtual charge level setting on the mobile terminal 401 (step S611: change), the mobile terminal 401 sends the changed charge level to the server 402 (step S609). The server 402 obtains the charge level parameter N% from the changed charge level by the mobile terminal 401 (step S613), calculates the navigable range when the charge level is changed (N%) (step S614), and sends the navigable range data when the charge level is N% to the mobile terminal 401 (step S615). In this state, the navigable range D2 when the charge level is changed to N% is displayed on the mobile terminal 401.

[0071] After this, when the user determines the virtual charge amount and the charge amount specification button on the mobile terminal 401 is operated (step S611: determination), the mobile terminal 401 transmits the determined virtual charge amount (specified charge rate) to the in-vehicle unit 403 (step S612). The mobile terminal 401 may also transmit this specified charge rate to the in-vehicle unit 403 via the server 402.

[0072] When the in-vehicle unit 403 receives the specified charge level from the mobile terminal 401 (step S616), The charging equipment starts charging the battery and waits until the charge level reaches the specified charge level (loop of step S617: No). Once the charge level reaches the specified charge level (step S617: Yes), charging stops and a message is sent to the mobile terminal 401 indicating that the specified charge level has been reached (step S618). The mobile terminal 401 notifies the user that the specified charge level has been reached by displaying a message or the like (step S619), and the series of above processes ends. The charging equipment can also start charging in step S603, assuming that the battery of a stopped vehicle is being charged.

[0073] Furthermore, the server 402's navigable range estimation software 422 can calculate a highly accurate navigable range in step S614 by using basic data stored corresponding to the vehicle type included in the vehicle identification information, or basic data stored as the past driving history of a unique vehicle identified by the vehicle ID.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above processing example, the server 402 calculates the navigable range each time the charge level parameter is changed. However, multiple navigable ranges in 10% steps could be calculated from the beginning, and the navigable range data could be sent to the mobile terminal 401. This would allow the navigable range to be displayed quickly when the charge level is changed on the mobile terminal 401. In this case, the display could be shown in a continuous display mode, where multiple navigable ranges in 10% steps can be displayed as an animation, without the user having to slide the slider 502.

[0075] Map data for displaying the navigable range is pre-stored in the mobile terminal 401, and the display control unit 412 can overlay the navigable range transmitted from the server 402 onto the map data. Alternatively, the system can be configured so that a map image with the navigable range overlaid is downloaded from the server 402 to the mobile terminal 401.

[0076] In addition, the estimated charging wait time may be displayed in conjunction with the charge level parameter. For example, if the current charge level is 30% and the specified charge level is 50%, the estimated charging wait time of 1 hour, corresponding to 20% of the charge level, may be displayed. In this case, the mobile terminal 401 calculates the estimated charging wait time at the charging facility, corresponding to the charge level transmitted to the in-vehicle unit 403. Alternatively, the charging facility may be configured to transmit the estimated charging time to the mobile terminal 401 via the in-vehicle unit 403. Furthermore, the charge may be displayed in conjunction with the charge level parameter. For example, if the current charge level is 30% and the specified charge level is 50%, the charge corresponding to 20% of the charge level may be displayed. In this case, the server 402 calculates the unit price information for the charge and the difference between the current charge level and the specified charge level, and transmits it to the mobile terminal 401 along with the navigable range. In this case, the user can easily grasp the waiting time and charge information along with the navigable range.

[0077] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 401 can accept facility searches and may display the locations of facilities belonging to a desired category on a map overlaid with the navigable range. For example, if amusement parks are selected as the desired category and amusement parks around the vehicle's current location are displayed, the display of the navigable range will allow the user to easily understand how much charge is needed to reach which amusement park, and to easily determine a target charge level.

[0078] Furthermore, in Example 1, the server 402 is configured to determine the navigable range based on the virtual energy storage amount. However, the functions of the server 402 (each function of the server 402 in Figure 4) can also be provided and executed by the mobile terminal 401 or the in-vehicle device 403. [Examples]

[0079] Figure 7 shows an example of a system configuration that displays the navigable range based on virtual battery storage according to Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, in addition to the functions of terminal 101 described in Figure 1, a mobile terminal 401, a server 402, and an in-vehicle unit 403 (see Figure 4), a charging device 704 is provided, and these devices communicate with each other to perform processing.

[0080] In Example 2, the charging device 704 of the charging facility displays a map image with the navigable range superimposed on it. The user checks the navigable range displayed on the charging device 704 and determines the target charge level by operating the charging device 704.

[0081] The charging device 704 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 711, a display control unit 712, a charge amount specification IF 713, a display 714, and a power supply unit 715. The transmitting / receiving unit 711 transmits a specified charge rate set by the user to the server 402 and receives navigable range data from the server 402. The display control unit 712 performs display control processing to display the virtual charge amount (specified charge amount) shown in Figure 5 and the navigable range on the display 714. The charge amount specification IF 713 consists of a charge amount specification confirmation button 503 (see Figure 5). The power supply unit 715 charges the battery of the vehicle 400.

[0082] In this embodiment 2, assuming that the vehicle is located at the installation location of the charging device 704, the server 402 calculates the navigable range with the charging device 704 (vehicle) as the center. Therefore, in embodiment 2, the current position acquisition unit 433 (see Figure 4) can be made unnecessary.

[0083] In Embodiment 2, the user's personal identification information is registered in the charging device 704, and the charging device 704 sends the user's personal identification information and vehicle identification information to the server 402, which then performs the query processing. When charging by the power supply unit 715 is complete, the charging device 704 can notify the mobile terminal 401 via email or other means that charging is complete.

[0084] As a variation of the Embodiment 2 described above, the server 402 is omitted, and the functional units of the server 402 are provided in the charging device 704, so that the system is composed of the mobile terminal 401 and the charging device 704. The same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained in Embodiment 2 described above.

[0085] According to the embodiments described above, by setting a virtual battery capacity, the user can be shown the navigable range that can be reached with this virtual battery capacity. Since the virtual battery capacity can be set before the vehicle's battery is charged, the user can easily understand the navigable range that can be reached according to the set virtual battery capacity. Furthermore, based on the displayed navigable range, the user can set the required actual battery capacity (charge amount). They can also easily obtain the amount of charge necessary to reach their desired destination. In addition, even if a clear destination is not determined, the target battery capacity for the vehicle can be clearly determined, and even if the destination is ambiguous, it becomes possible to make an appropriate judgment on how much to charge.

[0086] Furthermore, each time the virtual battery level is changed continuously or in stages, the system can display different navigable ranges corresponding to the changed virtual battery level on the map screen, making it easier for the user to understand how the navigable range changes when the charge level is altered.

[0087] Furthermore, each embodiment is not limited to those described herein and can be implemented within the scope that does not change its intent. For example, the energy source that drives the power source of the mobile body is not limited to electricity stored in a battery, but may also be gasoline, hydrogen, natural gas, etc., stored in a storage tank. Even when supplying energy to a mobile body using these as energy sources, by setting a virtual energy storage amount, the user can be shown the navigable range that can be reached with this virtual energy storage amount.

[0088] The method for displaying the navigable range described in this embodiment involves executing a pre-prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or workstation. This can be achieved by recording the program on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and executing it when read from the recording medium by a computer. Alternatively, the program may be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 101 terminals 102 Input section 103 Acquisition Department 104 Display Control Unit 105 Display section 106 Reception Department 107 Transmitter 108 Receiving Unit 109 Search Section 110 Live parts 111 External device 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 400 vehicles 401 Mobile devices 402 Server 403 Onboard equipment

Claims

[Claim 1] An input means for inputting the virtual amount of charge stored in the battery that drives the power source of the mobile device, An acquisition means for acquiring the navigable range of the mobile body corresponding to the virtual amount of stored energy input by the input means, A display control means for displaying an image including the navigable range acquired by the acquisition means on a display unit, When the display unit is showing an image including the navigable range corresponding to the virtual energy storage amount input by the input means, the receiving means accepts an operation to set the virtual energy storage amount as the target energy storage amount, A terminal device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

Images