Information processing methods

Abstract

This will help prevent vehicles from being stuck waiting for pressure recovery at hydrogen stations. [Solution] The information processing method includes an information processing device estimating the degree of congestion at a hydrogen station when multiple FCEV delivery vehicles receive hydrogen refueling at the hydrogen station after completing delivery work, and, if it is determined that the degree of congestion is high, changing the timing of hydrogen refueling for at least one of the multiple FCEV delivery vehicles to before the completion of delivery work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] An information processing method is disclosed that includes creating a plan for at least one of the most energy-efficient delivery route and the energy filling timing from vehicle-related information, and instructing one or more vehicles to execute the plan (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There are hydrogen stations that fill hydrogen into FCEV (also referred to as fuel cell electric vehicle or FCV). At hydrogen stations, if hydrogen filling is continuously carried out, the filling pressure may decrease. When the pressure decreases, the time until the pressure recovers is a waiting state for filling, so there is a problem that the time required for filling becomes long.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to provide an information processing method capable of suppressing the occurrence of vehicles waiting for pressure recovery at hydrogen stations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method, the information processing device comprising: estimating the degree of congestion at a hydrogen station when a plurality of FCEV delivery vehicles receive hydrogen refueling at the hydrogen station after the completion of delivery work; and, if the degree of congestion is determined to be high, changing the timing of hydrogen refueling for at least one of the plurality of FCEV delivery vehicles to before the completion of delivery work.

[0007] Other aspects of this disclosure may include information processing devices, computer programs, computer-readable temporary storage media storing such programs, and information processing systems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of vehicles waiting for pressure recovery at hydrogen stations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing method, Processing Example 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing method, specifically example 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing processing example 3 of the information processing method. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing method, specifically example 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. In Figure 1, the delivery company's office has multiple delivery vehicles 4 (an example of an FCEV delivery vehicle in this disclosure) that deliver packages. The delivery vehicles 4 are FCEVs (fuel cell vehicles), which are vehicles (electric vehicles (EVs)) that obtain propulsion by driving a motor with electricity generated by a fuel cell (FC).

[0012] For each delivery vehicle 4, for example, the delivery route is determined before delivery begins, within a predetermined time unit (e.g., a day). The delivery vehicle 4 then goes to the hydrogen station 7 at a predetermined time to refuel with hydrogen. The timing of hydrogen refueling is determined, for example, based on the possible driving range calculated from the remaining hydrogen amount before delivery begins and the distance of the delivery route. This determines whether refueling takes place during delivery (before the end of the delivery work) or after the end of the delivery work. For example, if a delivery vehicle 4 has enough hydrogen remaining to reach the hydrogen station 7, but needs refueling after the end of the delivery work, the timing of hydrogen refueling (the reservation time at the hydrogen station 7) is determined after the end of the delivery work. Conversely, if there is a possibility that the remaining hydrogen amount may fall below a certain level during delivery, the timing of hydrogen refueling during delivery (before the end of the delivery work) is determined.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, for example, the delivery vehicle 4 is equipped with a terminal 5. Terminal 5 can communicate with the management server 6 or the information processing device 20 via the network 1 (such as the internet). Terminal 5 may be a terminal installed in the delivery vehicle 4 (vehicle), or it may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0014] The management server 6 can, for example, collect information related to each delivery vehicle 4 by communicating with each terminal 5, such as the delivery route of the delivery vehicle 4 set on each terminal 5 and information indicating the remaining amount of hydrogen in the delivery vehicle 4. The information processing device 20 obtains information related to each delivery vehicle 4 by communicating with the management server 6 and uses this information to determine the timing of refueling for each delivery vehicle 4. However, the information processing device 20 may also communicate directly with each terminal 5 and obtain information related to each delivery vehicle 4 from each terminal 5.

[0015] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 can calculate (estimate) the congestion level of the hydrogen station at predetermined time intervals based on the refueling timing of each delivery vehicle 4, and determine whether the congestion level is high or not. If it is determined that the congestion level is high, the information processing device 20 adjusts (changes) the refueling timing of each delivery vehicle 4, and the charging start timing is adjusted so that refueling times are spaced sufficiently apart. This makes it possible to avoid a decrease in refueling pressure and a longer refueling time due to continuous refueling of hydrogen at the hydrogen station 7. In turn, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of vehicles waiting for pressure recovery at the hydrogen station.

[0016] Figures 2 and 3 show examples of the configuration of an information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer such as a personal computer (PC), workstation (WS), or server machine. In Figure 2, the information processing device 20 comprises a processor 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, an input device 24, and a display device 25, all interconnected via a bus 26. The processor 21 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. This is an arithmetic unit that executes the program. The storage device 22 includes main memory and auxiliary storage. The main memory is used as the working area of ​​the processor 21. The auxiliary storage is used as the storage area for programs and data used by the processor 21. In addition, the communication device 23 is used to perform communication via the network 1 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The input device 24 is used for inputting data and information, and the display device 25 is used for displaying information. The input device 24 may be a physical button or switch, etc., or may be a button or switch based on a GUI displayed on the touch panel display which is the display device 25.

[0017] When the processor 21 of the information processing device 20 executes a program, as shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 operates as a device including a filling timing calculation unit 101 (hereinafter referred to as the "calculation unit 101"), a congestion degree estimation unit 102 (hereinafter referred to as the "estimation unit 102"), a congestion degree determination unit 103, and a filling timing adjustment unit 104 (hereinafter referred to as the "adjustment unit 104").

[0018] In the storage device 22, information related to each delivery vehicle 4, information related to the hydrogen station 7 (hydrogen station information), information indicating a delivery plan (delivery route of each delivery vehicle 4) using a plurality of delivery vehicles 4, and information indicating a hydrogen filling plan (hydrogen filling timing of each delivery vehicle 4) for each delivery vehicle 4 are stored by collecting (acquiring) or generating information, etc. The hydrogen station information can include, for example, statistical data of congestion degrees for each predetermined time period obtained from information indicating the past usage record of the hydrogen station 7 for FCEVs (vehicles of general users or vehicles referred to as general vehicles) other than delivery operators (commercial users).

[0019] In addition, the information related to each delivery vehicle 4 (information indicating a delivery plan) can be obtained from two or more delivery operators, and a hydrogen filling plan for each delivery vehicle 4 of two or more delivery operators can be generated (formulated) collectively (cooperatively). However, the hydrogen filling plan can also be generated for each delivery operator.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of an information processing method (processing example 1) by the information processing device 20. In step S001, the processor 21 of the information processing device 20 reads the delivery plan. In step S002, the processor 21 operates as a calculation unit 101 and calculates the hydrogen consumption for each vehicle (delivery vehicle 4) from the information showing the delivery plan (delivery route for each delivery vehicle 4), and calculates the hydrogen refueling timing for each vehicle (delivery vehicle 4).

[0021] For example, for delivery vehicles 4 whose hydrogen reserves are above a predetermined amount at the end of a delivery operation but are estimated to be insufficient for the next delivery operation (e.g., the following day), the processor 21 determines the timing of hydrogen refueling after the end of the delivery operation (after the end time). For example, the processor sets the timing of hydrogen refueling (reservation of refueling) for delivery vehicle 4 so that after completing a delivery operation and returning to the office, delivery vehicle 4 moves to hydrogen station 7 (or stops by hydrogen station 7 before returning to the office) to receive hydrogen refueling. Conversely, for delivery vehicles 4 that are determined to be insufficient hydrogen by the end of the delivery operation, the processor 21 determines the timing of hydrogen refueling during delivery.

[0022] In step S002, the processor 21 calculates the filling timing for all delivery vehicles 4 that perform delivery work.

[0023] In step S003, the processor 21 treats the number of delivery vehicles 4 whose refueling timing is set to after the completion of delivery work as information indicating congestion. Congestion is an index that indicates the degree of congestion of FCEVs waiting to be refueled at the hydrogen station 7, and can be shown in two stages, "low" or "high," depending on the number of delivery vehicles 4. However, congestion may be shown in three or more stages. Congestion may be estimated based on the delivery plans (delivery completion times) of multiple FCEV delivery vehicles. For example, a state in which the delivery completion times of delivery vehicles 4 that should be refueled with hydrogen are set to a certain number or more within a predetermined time period may be defined as a high congestion state, and a state in which this is not defined as a low congestion state. Furthermore, congestion is determined by the hydrogen refueling timing of delivery The number of FCEV delivery vehicles may be estimated based on the number set after the completion of the work. In this way, the processor 21 operates as a congestion estimation unit 102.

[0024] In step S003, the processor 21 further operates as a determination unit 103 to determine whether a certain number of vehicles need to be refueled at the end of delivery (i.e., whether the congestion level is high). If it is determined that the number of delivery vehicles 4 for which the hydrogen refueling timing has been determined after the completion of delivery work is a certain number or more (high congestion level), the process proceeds to step S005; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S004.

[0025] In step S004, normal filling is performed. That is, the processor 21 does not change the filling timing set for each delivery vehicle 4, and formulates a filling plan (generates information indicating the filling plan) in which each delivery vehicle 4 is filled at the filling timing set during the delivery planning stage, and stores it in the storage device 22.

[0026] In contrast, if the process proceeds to step S005, the processor 21 acts as an adjustment unit 104 and formulates a refueling plan modified so that the refueling timing for at least one of the multiple delivery vehicles 4, whose refueling timing is set to occur after the completion of the delivery work, occurs during delivery, and stores it in the storage device 22. The processor 21 refers to hydrogen station information and changes the refueling timing during delivery periods when there are no vehicles using the station or the number of vehicles using the station is small. For example, the delivery vehicles 4 to be adjusted can be configured to be selected in order of lowest hydrogen remaining amount (longest refueling time), in order of highest hydrogen remaining amount, or randomly selected.

[0027] In this way, if a certain number of delivery vehicles 4 are to refuel at the hydrogen station 7 after the delivery work is completed (high congestion), the refueling timing is adjusted and a refueling plan is formulated to avoid pressure drops due to continuous refueling.

[0028] The information processing device 20 can execute the following processing example 2 instead of processing example 1. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method by the information processing device 20. It is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method by the information processing device 20 (processing example 2). The processing in steps S101 and S102 in Figure 5 is the same as in processing example 1 (steps S001 and S002), so the explanation is omitted.

[0029] In step S103, the processor 21 determines whether a certain number of vehicles need to be refueled, with respect to general users (general vehicles) and commercial users (delivery vehicles 4) whose deliveries have been completed. Specifically, the processor 21 reads the estimated number of general vehicles in the time period after the completion of delivery work, which is stored in the memory device 22 as hydrogen station information, adds it to the number of delivery vehicles 4 whose refueling timing is set to after the completion of delivery work, and determines whether the added value is a certain number or more (high congestion). If it is determined that the added value is a certain number or more, the process proceeds to step S105; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0030] In step S104, normal filling takes place, meaning there is no change to the filling timing set for general vehicles and each delivery vehicle 4, and filling is performed at each filling timing. In contrast, if the process proceeds to step S105, the processor 21 changes the filling timing of at least one of the multiple commercial users (delivery vehicles 4) whose filling timing is set to after the completion of delivery work to during delivery. The process in step S105 is the same as the process in step S005.

[0031] The information processing device 20 can execute the following processing example 3 instead of processing examples 1 and 2. Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the information processing method (processing example 3) by the information processing device 20. This is a chart. Processing example 3 shows an example of processing when the information processing device 20 acquires information indicating the delivery plans of two delivery companies (company A and company B).

[0032] Steps S201 to S203 are the same process as steps S001 to S003 (Figure 4) performed regarding the delivery plan of contractor A. If the result in step S203 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0033] Steps S204 and S205 are the same processes as steps S001 and S002 (Figure 4) performed with respect to the delivery plan of company B. In step S206, the processor 21 determines whether or not there are overlapping charging times (= high congestion) for each delivery vehicle.

[0034] If the result in step S206 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S207. Note that steps S201-S203 may be performed for vendor B, and steps S204-S206 may be performed for vendor A.

[0035] In step S207, the processor 21 decides to perform normal filling. That is, the processor 21 does not change the filling timing set for each delivery vehicle 4 owned by company A and company B, respectively, and formulates a filling plan (generates information indicating the filling plan) in which each delivery vehicle 4 is filled at the filling timing set at the time of delivery planning, and stores it in the storage device 22. The filling plan may consist of a filling plan for the delivery vehicle 4 owned by company A and a filling plan for the delivery vehicle 4 owned by company B, or it may be a filling plan that integrates these filling plans.

[0036] In step S208, the processor 21 devises a refueling plan (generates information indicating the refueling plan) so that the refueling times for each delivery vehicle 4 are spaced sufficiently apart. For example, without changing the refueling plan for either company A or company B, the refueling timing is changed for each delivery vehicle 4 of the other company A and company B so that refueling does not overlap during the idle time at the hydrogen station 7 (a sufficient interval is provided between refueling times). Alternatively, a refueling plan may be generated so that refueling is performed after delivery is completed for one of the delivery vehicles 4 of companies A and B, and during delivery for the other delivery vehicle 4 of companies A and B. According to processing example 3, when multiple (two or more) delivery companies use a common hydrogen station, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of overlapping charging times (high congestion) for delivery vehicles 4 at the hydrogen station 7, and consequently avoid a drop in refueling pressure due to continuous refueling.

[0037] Note that the processing example 3 shown in Figure 5 shows the processing performed by the information processing device 20. However, it is also possible that the information processing device 20 performs the processing in steps S001 to S003 for either vendor A or vendor B, and another information processing device (for example, the management server 6) performs the processing in steps S001 to S003 for the other of vendor A or vendor B, and the information processing device 20 performs the processing in step S208 only if a YES determination is made in at least one of the steps S003.

[0038] The information processing device 20 can execute the following processing example 4 instead of processing examples 1 to 3. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of an information processing method (processing example 4) by the information processing device 20.

[0039] The process in steps S301 to S304 shown in Figure 7 is the same as the process in steps S101 to S5 shown in Figure 5. The explanation is omitted as it is the same as the process in step 104. In step S305, the processor 21 modifies the refueling plan so that hydrogen refueling for at least one delivery vehicle 4 is carried out at a hydrogen station other than hydrogen station 7 (referred to as hydrogen station 7A). For example, the storage device 22 stores information relating to hydrogen station 7A as hydrogen station information, and the processor 21 selects at least one of the multiple delivery vehicles 4 to be refueled and determines the refueling timing for at least one delivery vehicle 4 so that refueling for the selected delivery vehicle 4 is carried out during an available time at hydrogen station 7A.

[0040] According to Processing Example 4, by adjusting the refueling process so that at least one delivery vehicle 4 is refueled at hydrogen station 7A, it becomes possible to avoid a pressure drop due to continuous refueling at hydrogen station 7.

[0041] According to the information processing method of the embodiment, the information processing device 20 (processor 21) operates as an estimation unit 102 that estimates the degree of congestion at the hydrogen station 7 when multiple delivery vehicles 4 (FCEV delivery vehicles) receive hydrogen refueling at the hydrogen station 7 after completing delivery work (steps S003, S103, S203, S303). Furthermore, the information processing device 20 (processor 21) operates as a determination unit 103 that determines that the degree of congestion is high (a certain number of vehicles or more), and then operates as an adjustment unit 104 that changes the timing of hydrogen refueling for at least one of the multiple delivery vehicles 4 to before the completion of delivery work (S008, S108, S208). In other words, it is possible to avoid pressure drops due to continuous refueling at the hydrogen station 7. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of vehicles (FCEVs) waiting for pressure recovery at the hydrogen station 7.

[0042] The degree of congestion can be estimated based on the delivery plans (such as the completion time of delivery) of multiple delivery vehicles 4. Alternatively, the degree of congestion may be estimated based on the number of delivery vehicles 4 that are scheduled to receive hydrogen refueling after the completion of delivery work (the refueling timing is determined after the completion of delivery work).

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Processing Example 3 of the embodiment, when each of the multiple delivery vehicles 4 belongs to two or more delivery companies (company A and company B), the charging times of the multiple delivery vehicles 4 can be scheduled so that there are intervals between them. In other words, when the multiple FCEV delivery vehicles are multiple delivery vehicles that make deliveries in the delivery plans of two or more delivery companies, the charging times of the multiple delivery vehicles can be scheduled so that there are intervals between them.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Processing Example 5 (Figure 7) of the embodiment, if it is determined that the congestion level is high, instead of setting the timing for refueling hydrogen for at least one of the multiple delivery vehicles 4 before the end of the delivery work, it may be decided that at least one of the multiple delivery vehicles 4 will receive hydrogen refueling at a hydrogen station 7A (second hydrogen station) different from hydrogen station 7 (first hydrogen station).

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in the embodiments, the information processing device 20 (processor 21) may determine whether hydrogen refueling is necessary during delivery for each delivery vehicle 4 based on the remaining hydrogen amount before delivery and the amount of hydrogen consumed from the delivery route. If it is determined that refueling is necessary during delivery, the information processing device 20 may determine the timing of hydrogen refueling during delivery, and if it is determined that refueling is not necessary during delivery, the information processing device 20 may determine the timing of hydrogen refueling after delivery is completed. In addition, the processing performed by the information processing device 20 (processing examples 1 to 4) may be executed by one of the multiple terminals 5, or by the cooperation of two or more terminals 5. The configurations shown in the embodiments can be combined as appropriate insofar as the purpose of disclosure is achieved.

[0046] Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure shall, insofar as they do not result in technical inconsistencies, These can be freely combined and implemented. Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0047] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium includes any type of disk, such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards, and any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1: Network 4: Delivery vehicle 5: Terminal 6: Management Server 7,7A: Hydrogen Station 20: Information Processing Device 21: Processor 22: Storage device 23: Communication equipment 24: Input device 25:Display device 101: Filling timing calculation unit 102: Congestion level estimation unit 103: Judgment section 104: Filling timing adjustment unit

Claims

1. Information processing device, To estimate the congestion level of a hydrogen station when multiple FCEV delivery vehicles receive hydrogen refueling at the station after completing their delivery work, If the aforementioned congestion level is determined to be high, the timing of refueling hydrogen into at least one of the multiple FCEV delivery vehicles will be changed to before the completion of the delivery operation. Information processing methods including

2. The aforementioned congestion level is estimated based on the delivery schedule of the multiple FCEV delivery vehicles. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned congestion level is estimated based on the number of FCEV delivery vehicles scheduled to receive hydrogen refueling after the completion of the delivery work. The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. When the multiple FCEV delivery vehicles are multiple delivery vehicles that make deliveries in the delivery plans of two or more delivery companies, the filling times for each of the multiple delivery vehicles are scheduled to be spaced apart. The information processing method according to claim 1.

5. If it is determined that the congestion level is high, the timing of refueling hydrogen for at least one of the multiple FCEV delivery vehicles will be changed to before the end of the delivery work, and it will be decided that at least one of the multiple FCEV delivery vehicles will be refueled at a second hydrogen station different from the first hydrogen station, which is the hydrogen station. The information processing method according to claim 1.

6. For each FCEV delivery vehicle performing deliveries, the system further includes determining whether or not hydrogen refueling is necessary during delivery based on the remaining hydrogen level before delivery and the amount of hydrogen consumed based on the delivery route; determining the timing of hydrogen refueling during delivery if it is determined that refueling during delivery is necessary; and determining the timing of hydrogen refueling after delivery if it is determined that refueling during delivery is not necessary. The information processing method according to claim 1.

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