Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can switch the display of the vehicle's driving status in accordance with changes in how the vehicle is used. [Solution] The information processing device acquires information about a vehicle having a shielding unit that can operate to shield a sign indicating the type of vehicle, and a driving force limiting unit that can limit the driving force of the vehicle while the shielding unit is shielding the sign. The information processing device has an acquisition unit that acquires driving information relating to the driving state of the vehicle, a determination unit that determines whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is being limited by the driving force limiting unit, a selection unit that selects a predetermined output item from a plurality of target items according to the determination of the determination unit, a generation unit that generates output information for the output item based on the acquired driving information, and an output unit that outputs the generated output information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, the development of vehicles that can provide various usage modes depending on applications has been promoted. In such vehicles, a driver can select a usage mode in accordance with the purpose, situation, or the like. For example, a vehicle that can switch between use as an electric bicycle and use as a bicycle has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, in recent years, the number of users of so-called cycle computers has increased. A cycle computer displays traveling states of a bicycle such as, for example, travel distance, traveling speed, and cadence.

[0004] Information displayed on such a cycle computer is used by a driver to grasp his or her own exercise amount, which is useful for the driver's health management, and is used for estimating the wear state of the vehicle. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-036929 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, in a vehicle whose usage mode can be switched, if the display of the traveling state under human power and the display of the traveling state under the prime mover of the vehicle are the same, the driver cannot correctly determine his or her own exercise amount.

[0007] In addition, if the display of the traveling state for each usage mode is the same, the wear state of the vehicle cannot be correctly determined.

[0008] Therefore, when the vehicle's usage method can be switched, it is desirable that the display of the vehicle's driving status also switches accordingly.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can switch the display of the vehicle's driving status in accordance with a change in the vehicle's usage method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above objective of the present invention is achieved by the following:

[0011] An information processing device for acquiring information about a vehicle having a shielding unit that can operate to shield a sign indicating the type of vehicle, and a drive force limiting unit that can limit the driving force of the vehicle while the shielding unit is shielding the sign, the information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires driving information relating to the driving state of the vehicle; a determination unit that determines whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is being limited by the drive force limiting unit; a selection unit that selects a predetermined output item from a plurality of target items according to the determination of the determination unit; a generation unit that generates output information for the output item based on the acquired driving information; and an output unit that outputs the generated output information.

[0012] An information processing method performed by an information processing device that acquires information about a vehicle, the device having a shielding unit that can operate to shield a sign indicating the type of vehicle, and a drive force limiting unit that can limit the driving force of the vehicle while the shielding unit is shielding the sign, the method comprising: acquiring driving information relating to the driving state of the vehicle; determining whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is being limited by the drive force limiting unit; selecting a predetermined output item from a plurality of target items in accordance with the determination of whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is being limited; generating output information for the output item based on the acquired driving information; and outputting the generated output information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program of the present invention, a predetermined output item is selected from among a plurality of target items depending on whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is being limited by the driving force limiting unit. That is, the output item is switched according to the switching of the vehicle's usage method. Therefore, it is possible to switch the display of the vehicle's driving status in accordance with the switching of the vehicle's usage method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system to which an information processing device according to one embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the shielding device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing different states of the shielding device. [Figure 4] This is another perspective view of the shielding device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing different states of the shielding device. [Figure 6] (A) is a plan view showing the fixed state of the first fixing part as shown in Figure 2, etc., and (B) is a plan view showing the released state. [Figure 7] This is a table showing the first to eighth states of the shielding device, as shown in Figure 2, etc. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shielding device in the first state. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shielding device in the second state. [Figure 10] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shielding device in the third state. [Figure 11] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fourth-state shielding device. [Figure 12] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shielding device for states 5 through 8. [Figure 13]It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 15] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen of output information displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing another example of a screen of output information displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a shielding device according to Modification 1. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing different states of the shielding device shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is another perspective view of the shielding device shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] It is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the shielding device shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing another example of a screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sign. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing another example of the sign shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing a state where the sign shown in FIG. 25 is shielded. [Figure 28] It is a diagram showing still another example of the sign shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 29] (A) is a diagram showing another example of the shielding device shown in FIG. 25, and (B) is a diagram showing a state where the sign shown in (A) is shielded.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Embodiments of the shielding device and vehicle of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for identical components. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.

[0016] [Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system to which an information processing device (information processing device 19) according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. This system includes a vehicle 1 and a mobile terminal 50. The vehicle 1 and the mobile terminal 50 are connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another.

[0017] Vehicle 1 is, for example, a motorized bicycle. This vehicle 1 has, for example, pedals and can be used when the power of the motor (specifically, the motor 15 in Figures 8 to 12 described later) is not transmitted to the wheels. In the following description, the state in which the power of the motor is not transmitted to the wheels is referred to as the state in which the power of the motor is cut off. The state in which the power of the motor is cut off includes all states in which vehicle 1 cannot be driven by the power of the motor, such as a state in which no power is connected to the motor, a state in which the motor is connected to a power source but the motor is stopped by various methods such as electronic or mechanical control, or a state in which the power of the motor is not transmitted to the wheels by a mechanism such as a clutch. When the power of the motor is not cut off, this vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle, and when the power of the motor is cut off, this vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle.

[0018] Vehicle 1 includes, for example, a vehicle body 10 and a shielding device 20. The vehicle body 10 is the part that functions to drive Vehicle 1 and includes, for example, a license plate 11, a frame, an accelerator grip, pedals, a rear wheel, a front wheel, a saddle, and mirrors.

[0019] The license plate 11 is attached, for example, to the rear of vehicle 1. The license plate 11 bears the official registration number for identifying vehicle 1. Here, the license plate 11 corresponds to one specific example of a sign indicating the type of vehicle according to the present invention. When the license plate 11 is visible from the surroundings, it indicates that vehicle 1 is being used as an electric motorcycle. When the license plate 11 is not visible from the surroundings, it indicates that vehicle 1 is being used as a bicycle. For example, when the license plate 11 is obscured by the shielding device 20, the license plate 11 becomes invisible from the surroundings.

[0020] <Configuration of shielding device 20> Figures 2 to 5 show the schematic configuration of the shielding device 20 together with the license plate 11. Figures 2 and 4 are perspective views showing the configuration of the shielding device 20 when the license plate 11 is visible from the surroundings. Figures 2 and 4 are perspective views from different directions. Figures 3 and 5 are perspective views showing the configuration of the shielding device 20 when the license plate 11 is not visible from the surroundings. Figures 3 and 5 are perspective views from different directions.

[0021] The shielding device 20 includes, for example, a shielding portion 21 provided on the surface side of the license plate 11 (the side on which numbers, etc., are written), side plates 22A and 22B provided at both ends of the shielding portion 21, and a connecting plate 23 connecting the side plates 22A and 22B. For example, the side plate 22A is provided with a first fixing portion 25, a first fixing release portion 24, and a blocking portion 28, and the shielding portion 21 is provided with a second fixing portion 27 and a second fixing release portion 26. In the following description, the direction of the long side of the license plate 11 is also referred to as the X direction, the direction of the short side of the license plate 11 is also referred to as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the license plate 11 is also referred to as the Y direction.

[0022] The configuration of each part of the shielding device 20 will be described below.

[0023] The shielding portion 21 is, for example, a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member. The shielding portion 21 is, for example, opaque. The size of the shielding portion 21 is, for example, about the same as the size of the license plate 11. The size of the shielding portion 21 may be larger than the license plate 11, or it may be smaller than the license plate 11 as long as it can cover the main part of the license plate 11 (for example, the number portion). For example, both ends of one of the long sides of the roughly rectangular shielding portion 21 (in the plane of the paper in Figures 2 to 5) are attached to the side plates 22A and 22B.

[0024] The shielding portion 21 operates to shield the license plate 11. Specifically, the shielding portion 21 has a shielded state in which the license plate 11 is shielded, and an exposed state in which the license plate 11 is exposed. The shielding portion 21 shown in Figures 2 and 4 is in the exposed state, and the shielding portion 21 shown in Figures 3 and 5 is in the shielded state.

[0025] In the exposed state, the shielding portion 21 is provided, for example, approximately perpendicular to the license plate 11. When the shielding portion 21 is exposed, the license plate 11 of the vehicle 1 is visible from the surroundings. In the shielded state, the shielding portion 21 is provided, for example, approximately parallel to the license plate 11 and covers the license plate 11. When the shielding portion 21 is shielded, the license plate 11 of the vehicle 1 is no longer visible from the surroundings. In the shielded state, a portion of the license plate 11 may be exposed from the shielding portion 21 as long as the main part of the license plate 11 is covered (Figure 5). For example, the exposed state and the shielded state of the shielding portion 21 can be switched by rotating one of its long sides as an axis.

[0026] The shielding portion 21 has, for example, a projection 21P on the side plate 22A side. This projection 21P is an extension of the short side of the shielding portion 21 on the side plate 22A side, and when shielded, it is positioned to protrude from the license plate 11 in the Z direction (Figures 3 and 5). When exposed, the projection 21P is positioned to overlap with the side plate 22A (Figures 2 and 4). For example, this projection 21P is provided with a hole 21H that penetrates the projection 21P in the X direction.

[0027] The side plates 22A and 22B are roughly rectangular plate-like members, and for example, they face each other in the X direction with the license plate 11 in between. For example, the side plates 22A and 22B are parallel to the YZ plane and are provided approximately perpendicular to the license plate 11. The side plate 22A is provided with a hole 22H that penetrates the side plate 22A in the X direction. This hole 22H is provided in a position that overlaps with the first fixing part 25 (more specifically, the movable part 25M described later). The side plate 22B is provided with two notches (notches C1 and C2). The notches C1 and C2 are provided in directions that intersect each other. For example, notch C1 is provided in the Y direction and notch C2 is provided in the Z direction.

[0028] The connecting plate 23 is positioned on the back side of the license plate 11. The connecting plate 23 is, for example, a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member. For example, this connecting plate 23 is parallel to the XY plane and is provided roughly perpendicular to the side plates 22A and 22B.

[0029] The first fixing part 25 is provided, for example, on the side of the side plate 22A that is not facing the side plate 22B. This first fixing part 25 plays the role of fixing the shielding part 21 in an exposed state on the side of the side plate 22A. In other words, the first fixing part 25 can fix the shielding part 21 in an exposed state. This first fixing part 25 fixes the shielding part 21 in an exposed state by, for example, supporting one end of the exposed shielding part 21 in the X direction.

[0030] The first fixing part 25 has a fixed state in which the shielding part 21 is fixed in an exposed state, and a released state in which the shielding part 21 is not fixed in an exposed state. The first fixing part 25 includes, for example, a movable part 25M and a frame 25F that houses the movable part 25M. The first fixing part 25 is composed of, for example, a solenoid.

[0031] Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are plan views showing examples of the first fixing part 25 in a fixed state and a released state. Figure 6(A) shows the first fixing part 25 in a fixed state, and Figure 6(B) shows the first fixing part 25 in a released state. The movable part 25M is, for example, a rod-shaped member that extends in the X direction and moves along the X direction.

[0032] In the fixed state of the first fixed part 25, compared to the released state, the movable part 25M moves closer to the side plate 22B and is inserted into the hole 21H of the shielding part 21 (more specifically, the protrusion 21P) through the hole 22H of the side plate 22A. This fixes the exposed state of the shielding part 21. On the other hand, in the released state of the first fixed part 25, compared to the fixed state, the movable part 25M moves away from the side plate 22B and is removed from the hole 21H of the shielding part 21. As a result, the exposed state of the shielding part 21 is no longer maintained on the side plate 22A side. The fixed and released states of the first fixed part 25 can be switched electrically, for example, by a solenoid. The fixed and released states of the first fixed part 25 may also be switched mechanically, or both electrically and mechanically.

[0033] The first lock release unit 24 is provided, for example, on the side of the side plate 22A that is not facing the side plate 22B, and is positioned differently from the first locking unit 25. The first lock release unit 24 can switch the first locking unit 25 from a locked state to a released state by receiving an operation from the driver.

[0034] The first lock release unit 24 includes, for example, a push-button type double switch. By pressing the first lock release unit 24, the operator can perform an operation to switch the first lock unit 25 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0035] When the power to the prime mover is cut off, if the first lock release unit 24 receives an operation from the driver, the first lock unit 25 moves from the locked state to the unlocked state. On the other hand, even if the first lock release unit 24 receives an operation from the driver when the power to the prime mover is not cut off, the locked state of the first lock unit 25 is maintained. In other words, the shielding device 20 makes it impossible to shield the license plate 11 by the shielding unit 21 when the power to the prime mover is not cut off, and enables the shielding of the license plate 11 by the shielding unit 21 when the power to the prime mover is cut off. Therefore, the driver can only shield the license plate 11 when using the vehicle 1 with the power to the motor 15 cut off. The electrical relationship between the first lock unit 25 and the first lock release unit 24 will be described later.

[0036] The second release portion 26 and the second fixing portion 27 are, for example, arranged as an integrated unit. This integrated second release portion 26 and second fixing portion 27 are provided on the end face (YZ plane) of the shielding portion 21 on the side plate 22B side. In other words, the second release portion 26 and the second fixing portion 27 are provided on the other end side of the shielding portion 21 in the X direction.

[0037] The second fixing part 27 is a plate-shaped member including, for example, a biasing member such as a leaf spring, and is biased in a direction away from the shielding part 21. This second fixing part 27 plays the role of fixing the shielding part 21 in an exposed state on the side plate 22B side. In other words, the second fixing part 27 can fix the shielding part 21 in an exposed state.

[0038] The second fixing part 27 has a fixed state in which the shielding part 21 is fixed in an exposed state, and a released state in which the shielding part 21 is not fixed in an exposed state. For example, when a part of the second fixing part 27 is fitted into the notch C1 of the side plate 22B, the second fixing part 27 is in a fixed state, and the exposed state of the shielding part 21 is fixed on the side plate 22B side. For example, by removing the second fixing part 27 from the notch C1, the second fixing part 27 switches to the released state.

[0039] The second fixing part 27 also plays a role in maintaining the shielding part 21 in a shielded state, for example. For example, the shielding state of the shielding part 21 is fixed when a part of the second fixing part 27 is fitted into the notch C2 of the side plate 22B.

[0040] The second lock release unit 26 can switch the second lock unit 27 from a locked state to a released state by receiving an operation from the driver. The second lock release unit 26 has, for example, a button shape, and when the driver presses the second lock release unit 26, an operation to switch the second lock unit 27 from a locked state to a released state is received.

[0041] When the driver presses the second release mechanism 26, the fixed second fixing mechanism 27 moves towards the shielding mechanism 21 against the biasing force. As a result, the second fixing mechanism 27 disengages from the notch C1, and the second fixing mechanism 27 becomes released. The second fixing mechanism 27, which is fitted into the notch C2, disengages from the notch C2 when the driver presses the second release mechanism 26.

[0042] The interruption unit 28 is provided, for example, on the side plate 22A facing the side plate 22B. This interruption unit 28 is responsible for interrupting the power to the prime mover when the shielding unit 21 is in a shielding state. For example, when the shielding unit 21 is in a shielding state, the interruption unit 28 cuts off the power supply to the prime mover.

[0043] The interruption unit 28 includes, for example, a changeover switch. In the interruption unit 28, this changeover switch switches in conjunction with the switching between the shielded state and the exposed state of the shielding unit 21. For example, when the shielding unit 21 is in the exposed state, the protrusion 21P of the shielding unit 21 is in contact with the interruption unit 28 (Figure 4). In this case, the interruption unit 28 does not interrupt the power supply to the prime mover. On the other hand, when the shielding unit 21 is switched from the exposed state to the shielded state, the protrusion 21P moves away from the interruption unit 28, and the switch in the interruption unit 28 switches. As a result, the interruption unit 28 interrupts the power supply to the prime mover.

[0044] In vehicle 1, since the shielding device 20 has such a blocking section 28, the power to the prime mover is cut off at least while the shielding section 21 is in a shielded state. This prevents the use of vehicle 1 as an electric motorcycle with the license plate 11 shielded.

[0045] <Circuit configuration of shielding device 20> Next, the circuit configuration of the shielding device 20 will be explained using Figures 8 to 12, along with Figure 7. Figure 7 is a table showing the states of the shielding section 21, the key switch (key switch 12 described later) and prime mover (motor 15 described later) of the vehicle body 10, the first lock release section 24, and the first lock section 25. Figures 8 to 12 show the circuit configuration of the shielding device 20 in each state shown in Figure 7.

[0046] The shielding device 20 includes, for example, a step-down module 31 and a diode 32 provided between the power supply 30 of the vehicle 1 and the first lock release unit 24, an emergency power supply 33 connected to the first lock release unit 24, a diode 34 provided between the emergency power supply 33 and the first lock release unit 24, and a relay 35 provided between the first lock release unit 24 and the first lock unit 25 (Figures 8 to 12). For example, "when the driving force of the vehicle is limited by the driving force limiting unit" of the present invention includes when the power of the prime mover is cut off by the cut-off unit 28 or a key switch. That is, here, the cut-off unit 28 or a key switch corresponds to one specific example of the "driving force limiting unit" of the present invention. The vehicle 1 is driven by the human power of the driver of the vehicle 1, at least while the driving force of the vehicle 1 is limited by this driving force limiting unit. In other words, the vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle.

[0047] The vehicle body 10 includes, for example, a key switch 12 connected to the power supply 30 via a disconnection unit 28, a controller 13 provided between the key switch 12 and the first lock release unit 24, and a throttle 14 and a motor 15 connected to the controller 13 (Figures 8 to 12).

[0048] The power supply 30 is, for example, a battery mounted on the vehicle 1, and this power supply 30 supplies power to the shielding device 20 and the vehicle body 10. The voltage of the power supply 30 is, for example, 24V to 36V. The power supply 30 may supply power to the electrical components of the vehicle 1, specifically the headlights and taillights, etc., while the power supply to the vehicle body 10 is cut off by the cutoff unit 28.

[0049] The step-down module 31 is installed between the power supply 30 and the first fixed unit 25, and steps down the voltage of the power supply 30 to a voltage that matches the rated voltage of the first fixed unit 25. Diode 32 is a protective diode to prevent reverse voltage from being applied to the step-down module 31, and diode 34 is a protective diode to prevent reverse voltage from being applied to the emergency power supply 33.

[0050] The emergency power supply 33 is, for example, a USB power supply and is connected to the first lock release unit 24, the relay 35, and the first lock unit 25 via a diode 34. Since the shielding device 20 is provided with this emergency power supply 33, it is possible to supply power to the first lock unit 25 even if power is not supplied to the shielding device 20 from the power supply 30.

[0051] A relay 35, located between the first release unit 24 and the first fixing unit 25, controls the first fixing unit 25 according to the state of the first release unit 24 and whether or not there is an ON signal from the controller 13 of the vehicle body 10.

[0052] When the key switch 12 is in the ON position, it supplies power to the throttle 14 and motor 15 via the controller 13. In other words, by turning the key switch 12 in the ON position, the vehicle 1 can be used as an electric motorcycle.

[0053] The controller 13 is located between the key switch 12 and the first lock release unit 24. The controller 13 controls the throttle 14 and the motor 15. When the key switch 12 is turned ON, an ON signal is sent from the controller 13 to the first lock release unit 24.

[0054] The throttle 14 adjusts the speed of the vehicle 1 when it is used as an electric motorcycle. The motor 15 generates power from electricity supplied from the power source 30. When the driver uses the vehicle 1 as an electric motorcycle, this power drives the wheels of the vehicle 1.

[0055] For example, with this circuit configuration of vehicle 1, each of the first to eighth states shown in Figure 7 can be realized.

[0056] In states 1 through 4, the shielding portion 21 is exposed, and the power supply 30 is connected to the vehicle body 10 via a changeover switch on the blocking portion 28 (Figures 8 through 11).

[0057] (First state, second state) At this time, when the driver turns the key switch 12 to the ON state, power is supplied to the motor 15 from the power supply 30, and an ON signal is sent from the controller 13 to the first lock release unit 24 (Figures 8 and 9). After this, even if the driver presses the button on the first lock release unit 24 to turn it ON, the relay 35 prevents the supply of current to the first lock unit 25, and the lock state of the first lock unit 25 is maintained (first state). When the first lock release unit 24 is in the OFF state, no current is supplied to the relay 35, and the lock state of the first lock unit 25 is maintained (second state).

[0058] (Third state, fourth state) When the shielding portion 21 is exposed, if the driver turns the key switch 12 to the OFF state, no power is supplied to the motor 15, and the controller 13 does not generate an ON signal (Figures 10 and 11). At this time, if the driver turns the first lock release portion 24 to the ON state, current is supplied to the first lock portion 25 via the relay 35 (Figure 10). As a result, the first lock portion 25 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state (third state). When the first lock release portion 24 is in the OFF state, no current is supplied to the relay 35, and the locked state of the first lock portion 25 is maintained (fourth state).

[0059] (5th state to 8th state) In states 5 through 8, the shielding unit 21 is in the shielding state, and the vehicle body 10 is disconnected from the power supply 30 by the changeover switch of the disconnecting unit 28 (Figure 12). In states 5 through 8, the first fixing unit 25 is in the released state regardless of the on / off state of the key switch 12 and the first fixing release unit 24.

[0060] <Operation of shielding device 20> Such a shielding device 20 operates, for example, as follows:

[0061] When the driver uses vehicle 1 as an electric motorcycle, the key switch 12 is in the ON state and the shielding part 21 is exposed. At this time, the first fixing part 25 is maintained in the fixed state and the shielding part 21 is fixed in the exposed state. Therefore, while the driver is using vehicle 1 as an electric motorcycle, the license plate 11 of vehicle 1 is visible to the surroundings.

[0062] Subsequently, when the driver switches the key switch 12 from the ON state to the OFF state and simultaneously presses the button on the first lock release unit 24 and the second lock release unit 26, the first lock unit 25 and the second lock release unit 27 are released. This allows the driver to switch the shielding unit 21 from the fixed state to the shielded state. Therefore, when the driver uses the vehicle 1 as a bicycle, the shielding unit 21 in the shielded state prevents the license plate 11 of the vehicle 1 from being seen from the surroundings. While the shielding unit 21 is in the shielded state, the power supply from the power source 30 to the motor 15 is cut off by the interruption unit 28.

[0063] Furthermore, after the driver presses the second lock release unit 26, the shielding unit 21 is rotated, causing the shielding unit 21 to switch from a shielded state to an exposed state, and the first locking unit 25 to switch from a released state to a locked state.

[0064] <Configuration of the vehicle body 10> The vehicle body 10 is equipped with, for example, a torque sensor 16, a cadence sensor 17, a speed sensor 18, and an information processing device 19 (Figure 1). The torque sensor 16, cadence sensor 17, and speed sensor 18 are each wirelessly connected to, for example, the information processing device 19. The wireless connection is, for example, Bluetooth® or ANT+®.

[0065] The torque sensor 16 detects the driving force applied by the driver to the crankshaft of the vehicle body 10. The torque sensor 16 is installed, for example, on the crankshaft, crank arm, crank spindle, or pedal. The torque sensor 16 includes, for example, a strain sensor, magnetostrictive sensor, optical sensor, or pressure sensor. The torque sensor 16 transmits the detected signal to the information processing device 19.

[0066] The cadence sensor 17 detects the rotation speed of the pedals of the vehicle body 10. The cadence sensor 17 is attached, for example, to the frame or crank arm of the vehicle body 10 and measures the rotation angle of the crank. The cadence sensor 17 includes, for example, a magnetic sensor. The cadence sensor 17 transmits the detected signal to the information processing device 19.

[0067] The speed sensor 18 detects the speed of the vehicle 1 while it is in motion. The speed sensor 18 is mounted, for example, on the hub of the rear wheel. This speed sensor 18 measures the rotation speed of the rear wheel and converts the measured rotation speed into the speed of the vehicle 1. The speed sensor 18 includes, for example, a magnetic sensor. The speed sensor 18 transmits the detected signal to the information processing device 19.

[0068] Vehicle 1 may further include a sensor that detects whether or not the license plate 11 is obscured by the shielding portion 21. In other words, the shielding state and exposure state of the shielding portion 21 are detected by this sensor. This sensor is, for example, provided on the shielding device 20, and detects the shielding state and exposure state of the shielding portion 21 by detecting the position of the shielding portion 21 or the presence or absence of the shielding portion 21 within a predetermined detection range. This sensor includes, for example, a physical switch such as a microswitch. The sensor may also include a magnetic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a proximity switch.

[0069] The information processing device 19 functions, for example, as an instrument panel and a cycle computer. This information processing device 19 includes a computer.

[0070] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 19. The information processing device 19 includes, for example, a control unit 191, a communication unit 192, a display unit 193, and an input unit 194, which are interconnected by a bus.

[0071] The control unit 191 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and performs control and calculation processing of each part of the information processing device 19 according to the program. The memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 191 may also include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as memory. The specific functions of the control unit 191 will be described later.

[0072] The communication unit 192 is, for example, a wireless communication interface based on standards such as Bluetooth® and IEEE 802.11. The information processing device 19 communicates with various parts of the vehicle 1 and with the mobile terminal 50 via this communication unit 192.

[0073] The display unit 193 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, which displays various information.

[0074] The input unit 194 includes, for example, buttons, and is used for inputting various types of information. The display unit 193 and the input unit 194 may be configured as touch panels.

[0075] <Configuration of mobile device 50> The mobile device 50 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet device carried by the driver of vehicle 1. The mobile device 50 may also be, for example, a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0076] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 includes a control unit 51, a wireless communication unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, an audio input / output unit 55, a position sensor 56, and a time sensor 57, which are interconnected by a bus.

[0077] The control unit 51 has the same configuration as the control unit 191 of the information processing device 19, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.

[0078] The wireless communication unit 52 is capable of wireless communication using standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (registered trademark), and communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 1 via an access point or directly. The wireless communication unit 52 may also communicate with the vehicle 1 via long-range wireless communication provided by a mobile communication carrier or the like. For example, LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machine-type-communication) can be used as a standard for long-range wireless communication.

[0079] The display unit 53 and the input unit 54 are, for example, touch panel displays, with a touch sensor, which serves as the input unit 54, superimposed on the display surface of the display unit 53, which is made of liquid crystal or the like. The display unit 53 may display the same screen as the display unit 193 of the information processing device 19.

[0080] The audio input / output unit 55 is, for example, a speaker and a microphone. The position sensor 56 detects the location of the mobile terminal 50. The position sensor 56 includes, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System). The time sensor 57 detects the current time. The time sensor 57 obtains time information from, for example, a mobile phone base station via the wireless communication unit 52.

[0081] <Functions of the control unit 191> Here, we will explain the specific functions of the control unit 191 of the information processing device 19.

[0082] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 191. The control unit 191 functions as an acquisition unit 1911, a determination unit 1912, a selection unit 1913, a generation unit 1914, and an output unit 1915 by reading a program stored in memory and executing processing.

[0083] The acquisition unit 1911 acquires driving information relating to the driving state of vehicle 1. The driving information includes, for example, information relating to the driving speed of vehicle 1, information relating to the distance traveled by vehicle 1, information relating to the driving time of vehicle 1, information relating to the location where vehicle 1 is traveling, information relating to the altitude of the location where vehicle 1 is traveling, information relating to the power consumption of vehicle 1, information relating to the rotation speed of the pedals of vehicle 1, and information relating to the pedaling force applied to the pedals of vehicle 1.

[0084] For example, the information processing device 19 generates driving information based on signals transmitted from the torque sensor 16, cadence sensor 17, and speed sensor 18. The acquisition unit 1911 acquires the driving information thus generated, for example. For example, the information processing device 19 may generate driving information based on signals transmitted from the position sensor 56 and time sensor 57 of the mobile terminal 50. The torque sensor 16, cadence sensor 17, speed sensor 18, and mobile terminal 50 may generate driving information.

[0085] The acquisition unit 1911 further acquires shielding information, for example, regarding whether or not the license plate 11 is shielded by the shielding unit 21. For example, the information processing device 19 generates shielding information based on a signal transmitted from the shielding device 20. The acquisition unit 1911 acquires the shielding information thus generated, for example. The shielding device 20 may generate the shielding information.

[0086] The determination unit 1912 determines whether the driving force of vehicle 1 is being limited by the driving force limiting unit. Specifically, the determination unit 1912 determines whether the power of motor 15 is being cut off by the cut-off unit 28 or the key switch. The determination unit 1912 determines whether the power of motor 15 is being cut off, for example, based on the shielding information acquired by the acquisition unit 1911. When the license plate 11 is shielded by the shielding unit 21, the determination unit 1912 determines that the power of motor 15 is being cut off, that is, the driving force of vehicle 1 is being limited by the driving force limiting unit. When the license plate 11 is not shielded by the shielding unit 21, the determination unit 1912 determines that the power of motor 15 is not being cut off, that is, the driving force of vehicle 1 is not being limited by the driving force limiting unit.

[0087] The selection unit 1913 selects a predetermined output item from among multiple target items in accordance with the determination of the judgment unit 1912. The multiple target items are items that represent the driving status of the vehicle 1 and can be displayed on the instrument panel and the cycle computer. The multiple target items include, for example, items relating to the driving speed of the vehicle 1, items relating to the driving distance of the vehicle 1, items relating to the driving time of the vehicle 1, items relating to the amount of carbon dioxide reduced by the vehicle 1, items relating to the rotation speed of the pedals of the vehicle 1, items relating to the pedaling force applied to the pedals of the vehicle 1, items relating to the energy consumed by the driver of the vehicle 1, and items relating to the elevation gain of the vehicle 1. For example, the selection unit 1913 selects a larger number of output items when it is determined that the driving force of the vehicle 1 is restricted compared to when it is determined that the driving force of the vehicle 1 is not restricted.

[0088] For example, when the determination unit 1912 determines that the driving force of vehicle 1 is limited, the selection unit 1913 selects a target item related to the driver's energy expenditure of vehicle 1 as an output item. On the other hand, when the determination unit 1912 determines that the driving force of vehicle 1 is not limited, the selection unit 1913 does not select a target item related to the driver's energy expenditure of vehicle 1 as an output item. The target items related to the driver's energy expenditure are items that can be measured by fitness trackers such as cycle computers and wearable devices such as smartwatches, and are items that the driver uses to analyze their own exercise performance. The target items related to the driver's energy expenditure include, for example, at least one of the following: a target item related to the rotation speed of the pedals of vehicle 1, a target item related to the pedaling force applied to the pedals of vehicle 1, a target item related to the driver's energy expenditure, and a target item related to the elevation gain of vehicle 1.

[0089] Regardless of the result of the determination by the determination unit 1912, the selection unit 1913 selects at least one of the following items as an output item: for example, an item relating to the driving speed of vehicle 1, an item relating to the driving distance of vehicle 1, an item relating to the driving time of vehicle 1, and an item relating to the amount of carbon dioxide reduced by vehicle 1.

[0090] The generation unit 1914 generates output information for each selected output item based on the driving information acquired by the acquisition unit 1911. The output unit 1915 outputs the output information generated by the generation unit 1914. The output unit 1915 outputs the output information, for example, by displaying the output information on at least one of the display unit 193 and the display unit 53.

[0091] Figures 16 and 17 each show examples of the output information screen displayed on the display unit 193. Figure 16 shows an example of output information when the determination unit 1912 determines that the driving force of vehicle 1 is limited, that is, when the driver is using vehicle 1 as a bicycle. Figure 17 shows an example of output information when the determination unit 1912 determines that the driving force of vehicle 1 is not limited, that is, when the driver is using vehicle 1 as an electric motorcycle. The output information shown in Figures 16 and 17 may also be displayed on the display unit 53.

[0092] For example, the target items for actual speed, average speed, maximum speed, distance traveled, total distance traveled, travel time, total travel time, and CO2 (carbon dioxide) reduction amount are selected as output items and output information is generated regardless of the judgment result of the judgment unit 1912 (Figures 16 and 17).

[0093] The generation unit 1914 generates output information based, for example, on the current driving information acquired by the acquisition unit 1911. For example, the actual speed item indicates the current driving speed of vehicle 1.

[0094] The generation unit 1914 may generate output information based on the driving information acquired by the acquisition unit 1911 over a period from the start of use of vehicle 1 to the present. For example, the total distance traveled item shows the cumulative distance traveled from the start of use of vehicle 1 to the present. The total driving time item shows the cumulative driving time of vehicle 1 from the start of use to the present. The CO2 reduction amount item shows the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction from the start of use of vehicle 1 to the present. The CO2 reduction amount can be calculated, for example, based on the power consumption of vehicle 1. The CO2 reduction amount is, for example, a comparison with the amount of carbon dioxide generated when the vehicle is in use.

[0095] The generation unit 1914 may generate output information by distinguishing between periods in which the driving force of vehicle 1 is determined to be limited and periods in which the driving force of vehicle 1 is determined to be unrestricted. That is, the generation unit 1914 may generate output information by distinguishing between periods in which vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle and periods in which vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle.

[0096] For example, when Vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle, the average speed item will show the average speed during the period when Vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle (Figure 16). When Vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle, the average speed item will show the average speed during the period when Vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle (Figure 17).

[0097] For example, when Vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle, the mileage column shows the cumulative mileage during the period when Vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle (Figure 16). When Vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle, the mileage column shows the cumulative mileage during the period when Vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle (Figure 17).

[0098] For example, when Vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle, the "Driving Time" item shows the cumulative driving time during the period when Vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle (Figure 16). When Vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle, the "Driving Time" item shows the cumulative driving time during the period when Vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle (Figure 17).

[0099] For example, the items cadence, power, elevation gain, and calories burned are selected as output items and output information is generated only when the determination unit 1912 determines that the driving force of vehicle 1 is limited (Figure 16). For example, the cadence item indicates the current number of pedal revolutions of vehicle 1. For example, the power item indicates the pedaling force currently applied to vehicle 1. For example, the elevation gain item indicates the elevation difference gained during the period when vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle. For example, the calories burned item indicates the energy consumed by the driver during the period when vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle. Calories burned can be calculated, for example, based on power. When vehicle 1 is used as an electric bike, the items cadence, power, elevation gain, and calories burned do not need to be displayed.

[0100] <Operation of the information processing device 19> Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device 19. This flowchart can be executed by the control unit 191 according to a program stored in the information processing device 19.

[0101] The control unit 191 first acquires driving information and shielding information (step S101). Next, the control unit 191 determines whether or not the driving force of the vehicle 1 is being limited by the driving force limiting unit based on the shielding information acquired in step S101 (step S102).

[0102] When the drive force limiting unit determines that the drive force of vehicle 1 is being limited (step S102: YES), the control unit 191 selects the target item related to the momentum of the driver of vehicle 1 as an output item (step S103) and proceeds to the process in step S105.

[0103] When the drive force limiting unit determines that the drive force of vehicle 1 is not being limited (step S102: NO), the control unit 191 does not select a target item related to the momentum of the driver of vehicle 1 (step S104), but selects another target item and proceeds to the process in step S105.

[0104] The control unit 191, for example, regardless of the result of the determination in step S102, selects the following items as output items: the item related to the vehicle's speed, the item related to the vehicle's distance traveled, the item related to the vehicle's travel time, and the item related to the vehicle's carbon dioxide reduction.

[0105] In step S105, the control unit 191 generates output information for the output item selected in step S103 or step S104. After this, the control unit 191 outputs the output information generated in step S105 (step S106) and terminates the process.

[0106] <Effects of the information processing device 19 and vehicle 1> In this embodiment, the information processing device 19 and vehicle 1 select a predetermined output item from a plurality of target items depending on whether or not the driving force of vehicle 1 is limited by the driving force limiting unit. Specifically, when vehicle 1 is used as a bicycle, a target item related to the driver's energy output is selected as an output item, and when vehicle 1 is used as an electric motorcycle, this energy output target item is not selected. In other words, the output item is switched according to the switching of how vehicle 1 is used. Therefore, it is possible to switch the display of the vehicle's driving status in accordance with the switching of how vehicle 1 is used. As a result, unnecessary items are not displayed on the display unit 193 or the display unit 53, and the driver can use vehicle 1 comfortably even when the way vehicle 1 is used is switched.

[0107] [Variation 1] Figures 19 to 21 show the configuration of the main parts of the shielding device 20 according to Modification 1 of the above embodiment. Figures 19 to 21 are perspective views showing the configuration of the shielding device 20. The vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment may have such a shielding device 20 instead of the shielding device 20 shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0108] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the shielding device 20 when the license plate 11 is visible from the surroundings. Figures 20 and 21 are perspective views showing the configuration of the shielding device 20 when the license plate 11 is not visible from the surroundings. Figures 20 and 21 are perspective views from different directions.

[0109] The shielding device 20 includes, for example, a shielding portion 21, a support plate 60, an arm 61, a first fixing release portion 62, a solenoid 63, a first fixing portion 64, a second fixing release portion 65, a second fixing portion 66, a rotating member 67, a state detection unit 68, and a control board 69. The shielding portion 21 is provided on the front surface side of the license plate 11, as described in the above embodiment. The arm 61 is provided on one short side of the license plate 11, with one end connected to the shielding portion 21. The first fixing release portion 62 is provided, for example, on the other short side of the license plate 11. The support plate 60, solenoid 63, first fixing portion 64, second fixing release portion 65, second fixing portion 66, rotating member 67, state detection unit 68, and control board 69 are arranged on the back surface of the license plate 11 (Figure 21).

[0110] Figure 22 shows an enlarged view of the configuration near the first fixing part 64 and the second fixing part 66. The configuration of each part of the shielding device 20 will be explained below using Figure 22, along with Figures 19 to 21.

[0111] The shielding portion 21 is, for example, a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member. This roughly rectangular shielding portion 21 is provided with, for example, a mountain fold position 21m and a valley fold position 21v parallel to its long side. The shielding portion 21 is, for example, opaque. The size of the shielding portion 21 is, for example, about the same as the size of the license plate 11. For example, an arm 61 is connected to one of the short sides of the roughly rectangular shielding portion 21, and the shielding portion 21 is configured to be rotatable about the other long side (downward in the plane of the paper in Figures 19 to 21).

[0112] This shielding portion 21 operates to shield the license plate 11, as described in the embodiments above. The shielding portion 21 shown in Figure 19 is in an exposed state, while the shielding portion 21 shown in Figures 20 and 21 is in a shielded state.

[0113] In its exposed state, the shielding portion 21 is provided, for example, on the other long side of the license plate 11, approximately perpendicular to the license plate 11 (Figure 19). At this time, the mountain fold position 21m and valley fold position 21v of the shielding portion 21 are bent, and the shielding portion 21 is provided on the other long side of the license plate 11 in a folded state. By configuring the shielding portion 21 to be foldable in this way, the area occupied by the shielding portion 21 in its exposed state can be reduced. When the shielding portion 21 is exposed, the vehicle's license plate 11 is visible from the surroundings.

[0114] In the shielded state, the shielding portion 21 is provided, for example, approximately parallel to the license plate 11 and covers the license plate 11 (Figures 20 and 21). At this time, the mountain fold position 21m and the valley fold position 21v extend, and the shielding portion 21 covers the license plate 11 in an expanded state. When the shielding portion 21 is in the shielded state, the vehicle's license plate 11 becomes invisible from the surroundings. For example, the shielding portion 21 rotates around the other long side as an axis, and the exposure state and shielded state are switched by bending and extending at the mountain fold position 21m and the valley fold position 21v.

[0115] The shielding portion 21 has ribs 21L provided along its long side. The ribs 21L cover the other long side of the license plate 11 and the support plate 60. In the shielded state, the first fixing portion 64 is fitted onto the ribs 21L to fix the shielded state.

[0116] The support plate 60 is positioned on the back side of the license plate 11. That is, when the shielding portion 21 is in a shielded state, the license plate 11 is positioned between the support plate 60 and the shielding portion 21. The support plate 60 has, for example, a planar shape that is substantially the same as the planar shape of the license plate 11. For example, the license plate 11 is provided on one side of the support plate 60, and the solenoid 63, first fixing portion 64, second fixing release portion 65, second fixing portion 66, rotating member 67, state detection portion 68, and control board 69 are provided on the other side. In the shielded state of the shielding portion 21, at least a part of the rib 21L is provided on the other side of the support plate 60 and is fitted into the first fixing portion 64. For example, the back side of the support plate 60 is provided with a cover (not shown) that covers the solenoid 63, first fixing portion 64, second fixing release portion 65, second fixing portion 66, rotating member 67, state detection portion 68, and control board 69.

[0117] One end of the arm 61 is connected to the shielding portion 21 on the front side of the license plate 11, and the other end of the arm 61 is connected to the rotating member 67 on the back side of the license plate 11, that is, on the other side of the support plate 60. The arm 61 is configured to rotate, for example, with this other end as a pivot point. The rotating member 67 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the arm 61. As the arm 61 and the rotating member 67 rotate, the exposed state and the shielded state of the shielding portion 21 are switched.

[0118] The first release unit 62 releases the first fixing unit 64 from fixing the shielding unit 21 in the shielded state. The first fixing unit 64 plays the role of fixing the shielding unit 21 in the shielded state, for example. This first fixing unit 64 supports the rib 21L of the shielding unit 21 in the shielded state, for example. As a result, the shielding unit 21 is fixed in the shielded state.

[0119] The first fixing part 64 has a fixed state in which the shielding part 21 is fixed in a shielded state, and a released state in which the shielding part 21 is not fixed in a shielded state. The first fixing part 64 is connected to, for example, a solenoid 63. The solenoid 63 moves the first fixing part 64 in the Z direction. In the fixed state, the first fixing part 64 is closer to the other long side of the support plate 60 and fitted onto the rib 21L compared to the released state. This fixes the shielded state of the shielding part 21. On the other hand, in the released state, the first fixing part 64 is further away from the other long side of the support plate 60 and detached from the rib 21L compared to the fixed state. This prevents the position of the rib 21L from being maintained. The first fixing release part 62 includes, for example, an electric switch electrically connected to the solenoid 63.

[0120] The second release unit 65 releases the shielding state of the shielding unit 21 that is fixed in place by the second fixing unit 66. The second fixing unit 66 plays the role of fixing the shielding unit 21 in the shielding state, for example. This second fixing unit 66 fixes the shielding unit 21 in the shielding state by, for example, restraining the rotation of the rotating member 67 in the shielding state.

[0121] The second fixing part 66 has a fixed state in which the shielding part 21 is fixed in a shielded state, and a released state in which the shielding part 21 is not fixed in a shielded state. The second fixing part 66 is configured to be movable in the X direction together with, for example, the second fixing release part 65. In the fixed state, the second fixing part 66 is positioned closer to the arm 61 and in contact with the rotating member 67 compared to the released state. This prevents the rotation of the rotating member 67. On the other hand, in the released state, the second fixing part 66 is positioned further away from the arm 61 and separated from the rotating member 67 compared to the fixed state. This allows the rotating member 67 to rotate. The second fixing release part 65 includes, for example, a physical button to move the second fixing part 66 in the X direction. For example, when the first fixing part 64 is in the fixed state, the second fixing release part 65 is in contact with the first fixing part 64, and the user cannot move the second fixing release part 65 in the X direction. In other words, only when the first fixing part 64 is in the released state can the user move the second fixing release part 65 in the X direction and change the second fixing part 66 to the released state.

[0122] The state detection unit 68 includes sensors that detect the shielding state and exposure state of the shielding unit 21. Information regarding the state of the shielding unit 21 detected by the state detection unit 68 is sent, for example, to the control board 69. The state detection unit 68 detects the shielding state and exposure state of the shielding unit 21 by, for example, detecting the position of the shielding unit 21 or the presence or absence of the shielding unit 21 within a predetermined detection range. The state detection unit 68 includes, for example, a physical switch such as a microswitch. The state detection unit 68 may also include a magnetic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a proximity switch.

[0123] The control board 69 controls the driving force of the vehicle 1 according to, for example, the shielding state and the exposed state of the shielding portion 21. The control board 69 is equipped with, for example, electronic circuits.

[0124] Such a shielding device 20 operates, for example, as follows:

[0125] When the key switch 12 is in the off state and the shielding part 21 is in the shielded state, the user can switch the shielding part 21 to the exposed state. First, when the user turns on the switch of the first lock release part 62, the solenoid 63 moves in the Z direction, and as a result the first locking part 64 detaches from the rib 21L. That is, the first locking part 64 becomes released. When the first locking part 64 becomes released, the first locking part 64 separates from the second lock release part 65, and the user can press the button of the second lock release part 65 in the X direction.

[0126] When the user presses the button on the second release unit 65 in the X direction, the second fixing unit 66 moves in the X direction, and the rotating member 67 becomes rotatable. This allows the user to rotate the arm 61 and switch the shielding unit 21 to an exposed state. The shielding device 20 may also have a mechanism to fix the exposed state of the shielding unit 21. Similarly, the shielding device 20 can switch the shielding unit 21 from an exposed state to a shielded state and fix the shielded state.

[0127] [Variation 2] The vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment and modified example 1 may have a fail-safe mechanism. In this fail-safe mechanism, for example, when at least one of the vehicle body 10 and the shielding device 20 detects an abnormality, the driving force limiting unit limits the driving force of the vehicle 1.

[0128] For example, when the shielding device 20 cannot receive a signal from the vehicle body 10, or when the vehicle body 10 cannot receive a signal from the shielding device 20, the driving force limiting unit limits the driving force of the vehicle 1 regardless of the shielding and exposure states of the shielding unit 21. When the state of signal transmission and reception between the shielding device 20 and the vehicle body 10 differs from the normal state, the driving force limiting unit may limit the driving force of the vehicle 1 regardless of the shielding and exposure states of the shielding unit 21. For example, techniques used as countermeasures against spoofing may be applied to determine whether the state is normal or not, such as encrypted communication, bidirectional authentication, management and pairing using serial codes, etc.

[0129] Because vehicle 1 has a fail-safe mechanism, even if a malfunction occurs in the vehicle body 10 or the shielding device 20 of vehicle 1, the safety of the driver and the surrounding area can be ensured.

[0130] [Variation 3] The vehicles described in the above embodiments and modified examples 1 and 2 may have a structure to prevent unauthorized modification. Unauthorized modification is, for example, a modification that changes the correspondence between the state of the shielding portion 21 and the state in which the driving force limiting portion limits the driving force of the vehicle 1. For example, a modification to a vehicle in which the driving force limiting portion does not limit the driving force of the vehicle when the shielding portion is in the shielding state constitutes unauthorized modification.

[0131] The anti-tampering structure prevents, for example, the removal, replacement, and alteration of the main components of the shielding device 20. The anti-tampering structure includes, for example, a locking structure for the cover that covers the back surface of the support plate 60. This locking structure includes, for example, a special fastener for attaching the cover to the back surface of the support plate 60. The special fastener is, for example, a fastener that cannot be used with ordinary tools. With this special fastener, the cover is attached to the back surface of the support plate 60, making it difficult for tamperers to remove the cover. This prevents the removal, replacement, and alteration of components such as the control board 69 located on the back surface of the support plate 60.

[0132] The anti-tampering structure includes, for example, at least one of the mounting structure for the arm 61, the mounting structure for the first fixing part 64, and the mounting structure for the second fixing part 66. The arm 61 is, for example, sufficiently robust and cannot be removed by hand. The first fixing part 64 and the second fixing part 66 are, for example, even more robust than the arm 61.

[0133] The anti-tampering structure may, for example, prevent the unauthorized modification of a vehicle by making it easy to identify a tampered vehicle. For example, the anti-tampering structure includes a component structure with adjusted strength. For example, if a modifier applies force to the shielding device 20 using a tool, the arm 61 will break before the more robust first fixing part 64 and second fixing part 66. The arm 61 is located on the outside of the cover and is easily visible from the surroundings. This makes it easier for relevant parties to notice if a vehicle may have been illegally modified.

[0134] For example, a vehicle may be easily identified as illegally modified by notifying those around whether or not the vehicle is running with its driving force limited by the driving force limiting unit. For example, the anti-illegal modification structure includes a display structure for the driving status on the display unit 193.

[0135] Figures 23 and 24 show examples of how the driving status is displayed on the display unit 193. For example, when vehicle 1 is being used as an electric motorcycle, the electric motorcycle mode 1931 is displayed on the display unit 193 (Figure 23). In other words, when the driving force is not limited by the driving force limiting unit, the electric motorcycle mode 1931 is displayed on the display unit 193. The electric motorcycle mode 1931 can display, for example, ECO, MID, or HIGH.

[0136] For example, when vehicle 1 is being used as a bicycle, the display unit 193 displays "Bicycle Mode 1932" (Figure 24). In other words, when the driving force is limited by the driving force limiting unit, the display unit 193 displays "Bicycle Mode 1932". For example, one of PAS0 to 5 may be displayed in Bicycle Mode 1932.

[0137] In this way, by displaying either the electric motorcycle mode 1931 or the bicycle mode 1932 on the display unit 193, it becomes easier for those involved to notice if the shielding state and exposure state of the shielding unit 21 do not correspond to the state of the driving force restriction by the driving force limiting unit. For example, if the electric motorcycle mode 1931 is displayed on the display unit 193, but the shielding unit 21 is in a shielded state, then unauthorized modification of the vehicle 1 is suspected.

[0138] By having a structure to prevent unauthorized modification of vehicle 1, unauthorized modification of vehicle 1 can be prevented, thereby ensuring the safety of the driver and those around them.

[0139] The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program of the present invention have been described above in embodiments. However, the present invention can be appropriately added to, modified, and omitted by those skilled in the art within the scope of its technical concept. For example, the configuration, shape, and size of the shielding device 20 and the vehicle body 10 described in the above embodiments are examples only, and other configurations, shapes, and sizes may be used.

[0140] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the information processing device 19 functions as an acquisition unit 1911, a determination unit 1912, a selection unit 1913, a generation unit 1914, and an output unit 1915. However, the mobile terminal 50 may function as an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a selection unit, a generation unit, and an output unit depending on the application. The information processing device 19 and the mobile terminal 50 may cooperate to function as an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a selection unit, a generation unit, and an output unit.

[0141] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the vehicle 1 and the mobile terminal 50 communicate directly, the vehicle 1 and the mobile terminal 50 may communicate via other devices such as a server. These other devices such as a server may function as at least part of the acquisition unit, determination unit, selection unit, generation unit, and output unit.

[0142] Furthermore, the circuit configuration of the shielding device 20 shown in Figures 8 to 12 is just one example, and the shielding device 20 may have other circuit configurations. Also, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the interruption unit 28 can interrupt the supply of power to the motor 15, but the interruption unit 28 may interrupt the transmission of power from the motor 15 to the wheels by a configuration such as a clutch. Moreover, other configurations such as the shielding unit 21, the first lock release unit 24, the first locking unit 25, the second lock release unit 26, and the second locking unit 27 are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may be realized by any configuration that can achieve the same functions as described in the above embodiment by various methods such as electrical or mechanical methods. For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the shielding unit 21 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that rotates around an axis to shield or expose the license plate 11, but it is not limited to this. For example, the shielding unit 21 may be configured as a shutter that slides to shield or expose the license plate 11. Alternatively, the shielding portion 21 may be configured by a drive structure that shields or exposes the license plate 11 by moving the license plate 11 itself. Alternatively, the shielding portion 21 may be configured to operate in a way that shields or exposes the license plate 11 by electrical, magnetic, optical, or other means.

[0143] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which Vehicle 1 can be used as a bicycle and an electric motorcycle, but Vehicle 1 may be used as other types of vehicles. Vehicle 1 may be a one-wheeled, three-wheeled, or four-wheeled vehicle. Vehicle 1 may have three or more ways of use. Also, the bicycle may be an electric-assist bicycle (electric assist bicycle). That is, Vehicle 1 may be used as an electric assist bicycle and an electric motorcycle.

[0144] Furthermore, concealing or exposing the license plate 11 is not limited to methods such as overlapping the license plate 11 with other components to hide it, or moving either the license plate 11 or other components to expose the license plate 11. Concealing or exposing the license plate 11 can include any method for switching the license plate 11 from being invisible to or visible to pedestrians, other passing vehicles, or other objects that should see the license plate 11. For example, simply pointing the license plate 11 downwards to make it invisible to pedestrians, other passing vehicles, etc., can be considered concealing the license plate 11. Also, for example, if the license plate 11 can be realized by an electronic display, etc., hiding the information corresponding to the license plate 11 displayed on the electronic display can be considered concealing the license plate 11. Alternatively, if the license plate 11 is configured to be removable and a sensor is provided to detect the removal of the license plate 11, detecting the removal of the license plate 11 via the sensor can be considered concealing the license plate 11. In this case, the sensor detecting the installation of the license plate 11 may be included in exposing the license plate 11.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a license plate 11 was described as a specific example of a sign indicating the type of vehicle 1, but the sign may have other configurations.

[0146] Figure 25 shows an example of a sign 81. This sign 81 is, for example, an image displayed on the display 80, specifically a pictogram. The sign 81 indicates a bicycle. When the vehicle is used as a bicycle, the sign 81 is displayed on the display 80, and when the vehicle is used as an electric motorcycle, the sign 81 is obscured by a shielding part. The display 80 is, for example, an electronic display and is mounted on the rear of the saddle.

[0147] Figure 26 shows another example of sign 81. Sign 81 may also be letters indicating the type of vehicle. The letters may be in Japanese, or in another language such as English.

[0148] Figure 27 shows the display 80 with the indicator 81 obscured. For example, when the indicator 81 is obscured, nothing is displayed on the display 80. The shielding part that obscures the indicator 81 is composed of, for example, an electronic circuit that erases the display of the indicator 81 from the display 80.

[0149] Figure 28 shows an example of another sign (sign 82) displayed on the display 80. Sign 82 is, for example, a pictogram indicating an electric motorcycle. Sign 82 may also be the letters indicating an electric motorcycle.

[0150] The shielding portion that obscures the sign 82 is composed of, for example, an electronic circuit that erases the display of sign 82 from the display 80. The shielding portion may also be composed of an electronic circuit that switches the display on the display 80 from sign 82 to a sign indicating another vehicle (for example, a sign 81 indicating a bicycle).

[0151] Figures 29(A) and 29(B) show examples of a marker 81 shown on a part other than the display (for example, the display 80 in Figure 19) (the plate-shaped member 91 described later). Figure 29(A) shows the marker 81 drawn on the plate-shaped member, and Figure 29(B) shows the state in which the marker 81 is obscured by the shielding part.

[0152] The sign 81 is, for example, an image (pictogram) of a bicycle drawn on a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member 91. This plate-shaped member 91 has, for example, a mountain fold position 91m and a valley fold position 91v parallel to its long side. The plate-shaped member 91 on which the sign 81 is drawn is configured to be rotatable about the other long side (downward direction in Figure 29(A)(B)).

[0153] The shielding portion that obscures the sign 81 is composed of a member that mechanically bends and extends the mountain fold position 91m and valley fold position 91v of the plate-shaped member 91 on which the sign 81 is drawn. When the shielding portion obscures the sign 81, it rotates the plate-shaped member 91 around the other long side as an axis and bends the mountain fold position 91m and valley fold position 91v. As a result, the plate-shaped member 91 on which the sign 81 is drawn is placed on the other side of the long side of the license plate 11 in a folded state, and the sign 81 becomes invisible from the surroundings. At this time, the vehicle's license plate 11 is visible from the surroundings (Figure 29(B)). The control unit causes the shielding portion to obscure the sign 81 when the vehicle's driving force is not limited by the driving force limiting unit.

[0154] On the other hand, when the shielding part exposes the sign 81, it rotates the plate-shaped member 91 around the other long side as an axis, and extends the mountain fold position 91m and the valley fold position 91v. As a result, the plate-shaped member 91 on which the sign 81 is drawn covers the license plate 11, and the sign 81 is visible from the surroundings. The control unit exposes the sign 81 when the driving force of the vehicle is limited by the driving force limiting unit. In this way, the sign 81 may also serve as a shielding part that obscures the license plate 11.

[0155] In this shielding device 20, the driving force of the vehicle is limited while the sign 81 indicating a bicycle is not shielded, or while the sign 82 (or license plate 11) indicating an electric motorcycle is shielded. Therefore, it is possible to shield the signs 81 and 82 indicating the type of vehicle depending on how the vehicle is being used.

[0156] In this explanation, we have used bicycle sign 81 and electric motorcycle sign 82 as examples, but signs may also indicate other types of vehicles, such as three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. Furthermore, signs may indicate the type of vehicle using identifiers other than numbers, images, and letters, such as figures and symbols.

[0157] Furthermore, the flowchart described above may omit some steps, and other steps may be added. Also, some steps may be executed simultaneously, and one step may be divided into multiple steps for execution. The execution order of each step may also be changed.

[0158] Furthermore, the means and methods for performing various processing operations in the information processing device 19 according to the above embodiment can be implemented by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory stick or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may also be provided as a standalone application software or incorporated into the device's software as a function. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] 10. Vehicle body, 11 License plate, 12 key switches, 13 controllers, 14 throttles, 15. Prime mover, 16 Torque sensor, 17 Cadence sensor, 18 Speed ​​sensor, 19. Information processing equipment, 20 shielding devices; 21 Shielding part, 21m mountain fold position, 21V valley fold position, 22A, 22B side plate, 23 Connecting plate, 24,62 first fixing release part, 25,64 1st fixed part, 26,65 second fixing release part, 27,66 second fixed part, 28. Blocking section, 30 power supply, 31 Step-down modules, 32,34 diodes, 33 Emergency power supply; 35 relays, 50 mobile devices, 60 support plate, 61 arms, 62 first fixing release part, 63 Solenoid, 67 Rotating member, 68 State detection unit, 69. Control board.

Claims

1. An information processing device for acquiring information about a vehicle, comprising: a shielding unit that can operate to shield a sign indicating the type of vehicle; and a driving force limiting unit that can limit the driving force of the vehicle while the shielding unit is shielding the sign; An acquisition unit that acquires driving information relating to the driving status of the aforementioned vehicle, A determination unit that determines whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is being limited by the driving force limiting unit, A selection unit selects a predetermined output item from among multiple target items in accordance with the determination of the aforementioned determination unit, A generation unit that generates output information for the output items based on the acquired driving information, An output unit that outputs the generated output information and An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a larger number of output items when it is determined that the driving force of the vehicle is restricted compared to when it is determined by the determination unit that the driving force of the vehicle is not restricted.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is driven by the human power of the driver of the vehicle, at least while the driving force of the vehicle is limited by the driving force limiting unit.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the determination unit determines that the driving force of the vehicle is limited, the selection unit selects the target item relating to the driver's momentum as the output item, and when the determination unit determines that the driving force of the vehicle is not limited, the selection unit does not select the target item relating to the driver's momentum as the output item.

5. The vehicle has a pedal that can accept operation based on the force applied by the driver, The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the target item relating to the driver's energy output includes at least one of the target item relating to the pedal rotation speed, the target item relating to the pedaling force, the target item relating to the driver's energy consumption, and the target item relating to the vehicle's elevation gain.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of target items include at least one of the target items relating to the vehicle's driving speed, the vehicle's driving distance, the vehicle's driving time, and the vehicle's carbon dioxide reduction amount.

7. Regardless of the result of the determination by the determination unit, the selection unit selects at least one of the target items relating to the vehicle's driving speed, the target item relating to the vehicle's driving distance, the target item relating to the vehicle's driving time, and the target item relating to the vehicle's carbon dioxide reduction amount as the output item, as described in claim 6.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the generation unit distinguishes between a period in which the driving force of the vehicle is determined to be limited and a period in which the driving force of the vehicle is determined not to be limited, and generates the output information.

9. The acquisition unit further acquires shielding information regarding whether or not the sign is shielded by the shielding unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is being limited by the driving force limiting unit based on the acquired shielding information.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the output information by causing the display unit to display the output information.

11. An information processing method performed by an information processing device that acquires information about a vehicle, the device having a shielding unit that can operate to shield a sign indicating the type of vehicle, and a driving force limiting unit that can limit the driving force of the vehicle while the shielding unit is shielding the sign, To acquire driving information regarding the driving status of the aforementioned vehicle, To determine whether the driving force of the vehicle is being limited by the driving force limiting unit, Depending on whether or not the driving force of the vehicle is limited, a predetermined output item is selected from among several target items. Based on the acquired driving information, output information for the output item is generated, Outputting the generated output information Information processing methods including

12. An information processing program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in claim 11.

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