In-vehicle device and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for a user using an internal combustion engine vehicle to have a virtual experience of a battery balance which would occur if a battery-powered electric vehicle is used under an equivalent condition.SOLUTION: An in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: calculating a virtual battery residual amount of a battery-powered electric vehicle in a case where the battery-powered electric vehicle is assumed to be traveling, in accordance with a traveling condition of an internal combustion engine vehicle; increasing the battery residual amount of the battery-powered electric vehicle when the internal combustion engine vehicle is parked at a place where a charging facility exists; and outputting information on the battery residual amount of the battery type electric vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a comparison system for comparing energy consumption required for driving between vehicles with different energy consumption characteristics. Specifically, the comparison system proposed in Patent Document 1 acquires driving information such as vehicle speed, and uses estimation models of the vehicle itself and a comparison vehicle to estimate energy consumption when the comparison vehicle drives under conditions equivalent to those indicated by the driving information. When the energy sources of the compared vehicles are different, the comparison system converts the energy consumption into a comparable value and outputs it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-271749 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that enables a user of an internal combustion engine vehicle to virtually experience the battery balance that would occur if the user were to use a battery electric vehicle (BEV) under the same conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An in-vehicle device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit configured to calculate a virtual remaining battery charge of a battery electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle) assuming that the BEV is running in accordance with running conditions of an internal combustion engine vehicle, increase the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle when the internal combustion engine vehicle is parked in a location where a charging facility is present, and output information relating to the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle.

[0006] A program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method, the information processing method including: calculating a virtual remaining battery charge of a battery powered electric vehicle when it is assumed that the battery powered electric vehicle is running in accordance with driving conditions of an internal combustion engine vehicle; increasing the remaining battery charge of the battery powered electric vehicle when the internal combustion engine vehicle is parked in a location where a charging facility is present; and outputting information relating to the remaining battery charge of the battery powered electric vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a user of an internal combustion engine vehicle can be given a virtual experience of the battery balance that would occur if the user were to use a battery electric vehicle under the same conditions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a situation to which the present disclosure is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for simulating a battery balance by the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A shows an example of a calculated virtual remaining battery capacity. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows an example of a calculated virtual remaining battery capacity. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure regarding output of information on recommended charging facilities by the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for simulating a battery balance for traveling a specified distance by the in-vehicle device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The comparison system proposed in the above Patent Document 1 can estimate the energy consumption of a comparison vehicle when it is driven under the same driving conditions as the vehicle itself. Therefore, it is possible to present an estimated amount of energy consumption when a battery electric vehicle (BEV) is used under the same conditions to a user who uses an internal combustion engine vehicle (e.g., a gasoline vehicle).

[0010] However, in general, the range of a battery electric vehicle (the maximum distance that can be traveled on one energy supply) is shorter than that of an internal combustion engine vehicle. Therefore, when a battery electric vehicle is operated under the same conditions as an internal combustion engine vehicle, it may be required to charge the battery during the journey. The above-mentioned comparative system does not take such charging into consideration, so it is difficult to truly experience the virtual balance of the battery when using a battery electric vehicle.

[0011] In contrast, an in-vehicle device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit configured to calculate a virtual remaining battery charge of a battery electric vehicle when the battery electric vehicle is assumed to be traveling in accordance with the traveling conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle, increase the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle when the internal combustion engine vehicle is parked in a location where a charging facility is present, and output information relating to the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle.

[0012] The in-vehicle device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure calculates a virtual remaining battery charge of a battery electric vehicle according to the driving conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle (i.e., simulates battery consumption), and restores the virtual remaining battery charge according to parking at a location where a charging facility is available. This allows a user who has parked an internal combustion engine vehicle to virtually experience a charging action according to the parking. Therefore, the in-vehicle device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure allows a user who uses an internal combustion engine vehicle to virtually experience the battery balance that would occur if the battery electric vehicle was used under the same conditions.

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure in all respects. Various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In implementing the present disclosure, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted. Note that while the data appearing in this embodiment is described in natural language, more specifically, it is specified in pseudo-language, commands, parameters, machine language, etc. that can be recognized by a computer.

[0014] [1 Application example] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a scenario in which the present disclosure is applied. The in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment is one or more computers configured to simulate the battery consumption of a battery-powered electric vehicle according to the driving conditions of an internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0015] Specifically, the in-vehicle device 1 according to this embodiment calculates a virtual remaining battery charge 30 of a battery electric vehicle when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is traveling, in accordance with the traveling conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The internal combustion engine vehicle V is, for example, a gasoline-powered vehicle. When the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility is present, the in-vehicle device 1 increases the virtual remaining battery charge 30 of the battery electric vehicle (i.e., restores the charging state of the virtual battery). Through these calculations, the in-vehicle device 1 simulates the battery balance of the battery electric vehicle. The in-vehicle device 1 outputs information related to the virtual remaining battery charge 30 of the battery electric vehicle.

[0016] As described above, the in-vehicle device 1 according to this embodiment calculates the battery consumption of the battery electric vehicle according to the driving conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V, and restores the state of charge of the battery according to parking at a location where a charging facility is present. This allows a user who has parked the internal combustion engine vehicle V to virtually experience the charging action according to that parking. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible for a user who is using the internal combustion engine vehicle V to virtually experience the battery balance that would occur if the battery electric vehicle was used under the same conditions.

[0017] The timing at which the in-vehicle device 1 executes the simulation of the battery balance of the battery electric vehicle may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device 1 may be mounted on an internal combustion engine vehicle V. The in-vehicle device 1 may present the calculated virtual battery remaining capacity 30 to the user in real time by executing each of the above processes while the internal combustion engine vehicle V is being used. This allows the user to virtually experience the battery balance of the battery electric vehicle while using the internal combustion engine vehicle V. As a result, the user can experience the operation of the battery (for example, when / where charging is required) when switching to a battery electric vehicle through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V in real experience. In another example, the in-vehicle device 1 may calculate the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 of the battery electric vehicle for the virtual use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a scene in which the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 is calculated according to the actual use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V is assumed. When calculating the virtual remaining battery charge 30 for virtual use, various pieces of information obtained in response to the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V described below may be given virtually as appropriate.

[0018] A charging facility is, for example, a facility having equipment for charging the battery of a battery-powered electric vehicle, such as a charging stand or a charging station. The location of the charging facility may be real or virtual (including a charging facility that is planned to be constructed). When the in-vehicle device 1 executes each of the above processes while the internal combustion engine vehicle V is in use, the location where the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked and the location of the charging facility may be identified by a known method that uses, for example, position information, map information, etc.

[0019] The charge amount to be restored in response to parking may be arbitrarily defined. In one example, increasing the virtual battery remaining amount 30 may be configured by adding a predetermined charge amount in response to parking to the virtual battery remaining amount 30. This can simplify the processing and reduce the computation load. In another example, increasing the virtual battery remaining amount 30 may be configured by calculating a charge amount in response to parking conditions at a location where a charging facility exists, and adding the calculated charge amount to the virtual battery remaining amount 30. This allows the user to virtually experience a highly realistic battery balance of a battery-powered electric vehicle.

[0020] When calculating the charge amount according to the parking conditions, any index that can affect the charge amount may be used as the parking conditions. In one example, the longer the charging time, the greater the charge amount. Also, compared to a normal charging station, a quick charging station has a larger charge amount per unit time. In other words, the higher the charging capacity of a charging facility, the greater the charge amount per unit time. Therefore, when the parking conditions are Calculating the charge amount according to the conditions may include calculating the charge amount according to at least one of the parking time and the type of charging facility. In addition, the congestion level of the charging facility may differ depending on the day of the week / time period when the charging facility is visited. When the charging facility is crowded, there is a possibility that a time period during which charging is not possible (waiting time) may occur due to the congestion (in the worst case, charging may not be possible at all). Thus, calculating the charge amount according to the parking conditions may include calculating the charge amount based on at least one of the day of the week and the time period when the vehicle is parked.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 1 may monitor whether or not the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out based on the result of calculating the virtual battery remaining capacity 30. In this case, when it is determined that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out as a result of calculating the virtual battery remaining capacity 30, the in-vehicle device 1 may output a notification regarding that fact. This allows the user to know by what point in time charging will be required if the user switches to a battery-powered electric vehicle through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0022] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 1 may monitor the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V after it is determined that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out as a result of calculating the virtual battery remaining capacity 30. The in-vehicle device 1 may calculate the time required to charge the battery capacity that would have been required if a battery electric vehicle had traveled the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V. This time required for charging is an estimated additional time required when switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle V to a battery electric vehicle under the same conditions. The in-vehicle device 1 may output information related to the calculated time required for charging. This allows the user to know the time required when switching to a battery electric vehicle through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0023] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 1 may be configured to output information regarding the location of a charging facility. As described above, the degree of congestion at a charging facility may vary depending on the day of the week / time period when the charging facility is visited. Therefore, when configured in this manner, the in-vehicle device 1 may output information regarding the location of a recommended charging facility according to at least one of the day of the week and the time period. This allows the user to virtually experience using a battery-powered electric vehicle, including searching for a charging facility, through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0024] Also, for example, a distance to be traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V (e.g., an estimated distance to the destination) may be specified based on the result of a route search to the destination in navigation. In this embodiment, when a distance to be traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V is specified, the in-vehicle device 1 may determine whether or not the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is sufficient for the travel of the battery electric vehicle if the battery electric vehicle were to travel the specified distance. If it is determined that the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is insufficient, the in-vehicle device 1 may calculate the time required to charge the battery amount that is insufficient for travel. Then, the in-vehicle device 1 may output information related to the calculated time required for charging. This allows the user to know the required time if he or she switches to a battery electric vehicle through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0025] [2 Configuration example] [Hardware configuration example] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment is a computer to which a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, and a drive 15 are electrically connected.

[0026] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, which is a hardware processor, a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like, and is configured to execute information processing based on programs and various data. The control unit 11 (CPU) is an example of a processor resource. The storage unit 12 is, for example, For example, the storage unit 12 is configured with a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, etc. The storage unit 12 is an example of a memory resource. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores various information such as a program 81, map information 20, facility information 25, etc.

[0027] The program 81 is a program for causing the in-vehicle device 1 to execute information processing (FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 described below) relating to a simulation of the battery balance of a battery-powered electric vehicle according to the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The program 81 includes a series of instructions for the information processing. The map information 20 may be appropriately configured to indicate the location of roads on which the vehicle can travel. The facility information 25 may be configured to indicate attribute information of the charging facility, such as the location, type, charging capacity, and congestion level on the day of the week / time period of the charging facility. In one example, the congestion level may be expressed by the waiting time required until charging can begin. In another example, the congestion level may be expressed by whether charging is possible or not. The facility information 25 may be included in the map information 20.

[0028] The input device 13 is, for example, a device for inputting an operation button or the like. The output device 14 is, for example, a device for outputting a display, a speaker, or the like. A user can operate the in-vehicle device 1 by using the input device 13 and the output device 14. The input device 13 and the output device 14 may be integrally configured, for example, by a touch panel display or the like.

[0029] The drive 15 is a device for reading various information such as programs stored in a storage medium 91. At least one of the above-mentioned program 81, map information 20, and facility information 25 may be stored in the storage medium 91. The storage medium 91 is a medium that accumulates information such as programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action so that a computer or other device, machine, etc. can read the various information such as the stored programs. The in-vehicle device 1 may acquire at least one of the program 81, map information 20, and facility information 25 from the storage medium 91.

[0030] 2 illustrates a disk-type storage medium such as a CD or a DVD as an example of the storage medium 91. However, the type of the storage medium 91 is not limited to the disk type, and may be other than the disk type. An example of a storage medium other than the disk type is a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The type of the drive 15 may be appropriately selected depending on the type of the storage medium 91.

[0031] Regarding the specific hardware configuration of the in-vehicle device 1, components can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the control unit 11 may include multiple hardware processors. The hardware processor may be configured with a microprocessor, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), an FPGA (Field-programmable gate array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like. At least one of the input device 13, the output device 14, and the drive 15 may be omitted.

[0032] The running conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V may be directly determined from information obtained by an in-vehicle sensor, such as speed, acceleration, whether or not a brake operation has been performed, whether or not an accelerator operation has been performed, how the steering wheel is being operated, etc. In this case, the in-vehicle device 1 may further include an interface for connecting to the in-vehicle sensor via, for example, an in-vehicle network or the like.

[0033] When the in-vehicle device 1 is configured to simulate the battery charge and discharge of the battery electric vehicle in real time in response to the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V, the position of the internal combustion engine vehicle V may be measured to determine whether the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility is present. In this case, the in-vehicle device 1 may measure the position of the internal combustion engine vehicle V, for example, using a GPS (Global Positioning System) measuring device or the like. The device may further include a device for measuring.

[0034] The vehicle-mounted device 1 may further include a communication interface for connecting to a network such as the Internet or a dedicated line. In this case, the vehicle-mounted device 1 may obtain information used for various information processing from a storage area on the network as necessary. As an example, at least one of the map information 20 and the facility information 25 may be stored in a storage area on the network (e.g., network attached storage).

[0035] The in-vehicle device 1 may be configured with a plurality of computers. In this case, the hardware configurations of the computers may or may not be the same. The in-vehicle device 1 may be a computer designed specifically for the service provided, a general-purpose computer, a mobile phone including a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), etc. That's fine.

[0036] [Software configuration example] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment. The control unit 11 of the in-vehicle device 1 loads the program 81 stored in the storage unit 12 in the RAM. Then, the control unit 11 executes the instructions included in the program 81 loaded in the RAM by the CPU. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle device 1 according to the present embodiment operates as a computer including an information acquisition unit 111, a simulation unit 112, a parking determination unit 113, and an output processing unit 114 as software modules. That is, in the present embodiment, each software module of the in-vehicle device 1 is realized by the control unit 11 (CPU).

[0037] The information acquisition unit 111 is configured to acquire information on usage such as driving conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The simulation unit 112 is configured to calculate a virtual remaining battery charge 30 of the battery electric vehicle when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is traveling according to the driving conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. Furthermore, when the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility is present, the simulation unit 112 is configured to increase the virtual remaining battery charge 30 of the battery electric vehicle. The parking determination unit 113 is configured to determine whether or not the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility is present. The output processing unit 114 is configured to output information on the virtual remaining battery charge 30 of the battery electric vehicle.

[0038] In this embodiment, the simulation unit 112 may be further configured to determine whether or not the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out as a result of calculating the virtual battery remaining capacity 30. The output processing unit 114 may be further configured to output a notification regarding the fact that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out, when it is determined that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out.

[0039] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 111 may be further configured to monitor the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V after it is determined that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out. The simulation unit 112 may be further configured to calculate the time required to charge the battery amount that would be required if a battery electric vehicle were to travel the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The output processing unit 114 may be further configured to output information related to the time required for charging.

[0040] Furthermore, the simulation unit 112 may be further configured to calculate the time required to charge the insufficient amount of charge for traveling when a distance to be traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V is specified and it is determined that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 is insufficient when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is traveled the specified distance. The output processing unit 114 may be further configured to output information regarding the time required to charge the insufficient amount of charge for traveling. Furthermore, the output processing unit 114 may output information regarding the locations of recommended charging facilities according to at least one of the day of the week and the time period. The device may be further configured to:

[0041] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which each software module of the in-vehicle device 1 is realized by a general-purpose CPU. However, some or all of the above software modules may be realized by one or more dedicated processors. Each of the above modules may be realized as a hardware module. With regard to the software configuration of the in-vehicle device 1, modules may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0042] [3 Example of operation] (1) Battery balance simulation 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for simulating a battery balance by the in-vehicle device 1 according to this embodiment. The control unit 11 may start the execution of the processing procedure in response to an arbitrary trigger (for example, the launching of the program 81 by a user operation).

[0043] (Step S101) In step S101, the control unit 11 operates as the information acquisition unit 111 and acquires information about the running conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0044] The method of acquiring information may be appropriately selected according to the embodiment. In addition, as long as information usable for calculating the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 is included, the content of the information on the driving conditions may not be particularly limited and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may acquire information on the driving conditions directly from an on-vehicle sensor. The on-vehicle sensor may include, for example, a speedometer, an acceleration sensor, a brake sensor, an accelerator sensor, a handlebar sensor, and the like. In another example, the control unit 11 may continuously acquire position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle V as information on the driving conditions from a device for measuring the position, such as a GPS measuring device. In this case, the control unit 11 may calculate information such as speed and acceleration from the continuously obtained position information. When the information on the driving conditions is acquired, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S102.

[0045] (Step S102) In step S102, the control unit 11 operates as a simulation unit 112 and calculates a virtual remaining battery charge 30 of the battery electric vehicle when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is running, in accordance with the running conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The running conditions may include conditions when the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked or stopped, in addition to conditions when the internal combustion engine vehicle V is running.

[0046] A method for calculating the virtual battery remaining amount 30 may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, a calculation model (e.g., an arbitrary function formula, etc.) for calculating the battery consumption from the driving conditions may be given. The calculation model may be configured by a trained machine learning model. The calculation model may be designed in consideration of the fuel consumption according to the driving conditions. The calculation model may be configured by a simple function formula (e.g., a linear function such as "consumption amount per unit time x driving time"), or may be configured to show a discharge curve. The control unit 11 may input information on the driving conditions obtained in step S101 (which may include the value of the virtual battery remaining amount 30 before driving) to the calculation model and execute a calculation process of the calculation model to calculate an estimated value of the battery consumption. Then, the control unit 11 may calculate the virtual battery remaining amount 30 after driving by subtracting the calculated estimated value of the consumption from the virtual battery remaining amount 30 before driving. Note that an initial value of the virtual battery remaining amount 30 may be given arbitrarily. For example, the virtual battery remaining amount 30 may be set to full at the first start of the day or when leaving home. Alternatively, the initial value of the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 may be specified by the user. After calculating the remaining amount 30, the control unit 11 advances the process to the next step S103.

[0047] (Step S103) In step S103, the control unit 11 operates as the output processing unit 114 and outputs information related to the virtual remaining battery power 30.

[0048] The output destination and the output form may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may output information about the virtual battery remaining amount 30 to the output device 14 or an output device of another computer. The virtual battery remaining amount 30 may be expressed in any form, such as a numerical representation, a meter representation, a graph representation, etc. The control unit 11 may output the virtual battery remaining amount 30 expressed in any form, for example, in the form of a screen display, an audio output, etc. After outputting the information about the virtual battery remaining amount 30, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S104.

[0049] (Step S104) In step S104, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the simulation of the battery balance of the battery electric vehicle. The trigger for the end may be determined appropriately depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not to end the simulation depending on whether or not the user has performed an end operation.

[0050] If it is determined that the simulation is not to be ended, the control unit 11 advances the process to the next step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the simulation is to be ended, the control unit 11 ends the processing procedure related to this operation example. Note that the control unit 11 may start the execution of the process from step S101 at any timing (for example, in response to a start operation by the user again).

[0051] (Step S105) In step S105, the control unit 11 operates as the simulation unit 112, and determines whether or not the virtual battery remaining amount 30 has been depleted (i.e., the virtual battery remaining amount 30 has become 0) as a result of calculating the virtual battery remaining amount 30. If it is determined that the virtual battery remaining amount 30 has not been depleted, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the virtual battery remaining amount 30 has been depleted, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S121.

[0052] (Step S106) In step S106, the control unit 11 operates as the parking determination unit 113 and determines whether or not the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked in a location where a charging facility exists.

[0053] A method for determining whether or not the vehicle is parked at a location where a charging facility exists may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not the vehicle is parked based on the running state of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The running state may be specified based on, for example, the speed, acceleration, brake operation, change in position, and the like. When it is determined that the vehicle is parked, the control unit 11 may acquire position information of the vehicle V from a device for measuring the position such as a GPS measuring device (when it is determined whether or not the vehicle is parked using the position information, this process may be omitted). In addition, the control unit 11 may specify the location where the charging facility exists by referring to the map information 20 and the facility information 25. Then, based on these pieces of information, the control unit 11 may determine that the vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility exists in response to the vehicle V being parked within the premises of the charging facility. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine that the vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility exists in response to the vehicle V being parked at a location where a charging facility exists within a predetermined distance range from the location where the vehicle V is parked. The predetermined distance may be set appropriately (for example, , threshold value, user specification, etc.) In other cases, the control unit 11 may determine that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is not parked in a location where a charging facility exists.

[0054] When it is determined that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility exists, the control unit 11 advances the process to the next step S107. On the other hand, when it is determined that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is not parked at a location where a charging facility exists, the control unit 11 returns to step S101 and executes the process again from step S101.

[0055] (Steps S107 and S108) In step S107, the control unit 11 operates as the information acquisition unit 111 and monitors the parking time of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. A method for monitoring the parking time may be determined appropriately depending on the embodiment. The parking time may be calculated, for example, based on a time obtained from a timer or the like. In one example, the control unit 11 may calculate the parking time by retaining the time when parking started and calculating the elapsed time from the start time.

[0056] In step S108, the control unit 11 operates as a parking determination unit 113 and determines whether parking of the internal combustion engine vehicle V has been completed. A method for determining whether parking has been completed may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may determine whether parking has been completed based on the state of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The state of the internal combustion engine vehicle V may be identified from, for example, speed, acceleration, accelerator operation, change in position, etc.

[0057] When it is determined that parking of the internal combustion engine vehicle V has not been completed, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S107 and continues monitoring the parking time. On the other hand, when it is determined that parking has been completed, the control unit 11 advances the process to the next step S109.

[0058] (Step S109) In step S109, the control unit 11 operates as the simulation unit 112, and increases the virtual remaining battery charge 30 in response to the internal combustion engine vehicle V being parked.

[0059] The increase (charging amount) of the virtual battery remaining amount 30 according to parking may be defined arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 may calculate the charging amount according to the parking conditions, and increase the virtual battery remaining amount 30 by adding the calculated charging amount to the virtual battery remaining amount 30. The parking conditions may use any index that can affect the charging amount. As an example, the parking conditions may be configured by the parking time, the type of charging facility, the day of the week when the vehicle is parked, the time period when the vehicle is parked, or a combination of these.

[0060] A method for calculating the charge amount according to parking may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, a calculation model (e.g., an arbitrary function formula, etc.) for calculating the charge amount from the parking conditions may be given, as in step S102. The calculation model of the charge amount may be configured by a trained machine learning model. The calculation model of the charge amount may be configured by a simple function formula (e.g., a linear function such as "charge amount per unit time x parking (charging) time"), or may be configured to show a charging curve. The control unit 11 may input information indicating the parking conditions (which may include a value of the virtual battery remaining amount 30 before charging) to the calculation model and execute a calculation process of the calculation model to calculate an estimated value of the charge amount of the battery. Then, the control unit 11 may increase the virtual battery remaining amount 30 by adding the calculated estimated value of the charge amount to the virtual battery remaining amount 30.

[0061] When the parking conditions include parking time, the calculation model of the charging amount may be configured so that the longer the parking time, the greater the charging amount, and the shorter the parking time, the smaller the charging amount. When the parking conditions include the type of charging facility, the calculation model of the charging amount may be configured so that the type of the target charging facility is a charging facility. The charging facility may be configured such that the higher the capacity, the greater the amount of charging under the same conditions, and the lower the charging capacity, the smaller the amount of charging. The type of charging facility may be identified by referring to the facility information 25.

[0062] In addition, when the parking conditions include at least one of the day of the week and the time period, the calculation model of the charge amount may be configured to calculate the charge amount based on the congestion degree according to the day of the week / time period. The congestion degree according to the day of the week / time period may be specified by referring to the facility information 25. In one example, the congestion degree may be expressed by the waiting time. In this case, the control unit 11 may compare the parking time with the waiting time. When the waiting time is longer than the parking time, the control unit 11 may evaluate that the charging facility cannot charge the vehicle for the parking time, and may omit the addition process of the virtual battery remaining amount 30 in this step S109. On the other hand, when the parking time is longer than the waiting time, the control unit 11 may calculate the charging time from the difference between the parking time and the waiting time, and may calculate the charge amount according to the calculated charging time. In another example, the congestion degree may be expressed by whether or not charging is possible. When it is evaluated that charging is impossible due to the congestion degree, the control unit 11 may omit the addition process of the virtual battery remaining amount 30 in this step S109. On the other hand, if it is evaluated that charging is possible, the control unit 11 may calculate the charged amount in the same manner as in the other cases.

[0063] When the process of adding the virtual remaining battery power 30 is completed, the control unit 11 advances the process to the next step S110.

[0064] (Step S110) In step S110, the control unit 11 judges whether or not to end the simulation of the battery balance of the battery electric vehicle. The process of step S110 may be the same as the process of step S104. When it is judged that the simulation is not to be ended, the control unit 11 returns to step S101 and executes the process again from step S101. On the other hand, when it is judged that the simulation is to be ended, the control unit 11 ends the process procedure related to this operation example.

[0065] (Step S121) In step S121, the control unit 11 operates as the output processing unit 114 and outputs a notification that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out.

[0066] The output destination, the output form, and the notification contents may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may output a notification regarding the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 being exhausted to the output device 14 or an output device of another computer. The notification may be output in the form of, for example, a screen display, an audio output, or the like. After outputting the notification, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S122.

[0067] (Steps S122 and S123) In step S122, the control unit 11 operates as the information acquisition unit 111 and monitors the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V after it is determined that the virtual battery remaining charge 30 has run out. The control unit 11 may monitor the distance traveled after the virtual battery remaining charge 30 has run out by acquiring information on the driving conditions, similar to the processing in step S101.

[0068] In step S123, the control unit 11 operates as the parking determination unit 113 and determines whether or not the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked. A method for determining whether or not the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked based on the running state of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. The running state may be identified from, for example, speed, acceleration, brake operation, change in position, etc.

[0069] When it is determined that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is not parked, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S122 and continues to monitor the mileage of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. On the other hand, when it is determined that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked, the control unit 11 advances the process to the next step S124.

[0070] (Steps S124 and S125) In step S124, the control unit 11 operates as the simulation unit 112 and calculates the time required to charge the battery amount that would be required if the battery electric vehicle were to travel the distance that the internal combustion engine vehicle V has traveled.

[0071] The method of calculating the battery capacity that would have been required for driving and the method of calculating the time required to charge the battery may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may estimate the battery capacity that would have been required for driving after the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 is depleted based on a method similar to the method of estimating the battery consumption from the driving conditions in the process of step S102. Then, the control unit 11 may calculate the time required to charge the battery capacity based on a method similar to the method of estimating the charging capacity according to the parking time in the process of step S109.

[0072] In step S125, the control unit 11 operates as the output processing unit 114 and outputs information regarding the time required to charge the battery amount that would have been required for traveling after the virtual battery remaining amount 30 has run out.

[0073] The output destination and the output form may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may output information related to the time required for charging to the output device 14 or an output device of another computer. The time required for charging may be expressed in any form, such as a numerical expression. The information related to the time required for charging may be output in the form of, for example, a screen display, an audio output, or the like. The information related to the time required for charging may include information on charging facilities present on the route until the virtual battery remaining amount 30 runs out. In this case, the control unit 11 may output information related to the location of the charging facility recommended according to at least one of the day of the week and the time period, similar to the process of step S203 described later. After outputting the information related to the time required for charging, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S126.

[0074] (Step S126) In step S126, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the simulation of the battery balance of the battery electric vehicle. The process of step S126 may be the same as the process of step S104. If it is determined that the simulation should not be ended, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the simulation should be ended, the control unit 11 ends the process procedure related to this operation example.

[0075] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the progress of the calculated virtual battery remaining amount 30. In the example of FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the charge amount is calculated according to the parking time. Specifically, the control unit 11 detects that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked at a location where a charging facility is present at time T1 by the process of step S106. Between T1 and T2, the control unit 11 monitors the parking time of the internal combustion engine vehicle V by the process of step S107. The control unit 11 detects that parking has ended at time T2 (the internal combustion engine vehicle V has departed) by the process of step S108. Then, the control unit 11 calculates the charge amount according to the parking time by the process of step S109, and adds the calculated charge amount to the virtual battery remaining amount 30, thereby increasing the virtual battery remaining amount 30. This allows the user to virtually experience charging a battery-powered electric vehicle through parking the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0076] On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 5B, the control unit 11 executes the process of step S105 at the time T3. The control unit 11 detects that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out by the process of step S122. Between T3 and T4, the control unit 11 monitors the travel distance of the internal combustion engine vehicle V after it is determined that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out by the process of step S122. The control unit 11 detects that the internal combustion engine vehicle V has been parked at the time point of T4 by the process of step S123. The control unit 11 calculates, by the process of step S124, the time required to charge the battery capacity that would have been required if the battery electric vehicle had traveled the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V. Then, by the process of step S125, the control unit 11 outputs information regarding the time required to charge the battery capacity that would have been required for traveling after the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 has run out. This allows the user to know the additional time that would have been required if the battery electric vehicle had been used.

[0077] (2) Recommended charging facility output Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for outputting information on recommended charging facilities by the in-vehicle device 1 according to this embodiment. The control unit 11 may start execution of the processing procedure in response to an arbitrary trigger. The control unit 11 may execute the information processing of Fig. 6 in parallel with the information processing of Fig. 4 or independently of the information processing of Fig. 4.

[0078] (Steps S201 and S202) In step S201, the control unit 11 receives a request to output the charging location. The output request may be made by any method. In one example, the control unit 11 may receive the request to output the charging location in response to a user's operation via the input device 13.

[0079] In step S202, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an output request for the charging station has been received. If it is determined that the output request has not been received, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S201 and continues to receive the output request. On the other hand, if it is determined that the output request has been received, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S203.

[0080] (Step S203) In step S203, the control unit 11 outputs information relating to the location of the charging facility recommended according to at least one of the day of the week and the time period.

[0081] The output destination and the output form may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may output information on the location of the recommended charging facility to the output device 14 or an output device of another computer. The information on the recommended charging facility may be output in the form of, for example, a screen display, an audio output, or the like. Information indicating whether or not the facility is recommended depending on at least one of the day of the week and the time period may be included in the facility information 25.

[0082] The range of charging facilities to be extracted as recommended charging facilities may be determined appropriately depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may refer to the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle V, the map information 20, and the facility information 25, and extract recommended charging facilities from charging facilities that exist within a predetermined range from the position of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. In another example, when the output device 14 includes a display and a map is displayed on the output device 14, recommended charging facilities may be extracted from charging facilities that exist within the displayed range.

[0083] When the information on the location of the recommended charging facility is output, the control unit 11 ends the processing procedure according to this operation example. After the processing procedure ends, the control unit 11 may execute the processing again from step S201 and continuously receive an output request for the recommended charging facility.

[0084] (3) Simulation of battery charge and discharge for a specified distance FIG. 7 shows the battery charge for traveling a specified distance by the in-vehicle device 1 according to this embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for simulating a support. The control unit 11 may start the execution of the processing procedure in response to an arbitrary trigger. The control unit 11 may execute the information processing of FIG. 7 in parallel with at least one of the information processing of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, or independently of the information processing of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6.

[0085] (Step S301) In step S301, the control unit 11 operates as the information acquisition unit 111 and receives a designation of the distance that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is to travel.

[0086] A method for accepting the designated travel distance may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may accept the designated destination and search for a route from the vehicle position (current position) of the internal combustion engine vehicle V to the designated destination. Any navigation method may be adopted for the route search. As a result of this route search, the control unit 11 may acquire an estimated distance required to travel the route from the vehicle position to the destination as the designated travel distance. When the designated travel distance is accepted, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S302.

[0087] (Steps S302 and S303) In step S302, the control unit 11 operates as the simulation unit 112 and calculates the battery consumption when the battery electric vehicle is assumed to travel a specified distance.

[0088] The method of calculating the battery consumption may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may estimate the battery consumption based on the same method as the method of estimating the battery consumption in the process of step S102. The assumed driving conditions may be appropriately given by, for example, a set value or the like.

[0089] In step S303, the control unit 11 operates as the simulation unit 112 and compares the virtual battery remaining amount 30 at the time when it is assumed that the vehicle will start traveling with the calculated battery consumption amount to determine whether the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is sufficient for traveling a specified distance. If it is determined that the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is insufficient, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S304. On the other hand, if it is determined that the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is sufficient, the control unit 11 omits the processes of steps S304 and S305 and ends the processing procedure related to this operation example.

[0090] (Step S304) In step S304, the control unit 11 operates as the simulation unit 112 and calculates the time required to charge the battery to the extent that the battery is insufficient for traveling.

[0091] The method of calculating the time required to charge the battery amount that is insufficient for traveling may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may calculate the time required to charge the insufficient amount based on the same method as the method of estimating the charge amount according to the parking time in the process of step S109. After calculating the time required to charge the insufficient amount, the control unit 11 proceeds to the next step S305.

[0092] (Step S305) In step S305, the control unit 11 operates as the output processing unit 114 and outputs information regarding the time required to charge the amount of charge that is insufficient for traveling.

[0093] The output destination and the output form may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the control unit 11 may output information regarding the time required for charging the amount of charge that is insufficient for driving to the output device 14 or an output device of another computer. The time required for charging the amount of charge that is insufficient for driving may be, for example, The information on the time required to charge the remaining battery charge 30 may be expressed in any form such as a value representation. The information on the time required to charge the remaining battery charge 30 may be output in the form of, for example, a screen display, a voice output, or the like. The information on the time required to charge the remaining battery charge 30 may include information on charging facilities present on the route until the virtual battery remaining charge 30 is assumed to be depleted. In this case, the control unit 11 may output information on the location of the charging facility recommended according to at least one of the day of the week and the time period, similar to the process of step S203 described above.

[0094] When the information on the time required for charging the insufficient amount of charge for traveling is output, the control unit 11 ends the processing procedure of this operation example. After the end, the control unit 11 may execute the processing again from step S301 and continuously execute the simulation of the battery balance for traveling the specified distance.

[0095] [Features] In this embodiment, the process of step S102 calculates the battery consumption of the battery electric vehicle in accordance with the driving conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle V. In addition, the processes of steps S106 to S109 restore the battery charge state in response to parking in a location where a charging facility is present. This allows a user who has parked the internal combustion engine vehicle V to virtually experience a charging action in response to that parking. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a user who is using the internal combustion engine vehicle V can virtually experience the battery balance that would occur if the battery electric vehicle was used under the same conditions.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the charge amount is calculated according to the parking conditions in the process of step S109, which allows the user to virtually experience a highly realistic battery balance of a battery-powered electric vehicle.

[0097] In the above embodiment, when it is determined by the processes of steps S105 and S121 that the virtual battery remaining capacity 30 is depleted, the in-vehicle device 1 outputs a notification to that effect. This allows the user to know by what time charging is required if switching to a battery-powered electric vehicle through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the in-vehicle device 1 outputs information about the time required to charge the battery amount that would have been required for traveling after it is determined that the virtual remaining battery amount 30 has been depleted, through the processes of step S105 and steps S122 to S125. This allows the user to know, through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V, the additional time required if the user were to switch to a battery-powered electric vehicle.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the in-vehicle device 1 outputs information on the locations of charging facilities recommended according to at least one of the day of the week and the time period through the process of step S203. This allows the user to virtually experience the use of a battery electric vehicle, including searching for charging facilities, through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a distance to be traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle V is specified by the processing of steps S301 to S305, and it is determined that the virtual remaining battery charge 30 is insufficient when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is traveled the specified distance, the in-vehicle device 1 outputs information regarding the time required to charge the battery charge that is insufficient for travel. This allows the user to know, through the use of the internal combustion engine vehicle V, the additional time required to travel the specified distance if the user switches to a battery electric vehicle.

[0101] [4 Variations] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present disclosure in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the following modifications are possible. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the process procedures in Fig. 4, Fig. 6, and Fig. 7 are merely examples, and each step may be changed as much as possible. In addition, for each process procedure in Fig. 4, Fig. 6, and Fig. 7, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the process of step S103 may not be limited to the example of the above embodiment, and may be executed at any timing. The processes of steps S101 and S102 may also be executed at any timing. The process of step S105 may be executed at any timing after the virtual remaining battery capacity 30 is calculated by the process of step S102.

[0103] Furthermore, the process of step S106 may be executed at any timing. A series of processes from step S107 to step S109 may be executed at any timing after it is determined by the process of step S106 that the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked in a place where a charging facility is present. When the charge amount is not calculated according to the parking conditions, or when the parking time is not used as an index for calculating the charge amount, the processes of step S107 and step S108 may be omitted.

[0104] Also, in the above embodiment, the update of the virtual battery remaining amount 30 in step S109 is executed as a single process after parking is completed. However, the process of updating the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is not limited to this form. The process of step S109 may be executed at any timing. The process of step S109 may be executed repeatedly and continuously while the internal combustion engine vehicle V is parked (for example, the control unit 11 may update the information on the virtual battery remaining amount 30 at regular time intervals). This may indicate the progress of charging to the user.

[0105] Furthermore, the processes of steps S104, S110, and S126 may be executed at any timing. Alternatively, the processes of steps S104, S110, and S126 may be omitted. In this case, the control unit 11 may continue to execute the information processing of FIG. 4 in a loop until a predetermined end operation is executed. Then, the control unit 11 may end the information processing of FIG. 4 in response to the predetermined end operation.

[0106] Furthermore, the process of step S125 may be executed at any timing, such as at the end of a trip, when the ignition is turned off, or at the next start. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the output of information related to the charging time in step S125 is executed as a one-time process after the traveling ends. However, the process of outputting information related to the charging time is not limited to this form. The process of step S125 may be executed repeatedly and continuously while the internal combustion engine vehicle V is traveling after the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is depleted (for example, the process of step S125 may be executed between step S122 and step S123). In this way, the battery balance debt for the traveling of the internal combustion engine vehicle V after it is determined that the virtual battery remaining amount 30 is depleted may be continuously shown to the user.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the process of step S121 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the processes of steps S122 to S125 may be omitted. When the processes of steps S121 to S126 are omitted, the process of step S105 may be omitted.

[0108] In the information processing of FIG. 6, the processing of step S203 may be executed at any timing. The processing of steps S201 and S202 may be omitted. The series of information processing steps from S201 to S203 may be omitted.

[0109] 7, the process of step S305 may be executed at any timing after the travel distance is specified. The process of step S305 may be executed when the calculated virtual remaining battery charge 30 is exhausted (or falls below a threshold) while the internal combustion engine vehicle V is being used. When the calculated virtual remaining battery charge 30 is exhausted or falls below a threshold, the control unit 11 may execute a series of information processes from step S301 to step S305. In the above embodiment, the series of information processes from step S301 to step S305 may be omitted.

[0110] [5 Supplementary Note] The processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0111] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Or, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration for implementing each function can be flexibly changed.

[0112] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1...In-vehicle device, V...Internal combustion engine vehicle, 11: control unit, 12: storage unit, 13...input device, 14...output device, 15...drive, 81... program, 91... storage medium, 111: information acquisition unit; 112: simulation unit; 113: parking determination unit, 114: output processing unit, 20...Map information, 25...Facility information, 30...(Virtual) battery remaining capacity

Claims

1. Calculating a virtual remaining battery capacity of the battery electric vehicle when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is traveling according to the traveling conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle; When the internal combustion engine vehicle is parked in a location where a charging facility is present, increasing the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle; and outputting information regarding a remaining battery charge of the battery-powered electric vehicle; A control unit configured to execute In-vehicle device.

2. Increasing the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle includes: Calculating a charging amount according to parking conditions at a location where the charging facility is located; and adding the calculated charge amount to the remaining battery charge; Consists of: The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 .

3. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount according to a parking time. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2 .

4. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount according to a type of the charging facility. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount based on a day of the week on which the vehicle is parked. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2 .

6. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount based on a time period during which the vehicle is parked. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 2 .

7. The control unit is further configured to, when it is determined that the battery remaining amount is exhausted as a result of calculating the battery remaining amount, output a notification regarding the fact. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 .

8. The control unit is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle after it is determined that the battery remaining amount is exhausted as a result of calculating the remaining battery amount, and to output information regarding a time required to charge the battery amount that would be required if the battery electric vehicle were to travel the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 .

9. The control unit is further configured to, when a distance to be traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle is specified and it is determined that the remaining battery charge is insufficient assuming that the battery electric vehicle is traveled the specified distance, output information regarding a time required for charging the remaining charge. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 .

10. The control unit detects the presence of charging facilities recommended according to at least one of a day of the week and a time period. and further configured to output information regarding the location of the device. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1 .

11. A program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method, The information processing method includes: Calculating a virtual remaining battery capacity of the battery electric vehicle when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is traveling according to the traveling conditions of the internal combustion engine vehicle; When the internal combustion engine vehicle is parked in a location where a charging facility is present, increasing the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle; and outputting information regarding a remaining battery charge of the battery-powered electric vehicle; Including, program.

12. Increasing the remaining battery charge of the battery electric vehicle includes: Calculating a charging amount according to parking conditions at a location where the charging facility is located; and adding the calculated charge amount to the remaining battery charge; Consists of: The program according to claim 11.

13. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount according to a parking time. The program according to claim 12.

14. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount according to a type of the charging facility.

14. The program according to claim 12 or 13.

15. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount based on a day of the week on which the vehicle is parked. The program according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. Calculating the charging amount according to the parking condition includes calculating the charging amount based on a time period during which the vehicle is parked. The program according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. The information processing method further includes, when it is determined that the battery remaining amount is exhausted as a result of the calculation of the battery remaining amount, outputting a notification regarding that fact.

17. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

18. The information processing method further includes monitoring a distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle after it is determined that the battery remaining amount is exhausted as a result of calculating the remaining battery amount, and outputting information related to a time required to charge the battery amount that would be required if the battery electric vehicle were to travel the distance traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle.

18. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

19. The information processing method further includes: when a distance to be traveled by the internal combustion engine vehicle is specified, and it is determined that the remaining battery charge is insufficient when it is assumed that the battery electric vehicle is traveled the specified distance, outputting information regarding a time required for charging the insufficient amount of charge for traveling.

19. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 18.

20. The information processing method further includes outputting information regarding locations of recommended charging facilities according to at least one of a day of the week and a time zone.

20. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

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