Server device, system and system operation method

Abstract

To enable efficient determination of fuel cell degradation in a fuel cell vehicle.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A server device includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores correspondence information in which a travel history of a first vehicle traveling using a fuel cell as a power source and a degradation state of the fuel cell are made to correspond to each other; and a control unit that receives information on the travel history from a second vehicle traveling using the fuel cell as the power source by the communication unit, and outputs a notification about the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the information on the travel history and the correspondence information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a system, and a method of operating the system. [Background technology]

[0002] In fuel cell vehicles that run on fuel cells as a power source, it is necessary to repair or replace deteriorated fuel cells in a timely manner. For this reason, various methods for determining the deterioration of fuel cells have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for determining the deterioration of a fuel cell based on a decrease in the output of the fuel cell. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for repairing pinholes that occur in the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-238476 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-48540 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is room for improving the efficiency of determining fuel cell deterioration.

[0005] The following describes a server device and the like that makes it possible to efficiently determine the deterioration of a fuel cell in a fuel cell vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device of the present disclosure includes a communication unit, a memory unit that stores correspondence information that associates the driving history of a first vehicle that runs on a fuel cell as a power source with the deterioration state of the fuel cell, and a control unit that receives driving history information from a second vehicle that runs on a fuel cell as a power source via the communication unit, and outputs a notification about the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the driving history information and the correspondence information.

[0007] The system disclosed herein is a system having a vehicle that runs using a fuel cell as a power source, and a server device that communicates with the vehicle, wherein the server device stores correspondence information that associates the driving history of a first vehicle with the deterioration state of the fuel cell, receives driving history information from a second vehicle, and outputs a notification about the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the driving history information and the correspondence information, and the second vehicle receives the notification.

[0008] The system operation method disclosed herein is a method for operating a system having a vehicle that runs using a fuel cell as a power source and a server device that communicates with the vehicle, and includes a step in which the server device stores correspondence information that associates the running history of a first vehicle with the deterioration state of the fuel cell, receives running history information from a second vehicle, and outputs a notification about the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the running history information and the correspondence information, and a step in which the second vehicle receives the notification. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the server device and the like of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to efficiently determine the deterioration of the fuel cell of a fuel cell vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information providing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a server device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information providing system. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information providing system. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following describes the embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information providing system in an embodiment. The information providing system 1 includes one or more server devices 10, vehicles 12, and terminal devices 13, which are connected to each other via a network 11 so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system and functions as a server that implements various functions. The vehicle 12 is a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) such as a passenger car, bus, truck, or work vehicle that runs using a fuel cell as a power source, and is equipped with a communication function and an information processing function, and is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication network. The vehicle 12 is manually driven, but may be partially automated. The terminal device 13 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like, used by a technician at a maintenance shop for the vehicle 12. The network 11 is, for example, the Internet, but may also be an ad-hoc network, a LAN, a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or other network, or any combination of these.

[0013] The server device 10 stores correspondence information that associates the driving history of the vehicle 12 that runs using a fuel cell as a power source with the deterioration state of the fuel cell. The deterioration state of the fuel cell of the vehicle 12 is measured when the vehicle 12 undergoes maintenance and inspection at a maintenance shop due to regular inspection, malfunction, etc., and is stored in the server device 10 as a part of the correspondence information. The server device 10 then receives information on the driving history from another vehicle 12, and outputs a notification about the fuel cell of the other vehicle 12 based on the information on the driving history and the correspondence information. The notification is sent to the other vehicle 12, for example, and presented to the occupant. The notification includes information indicating the deterioration state of the fuel cell that is determined corresponding to the driving history, and a method of dealing with the deteriorated fuel cell. The method of dealing with the deteriorated fuel cell includes inspection and maintenance of the fuel cell, replacement for reuse, etc. According to this embodiment, after the server device 10 stores the correspondence information, the occupant of the vehicle 12 can grasp the deterioration state of the fuel cell by receiving a notification from the server device 10 without bringing the vehicle 12 to a maintenance shop. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently determine the deterioration of the fuel cell of a fuel cell vehicle. Furthermore, the passengers can receive notifications to check how to deal with a degraded fuel cell, making it possible to optimize the use of the fuel cell.

[0014] 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the server device 10. The server device 10 has a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, an input unit 25, and an output unit 26. The server device 10 is, for example, a single computer. Alternatively, the server device 10 may be composed of two or more computers that are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate information and operate in cooperation with each other. In that case, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is appropriately arranged in the two or more computers.

[0015] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 21 receives information used in the operation of the server device 10, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the server device 10. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 21, and communicates information with the vehicle 12 or the terminal device 13 via the network 11.

[0016] The storage unit 22 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these, functioning as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static RAM (SRAM) or a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). The storage unit 22 stores information used in the operation of the server device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 22 stores correspondence information 27. The correspondence information 27 is information that associates the driving history of the vehicle 12 with the deterioration state of the fuel cell.

[0017] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 23 executes information processing related to the operation of the server device 10 while controlling each part of the server device 10.

[0018] The input unit 25 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input unit 25 accepts an operation to input information used in the operation of the server device 10, and sends the input information to the control unit 23.

[0019] The output unit 26 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 26 outputs information obtained by the operation of the server device 10.

[0020] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program in a processor included in the control unit 23. The control program is a program for making a computer execute processing of steps included in the operation of the server device 10, thereby making the computer realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program for making a computer function as the server device 10. Also, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 23. Also, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory recording / storage medium readable by the server device 10, and read by the server device 10 from the medium.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the vehicle 12 according to the present embodiment. The vehicle 12 has a fuel cell unit 30 including a fuel cell as a power source, a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a positioning unit 34, an input unit 35, an output unit 36, and a detection unit 37. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the control unit 33, the positioning unit 34, the input unit 35, the output unit 36, and the detection unit 37 may be configured as one control device, or may be configured by two or more control devices, or by a control device and other devices such as a communication device. The control device includes, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and the like. The communication device includes, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module) and the like. The control device may also be configured to include a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, a navigation device, and the like. Each unit is connected to each other or to other devices and devices of the vehicle 12 so as to be able to communicate information with each other or with other devices and devices of the vehicle 12 via an in-vehicle network conforming to a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0022] The fuel cell unit 30 has a fuel cell and a control circuit for the fuel cell. The fuel cell generates water and electricity from hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen station or the like and oxygen in the air. The generated electricity is used to drive the vehicle 12.

[0023] The communication unit 31 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interfaces are interfaces compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 31 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 33, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control unit 33. The control unit 33 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 31 via a mobile communication base station, and communicates information with other devices via the network 11.

[0024] The memory unit 32 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The memory unit 32 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 32 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 33 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 33.

[0025] The control unit 33 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 33 executes information processing related to the operation of the vehicle 12 while controlling each part of the control unit 33.

[0026] The positioning unit 34 includes one or more Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. The GNSS includes at least one of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), BeiDou, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and Galileo. The positioning unit 34 acquires position information of the vehicle 12 and transmits the information to the control unit 33.

[0027] The input unit 35 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures a captured image or an image code, or an IC card reader. The input unit 35 accepts an operation by a user to input information used for the operation of the control unit 33, and sends the input information to the control unit 33.

[0028] The output unit 36 ​​includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 36 ​​outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 33 to, for example, a user.

[0029] The detection unit 37 has one or more sensors that detect the state or operation of each part of the vehicle 12, or an interface with the sensors, and sends information indicating the detection results by the sensors to the control unit 33. The sensors detect vehicle speed, acceleration, etc.

[0030] The functions of the control unit 33 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in the control unit 33. The control program is a program for making a computer execute processing of steps included in the operation of the control unit 33, thereby making the computer realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program for making a computer function as the control unit 33. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control unit 33 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 33.

[0031] The control unit 33 generates information for controlling various mechanisms and devices of the vehicle 12, and controls them by sending the control information to control circuits of the various mechanisms and devices. The control unit 33 may provide assistance for driving operations by controlling mechanisms that accept driving operations.

[0032] 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the terminal device 13. The terminal device 13 is an information terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, a personal computer, etc. The terminal device 13 has a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a control unit 43, an input unit 45, and an output unit 46. The terminal device 13 may have a positioning unit 44.

[0033] The communication unit 41 has a communication module compatible with wired or wireless LAN standards, a module compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, 5G, etc. The terminal device 13 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 41 via a nearby router device or a mobile communication base station, and performs information communication with other devices via the network 11.

[0034] The memory unit 42 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The memory unit 42 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 42 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 43 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 43.

[0035] The control unit 43 has, for example, one or more general-purpose processors such as a CPU, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or one or more dedicated processors specialized for a specific process. Alternatively, the control unit 43 may have one or more dedicated circuits such as an FPGA, an ASIC, or the like. The control unit 43 generally controls the operation of the terminal device 13 by operating according to a control / processing program, or operating according to an operating procedure implemented as a circuit. The control unit 43 transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 10, etc. via the communication unit 41, and executes the operation according to this embodiment.

[0036] The positioning unit 44 includes one or more GNSS receivers. The GNSS includes at least one of GPS, QZSS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and Galileo, for example. The positioning unit 44 acquires location information of the terminal device 13 and transmits the location information to the control unit 43.

[0037] The input unit 45 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures a captured image or an image code, or an IC card reader. The input unit 45 accepts an operation to input information used for the operation of the control unit 43, and sends the input information to the control unit 43.

[0038] The output unit 46 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 46 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 43.

[0039] The functions of the control unit 43 are realized by a processor included in the control unit 43 executing a control program. The control program is a program for causing the processor to function as the control unit 43. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control unit 43 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 43.

[0040] 5 and 6 are sequence diagrams for explaining the operation procedure of the information provision system 1 in this embodiment. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the procedure related to the cooperative operation of the server device 10, the vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13. Note that the server device 10 can execute the procedures shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 for each of one or more vehicles 12 or each of one or more terminal devices 13.

[0041] 5 and 6, steps relating to various information processing of the server device 10, the vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13 are executed by the respective control units 23, 33, and 43. Moreover, steps relating to sending and receiving various information of the server device 10, the vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13 are executed by the respective control units 23, 33, and 43 sending and receiving information to each other via the communication units 21, 31, and 41, respectively. In the server device 10, the vehicle 12, and the terminal device 13, the control units 23, 33, and 43 appropriately store the information to be sent and received in the storage units 22, 32, and 42, respectively. Moreover, the control units 23, 33, and 43 accept input of various information through the input units 35 and 45, respectively, and output various information through the output units 36 and 46, respectively.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a procedure for the server device 10 to store the correspondence information 27. As shown in FIG.

[0043] In step S500, the vehicle 12 transmits its own position information together with the identification information to the server device 10. The position information is generated by the control unit 33 using information acquired by the positioning unit 34. The identification information is stored in advance in the memory unit 32. When there are multiple vehicles 12, each vehicle 12 transmits its own position information to the server device 10. Information such as the vehicle speed and acceleration of the vehicle 12 may be added to the position information. The server device 10 receives the information transmitted from the vehicle 12. Step S500 is executed at any period (for example, several milliseconds to several tens of seconds). The server device 10 stores a history of the position information, etc., for each vehicle 12.

[0044] In step S502, the server device 10 generates and stores a driving history of each vehicle 12. The server device 10 generates the driving history using history such as the position information of each vehicle 12 and map information previously stored in the storage unit 22. The driving history includes information such as the position and time of the start and end of driving, driving time, driving distance, driving route, and driving area. The driving area is a type of area through which the driving route passes, and is arbitrarily determined in advance in association with the map information. The driving area is, for example, classified into urban areas, residential areas, suburban areas, mountainous areas, coastal areas, and the like. Step S502 is executed at an arbitrary period (for example, every few minutes to several hours) to update the driving history.

[0045] Steps S500 and S502 are each executed periodically to update the driving history of the vehicle 12. Then, when the vehicle 12 is brought into a maintenance workshop for maintenance and inspection, steps S504 and S506 are executed.

[0046] In step S504, the terminal device 13 sends the degradation state information together with the identification information of the vehicle 12 to the server device 10. The identification information and the degradation state information are input to the terminal device 13 by an operator. The identification information may be sent from the vehicle 12 to the terminal device 13 by wireless communication. The degradation state information is information about the degradation state of the fuel cell of the vehicle 12, and includes information about the position of the degraded cell, the degraded portion, and the degradation degree of the fuel cell. The operator detects the degradation state of the fuel cell using an inspection device. For example, the inspection device measures the current and voltage of each cell of the fuel cell to derive IV (current-voltage) characteristics and compares the IV characteristics between the cells. Based on the comparison of the IV characteristics, the inspection device estimates the position and degraded portion of the degraded cell, as well as the degradation degree, using an arbitrary algorithm by determining that the IV characteristics have decreased below an arbitrary standard. For example, if a cell at the end of the stack is degraded, it can be estimated that the membrane is degraded. If a cell near the center is degraded, it can be estimated that the catalyst is degraded. If the tenth or so cells from the end are extremely deteriorated, it can be assumed that foreign matter has entered during the manufacturing process and caused a short circuit, or that the cell itself is defective. Alternatively, if each cell is uniformly deteriorated, it can be assumed that deterioration due to aging has occurred. The degree of deterioration of the fuel cell is arbitrarily set to several stages according to the position, number, and IV characteristics of the deteriorated cells, for example, and judged according to the setting. For example, if it is estimated that the membrane or catalyst is deteriorated, the deterioration degree is judged to be "low," if it is estimated that there is a short circuit or a defect in the cell itself, the deterioration degree is judged to be "medium," and if it is estimated that deterioration due to aging is judged, the deterioration degree is judged to be "large." Note that information on the IV characteristics of the cells may be sent from the terminal device 13 to the server device 10, and the server device 10 may judge the deterioration state and generate the deterioration state information.

[0047] In step S506, the server device 10 generates the correspondence information 27. As shown in FIG. 7, the server device 10 generates the correspondence information 27 by associating the history information 70 including the travel history with the fuel cell information 71 including the degradation state information by the identification information of the vehicle 12. The history information 70 includes the identification information, attribute information, and travel history of the vehicle 12. The attribute information is information indicating the attributes of the vehicle 12 derived from the identification information, for example, and includes the type of the vehicle 12 and information on the loaded items. For example, the type of the vehicle 12 has items such as passenger car, bus (large, medium, small, etc.), truck (large, medium, small, etc.), and work vehicle. The loaded items are the expected number of occupants, the load, etc. Such attribute information may be stored in advance in the server device 10 and associated with the identification information by the server device 10, or may be added to the identification information and sent from the vehicle 12. The fuel cell information 71 includes the identification information of the vehicle 12, the degradation state information of the fuel cell, and the handling information. The countermeasure information is information indicating a countermeasure method for the fuel cell, which is arbitrarily set according to the deterioration state of the fuel cell. The countermeasure information includes, for example, items such as repair and inspection of the fuel cell, replacement of the fuel cell, etc. For example, when the deterioration level is "low" or "medium", repair and inspection of the fuel cell is associated, and when the deterioration level is "high", replacement of the fuel cell is associated. Alternatively, it is possible to associate replacement of the fuel cell under stricter conditions according to the attributes of the vehicle 12. For example, when the vehicle 12 is a large bus, truck, etc. with a relatively large load capacity, or a work vehicle such as a forklift, a larger output is required than in other types of vehicles, so replacement of the fuel cell may be associated on the condition that the deterioration level of the fuel cell exceeds an arbitrary reference value.

[0048] Alternatively, the response information 27 may be a judgment model for deriving response information corresponding to the attribute information, driving history, etc. of the vehicle 12, which is generated by machine learning training data in which response information is previously associated with the attribute information, driving history, deterioration state information, etc. of the vehicle 12. For example, when the continuous driving time is long or when driving in mountainous areas or other areas with a heavy load, deterioration of the membrane progresses and deterioration is likely to occur in the end cells, so repair and inspection of the fuel cell is derived as a response method.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows an example in which the server device 10 generates and updates the driving history of the vehicle 12 based on the location information of the vehicle 12. However, the driving history may be generated and updated in the vehicle 12, and in step S504, the terminal device 13 may send the driving history acquired from the vehicle 12 via wireless communication or the like to the server device 10.

[0050] Fig. 6 shows a procedure when the server device 10 outputs a notification to the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 performing the operation in Fig. 6 may be the same vehicle as the vehicle 12 performing the operation in Fig. 5, or may be a different vehicle.

[0051] In step S600, the vehicle 12 transmits its own position information together with its identification information to the server device 10. Attribute information may be added to the identification information. When there are multiple vehicles 12, each vehicle 12 transmits its own position information to the server device 10. Step S600 is executed at any period (for example, several milliseconds to several tens of seconds). The server device 10 stores the history of the position information for each vehicle 12.

[0052] In step S602, the server device 10 generates and stores a driving history of each vehicle 12. The server device 10 generates the driving history using the history of position information of each vehicle 12 and map information previously stored in the storage unit 22. The driving history includes information such as the positions and times when the driving started and ended, the driving time, the driving distance, the driving route, the driving area, etc. Step S602 is executed at any period (for example, every few minutes to every few hours) to update the driving history.

[0053] Steps S600 and S602 are each executed periodically to update the driving history of the vehicle 12.

[0054] In step S606, the server device 10 generates a notification to the vehicle 12 based on the correspondence information 27. The notification includes information indicating the degradation state of the fuel cell determined corresponding to the driving history and how to deal with the degraded fuel cell. The server device 10 extracts a driving history that best matches the driving history of the vehicle 12 from the history information 70 in the correspondence information 27. The server device 10 identifies fuel cell information 71 that corresponds to the extracted driving history by the identification information. The server device 10 then generates a notification including degradation state information and handling information for the identified fuel cell information 71.

[0055] In step S608, the server device 10 sends a notification to the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 receives the notification.

[0056] In step S610, the vehicle 12 outputs a notification. For example, the vehicle 12 outputs the notification by display or sound using the output unit 46. This allows the occupant to check the deterioration state of the fuel cell and how to deal with it, and to take appropriate measures.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows an example in which the server device 10 generates and updates the driving history of the vehicle 12 based on the location information of the vehicle 12. However, instead of steps S600 and S602, the driving history may be generated and updated in the vehicle 12, and the vehicle 12 may send the driving history to the server device 10.

[0058] Such operation of the information provision system 1 allows the occupant of the vehicle 12 to understand the deterioration state of the fuel cell without having to take the vehicle 12 to a repair shop. This makes it possible to efficiently determine the deterioration of the fuel cell in a fuel cell vehicle. In addition, the occupant can confirm how to deal with the deteriorated fuel cell through the notification, which allows for optimization of fuel cell usage.

[0059] In the above, the embodiment has been described based on the drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided into one.

[0060] Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] The Communications Department and a storage unit that stores correspondence information that associates a driving history of a first vehicle that runs using a fuel cell as a power source with a deterioration state of the fuel cell; a control unit that receives information on a driving history from a second vehicle that uses a fuel cell as a power source through the communication unit, and outputs a notification about the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the information on the driving history and the corresponding information. Server device. [Appendix 2] In Appendix 1: The correspondence information includes information on attributes of the first vehicle. Server device. [Appendix 3] In Appendix 1 or 2, The travel history in the correspondence information includes information on the travel route of the first vehicle. Server device. [Appendix 4] In any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, The notification includes information on how to deal with the fuel cell of the second vehicle. Server device. [Appendix 5] In any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, The state of degradation of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is determined based on a location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell. Server device. [Appendix 6] In Appendix 5: A location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is estimated based on a current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell. Server device. [Appendix 7] A system including a vehicle that runs on a fuel cell as a power source and a server device that communicates with the vehicle, the server device stores correspondence information that associates a driving history of a first vehicle with a deterioration state of the fuel cell of the first vehicle, receives driving history information from a second vehicle, and outputs a notification regarding the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the driving history information and the correspondence information; the second vehicle receives the notification; system. [Appendix 8] In Appendix 7: The correspondence information includes information on attributes of the first vehicle. system. [Appendix 9] In Appendix 7 or 8: The travel history in the correspondence information includes information on the travel route of the first vehicle. system. [Appendix 10] In any of Supplementary Notes 7 to 9, The notification includes information on how to deal with the fuel cell of the second vehicle. system. [Appendix 11] In any of Supplementary Notes 7 to 10, The state of degradation of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is determined based on a location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell. system. [Appendix 12] In Appendix 11: A location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is estimated based on a current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell. system. [Appendix 13] A method for operating a system having a vehicle that runs on a fuel cell as a power source and a server device that communicates with the vehicle, comprising the steps of: the server device stores correspondence information that associates a driving history of a first vehicle with a deterioration state of the fuel cell of the first vehicle, receives driving history information from a second vehicle, and outputs a notification regarding the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the driving history information and the correspondence information; receiving said notification by said second vehicle; The method of operation includes: [Appendix 14] In Appendix 13: The correspondence information includes information on attributes of the first vehicle. How it works. [Appendix 15] In Appendix 13 or 14: The travel history in the correspondence information includes information on the travel route of the first vehicle. How it works. [Appendix 16] In any of Supplementary Notes 13 to 15, The notification includes information on how to deal with the fuel cell of the second vehicle. How it works. [Appendix 17] In any of Supplementary Notes 13 to 16, The state of degradation of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is determined based on a location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell. How it works. [Appendix 18] In Appendix 17: A location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is estimated based on a current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell. How it works. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Information provision system 10. Server equipment 11 Network 12 Vehicles 13 Terminal Equipment 21, 31, 41 Communications Department 22, 32, 42 storage section 23, 33, 43 Control section 34, 44 Positioning unit 25, 35, 45 Input section 26, 36, 46 Output section 37 Detection unit

Claims

1. The Communications Department and a storage unit that stores correspondence information that associates a driving history of a first vehicle that runs using a fuel cell as a power source with a deterioration state of the fuel cell that is determined based on a position of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell; a control unit that receives information on a driving history from a second vehicle that uses a fuel cell as a power source through the communication unit, and outputs a notification about the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the information on the driving history and the corresponding information. Server device.

2. In claim 1, The correspondence information includes information on attributes of the first vehicle. Server device.

3. In claim 1, The travel history in the correspondence information includes information on a travel route of the first vehicle. Server device.

4. In claim 1, The notification includes information on a method of dealing with a fuel cell of the second vehicle. Server device.

5. In claim 1, A location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is estimated based on a current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell. Server device.

6. A system including a vehicle that runs on a fuel cell as a power source and a server device that communicates with the vehicle, the server device stores correspondence information that associates a driving history of a first vehicle with a degradation state of the fuel cell determined based on a position of a degraded cell of the fuel cell, receives driving history information from a second vehicle, and outputs a notification regarding the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the driving history information and the correspondence information; The second vehicle receives the notification. system.

7. In claim 6, The correspondence information includes information on attributes of the first vehicle. system.

8. In claim 6, The travel history in the correspondence information includes information on a travel route of the first vehicle. system.

9. In claim 6, The notification includes information on a method of dealing with a fuel cell of the second vehicle. system.

10. In claim 6, A location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is estimated based on a current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell. system.

11. A method for operating a system having a vehicle that runs on a fuel cell as a power source and a server device that communicates with the vehicle, comprising the steps of: the server device stores correspondence information that associates a driving history of a first vehicle with a degradation state of the fuel cell determined based on a position of a degraded cell of the fuel cell, receives driving history information from a second vehicle, and outputs a notification regarding the fuel cell of the second vehicle based on the driving history information and the correspondence information; receiving said notification by said second vehicle; The method of operation includes:

12. In claim 11, The correspondence information includes information on attributes of the first vehicle. How it works.

13. In claim 11, The travel history in the correspondence information includes information on a travel route of the first vehicle. How it works.

14. In claim 11, The notification includes information on a method of dealing with a fuel cell of the second vehicle. How it works.

15. In claim 11, A location of a deteriorated cell of the fuel cell of the first vehicle is estimated based on a current-voltage characteristic of the fuel cell. How it works.

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