Support server

Abstract

To provide a support server that enables a vehicle to surely arrive at a supply station.SOLUTION: A support server 300 includes a control section 303 that infers the current operation state of each of a plurality of stations on the basis of probe information on the other vehicle and station information, identifies one or more suppliable stations that are at a distance at which a vehicle can arrive from a current position, and that can receive a supply of any of fuel, power, and relief supplies from the plurality of stations on the basis of the operation state of each of the plurality of stations, a residual amount of fuel of the vehicle, position information on the vehicle, and travel route information from a travel route server, and outputs the suppliable stations to the vehicle or a communication device associated with the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support server.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for notifying a passenger of the congestion status of a charging station candidate at the time when the own vehicle arrives at a charging station candidate reachable from the remaining amount of the battery of the own vehicle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described Patent Document 1, depending on the state of the driving route from the vehicle to a station such as a charging station candidate, the vehicle may not be able to reach the station, or even if the vehicle reaches the station, it may not be able to replenish charging or the like.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a support server that enables a vehicle to reach a station and replenish.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The support server according to the present disclosure acquires the remaining fuel amount from a vehicle, the position information of the vehicle, driving route information indicating a drivable driving route, and station information indicating a plurality of stations capable of supplying any one or more of fuel, power, and support substances located on the driving route, and probe information of one or more other vehicles located at each of the plurality of stations, and based on the probe information and the station information, estimates the current operating status of each of the plurality of stations, and based on the operating status, the remaining amount, the position information, and the driving route information, identifies one or more supplyable stations among the plurality of stations that are within a reachable distance from the current position of the vehicle and can receive a supply of any of fuel, power, and support substances, and outputs the supplyable stations to the vehicle or a communication device associated with the vehicle, and includes a processor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is an effect that a vehicle can reach a station and be refueled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a support server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by the following embodiments. Also, in the following, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and described.

[0010] 〔Schematic Configuration of Disaster Support System〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a disaster support system according to an embodiment. The disaster support system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 100 1 ~100 n (n is an integer of 3 or more) (hereinafter, when referring to any one of the plurality of vehicles 100 1 ~100 n , it is simply referred to as "vehicle 100"), and a plurality of communication devices 200 1 ~100 n respectively associated with each of the plurality of vehicles 100 1 ~200 n (hereinafter, when referring to any one of the plurality of communication devices 200 1 ~200 m , it is simply referred to as "communication device 200"), a support server 300 capable of communicating with the vehicle 100, the communication device 200, and the management server 400 via the network NW, a travel route server 400 capable of communicating with the support server 300 and the communication device 200 via the network NW, and an SNS (Social Networking Service) server 500 capable of communicating with the support server 300 and the communication device 200 via the network NW. This network NW is composed of, for example, an Internet line network, a mobile phone line network, etc.

[0011] The vehicle 100 is realized using any one of HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). The detailed configuration of the vehicle 100 will be described later.

[0012] The communication device 200 can communicate with the vehicle 100 according to a predetermined communication standard, and can also communicate with the support server 300, the driving route server 300, and the SNS server 500 via the network NW. Here, the predetermined communication standard is at least one of Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication device 200 is realized using, for example, a mobile phone and a tablet-type communication terminal, etc.

[0013] The support server 300 can communicate with the vehicle 100, the communication device 200, the driving route server 400, and the SNS (Social Networking Service) server 500 via the network NW, and outputs information for supporting the passengers of the vehicle 100 in the event of a disaster. The detailed configuration of the support server 300 will be described later.

[0014] The driving route server 400 manages, in association with map data, the drivable driving routes (roads traveled) and non-drivable driving routes of the vehicle 100 based on the probe information acquired from each of the plurality of vehicles 100 or the CAN (Controller Area Network) data acquired from each of the plurality of vehicles 100.

[0015] The SNS server 500 exchanges messages with the vehicle 100 and the communication device 200 on the SNS via the network NW.

[0016] 〔Functional Configuration of Vehicle〕 Next, the detailed functional configuration of the vehicle 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 100 includes an engine 101, a generator 102, a first inverter 103, a motor 104, drive wheels 105, a secondary battery 106, a converter 107, a switching unit 108, a second inverter 109, an inlet unit 110, a first detection unit 111, an in-vehicle power outlet 112, a second detection unit 113, a fuel tank 114, a third detection unit 115, a fourth detection unit 116, a door lock mechanism 117, a communication unit 118, an external communication unit 119, a car navigation system 120, a recording unit 121, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 122.

[0017] The engine 101 is composed of a well-known internal combustion engine and outputs power using the fuel stored in the fuel tank 114. The engine 101 is driven under the control of the ECU 122. The power output from the engine 101 drives the generator 102.

[0018] The generator 102 is electrically connected to the motor 104 via the first inverter 103. The generator 102 supplies the AC power generated under the control of the ECU 122 to the secondary battery 106 via the switching unit 108 and the converter 107. The generator 102 is configured using a motor generator for power generation that has a motor function in addition to the power generation function.

[0019] The first inverter 103 converts the discharge power (DC power) from the secondary battery 106 supplied via the switching unit 108 and the converter 107 into AC power under the control of the ECU 122 and supplies this AC power to the motor 104. Also, the first inverter 103 converts the AC power generated by the motor 104 into DC power during regenerative braking of the vehicle 100 under the control of the ECU 122 and supplies this DC power to the secondary battery 106 via the switching unit 108 and the converter 107. The first inverter 103 is configured using, for example, a three-phase inverter circuit including a bridge circuit containing switching elements for three phases.

[0020] The motor 104 is driven by the AC power supplied from the first inverter 103 under the control of the ECU 122 during acceleration of the vehicle 100. The power output from the motor 104 drives the drive wheels 105. Further, the motor 104 functions as a generator that generates electricity by the external force transmitted from the drive wheels 105 under the control of the ECU 122 during braking of the vehicle 100, and supplies the generated electric power to the secondary battery 106 via the switching unit 108 and the converter 107 from the first inverter 103. The motor 104 is configured using a drive motor generator having a power generation function in addition to the motor function.

[0021] The secondary battery 106 is configured using a rechargeable storage battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery, or a storage element such as an electric double layer capacitor. The secondary battery 106 is chargeable and dischargeable by the converter 107 and stores high-voltage DC power.

[0022] One end of the converter 107 is electrically connected to the secondary battery 106, and the other end is electrically connected to one of the first inverter 103 and the second inverter 109 via the switching unit 108. The converter 107 charges and discharges the secondary battery 106 under the control of the ECU 122. Specifically, when charging the secondary battery 106, the converter 107 steps down the DC power supplied from the outside via the second inverter 109, the inlet unit 110, and the switching unit 108 to a predetermined voltage, and supplies the stepped-down charging current to the secondary battery 106. On the other hand, when discharging the secondary battery 106, the converter 107 steps up the voltage of the DC power from the secondary battery 106, and supplies the stepped-up discharge current to the first inverter 103 via the switching unit 108.

[0023] The switching unit 108 has one end electrically connected to the converter 107 and the other end electrically connected to one of the first inverter 103 and the second inverter 109. Under the control of the ECU 122, the switching unit 108 electrically connects the converter 107 to one of the first inverter 103 and the second inverter 109. The switching unit 108 is configured using a mechanical relay, a semiconductor switch, or the like.

[0024] One end of the second inverter 109 is electrically connected to the switching unit 108, and the other end is electrically connected to the inlet unit 110 or the in-vehicle power outlet 112. Under the control of the ECU 122, the second inverter 109 converts the discharge power (DC power) from the secondary battery 106 supplied via the switching unit 108 and the converter 107 into AC power and supplies this AC power to the inlet unit 110. Specifically, under the control of the ECU 122, the second inverter 109 supplies AC power to the outside via the inlet unit 110 and a charge and discharge cable (not shown). The second inverter 109 is configured using a single-phase inverter circuit or the like so as to correspond to the form of power used outside.

[0025] One end of the inlet unit 110 is electrically connected to the second inverter 109. A charge and discharge cable (not shown) is detachably connected to the inlet unit 110. The inlet unit 110 supplies the AC power supplied from the outside to the second inverter 109 via the charge and discharge cable, and outputs various information including a control signal and the like input from the outside to the communication unit 118. Also, the inlet unit 110 supplies the AC power supplied from the second inverter 109 to the outside via the charge and discharge cable, and outputs various information including a control signal and the like from the ECU 122 input via the communication unit 118 to the outside.

[0026] The first detection unit 111 detects each of the SOC (state of charge), temperature, SOH (state of health), voltage value, and current value of the secondary battery 106, and outputs the detection result to the ECU 122. The first detection unit 111 is configured using an ammeter, a voltmeter, a temperature sensor, or the like.

[0027] The in-vehicle power outlet 112 is electrically connected to the second inverter 109. The in-vehicle power outlet 112 can connect the power plug of a general electrical appliance and supply the AC power supplied from the second inverter 109 to the electrical appliance to which the power plug is connected.

[0028] The second detection unit 113 is provided between the in-vehicle power outlet 112 and the second inverter 109, detects at least one of the power consumption and current value of the electrical equipment connected to the in-vehicle power outlet 112, and outputs the detection result to the ECU 122. The second detection unit 113 is configured by using a wattmeter, an ammeter, a voltmeter, etc.

[0029] The fuel tank 114 stores the fuel supplied to the engine 101. Here, the fuel is a fossil fuel such as gasoline. When the vehicle 100 is an FCEV, it stores hydrogen fuel.

[0030] The third detection unit 115 detects the remaining amount of the fuel stored in the fuel tank 114 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 122. The third detection unit 115 is configured by using a fuel gauge, etc.

[0031] The fourth detection unit 116 detects the state information of the vehicle 100 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 122. Here, the state information is the acceleration, inclination angle, speed, etc. of the vehicle 100. The fourth detection unit 116 is configured by using an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a gyro sensor, etc.

[0032] The door lock mechanism 117 performs the opening and closing operation of the door provided in the vehicle 100 under the control of the ECU 122.

[0033] The communication unit 118 receives a control signal including various information input from the outside via the inlet unit 110 and outputs the received control signal to the ECU 122. In addition, the communication unit 118 outputs a control signal including CAN data, etc. input from the ECU 122 to the inlet unit 110. The communication unit 118 is configured by using a communication module, etc.

[0034] Under the control of the ECU 122, the external communication unit 119 transmits various types of information input from the ECU 122 to the communication device 200 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Further, the external communication unit 119 outputs various types of information received from the communication device 200 to the ECU 122. Here, the predetermined communication standard is at least one of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The external communication unit 119 is configured using a wireless communication module or the like.

[0035] The car navigation system 120 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 120a, a map database 120b, a notification device 120c, and an operation unit 120d.

[0036] The GPS sensor 120a receives signals from a plurality of GPS satellites or transmission antennas, and calculates position information regarding the position (longitude and latitude) of the vehicle 100 based on the received signals. The GPS sensor 120a is configured using a GPS reception sensor or the like. In the first embodiment, the accuracy of the orientation of the vehicle 100 may be improved by mounting a plurality of GPS sensors 120a.

[0037] The map database 120b stores various types of map data. The map database 120b is configured using a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0038] The notification device 120c includes a display unit 120e that displays images, maps, videos, and character information, and an audio output unit 120f that generates sounds such as voices and warning sounds. The display unit 120e is configured using a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The audio output unit 120f is configured using a speaker or the like.

[0039] The operation unit 120d receives the input of the user's operations and outputs signals corresponding to the various received operation contents to the ECU 122. The operation unit 120d is realized using a touch panel, buttons, switches, jog dials, etc.

[0040] The car navigation system 120 configured in this way superimposes the position information regarding the current position of the vehicle 100 acquired by the GPS sensor 120a on the map corresponding to the map data stored in the map database 120b, and thereby notifies the user of information including the road on which the vehicle 100 is currently traveling and the driving route to the target value, etc. by the display unit 120e and the voice output unit 120f.

[0041] The recording unit 121 records various information regarding the vehicle 100. The recording unit 121 records the CAN data of the vehicle 100 input from the ECU 122 and the data during various processes executed by the ECU 122, etc. The recording unit 121 has a vehicle type information recording unit 121a regarding the vehicle 100 and a program recording unit 121b that records various programs executed by the vehicle 100. Here, the vehicle type information includes the vehicle type of the vehicle 100, identification information for identifying the vehicle 100, the model year of the vehicle 100, information indicating the presence or absence of power generation, information indicating any one of HEV, PHEV, FCEV, and BEV, etc. The recording unit 121 is configured using a DRAM, ROM, Flash memory, SSD, etc.

[0042] The ECU 122 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 122 controls the operations of each part constituting the vehicle 100.

[0043] 〔Function configuration of the support server〕 Next, the function configuration of the support server 300 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the function configuration of the support server 300. The support server 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes a communication unit 301, a recording unit 302, and a control unit 303.

[0044] The communication unit 301 receives various information from the vehicle 100 or the communication device 200 via the network NW under the control of the control unit 303, and transmits various information to the vehicle 100 or the communication device 200. The communication unit 301 is configured using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0045] The recording unit 302 records various information related to the support server 300. The recording unit 302 includes a program recording unit 302a that records various programs executed by the support server 300, a vehicle type information recording unit 302b that records vehicle type information, and a station information recording unit 302c that records station information regarding each of a plurality of stations including position information (address) and information capable of supplying any one or more of fuel, electricity, and support substances. The recording unit 302 is configured using a DRAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, SSD, or the like.

[0046] The control unit 303 controls each unit constituting the support server 300. The control unit 303 is configured using a processor having hardware such as a memory and a CPU. The control unit 303 includes an acquisition unit 303a, an estimation unit 303b, a first calculation unit 303c, a specification unit 303d, a second calculation unit 303e, and an output control unit 303f.

[0047] The acquisition unit 303a acquires the SOC, remaining fuel amount, and position information from the vehicle 100 via the network NW and the communication unit 301. Further, the acquisition unit 303a acquires travel route information from the travel route server 400 via the network NW and the communication unit 301. Also, the acquisition unit 303a acquires station information from the station information recording unit 302c. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 303a acquires probe information of other vehicles via the network NW and the communication unit 301.

[0048] The estimation unit 303b estimates the current operating status of each of the plurality of stations based on the probe information and the station information acquired by the acquisition unit 303a.

[0049] The first calculation unit 303c calculates the congestion level of each station estimated to be operating by the estimation unit 303b based on the probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 303a and the station information of each station estimated to be operating by the estimation unit 303b.

[0050] The specifying unit 303d specifies, based on the remaining amount of the vehicle 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 303a, the position information of the vehicle 100, the travel route information, and the congestion level calculated by the first calculation unit 303c, one or more supplyable stations from among a plurality of stations that are within a reachable distance from the current position of the vehicle 10 and that can receive the supply of any one of fuel, electric power, and support materials.

[0051] The second calculation unit 303e calculates the power supply time that the vehicle 100 can supply based on the SOC of the secondary battery 106 and the remaining amount of fuel acquired by the acquisition unit 303a.

[0052] The output control unit 303f outputs the supplyable stations and the power supply time to at least one of the vehicle 100 and the communication device 200 associated with the vehicle 100 via the network NW and the communication unit 301.

[0053] 〔Processing of Support Server〕 Next, the processing executed by the support server 300 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processing executed by the support server 300. In the following, the support server 300 will describe the processing performed when receiving disaster information from a weather server (not shown), for example, or when receiving a request signal for presenting one or more supplyable stations that can receive the supply of any one of fuel, electric power, and support materials from the operator 120d or the communication device 200 of the vehicle 100.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, the acquisition unit 303a acquires the SOC, the remaining fuel amount, the vehicle type information, and the position information from the vehicle 100 via the network NW and the communication unit 301 (step S101).

[0055] Subsequently, the acquisition unit 303a acquires the travel route information corresponding to the position information of the vehicle 100 from the travel route server 400 via the network NW and the communication unit 301 (step S102).

[0056] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 303a acquires the station information corresponding to the position information of the vehicle 100 from the station information recording unit 302c (step S103).

[0057] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 303a acquires the probe information of other vehicles via the network NW and the communication unit 301 (step S104). Specifically, the acquisition unit 303a acquires the probe information of each of a plurality of other vehicles existing in a predetermined range (for example, 10 lm × 10 km) centered on the position information of the vehicle 100 acquired in step S101.

[0058] Subsequently, the estimation unit 303b estimates the current operating status of each of the plurality of stations based on the probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 303a and the station information (step S105). Specifically, the estimation unit 303b estimates the current operating status of each of the plurality of stations existing within a predetermined range (for example, 10lm × 10km) centered on the position information of the vehicle 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 303a, based on the probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 303a and the station information. More specifically, the estimation unit 303b estimates the operating status based on whether a plurality of other vehicles stopped at the positions of the stations included in the station information for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes), based on the probe information of each of the plurality of other vehicles. For example, when a plurality of other vehicles stop at the position of a station for a certain period of time, the estimation unit 303b estimates that the station is operating. Further, the estimation unit 303b may acquire the posted messages associated with each station from the SNS server 500, and estimate the current operating status of each of the plurality of stations based on the acquired posted messages, the probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 303a, and the station information.

[0059] Thereafter, the first calculation unit 303c calculates the congestion level of each station estimated to be operating by the estimation unit 303b, based on the probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 303a and the station information of each station estimated to be operating by the estimation unit 303b (step S106). Specifically, the first calculation unit 303c calculates the congestion level of each station estimated to be operating by the estimation unit 303b, based on the number of probe information of other vehicles located at the stations estimated to be operating by the estimation unit 303b and the number of supply points where any of fuel, electricity, and support materials included in the station information of each station estimated to be operating by the estimation unit 303b can be received.

[0060] Subsequently, based on the remaining amount of the vehicle 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 303a, the position information of the vehicle 100, the travel route information, and the congestion level calculated by the first calculation unit 303c, the specific unit 303d identifies one or more supplyable stations from among a plurality of stations that are within a reachable distance from the current position of the vehicle 10 and can receive supply of any one of fuel, electric power, and support substances (step S107).

[0061] Thereafter, based on the SOC of the secondary battery 106 acquired by the acquisition unit 303a, the vehicle type information, and the remaining amount of fuel, the second calculation unit 303e calculates the power supply time that the vehicle 100 can supply (step S108).

[0062] Subsequently, the output control unit 303f outputs the supplyable stations and the power supply time to at least one of the vehicle 100 and the communication device 200 associated with the vehicle 100 via the network NW and the communication unit 301 (step S109). After step S109, the support server 300 ends this process.

[0063] According to the embodiment described above, the estimation unit 303b estimates the current operating status of each of the plurality of stations based on the probe information of other vehicles acquired by the acquisition unit 303a and the station information. Then, based on the operating status of the station, the remaining amount of the vehicle 100, the position information of the vehicle 100, and the travel route information acquired by the acquisition unit 303a from the travel route server 400, the specific unit 303d identifies one or more supplyable stations from among the plurality of stations that are within a reachable distance from the current position of the vehicle 100 and can receive supply of any one of fuel, electric power, and support substances. Thereafter, the output control unit 303f outputs the supplyable stations identified by the specific unit 303d to the vehicle 100 or the communication device 200 associated with the vehicle 100. Thereby, the vehicle 100 can reach the supplyable station and be refueled.

[0064] Also, according to one embodiment, the specific part 303d specifies available stations based on the operating status of the station, the remaining amount of the vehicle 100, the position information of the vehicle 100, the travel route information acquired by the acquisition part 303a from the travel route server 400, and the congestion level of each station calculated by the first calculation part 303c. Therefore, when arriving at an available station, the passenger can surely receive any one of fuel supply, power supply, and supply of support substances for the vehicle 100.

[0065] Also, according to one embodiment, the estimation part 303b estimates the current operating status of each of a plurality of stations based on the posted message from the SNS server 500 acquired by the acquisition part 303a, the probe information of other vehicles, and the station information, so that the current real-time operating status of each of the plurality of stations can be estimated.

[0066] Also, according to one embodiment, the power supply time during which the vehicle 100 can be powered, calculated by the second calculation part 303e, is output to the vehicle 100 or the communication device 200 associated with the vehicle 100. Thereby, the passenger can grasp the power supply time during which the own vehicle can be powered.

[0067] Also, in the disaster support system according to one embodiment, the above-mentioned "part" can be read as "circuit" or the like. For example, the control part can be read as a control circuit.

[0068] Also, the program to be executed in the disaster support system according to one embodiment is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB medium, or a flash memory in an installable format or an executable format of file data.

[0069] In addition, the program to be executed by the disaster support system according to an embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0070] In the description of the flowchart in this specification, expressions such as "first", "after that", and "subsequently" are used to clarify the order of processing between steps. However, the order of processing necessary to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. That is, the order of processing in the flowchart described in this specification can be changed within a non - contradictory range.

[0071] Furthermore, additional effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. The broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments represented and described as above. Therefore, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0072] In addition, in the disaster support system according to an embodiment, the above - mentioned "section" can be read as "circuit" or the like. For example, the control section can be read as a control circuit.

[0073] Also, the program to be executed by the disaster support system according to an embodiment is provided by being recorded on a computer - readable recording medium such as a CD - ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD - R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB medium, or a flash memory in the form of installable file data or executable file data.

[0074] In addition, the program to be executed for disaster support according to an embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0075] In the description of the flowchart in this specification, expressions such as "first", "subsequently", and "then" are used to clarify the sequence of processing between steps. However, the order of processing necessary to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. That is, the order of processing in the flowchart described in this specification can be changed within a non - contradictory range.

[0076] Further effects and variations can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. The broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments presented and described as above. Therefore, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1 Disaster support system 100 Vehicle 101 Engine 102 Generator 103 First inverter 104 Motor 105 Driving wheel 106 Secondary battery 107 Converter 108 Switching unit 109 Second inverter 110 Inlet section 111 First detection unit 112 In - vehicle power outlet 113 Second detection unit 114 Fuel tank 115 Third detection unit 116 Fourth detection unit 117 Door lock mechanism 118, 301 Communication unit 119 External communication unit 120 Car navigation system 120a GPS sensor 120b Map database 120c Notification device 120d Operation unit 120e Display unit 120f Audio output unit 121, 302 Recording unit 121a Vehicle type information recording unit 121b, 302a Program recording unit 122 ECU 300 Support server 302b Vehicle type information recording unit 302c Station information recording unit 303 Control unit 303a Acquisition unit 303b Estimation unit 303c First calculation unit 303d Identification unit 303e Second calculation unit 303f Output control unit NW Network

Claims

Claim 1 obtaining, from a vehicle, the remaining fuel amount, the position information of the vehicle, route information indicating a drivable route, station information indicating a plurality of stations capable of supplying any one or more of fuel, power, and support substances located on the route, and probe information of one or more other vehicles located at each of the plurality of stations; estimating, based on the probe information and the station information, an operating status of each of the plurality of stations according to whether a plurality of other vehicles have stopped by for a certain period of time; calculating a congestion level of each station estimated to be operating, based on the probe information of one or more other vehicles located at each of the plurality of stations and the station information of each station estimated to be operating; identifying, based on the operating status, the remaining amount, the position information, the route information, and the congestion level, one or more supplyable stations that are within a reachable distance from the current position of the vehicle among the plurality of stations and that can receive a supply of any one of fuel, power, and support substances; outputting the supplyable stations to the vehicle or a communication device associated with the vehicle; comprising a processor; a support server.

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