Notification system, notification method, and computer program

Abstract

To notify a user of little battery residual capacity.SOLUTION: A notification system (10) notifies a user of promotion to charge a battery (20) of a two-wheel or three-wheel electric vehicle (1). A processing device (111) of the notification system (10) acquires first boundary information indicating a first boundary (141) between a first area (131) including a predetermined point (125) capable of charging the battery (20), and outside of the first area (131), acquires positional information indicating a current place of the electric vehicle (1), and battery residual capacity information indicating residual capacity of the battery (20), and performs first notification promoting to charge the battery (20) to a user through notification devices (105) and (106), on the basis of the first boundary information, the positional information and the battery residual capacity information, when the electric vehicle (1) is positioned in the first area (131) and the residual capacity of the battery (20) is equal to or less a first threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system, a notification method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Bicycles are widely used by people of all ages and genders as an easily accessible means of transportation. In recent years, electrically assisted bicycles, which use an electric motor to assist the user's pedaling force, have become increasingly popular (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The electric motor generates driving force by receiving power from a battery installed in the vehicle. In electrically assisted bicycles, the electric motor generates driving force corresponding to the human force applied to the pedals by the user, thereby reducing the burden on the user when, for example, riding uphill or carrying luggage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-230411 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As power is supplied from the battery to the electric motor, the remaining battery capacity gradually decreases. A battery with low remaining capacity can be used repeatedly by charging it. If the user does not charge the battery and the remaining battery capacity decreases to zero or close to zero, the electric motor will no longer be able to generate auxiliary power.

[0005] When the remaining battery capacity of an electric vehicle becomes low, it is required to notify the user that the remaining battery capacity is low so that the user can charge the battery.

[0006] Furthermore, if an electric vehicle is far away from a location where the battery can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to that location. If there is a possibility of this happening, it is necessary to notify the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This specification discloses a notification system, a notification method, and a computer program described in the following items.

[0008] [Item 1] A notification system that notifies a user to encourage charging of a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, a processing device; a storage device that stores a computer program that controls the operation of the processing device; Equipped with The processing device, in accordance with the computer program, acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined point where the battery can be charged and an outside of the first area; acquiring location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle and remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; and when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the location information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle is located within the first area and that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery is issued to the user via an alarm device.

[0009] When the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery can be issued when the electric vehicle approaches a predetermined location where the battery can be charged. This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery when they arrive at the predetermined location.

[0010] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when the electric vehicle arrives at a predetermined point, if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined point. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by making the first notification when the electric vehicle is located within a first area having a certain size, it is possible to make the first notification even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information.

[0011] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0012] [Item 2] Item 1. The notification system according to item 1, wherein the processing device issues the first notification when it determines that the electric vehicle has passed the first boundary position while heading from outside the first area toward the first area and the remaining capacity of the battery is equal to or less than the first threshold.

[0013] This allows the first notification to be issued at the timing when the electric vehicle approaches the predetermined location, allowing the user to prepare to charge the battery when the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined location.

[0014] By issuing a first notification when the electric vehicle passes a first boundary that is some distance away from a specified point, the first notification can be issued even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information.

[0015] [Item 3] Item 3. The notification system according to item 2, wherein the processing device does not issue the first notification if the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than the first threshold when it determines that the electric vehicle has passed the first boundary position while heading from outside the first area toward the first area.

[0016] This makes it possible to notify when there is no need to charge the battery urgently.

[0017] [Item 4] Item 4. The notification system according to item 3, wherein the processing device does not issue the first notification when the electric vehicle passes the first boundary position, but thereafter issues the first notification if the remaining capacity of the battery becomes equal to or less than the first threshold while the electric vehicle is located within the first area.

[0018] As a result, even if the first notification is not made when the electric vehicle passes the first boundary position, if the remaining battery charge subsequently falls below the first threshold, the first notification can be made at a position close to the specified point.

[0019] [Item 5] 5. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the first boundary is set at a position a first distance away from the predetermined point.

[0020] This allows the first notification to be made before the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined location, allowing the user to prepare to charge the battery when the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined location.

[0021] [Item 6] Item 6. The notification system according to item 5, wherein the first distance is between 50 m and 200 m.

[0022] This allows the first notification to be made before (for example, several tens of seconds before) the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined location.

[0023] [Item 7] Item 6. The notification system according to item 5, wherein the first boundary is a circle on a map centered on the predetermined point.

[0024] This allows the first notification to be issued at a common timing regardless of the direction in which the electric vehicle approaches the predetermined point.

[0025] [Item 8] The remaining capacity of the battery is expressed as SOC (State Of Charge), 8. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first threshold is set to a value in which the SOC is equal to or greater than 20% and equal to or less than 60%.

[0026] This allows the first notification to be made at a timing when charging of the battery is recommended.

[0027] [Item 9] The processing device includes: acquiring second boundary information indicating a second boundary located at an outer periphery of a second area surrounding the periphery of the first area; 9. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein, when it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the second boundary position while heading from the second area to the outside of the second area, a second notification is issued to the user via the notification device to urge the user to move the electric vehicle to the predetermined point.

[0028] If an electric vehicle travels far away from a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point. When the electric vehicle passes the second boundary position toward the outside of the second area, a notification is issued urging the user to move the electric vehicle to the predetermined point. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle travels any further away from the predetermined point, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point.

[0029] [Item 10] The processing device includes: calculating a second distance that the electric vehicle can travel using the output current of the battery based on the remaining capacity of the battery; Item 10. The notification system according to item 9, wherein the position of the second boundary is set so that a third distance between the predetermined point and the second boundary is smaller than the second distance.

[0030] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle returns to a predetermined location.

[0031] [Item 11] Item 11. The notification system according to item 10, wherein the processing device changes the position of the second boundary in accordance with a change in the remaining capacity of the battery.

[0032] This allows the second boundary to be set at a position that matches the current remaining battery capacity.

[0033] [Item 12] Item 11. The notification system according to item 10, wherein the processing device sets the position of the second boundary so that the third distance is 0.3 to 0.7 times the second distance.

[0034] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle returns to a predetermined location.

[0035] [Item 13] the notification device is included in a mobile terminal device, 13. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the electric vehicle and the mobile terminal device communicate information wirelessly.

[0036] This allows the first notification urging the user to charge the battery to be made by the mobile terminal device, eliminating the need to mount a notification device on the electric vehicle.

[0037] [Item 14] the processing device and the storage device are included in a mobile terminal device; 14. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the remaining battery capacity information is transmitted from the electric vehicle to the mobile terminal device by wireless communication.

[0038] By performing the process of determining whether to issue the first notification in the mobile terminal device, it is not necessary to install a device that performs this process on the electric vehicle.

[0039] [Item 15] the notification device includes a display device; 15. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the processing device performs the first notification by causing the display device to display at least one of text and a graphic urging the user to charge the battery.

[0040] This allows the user to look at the display on the display device and prepare to charge the battery when he or she arrives at a predetermined location.

[0041] [Item 16] the alarm device includes a sound-generating component; 16. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the processing device performs the first notification by causing the sound component to output a sound that encourages charging of the battery.

[0042] This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery when he or she arrives at a predetermined location by listening to the sound output by the sound-producing component.

[0043] [Item 17] 17. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the predetermined location is a location where a charging device that charges the battery is installed.

[0044] This allows the battery to be charged at a predetermined location.

[0045] [Item 18] 18. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the electric vehicle is an electrically assisted bicycle in which an electric motor supplied with current from the battery generates an auxiliary force.

[0046] This allows the user to plan to charge the battery of the electrically assisted bicycle when he or she arrives at a predetermined location.

[0047] [Item 19] 19. The notification system according to any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the battery is a portable battery that is detachable from the electric vehicle.

[0048] This allows the battery to be removed from the electric vehicle and charged.

[0049] [Item 20] 1. A notification method executed by one or more computers to notify a user to encourage charging of a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, comprising: acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined point where the battery can be charged and an outside of the first area; acquiring location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle and remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle is located within the first area and that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, issuing a first notification to the user via a notification device to prompt the user to charge the battery; A notification method including:

[0050] When the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery can be issued when the electric vehicle approaches a predetermined location where the battery can be charged. This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery when they arrive at the predetermined location.

[0051] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when the electric vehicle arrives at a predetermined point, if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined point. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by making the first notification when the electric vehicle is located within a first area having a certain size, it is possible to make the first notification even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information.

[0052] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0053] [Item 21] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a notification that prompts charging of a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, The computer program comprises: acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined point where the battery can be charged and an outside of the first area; acquiring location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle and remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle is located within the first area and that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, issuing a first notification to a user via a notification device to urge the user to charge the battery; a computer program for causing the one or more computers to execute the

[0054] When the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery can be issued when the electric vehicle approaches a predetermined location where the battery can be charged. This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery when they arrive at the predetermined location.

[0055] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when the electric vehicle arrives at a predetermined point, if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined point. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by making the first notification when the electric vehicle is located within a first area having a certain size, it is possible to make the first notification even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information.

[0056] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0057] [Item 22] An alert system for alerting a user about a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, a processing device; a storage device that stores a computer program that controls the operation of the processing device; Equipped with The processing device, in accordance with the computer program, acquiring boundary information indicating a boundary located on an outer periphery of a predetermined area surrounding a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, and location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle; and when it is determined based on the boundary information and the position information that the electric vehicle has passed the boundary position while leaving the specified area and heading outside the specified area, the notification system issues a notification to the user via a notification device urging the user to move the electric vehicle to the specified point.

[0058] If an electric vehicle travels far away from a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point. When the electric vehicle passes a boundary position toward the outside of the predetermined area, a notification is issued urging the electric vehicle to move to the predetermined point. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle travels any further away from the predetermined point, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point.

[0059] [Item 23] The processing device includes: obtaining remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; calculating a travelable distance that the electric vehicle can travel using the output current of the battery based on the remaining capacity of the battery; Item 23. The notification system according to item 22, wherein the position of the boundary is set so that the distance between the predetermined point and the boundary is shorter than the travelable distance.

[0060] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle returns to a predetermined location.

[0061] [Item 24] Item 24. The notification system according to item 23, wherein the processing device changes the position of the boundary in accordance with a change in the remaining capacity of the battery.

[0062] This allows the boundary to be set at a position that matches the current remaining capacity of the battery.

[0063] [Item 25] 25. The notification system according to item 23 or 24, wherein the processing device sets the position of the boundary so that the distance between the predetermined point and the boundary is greater than or equal to 0.3 times and less than or equal to 0.7 times the travelable distance.

[0064] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle returns to a predetermined location.

[0065] [Item 26] 1. A notification method for providing a notification to a user regarding a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, executed by one or more computers, comprising: acquiring boundary information indicating a boundary located on an outer periphery of a predetermined area surrounding a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, and location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle; when it is determined based on the boundary information and the position information that the electric vehicle has passed through the boundary position from the predetermined area to the outside of the predetermined area, issuing a notification to the user via a notification device to urge the user to move the electric vehicle to the predetermined point; A notification method including:

[0066] If an electric vehicle travels far away from a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point. When the electric vehicle passes a boundary position toward the outside of the predetermined area, a notification is issued urging the electric vehicle to move to the predetermined point. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle travels any further away from the predetermined point, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point.

[0067] [Item 27] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a notification regarding a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, The computer program comprises: acquiring boundary information indicating a boundary located on an outer periphery of a predetermined area surrounding a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, and location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle; when it is determined based on the boundary information and the position information that the electric vehicle has passed through the boundary position from the predetermined area to the outside of the predetermined area, issuing a notification to a user via a notification device to urge the user to move the electric vehicle to the predetermined point; a computer program for causing the one or more computers to execute the

[0068] If an electric vehicle travels far away from a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point. When the electric vehicle passes a boundary position toward the outside of the predetermined area, a notification is issued urging the electric vehicle to move to the predetermined point. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle travels any further away from the predetermined point, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery can be issued when the electric vehicle approaches a predetermined location where the battery can be charged, thereby enabling the user to prepare to charge the battery when they arrive at the predetermined location.

[0070] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when the electric vehicle arrives at a predetermined point, if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when the electric vehicle arrives at the predetermined point. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by making the first notification when the electric vehicle is located within a first area having a certain size, it is possible to make the first notification even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle and the position indicated by the position information.

[0071] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0072] Furthermore, if an electric vehicle travels a great distance from a predetermined point where the battery can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point. According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the electric vehicle passes a boundary position toward the outside of the predetermined area, a notification is issued urging the user to move the electric vehicle to the predetermined point. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle travels any further away from the predetermined point, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle returns to the predetermined point. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0073] [Figure 1] 1 is a right side view showing an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a top view showing the front part of an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a meter 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing how a battery unit 20 is attached to and detached from an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a charging location according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first boundary according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of issuing a first notification to a user to prompt charging of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has entered a first area 131. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile terminal device 100 that performs a first notification according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of issuing a first notification to a user to prompt charging of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a meter 50 that performs a first notification according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of a second area 132 and a second boundary 142 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for issuing a second notification to the user to prompt the user to move the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention to a charging location 125. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has gone outside the second area 132. FIG. [Figure 16] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile terminal device 100 that performs a second notification according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a meter 50 that performs a second notification according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, like components will be assigned like reference symbols, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. The symbols F, Re, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom, respectively. In an electric vehicle, the terms "front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom" refer to the front, rear, left, right, and top and bottom relative to a position where a user is seated on the vehicle's seat (saddle) facing the handlebars. In the description of the embodiments below, an electrically assisted bicycle will be used as an example of an electric vehicle, but the electric vehicle according to the embodiments is not limited to an electrically assisted bicycle. The electric vehicle according to the embodiments may be, for example, an electric two-wheeled vehicle or an electric three-wheeled vehicle driven by an electric motor. The following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0075] [Electric assisted bicycle] FIG. 1 is a right side view showing an electrically assisted bicycle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0076] The electrically assisted bicycle 1 has a body frame 2 that extends in the fore-and-aft direction. The body frame 2 includes a head pipe 11, a down tube 12, a top tube 14, a seat tube 16, a chain stay 18, a seat stay 19, and a bracket 24. The head pipe 11 is disposed at the front end of the body frame 2. A handle column 13 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 11. A handle 4 is fixed to the handle column 13. The handle 4 is provided with a meter unit 5 that displays various information related to the electrically assisted bicycle 1. A headlamp 22 is provided in front of the handle 4.

[0077] A front fork 15 is fixed to the lower end of the handle column 13. The lower end of the front fork 15 rotatably supports a front wheel 6, which is a steered wheel.

[0078] The down tube 12 extends diagonally downward and rearward from the head pipe 11. The seat tube 16 extends upward from the rear end of the down tube 12. The chain stays 18 extend rearward from the lower end of the seat tube 16. A bracket 24 connects the rear end of the down tube 12, the lower end of the seat tube 16, and the front end of the chain stays 18. The top tube 14 is provided to connect the head pipe 11 and the upper part of the seat tube 16. A seat post 17 is inserted into the seat tube 16, and a saddle 3 on which a user sits is provided at the upper end of the seat post 17.

[0079] The rear end of the chain stay 18 rotatably supports the rear wheel 7, which is a drive wheel. The seat stay 19 extends diagonally downward and rearward from the upper part of the seat tube 16. The lower end of the seat stay 19 is connected to the rear end of the chain stay 18. A derailleur 28 that changes the gear ratio is provided at the rear end of the chain stay 18. The derailleur may be provided around the pedal crankshaft 35. A speed sensor 25 that detects rotation of the rear wheel 7 is provided at the rear of the chain stay 18. The speed sensor 25 may be provided at the bottom of the front fork 15 to detect rotation of the front wheel 6.

[0080] A drive unit 30 is mounted on a bracket 24 disposed near the center of the vehicle body frame 2. An electric motor 32, an MCU (motor control unit), a reducer, etc. are housed within the housing of the drive unit 30. A pedal crankshaft 35 is supported by the drive unit 30 and passes through it in the left-right direction. Crank arms 36 are mounted on both ends of the pedal crankshaft 35. Pedals 37 are rotatably mounted on the tips of the crank arms 36.

[0081] A battery unit 20 that supplies power to the drive unit 30 and the like is mounted on the down tube 12. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the battery unit 20 is attached inside the down tube 12. The down tube 12 may have a hollow shape. At least a portion of the cross section of the down tube 12 may be U-shaped, and the down tube 12 may have a cover that covers the U-shaped portion.

[0082] The battery unit 20 may be disposed on the outer surface of the down tube 12. The battery unit 20 may be mounted on a bracket 24 or the seat tube 16. The battery unit 20 may be detachable from the electrically assisted bicycle 1.

[0083] The battery unit 20 includes a battery and a BMS (battery management system). The battery is a rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged. The BMS controls the charging and discharging of the battery and monitors the output current and remaining capacity of the battery.

[0084] The MCU of the drive unit 30 controls the operation of the electric motor 32 and also controls the operation of each part of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The MCU has a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor and a motor drive circuit. Rotation of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated when the user presses on the pedal 37 with their foot is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and the chain 23. The MCU controls the electric motor 32 to generate an auxiliary drive output corresponding to the rotation output of the pedal crankshaft 35 generated when the user presses on the pedal 37 with their foot. The auxiliary force generated by the electric motor 32 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and the chain 23. A belt, a shaft, or the like may be used instead of the chain 23.

[0085] 2 is a top view showing the front part of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The handlebars 4 have a handlebar 41. A right grip 43R is provided at the right end of the handlebar 41. A left grip 43L is provided at the left end of the handlebar 41. The user steers the bicycle by gripping the right grip 43R and left grip 43L with their hands.

[0086] A front wheel brake lever 44R and a gear shifter 45R are provided near the right grip 43R. A rear wheel brake lever 44L and a gear shifter 45L are provided near the left grip 43L. When the front wheel brake lever 44R is gripped together with the right grip 43R with the right hand, a braking force is applied to the front wheel 6. When the rear wheel brake lever 44L is gripped together with the left grip 43L with the left hand, a braking force is applied to the rear wheel 7. Note that the brake lever provided on the left side of the handlebar 41 may be the front wheel brake lever for applying a braking force to the front wheel 6, and the brake lever provided on the right side may be the rear wheel brake lever for applying a braking force to the rear wheel 7. The gear shifters 45R and 45L are also referred to as shifters. The user can change the gear ratio by operating the gear shifters 45R and 45L.

[0087] A meter unit 5 is provided on the handlebar 41. The meter unit 5 includes a meter 50 and an operating device .

[0088] The meter 50 displays various information related to the electrically assisted bicycle 1. The meter 50 is attached to the handlebar 41 or the handle stem 42, for example, using a fixture such as a clamp.

[0089] The operation device 70 is provided, for example, near the left grip 43L of the handlebar 4. The operation device 70 is attached to the handlebar 41 using a fixture such as a clamp. A user can perform operations such as setting the magnitude of the assist force of the electric motor 32 by operating the operation device 70 with their fingers. The meter 50 and the operation device 70 are electrically connected via an electric wire 77. A signal corresponding to a user's operation is sent from the operation device 70 to the meter 50 via the electric wire 77. The meter 50 and the MCU of the drive unit 30 (FIG. 1) can send and receive signals via the electric wire 57. The meter 50 and the operation device 70 may send and receive signals via wireless communication. The meter 50 and the MCU may also send and receive signals via wireless communication.

[0090] The meter 50 includes a display device 51 that displays various information related to the electrically assisted bicycle 1, and multiple switches 52 and 53 that accept user operations. Specifically, the multiple switches are a power switch 52 and a lamp switch 53. In this embodiment, these switches are push-button switches that the user operates by pressing them with their fingers.

[0091] Power switch 52 is a switch for turning the power on and off to electrically assisted bicycle 1. When the power of electrically assisted bicycle 1 is on, drive unit 30 operates, and when the power is off, drive unit 30 does not operate. When the power is off, if the user presses power switch 52, the power turns on, and when the power is on, if the user presses power switch 52, the power turns off.

[0092] The lamp switch 53 is a switch for switching the headlamp 22 (FIG. 1) on and off. When the headlamp 22 is in the off state, if the user presses the lamp switch 53 to turn the headlamp 22 on, the headlamp 22 will emit light and illuminate the path of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. When the headlamp 22 is in the on state, pressing the lamp switch 53 will turn the headlamp 22 off.

[0093] The display device 51 has, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display device 51 can display various information such as the traveling speed, traveling distance, remaining battery capacity, and assist mode. The display device 51 may display information using a segment method or a dot matrix method. As the display panel, a display panel other than a liquid crystal panel, for example, an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panel or an electronic paper panel may be used.

[0094] The operating device 70 is equipped with assist force setting switches 71 and 72, a select switch 73, and a push-walking switch 74. The assist force setting switches 71 and 72 are switches for setting the assist force of the electric motor 32. In this embodiment, the electrically assisted bicycle 1 can be set to multiple assist modes. The multiple assist modes are, for example, no assist mode, eco mode, smart mode, and high mode, in order of increasing assist force relative to human power. In no assist mode, the electric motor 32 does not generate assist force. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 71, the mode switches from an assist mode in which the assist force relative to human power is relatively small to an assist mode in which the assist force relative to human power is relatively large. When the user presses the assist force setting switch 72, the mode switches from an assist mode in which the assist force relative to human power is relatively large to an assist mode in which the assist force relative to human power is relatively small.

[0095] In the above example, there are four types of assist modes, but there may be three or fewer, or five or more. For example, there may be a mode that generates a greater assist force than the high mode, or there may be multiple eco modes.

[0096] The select switch 73 is a switch for switching the display content of the display device 51. By pressing the select switch 73, the user can switch the display content of the display device 51.

[0097] The push-walking switch 74 is a switch that accepts an instruction from the user to execute a push-walking mode in which the electric motor 32 generates assisting force when the user pushes the electrically assisted bicycle 1. Push-walking refers to the user pushing the bicycle 1 forward without pedaling the pedals 37. An example of pushing the bicycle 1 is when the user dismounts from the bicycle 1 and pushes the handlebars 4 with their hands while walking with their feet to move the bicycle 1 forward.

[0098] When the user continues to press the push-walking switch 74 with their finger while pushing the bicycle, the electric motor 32 generates an assisting force. By having the electric motor 32 generate an assisting force while pushing the bicycle, the burden on the user can be reduced. For example, this can reduce the burden on the user when the user pushes the bicycle 1 up a slope while walking with their feet.

[0099] The meter 50 is capable of wireless communication with a mobile terminal device 100 such as a smartphone. By performing wireless communication, various types of information can be transmitted and received between the meter 50 and the mobile terminal device 100.

[0100] Next, a description will be given of an example of the hardware configuration of the meter 50. FIG.

[0101] The meter 50 includes a control device 60, a display device 51, an input device 55, a communication device 56, a speaker 58, and a lamp 59. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0102] The control device 60 includes a processing device 61 and storage media such as a read-only memory (ROM) 62 and a random access memory (RAM) 63. The ROM 62 can store a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 61 to execute processing. The computer program can be stored in the ROM 62 when the meter 50 is manufactured. The computer program can be provided to the meter 50 via a storage medium (such as a semiconductor memory or an optical disk) or a telecommunications line (such as the Internet). Such a computer program can be sold as commercial software.

[0103] The processing device 61 is a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processing device 61 can be realized by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing device 61 sequentially executes a computer program (a computer program stored in the ROM 62) that describes a group of instructions for executing various processes, thereby realizing the desired processing.

[0104] The processing device 61 may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA) equipped with a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application specific standard product (ASSP), or a combination of two or more circuits selected from these circuits.

[0105] The ROM 62 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., flash memory), or a read-only memory. To reiterate, the ROM 62 may store a computer program for causing the processing device 61 to execute processing. Furthermore, the ROM 62 stores a computer program for controlling the operation of the processing device 61. The ROM 62 does not need to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media. Part of the collection of multiple recording media may be removable memory.

[0106] The RAM 63 provides a working area for temporarily loading, at boot time, the computer programs stored in the ROM 62. The RAM 63 does not have to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media.

[0107] The communication device 56 is a communication module for communicating with the mobile terminal device 100 and the like. The communication device 56 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 56 can perform wired communication in accordance with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 56 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Both standards include wireless communication standards using frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band. The communication device 56 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with a communication method such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Low Power Wide Area (LPWA). The communication device 56 may also perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite.

[0108] The input device 55 is a device that accepts user operations such as the above-mentioned power switch 52 and lamp light switch 53. The meter 50 may include a touch panel and / or a microphone as the input device 55.

[0109] The processing device 61 detects that various switches of the meter 50 and the operating device 70 have been pressed, and controls the operation of the display device 51. For example, when a user starts pressing a switch, the processing device 61 detects a voltage value and / or current value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Then, when the user stops pressing the switch, the processing device 61 detects that the voltage value and / or current value that had been detected up to that point has become, for example, zero. The processing device 61 can simultaneously detect the pressing of multiple switches in parallel.

[0110] The processing device 61 controls changing the display content of the display device 51 in response to pressing of various switches on the meter 50 and the operating device 70. The drive unit 30 includes an MCU 31. The processing device 61 outputs a signal to the MCU 31 in response to pressing of various switches. For example, the processing device 61 outputs a signal indicating a selected assist mode to the MCU 31. Upon receiving the signal, the MCU 31 controls the electric motor 32 to generate an assist force in accordance with the selected assist mode.

[0111] The output signal of the speed sensor 25 is input to the MCU 31. The MCU 31 can calculate the traveling speed of the bicycle 1 from the output signal of the speed sensor 25. The MCU 31 outputs traveling speed information indicating the traveling speed to the meter 50. The processing device 61 receives the traveling speed information and controls the display device 51 to display the traveling speed. The output signal of the speed sensor 25 may also be input directly to the meter 50 without going through the MCU 31.

[0112] The BMS 21 is mounted on the battery unit 20. The BMS 21 controls various operations of the battery unit 20, such as charging and discharging, and monitors various states of the battery unit 20. The BMS 21 monitors the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), etc. of the battery unit 20. The MCU 31 transmits and receives necessary information to and from the BMS 21. The MCU 31 receives battery information indicating the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, etc. of the battery unit 20 from the BMS 21.

[0113] The MCU 31 outputs SOC information indicating the SOC of the battery unit 20 to the meter 50. The processing device 61 controls the display of the remaining battery capacity on the display device 51 in accordance with the remaining battery capacity calculated based on the SOC information.

[0114] The speaker 58 converts the audio signal into sound and outputs it to the outside. The lamp 59 emits light. The processing device 61 controls the operations of the display device 51, the speaker 58, the lamp 59, etc., and can notify the user of information.

[0115] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal device 100 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal device 100. The mobile terminal device 100 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. The mobile terminal device 100 may also be a wearable computer such as a smartwatch or smart glasses.

[0116] The mobile terminal device 100 is an example of a notification system 10 that notifies the user of information related to the battery unit 20 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1. Details of the operation of the notification system 10 will be described later. In the following, an example will be described in which the mobile terminal device 100 is a smartphone.

[0117] The mobile terminal device 100 includes a control device 101, a storage device 102, a communication device 103, an input device 104, a display device 105, a speaker 106, a microphone 107, a camera 108, a lamp 109, and a positioning device 110. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0118] The control device 101 includes a processing device 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. The description of the processing device 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 overlaps with the description of the processing device 61, the ROM 62, and the RAM 63 of the meter 50, and therefore will be omitted here.

[0119] The storage device 102 may be, for example, a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or a combination thereof. An example of a semiconductor storage device is a solid-state drive (SSD). An example of a magnetic storage device is a hard disk drive (HDD). An example of an optical storage device is an optical disk drive or a magneto-optical disk (MD) drive.

[0120] The communication device 103 is a communication module for communicating with an external device via a communication network. The communication device 103 may perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite. The mobile terminal device 100 may communicate with the meter 50 using the communication device 103. The communication device 103 may perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 103 may perform wired communication in accordance with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 103 may perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Both standards include wireless communication standards using frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band. The communication device 103 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with a BLE or LPWA communication method.

[0121] The input device 104 is a device for converting instructions from a user into data and inputting the data into a computer. The input device 104 is, for example, a touch panel. The mobile terminal device 100 may be equipped with a push button switch and / or a microphone as the input device 55. The display device 105 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an OLED panel, or an electronic paper panel.

[0122] The speaker 106 converts audio signals into sound and outputs it to the outside. The microphone 107 converts sounds around the mobile terminal device 100 into audio signals. The speaker 106 and microphone 107 can be used as a voice communication device for making voice calls with other users. The camera 108 captures an image of a part of the surroundings of the mobile terminal device 100 and generates an image signal. The lamp 109 emits light. The processing device 111 can control the operations of the display device 105, speaker 106, lamp 109, etc. to notify the user of information.

[0123] The positioning device 110 can detect the position (geographic coordinates) of the mobile terminal device 100 in a geographic coordinate system. The positioning device 110 receives GNSS signals transmitted from GNSS satellites and performs positioning based on the GNSS signals. GNSS is a general term for satellite positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, e.g., Michibiki), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. The positioning method may be any method that can obtain position information with the required accuracy. For example, the positioning method may be an interferometric positioning method or a relative positioning method. When a user carries the mobile terminal device 100 and rides the electrically assisted bicycle 1, the position of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 can be detected.

[0124] As described above, the battery unit 20 can be a portable battery that can be attached to or detached from the electrically assisted bicycle 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how the battery unit 20 is attached to or detached from the electrically assisted bicycle 1. In this example, the battery unit 20 is attached to the inside of the down tube 12. At least a portion of the cross section of the down tube 12 is U-shaped, and the down tube 12 has a cover 12a that covers this U-shaped portion. By opening the cover 12a, the battery unit 20 can be removed from or attached to the down tube 12.

[0125] The battery unit 20 can be charged by connecting it to an external charging device while it is removed from the electrically assisted bicycle 1. For example, even if a charging device for charging the battery unit 20 is not provided at the bicycle parking location, the battery unit 20 can be charged by carrying the battery unit 20 to a location where a charging device is available.

[0126] The battery unit 20 does not have to be detachable from the electrically assisted bicycle 1, but may be fixed to the bicycle 1 and unable to be removed. In this case, the battery unit 20 can be charged by connecting the bicycle 1 to a charging device. Even if the battery unit 20 is detachable from the bicycle 1, the battery unit 20 can be charged by connecting the bicycle 1 to a charging device while the battery unit 20 is mounted on the bicycle 1.

[0127] [Alarm system] Next, a notification system 10 that notifies the user of information relating to the battery unit 20 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 will be described.

[0128] The mobile terminal device 100 is an example of the notification system 10. For example, application software that causes the mobile terminal device 100 to operate as the notification system 10 is installed in the mobile terminal device 100, causing the mobile terminal device 100 to operate as the notification system 10. The application software may be downloaded from an external device such as a server via a communication network and installed in the mobile terminal device 100. Such application software may be sold as commercial software. The application software is stored in, for example, the storage device 102 or the ROM 112, and the processing device 111 performs an operation of notifying the user of information in accordance with the application software. For example, the processing device 111 notifies the user to charge the battery unit 20.

[0129] In this embodiment, when the remaining battery capacity is low, a notification urging the user to charge the battery unit 20 is given when the electrically assisted bicycle 1 approaches a chargeable point (predetermined point) where the battery unit 20 can be charged.

[0130] The chargeable points where the battery unit 20 can be charged can be set in advance by, for example, a user operating the mobile terminal device 100. The processing device 111 operates according to application software, thereby accepting a user operation for setting the chargeable points.

[0131] A chargeable point is, for example, a point where a charging device that charges the battery unit 20 is installed. A chargeable point may be, for example, the user's home. A chargeable point may also be, for example, the user's school or workplace. A chargeable point may also be a point where the battery unit 20 is removed from a parked bicycle 1 in order to charge the battery unit 20. For example, in an apartment building or the like, the bicycle parking lot may be far from the user's home where the charging device is located. In such a case, the bicycle parking lot may be set as a chargeable point.

[0132] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting a charging point. The processing device 111 displays a map 121 on the display device 105. The map information may be stored in the storage device 102 or may be obtained from an external device such as a server via a communication network. For example, the mobile terminal device 100 is provided with a touch panel as the input device 55, and the user can set the charging point by operating the touch panel with a finger to match the position on the map that the user wants to set as the charging point with the position of the pointer 122. The map information includes information on the geographic coordinates of each position on the map. The processing device 111 reads the geographic coordinates of the charging point set by the user from the map information.

[0133] Next, the processing device 111 sets a first boundary between the first area including the charging point and the outside of the first area. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the first boundary.

[0134] At least a portion of the first boundary 141 is set at a position that is a first distance D1 away from the chargeable point 125. The first distance D1 is, for example, not less than 50 m and not more than 200 m, but is not limited to this value. As an example, the first distance D1 is assumed to be 100 m.

[0135] The processing device 111 can set the first boundary 141 at a position that is the first distance D1 away from the charging point 125, for example, by reading from map information the geographic coordinates of each position that is the first distance D1 away from the position indicated by the geographic coordinates of the charging point 125.

[0136] 7, the first boundary 141 surrounding the charging possible point 125 is a circle on the map with the charging possible point 125 at its center. The shape of the first boundary 141 is arbitrary and is not limited to a circle. For example, the user may set the first boundary 141 by tracing the map with their finger.

[0137] The inner region surrounded by the first boundary 141 is the first area 131. The first boundary 141 is the boundary between the first area and the outside of the first area.

[0138] The processing device 111 stores first boundary information indicating the contents of the first boundary 141 in the storage device 102 .

[0139] As described above, the mobile terminal device 100 and the meter 50 are capable of wireless communication. The mobile terminal device 100 and the meter 50 perform wireless communication in accordance with, for example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The mobile terminal device 100 is stored, for example, in a pocket or bag of the user's clothes. The mobile terminal device 100 may be attached to the handlebars 4 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1, for example.

[0140] As described above, the BMS 21 (FIG. 3) of the battery unit 20 transmits battery information indicating the voltage, current, temperature, SOC, etc. of the battery unit 20 to the MCU 31 of the drive unit 30. The MCU 31 outputs SOC information indicating the SOC of the battery unit 20 to the meter 50. The processing device 61 of the meter 50 periodically calculates the remaining battery capacity based on the SOC information. In this embodiment, the remaining battery capacity is expressed by defining a fully charged state of the battery unit 20 as 100% and a completely discharged state of the battery unit 20 as 0%. When the SOC value is used as the remaining battery capacity value, the SOC value and the remaining battery capacity value are the same. The processing device 61 displays the current remaining battery capacity on the display device 51 and periodically transmits remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity to the mobile terminal device 100.

[0141] Next, a description will be given of an operation for notifying the user to charge the battery unit 20 when the remaining battery capacity is low. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for notifying the user to charge the battery.

[0142] The processing device 111 of the mobile terminal device 100 acquires first boundary information indicating the content of the first boundary 141 (step S101). For example, the processing device 111 reads the first boundary information from the storage device .

[0143] The positioning device 110 of the mobile terminal device 100 detects the geographic coordinates of the mobile terminal device 100. The geographic coordinates of the mobile terminal device 100 carried by the user who rides the electrically assisted bicycle 1 correspond to the geographic coordinates of the bicycle 1. The processing device 111 acquires the geographic coordinates detected by the positioning device 110 as location information indicating the current location of the bicycle 1 (step S102).

[0144] The processing device 111 determines whether the bicycle 1 is located within the first area 131 based on the first boundary information and the position information (step S103). For example, the processing device 111 can determine whether the bicycle 1 is located within the first area 131 by comparing the geographic coordinates indicating the first boundary 141 with the geographic coordinates indicating the current location of the bicycle 1.

[0145] Fig. 7 shows an electrically assisted bicycle 1 traveling on a road 126 toward a charging point 125. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the bicycle 1 is located outside the first area 131. In this case, the processing device 111 determines that the bicycle 1 is not located within the first area 131, and returns to the processing of step S102.

[0146] 9 shows the state in which the electrically assisted bicycle 1 continues traveling along a road 126 toward a charging point 125 and then enters a first area 131. In this case, it is determined that the bicycle 1 is located within the first area 131.

[0147] If it is determined that the electrically assisted bicycle 1 is located within the first area 131, the processing device 111 acquires remaining battery capacity information (step S104). The processing device 111 determines whether the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold (step S105). The first threshold is set to, for example, a value between 20% and 60% of the remaining battery capacity, but is not limited to this value. As an example, the first threshold is set to 30%.

[0148] If it is determined that the remaining battery capacity is greater than the first threshold, the processing device 111 returns to the processing of step S104 without issuing a first notification to prompt charging of the battery unit 20. If it is determined that the remaining battery capacity is greater than the first threshold, the processing device 111 may return to the processing of step S102.

[0149] When it is determined that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, the processing device 111 issues a first notification to the user via the notification device to prompt the user to charge the battery unit 20 (step S106).

[0150] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a mobile terminal device 100 that issues a first notification to a user. The notification device is, for example, a display device 105 and a speaker 106. The speaker 106 is an example of a sound-producing component.

[0151] The processing device 111 causes the display device 105 to display at least one of text and a graphic urging the user to charge the battery unit 20. In the example shown in Fig. 10, a pop-up window 151 is displayed on the display device 105, and the text "Please charge the bicycle battery" and an illustration 152 of a battery urging the user to charge are displayed in the pop-up window 151. By looking at the content displayed on the display device 105, the user can prepare to charge the battery unit 20 when they arrive at the charging location 125.

[0152] Furthermore, the processing device 111 causes the speaker 106 to output a sound that urges the user to charge the battery unit 20. For example, a sound saying "Please charge the bicycle battery" is output from the speaker 106. By hearing the sound output from the speaker 106, the user can prepare to charge the battery unit 20 when they arrive at the charging point 125.

[0153] When the mobile terminal device 100 is attached to the handlebars 4 or the like of the bicycle 1, the above notification allows the user to more easily recognize that the battery unit 20 should be charged.

[0154] In this embodiment, if the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery unit 20 can be issued when the bicycle 1 approaches a chargeable location 125 where the battery unit 20 can be charged. This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery unit 20 when they arrive at the chargeable location 125.

[0155] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when bicycle 1 arrives at charging point 125, and there is a discrepancy between the actual position of bicycle 1 and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when bicycle 1 arrives at charging point 125. According to this embodiment, by making the first notification when bicycle 1 is located within first area 131, which has a certain amount of size, the first notification can be made even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of bicycle 1 and the position indicated by the position information.

[0156] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0157] In this embodiment, the first boundary 141 is set at a position that is a first distance D1 away from the chargeable point 125. This allows the first notification to be sent before the bicycle 1 arrives at the chargeable point 125 (for example, several tens of seconds before the bicycle 1 arrives at the chargeable point 125). This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery unit 20 when they arrive at the chargeable point 125.

[0158] 7 and 9, the first boundary 141 surrounding the charging point 125 is a circle on the map with the charging point 125 at its center. If the shape of the first boundary 141 is a perfect circle with the charging point 125 at its center, the first notification can be issued at the same timing regardless of the direction from which the bicycle 1 approaches the charging point 125.

[0159] In this embodiment, by having the mobile terminal device 100 issue the first notification, it is no longer necessary to install a notification device on the bicycle 1, which allows for a simpler configuration of the bicycle 1. Also, by having the mobile terminal device 100 perform the process of determining whether to issue the first notification, it is no longer necessary to install a device that performs this process on the bicycle 1, which allows for a simpler configuration of the bicycle 1.

[0160] 8, the processes of steps S104 and S105 are performed after the processes of steps S102 and S103, but the order of the processes is not limited to this. For example, the processes of steps S102 and S103 may be performed after the processes of steps S104 and S105. Also, for example, the processes of steps S102 and S104 may be performed after the processes of steps S103 and S105.

[0161] Next, the operation of issuing the first notification when the bicycle 1 traveling from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131 passes the position of the first boundary 141 will be described.

[0162] The "process of determining whether bicycle 1 is located within first area 131" in step S103 described above may include "process of determining whether bicycle 1 has passed the position of first boundary 141 from outside first area 131 toward first area 131."

[0163] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of issuing a first notification to the user to encourage battery charging. In the process shown in Fig. 11, in the process of step S103 shown in Fig. 8, the processing device 111 determines whether the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the first boundary 141 while traveling from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131 (step S103a). For example, the processing device 111 can determine whether the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the first boundary 141 while traveling from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131 by comparing the geographic coordinates indicating the first boundary 141 with the geographic coordinates indicating the current location of the bicycle 1.

[0164] As described above, FIG. 7 shows the electrically assisted bicycle 1 traveling on the road 126 toward the charging point 125. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the bicycle 1 is located outside the first area 131. FIG. 9 shows the state in which the bicycle 1 continues traveling on the road 126 toward the charging point 125 from the state shown in FIG. 7 and enters the first area 131. In other words, FIG. 9 shows that the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the first boundary 141 while traveling from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131. In this case, the processing device 111 determines that the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the first boundary 141 while traveling from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131.

[0165] If it is determined that the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the first boundary 141 while moving from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131, the processing device 111 acquires remaining battery capacity information (step S104) and determines whether the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to the first threshold (step S105).

[0166] If it is determined that the remaining battery capacity is greater than the first threshold, the processing device 111 returns to the processing of step S104 without issuing a first notification to prompt charging of the battery unit 20. If it is determined that the remaining battery capacity is greater than the first threshold, the processing device 111 may return to the processing of step S102.

[0167] When it is determined that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, the processing device 111 issues a first notification to the user via the notification device to prompt the user to charge the battery unit 20 (step S106).

[0168] The processing device 111 may not issue a first notification when the bicycle 1 passes the first boundary 141, but may issue the first notification if the remaining battery charge falls below the first threshold while the bicycle 1 is located within the first area 131. This allows the first notification to be issued at a location close to the chargeable point 125 if the remaining battery charge falls below the first threshold after the first notification was issued when the bicycle 1 passed the first boundary 141.

[0169] 11, the processes of steps S104 and S105 are performed after the processes of steps S102 and S103a, but the order of the processes is not limited to this. For example, the processes of steps S102 and S103a may be performed after the processes of steps S104 and S105. Also, the processes of steps S103a and S105 may be performed after the processes of steps S102 and S104.

[0170] In the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal device 100 operates as the notification system 10, but the meter 50 may also operate as the notification system 10. In this case, the various processes shown in Figs. 8 and 11 may be executed by the processing device 61. Furthermore, the various processes shown in Figs. 8 and 11 are executed by the processing device 111, but the first notification may be performed by the notification device of the meter 50. The mobile terminal device 100 and the meter 50 may cooperate to operate as the notification system 10.

[0171] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a meter 50 that issues a first notification to a user. The notification device is, for example, a display device 51 and a speaker 58.

[0172] The processing device 61 causes the display device 51 to display at least one of text and an illustration 152 urging the user to charge the battery unit 20. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the display device 51 displays the text "Please charge the bicycle battery" and an illustration 152 urging the user to charge. By looking at the content displayed on the display device 51, the user can prepare to charge the battery unit 20 when they arrive at the charging location 125.

[0173] The processing device 61 also causes the speaker 58 to output a sound that prompts the user to charge the battery unit 20. For example, a sound saying "Please charge the bicycle battery" is output from the speaker 58. By hearing the sound output from the speaker 58, the user can prepare to charge the battery unit 20 when they arrive at the charging location 125.

[0174] Furthermore, the processing device 61 may alert the user by flashing the lamp 59. This makes it easier for the user to notice the first notification.

[0175] Next, an operation for issuing a notification urging the user to move the electrically assisted bicycle 1 to the charging point 125 when the bicycle 1 is far away from the charging point 125 will be described.

[0176] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second area 132 surrounding a first area 131 and a second boundary 142 located on the outer periphery of the second area 132. In FIG.

[0177] If the bicycle 1 moves far away from the charging point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the bicycle 1 returns to the charging point 125. In this embodiment, if the bicycle 1 passes the position of the second boundary 142 while moving from the second area (predetermined area) 132 to the outside of the second area 132, a notification is issued urging the bicycle 1 to move to the charging point 125.

[0178] The processing device 111 calculates a second distance (travelable distance) D2 that the bicycle 1 can travel using the output current of the battery unit 20 based on the remaining battery capacity of the battery unit 20. For example, the application software includes information in a table showing the relationship between the remaining battery capacity and the travelable distance, and the processing device 111 can use this information to calculate the second distance D2. Such a table may be prepared for each model of bicycle 1 and / or each battery model number. Information in such a table may be obtained from an external device such as a server via a communications network.

[0179] The processing device 111 sets the position of the second boundary 142 so that the third distance D3 between the chargeable point 125 and the second boundary 142 is shorter than the second distance D2. This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will run out before the electrically assisted bicycle 1 returns to the chargeable point 125.

[0180] For example, the processing device 111 sets the position of the second boundary 142 so that the third distance D3 is 0.3 to 0.7 times the second distance D2, but is not limited to this value. As an example, the third distance D3 is assumed to be 0.5 times the length of the second distance D2.

[0181] For example, the processing device 111 can set the second boundary 142 at a position that is the third distance D3 away from the chargeable point 125 by reading, from the map information, the geographic coordinates of each position that is the third distance D3 away from the position indicated by the geographic coordinates of the chargeable point 125. The second boundary 142 is the boundary between the second area 132 and the outside of the second area 132. The processing device 111 stores second boundary information indicating the content of the second boundary 142 in the storage device 102.

[0182] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of issuing a second notification to the user to prompt the user to move the electrically assisted bicycle 1 to a charging location 125. In FIG.

[0183] The processing device 111 acquires second boundary information indicating the content of the second boundary 142 (step S201). For example, the processing device 111 reads the second boundary information from the storage device 102. The processing device 111 acquires the geographic coordinates detected by the positioning device 110 as position information indicating the current location of the bicycle 1 (step S202).

[0184] Based on the second boundary information and the position information, the processing device 111 determines whether the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the second boundary 142 while traveling from the second area 132 to the outside of the second area 132 (step S203). For example, the processing device 111 can determine whether the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the second boundary 142 while traveling from the second area 132 to the outside of the second area 132 by comparing the geographic coordinates indicating the second boundary 142 with the geographic coordinates indicating the current location of the bicycle 1.

[0185] FIG. 13 shows the bicycle 1 traveling within the second area 132. FIG. 15 shows the state in which the bicycle 1 has continued traveling from the state shown in FIG. 13 and has exited the second area 132. In other words, FIG. 15 shows that the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the second boundary 142 as it heads from the second area 132 to the outside of the second area 132. In such a case, the processing device 111 determines that the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the second boundary 142 as it heads from the second area 132 to the outside of the second area 132.

[0186] If it is determined that the bicycle 1 has passed the position of the second boundary 142 from the second area 132 to the outside of the second area 132, the processing device 111 issues a second notification to the user via the notification device urging the user to move the bicycle 1 to a charging location 125 (step S204).

[0187] 16 is a diagram showing an example of the mobile terminal device 100 that performs the second notification to the user. The notification device is, for example, a display device 105 and a speaker 106.

[0188] The processing device 111 displays on the display device 105 at least one of text and a graphic urging the user to move the bicycle 1 to the charging point 125. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , a pop-up window 151 is displayed on the display device 105, which displays text saying "Your remaining battery capacity will likely run out before you return to the charging point. Please return to the charging point," and an illustration 152 of a battery urging the user to charge. By looking at the content displayed on the display device 105, the user can recognize that if the user moves any further away from the charging point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the bicycle 1 returns to the charging point 125.

[0189] The processing device 111 also causes the speaker 106 to output a sound urging the user to move the bicycle 1 to the charging point 125. For example, a sound saying "The remaining battery capacity will likely run out before you return to the charging point. Please return to the charging point" is output from the speaker 106. By hearing the sound output from the speaker 106, the user can recognize that if the bicycle 1 moves any further away from the charging point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the bicycle 1 returns to the charging point 125.

[0190] When the mobile terminal device 100 is attached to the handlebars 4 of the bicycle 1, the user can more easily recognize the content of the second notification.

[0191] If the bicycle 1 moves too far away from the charging point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the bicycle 1 returns to the charging point 125. If the bicycle 1 passes the second boundary 142 toward the outside of the second area 132, a notification is issued urging the user to move the bicycle 1 to the charging point 125. This allows the user to recognize that if the bicycle 1 moves any further away from the charging point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the bicycle 1 returns to the charging point 125.

[0192] The processing device 111 may change the position of the second boundary 142 in accordance with changes in the remaining battery charge. This allows the position of the second boundary 142 to be updated to a position that matches the current remaining battery charge. For example, the position of the second boundary 142 can be updated by changing the magnitudes of the second distance D2 and the third distance D3 in accordance with changes in the remaining battery charge. Furthermore, for example, the processing device 111 may periodically calculate the second distance D2 and the third distance D3 to update the position of the second boundary 142.

[0193] In the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal device 100 operates as the notification system 10, but the meter 50 may also operate as the notification system 10. In this case, the various processes shown in FIG. 14 may be executed by the processing device 61. Furthermore, although the various processes shown in FIG. 14 are executed by the processing device 111, the second notification may be executed by the notification device of the meter 50. The mobile terminal device 100 and the meter 50 may cooperate to operate as the notification system 10.

[0194] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a meter 50 that issues a second notification to the user. The notification device is, for example, a display device 51 and a speaker 58.

[0195] The processing device 61 displays on the display device 51 at least one of text and an illustration urging the user to move the bicycle 1 to the charging point 125. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the display device 51 displays text saying, "Your remaining battery capacity will likely run out before you return to the charging point. Please return to the charging point," along with an illustration 152 urging the user to charge. By looking at the content displayed on the display device 51, the user can recognize that if the user moves any further away from the charging point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the bicycle 1 returns to the charging point 125.

[0196] The processing device 61 also causes the speaker 58 to output a sound urging the user to move the bicycle 1 to the charging point 125. For example, a sound saying "The remaining battery capacity will likely run out before you return to the charging point. Please return to the charging point" is output from the speaker 58. By hearing the sound output from the speaker 58, the user can recognize that if the bicycle 1 moves any further away from the charging point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the bicycle 1 returns to the charging point 125.

[0197] Furthermore, the processing device 61 may alert the user by flashing the lamp 59. This makes it easier for the user to notice the second notification.

[0198] In the above-described embodiment, a two-wheeled bicycle is used as the bicycle 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bicycle 1 may be a three-wheeled electrically assisted bicycle.

[0199] In the above-described embodiment, the rear wheel is the drive wheel to which the human power generated by the user pedaling and the assistive power generated by the electric motor are transmitted, but the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the configuration of the electrically assisted bicycle, the human power and the assistive power may be transmitted to the front wheel, or to both the front and rear wheels. The present invention may also be applied to an electrically assisted bicycle in which a hub motor is provided on the front wheel.

[0200] Furthermore, charging spots provided in towns and cities may be set as charging locations 125.

[0201] The present specification discloses a notification system, a notification method, and a computer program product described in the following items.

[0202] [Item 1] A notification system (10) that notifies a user to encourage charging of a battery (20) of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (1), a processing unit 111; storage devices 102, 112 for storing computer programs that control the operation of the processing unit 111; Equipped with The processing unit 111 executes the following steps in accordance with the computer program: acquire first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined location where the battery can be charged and the outside of the first area; Acquire location information indicating the current location of the electric vehicle 1 and remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 20; When it is determined based on the first boundary information, the location information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle 1 is located within the first area 131 and that the remaining capacity of the battery 20 is equal to or less than a first threshold, the notification system 10 issues a first notification to the user via the notification devices 105, 106 to encourage charging of the battery 20.

[0203] When the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery 20 can be issued when the electric vehicle 1 approaches a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged. This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery 20 when the user arrives at the predetermined point 125.

[0204] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125, and there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle 1 and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by making the first notification when the electric vehicle 1 is located within a first area 131 having a certain size, it is possible to make the first notification even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle 1 and the position indicated by the position information.

[0205] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0206] [Item 2] The notification system 10 described in item 1, wherein the processing device 111 issues a first notification when it determines that the electric vehicle 1 has passed the position of the first boundary 141 while heading from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131 and the remaining capacity of the battery 20 is equal to or less than a first threshold.

[0207] This allows the first notification to be made at the timing when the electric vehicle 1 approaches the predetermined point 125, and the user can prepare to charge the battery 20 when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125.

[0208] By issuing a first notification when the electric vehicle 1 passes a first boundary 141 that is some distance away from the specified point 125, the first notification can be issued even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle 1 and the position indicated by the position information.

[0209] [Item 3] The notification system 10 described in item 2, wherein when the processing device 111 determines that the electric vehicle 1 has passed the position of the first boundary 141 while moving from outside the first area 131 toward the first area 131, if the remaining capacity of the battery 20 is greater than a first threshold, the processing device 111 does not issue a first notification.

[0210] This makes it possible to notify when there is no need to charge the battery 20 urgently.

[0211] [Item 4] The notification system 10 described in item 3, wherein the processing device 111 does not issue a first notification when the electric vehicle 1 passes the position of the first boundary 141, but then issues the first notification if the remaining capacity of the battery 20 becomes equal to or less than a first threshold while the electric vehicle 1 is located within the first area 131.

[0212] As a result, even if the first notification is not made when the electric vehicle 1 passes the first boundary 141, if the remaining battery capacity subsequently falls below the first threshold, the first notification can be made at a position close to the specified point 125.

[0213] [Item 5] 5. The notification system (10) according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the first boundary (141) is set at a position spaced a first distance (D1) from the predetermined point (125).

[0214] This allows the first notification to be made before the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125, and the user can prepare to charge the battery 20 when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125.

[0215] [Item 6] Item 5. The notification system 10 according to item 5, wherein the first distance D1 is equal to or greater than 50 m and equal to or less than 200 m.

[0216] This allows the first notification to be made before the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125 (for example, several tens of seconds before).

[0217] [Item 7] The notification system 10 according to item 5, wherein the first boundary 141 is a circle centered on the predetermined point 125 on the map.

[0218] This allows the first notification to be made at a common timing regardless of the direction in which the electric vehicle 1 approaches the predetermined point 125.

[0219] [Item 8] The remaining capacity of the battery 20 is expressed as SOC (State Of Charge), The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first threshold is set to a value in which the SOC is equal to or greater than 20% and equal to or less than 60%.

[0220] This allows the first notification to be made at a timing when charging of the battery 20 is recommended.

[0221] [Item 9] The processing device 111 acquiring second boundary information indicating a second boundary 142 located on the outer periphery of a second area 132 surrounding the periphery of the first area 131; The notification system 10 described in any one of items 1 to 8, wherein when it is determined that the electric vehicle 1 has passed the position of the second boundary 142 from the second area 132 to the outside of the second area 132, a second notification is sent to the user via the notification devices 105, 106 to urge the user to move the electric vehicle 1 to a predetermined point 125.

[0222] If the electric vehicle 1 moves far away from the predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125. If the electric vehicle 1 passes the position of the second boundary 142 toward the outside of the second area 132, a notification is issued urging the user to move the electric vehicle 1 to the predetermined point 125. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle 1 moves any further away from the predetermined point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125.

[0223] [Item 10] The processing device 111 calculating a second distance D2 that allows the electric vehicle 1 to travel using the output current of the battery 20 based on the remaining capacity of the battery 20; Item 9. The notification system 10 according to item 9, wherein the position of the second boundary 142 is set so that a third distance D3 between the predetermined point 125 and the second boundary 142 is smaller than the second distance D2.

[0224] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125.

[0225] [Item 11] The notification system (10) according to item (10), wherein the processing unit (111) changes the position of the second boundary (142) in accordance with a change in the remaining capacity of the battery (20).

[0226] This allows the position of the second boundary 142 to be set to a position that matches the current remaining capacity of the battery 20.

[0227] [Item 12] Item 10: The notification system 10, wherein the processing device 111 sets the position of the second boundary 142 so that the third distance D3 is 0.3 to 0.7 times the second distance D2.

[0228] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125.

[0229] [Item 13] The notification devices 105 and 106 are included in the mobile terminal device 100. 13. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the electric vehicle 1 and the mobile terminal device 100 communicate information via wireless communication.

[0230] This allows the first notification prompting the user to charge the battery 20 to be made by the mobile terminal device 100, eliminating the need to mount the notification devices 105 and 106 on the electric vehicle 1.

[0231] [Item 14] The processing unit 111 and the storage units 102 and 112 are included in the mobile terminal device 100, 14. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the remaining battery capacity information is transmitted from the electric vehicle 1 to the mobile terminal device 100 by wireless communication.

[0232] By performing the process of determining whether to issue the first notification in the mobile terminal device 100, it becomes unnecessary to install a device that performs this process on the electrically powered vehicle 1.

[0233] [Item 15] The notification devices 105 and 106 include a display device 105; 15. The notification system (10) according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the processing device (111) performs the first notification by causing the display device (105) to display at least one of text and a graphic urging the user to charge the battery (20).

[0234] This allows the user to look at the display content of the display device 105 and prepare to charge the battery 20 when he or she arrives at the predetermined point 125 .

[0235] [Item 16] The alarm devices 105 and 106 include a sound-making component 106; 16. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the processing device 111 makes the first notification by causing the sound component 106 to output a sound that prompts the user to charge the battery 20.

[0236] This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery 20 when he or she arrives at the predetermined location 125 by listening to the sound output by the sound generating component 106 .

[0237] [Item 17] 17. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the predetermined location 125 is a location where a charging device that charges the battery 20 is installed.

[0238] This allows the battery 20 to be charged at the predetermined point 125.

[0239] [Item 18] 18. The notification system 10 according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the electric vehicle 1 is an electrically assisted bicycle in which an electric motor 32 supplied with current from a battery 20 generates an assisting force.

[0240] This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery 20 of the electrically assisted bicycle 1 when he or she arrives at the predetermined location 125.

[0241] [Item 19] 19. The notification system (10) according to any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the battery (20) is a portable battery that is detachable from the electric vehicle (1).

[0242] This allows the battery 20 to be removed from the electric vehicle 1 and charged.

[0243] [Item 20] A notification method executed by one or more computers to notify a user to encourage charging of a battery 20 of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle 1, comprising: acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary 141 between a first area 131 including a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged and an outside of the first area 131; Acquiring location information indicating the current location of the electric vehicle 1 and remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 20; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle 1 is located within the first area 131 and the remaining capacity of the battery 20 is equal to or less than a first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery 20 is issued via the notification devices 105, 106; A notification method including:

[0244] When the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery 20 can be issued when the electric vehicle 1 approaches a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged. This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery 20 when the user arrives at the predetermined point 125.

[0245] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125, and there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle 1 and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by making the first notification when the electric vehicle 1 is located within a first area 131 having a certain size, it is possible to make the first notification even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle 1 and the position indicated by the position information.

[0246] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0247] [Item 21] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a notification that prompts charging of a battery 20 of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle 1, The computer program is acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary 141 between a first area 131 including a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged and an outside of the first area 131; Acquiring location information indicating the current location of the electric vehicle 1 and remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 20; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle 1 is located within the first area 131 and the remaining capacity of the battery 20 is equal to or less than a first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery 20 is issued via the notification devices 105, 106; A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute the following.

[0248] When the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, a first notification urging the user to charge the battery 20 can be issued when the electric vehicle 1 approaches a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged. This allows the user to prepare to charge the battery 20 when the user arrives at the predetermined point 125.

[0249] If the setting is such that the first notification is made when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125, and there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle 1 and the position indicated by the position information, the first notification may not be made even when the electric vehicle 1 arrives at the predetermined point 125. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by making the first notification when the electric vehicle 1 is located within a first area 131 having a certain size, it is possible to make the first notification even if there is a discrepancy between the actual position of the electric vehicle 1 and the position indicated by the position information.

[0250] By making the first notification when the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about the remaining battery capacity running out without the user realizing it.

[0251] [Item 22] An alert system (10) that alerts a user about a battery (20) of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (1), a processing unit 111; storage devices 102, 112 for storing computer programs that control the operation of the processing unit 111; Equipped with The processing unit 111 executes the following steps in accordance with the computer program: Obtaining boundary information indicating a boundary 142 located on the outer periphery of a predetermined area 132 surrounding a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged, and location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle 1; When it is determined based on the boundary information and the position information that the electric vehicle 1 has passed the boundary 142 position from the specified area 132 to the outside of the specified area 132, the notification system 10 notifies the user via the notification devices 105, 106 to urge the user to move the electric vehicle 1 to the specified point 125.

[0252] If the electric vehicle 1 moves far away from the predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125. If the electric vehicle 1 passes a boundary position toward the outside of the predetermined area 132, a notification is issued urging the electric vehicle 1 to move to the predetermined point 125. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle 1 moves any further away from the predetermined point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125.

[0253] [Item 23] The processing device 111 obtaining remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery; Calculating a travelable distance D2 that allows the electric vehicle 1 to travel using the output current of the battery 20 based on the remaining capacity of the battery 20; Item 23. The notification system 10 according to item 22, wherein the position of the boundary 142 is set so that the distance D3 between the predetermined point 125 and the boundary 142 is smaller than the travelable distance D2.

[0254] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125.

[0255] [Item 24] Item 24. The notification system (10) according to item 23, wherein the processing unit (111) changes the position of the boundary (142) in accordance with a change in the remaining capacity of the battery (20).

[0256] This allows the position of the boundary 142 to be set to a position that matches the current remaining capacity of the battery 20.

[0257] [Item 25] The processing device 111 sets the position of the boundary 142 so that the distance D3 between the specified point 125 and the boundary 142 is greater than or equal to 0.3 times and less than or equal to 0.7 times the travelable distance D2.

[0258] This reduces the possibility that the remaining battery capacity will be depleted before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125.

[0259] [Item 26] A notification method for notifying a user about a battery 20 of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle 1, executed by one or more computers, comprising: Obtaining boundary information indicating a boundary 142 located on the outer periphery of a predetermined area 132 surrounding a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged, and location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle 1; when it is determined based on the boundary information and the position information that the electric vehicle 1 has passed the position of the boundary 142 from the predetermined area 132 to the outside of the predetermined area 132, a notification is issued to the user via the notification devices 105, 106 to urge the user to move the electric vehicle 1 to the predetermined point 125; A notification method including:

[0260] If the electric vehicle 1 moves far away from the predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125. If the electric vehicle 1 passes a boundary position toward the outside of the predetermined area 132, a notification is issued urging the electric vehicle 1 to move to the predetermined point 125. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle 1 moves any further away from the predetermined point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125.

[0261] [Item 27] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a notification regarding a battery 20 of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle 1, The computer program is Obtaining boundary information indicating a boundary 142 located on the outer periphery of a predetermined area 132 surrounding a predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged, and location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle 1; when it is determined based on the boundary information and the position information that the electric vehicle 1 has passed the position of the boundary 142 from the predetermined area 132 to the outside of the predetermined area 132, a notification is issued to the user via the notification devices 105, 106 to urge the user to move the electric vehicle 1 to the predetermined point 125; A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute the following.

[0262] If the electric vehicle 1 moves far away from the predetermined point 125 where the battery 20 can be charged, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125. If the electric vehicle 1 passes a boundary position toward the outside of the predetermined area 132, a notification is issued urging the electric vehicle 1 to move to the predetermined point 125. This allows the user to recognize that if the electric vehicle 1 moves any further away from the predetermined point 125, the remaining battery capacity may run out before the electric vehicle 1 returns to the predetermined point 125. [Industrial Applicability]

[0263] The present invention is particularly useful in the field of notification systems for electric vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0264] 1: Electric vehicle (electrically assisted bicycle), 2: Body frame, 3: Saddle, 4: Handlebar, 5: Meter unit, 6: Front wheel, 7: Rear wheel, 10: Notification system, 11: Head pipe, 12: Down tube, 12a: Cover, 13: Handle column, 14: Top tube, 15: Front fork, 16: Seat tube, 17: Seat post, 18: Chain stay, 19: Seat stay, 20: Battery unit, 21: BMS, 22: Headlamp, 23: Chain, 24: Bracket, 25: Speed ​​sensor, 28: Derailleur, 30: Drive unit, 31: MCU, 32: Electric motor, 35: Pedal crankshaft, 36: Crank arm, 37: Pedal, 38: Drive sprocket, 41: Handlebar, 42: Handle stem, 43L: Left grip, 43R: Right grip, 44L: Rear wheel brake lever, 44R: Front wheel brake lever, 45L: Gear change operating device, 45R: Gear change operating device, 50: Meter, 51: Display device, 52: Power switch, 53: Lamp switch, 55: Input device, 56: Input device, 57: Electric wire, 58: Speaker, 59: Lamp, 60: Control device, 61: Processing device, 62: ROM, 63: RAM, 70: Operation device, 71: Assist force setting switch, 72: Assist force setting switch, 73: Select switch, 74: Push walking switch, 77: Electric wire, 100: Portable terminal device, 101: Control device, 102: Storage device, 103: Communication device, 104: Input device, 105: Display device, 106: Speaker, 107: Microphone, 108: Camera, 109: Lamp, 110: Positioning device, 111: Processing device, 112: ROM, 113: RAM, 121: Map, 122: Pointer, 125: Charging location, 126: Road, 131: First area, 132: Second area, 141: First boundary, 142: Second boundary, 151: Pop-up window, 152: Illustration encouraging charging

Claims

1. A notification system that notifies a user to encourage charging of a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, a processing device; a storage device that stores a computer program that controls the operation of the processing device; Equipped with The processing device, in accordance with the computer program, acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined point where the battery can be charged and an outside of the first area; acquiring location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle and remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle is located within the first area and that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, a first notification is issued to the user via a notification device to prompt the user to charge the battery; when it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the position of the first boundary while traveling from outside the first area toward the first area, if the remaining capacity of the battery is equal to or less than the first threshold, the first notification is performed; an alert system that does not issue the first alert when it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the first boundary position while heading from outside the first area toward the first area and the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than the first threshold.

2. A notification system that notifies a user to encourage charging of a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, a processing device; a storage device that stores a computer program that controls the operation of the processing device; Equipped with The processing device, in accordance with the computer program, acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined point where the battery can be charged and an outside of the first area; acquiring location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle and remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle is located within the first area and that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, a first notification is issued to the user via a notification device to prompt the user to charge the battery; acquiring second boundary information indicating a second boundary located at an outer periphery of a second area surrounding the periphery of the first area; When it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the second boundary position while heading from the second area to the outside of the second area, a second notification is issued to the user via the notification device to urge the user to move the electric vehicle to the specified point.

3. 2. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the processing device does not issue the first notification when the electric vehicle passes the first boundary position, but then issues the first notification if the remaining charge of the battery becomes equal to or less than the first threshold while the electric vehicle is located within the first area.

4. The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first boundary is set at a position a first distance away from the predetermined point.

5. The notification system according to claim 4 , wherein the first distance is equal to or greater than 50 m and equal to or less than 200 m.

6. The notification system according to claim 4 , wherein the first boundary is a circle on a map with the predetermined point as its center.

7. The remaining capacity of the battery is expressed as SOC (State Of Charge), The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first threshold value is set to a value in the range of 20% to 60% of the SOC.

8. The processing device includes: calculating a second distance that the electric vehicle can travel using the output current of the battery based on the remaining capacity of the battery; The notification system according to claim 2 , wherein the position of the second boundary is set so that a third distance between the predetermined point and the second boundary is smaller than the second distance.

9. The notification system according to claim 8 , wherein the processing unit changes the position of the second boundary in accordance with a change in the remaining capacity of the battery.

10. The notification system according to claim 8 , wherein the processing device sets the position of the second boundary so that the third distance is equal to or greater than 0.3 times and equal to or less than 0.7 times the second distance.

11. the notification device is included in a mobile terminal device, The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electric vehicle and the portable terminal device communicate information by wireless communication.

12. the processing device and the storage device are included in a mobile terminal device; The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the remaining battery capacity information is transmitted from the electric vehicle to the mobile terminal device by wireless communication.

13. the notification device includes a display device; The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing device performs the first notification by causing the display device to display at least one of text and a graphic urging the user to charge the battery.

14. the alarm device includes a sound-generating component; The notification system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit performs the first notification by causing the sound component to output a sound that prompts the user to charge the battery.

15. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined location is a location where a charging device that charges the battery is installed.

16. 3. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the electric vehicle is an electrically assisted bicycle in which an electric motor supplied with current from the battery generates an assisting force.

17. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery is a portable battery that is detachable from the electric vehicle.

18. 1. A notification method executed by one or more computers to notify a user to encourage charging of a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, comprising: acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined point where the battery can be charged and an outside of the first area; acquiring location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle and remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle is located within the first area and that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, issuing a first notification to the user via a notification device to prompt the user to charge the battery; performing the first notification when it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the position of the first boundary while traveling from outside the first area toward the first area and the remaining charge of the battery is equal to or less than the first threshold value; not making the first notification if the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than the first threshold when it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the position of the first boundary while heading from outside the first area toward the first area; A notification method including:

19. A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute a notification that prompts charging of a battery of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, The computer program comprises: acquiring first boundary information indicating a first boundary between a first area including a predetermined point where the battery can be charged and an outside of the first area; acquiring location information indicating a current location of the electric vehicle and remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining capacity of the battery; when it is determined based on the first boundary information, the position information, and the remaining battery capacity information that the electric vehicle is located within the first area and that the remaining battery capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, issuing a first notification to a user via a notification device to prompt the user to charge the battery; performing the first notification when it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the position of the first boundary while traveling from outside the first area toward the first area and the remaining charge of the battery is equal to or less than the first threshold value; not making the first notification if the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than the first threshold when it is determined that the electric vehicle has passed the position of the first boundary while heading from outside the first area toward the first area; a computer program for causing the one or more computers to execute the

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