Information Processing Method

Abstract

To reduce adverse effects that may extend to a schedule that a user SP has even after a user vehicle SV is unable to move owing to electricity shortage.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an information processing method by an information processing device 1, and the information processing method includes: determining an operation plan of an electricity supply vehicle BV, which includes receiving an electric charging request including information representing a destination from a user terminal 2 and transporting the user SP and the user vehicle SV toward the destination while feeding electricity to the user vehicle SV in response to the electric charging request; and transmitting the operation plan to a business operator terminal 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a technique has been disclosed in which, when an electric vehicle runs out of electricity due to exhaustion, a rescue electric vehicle supplies power (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-086841 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the user's vehicle runs out of power and is unable to move, the user cannot move the user's vehicle until charging is complete, which may have a negative impact on the user's subsequent schedule (causing the user to be late).

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure, made in consideration of such circumstances, is to reduce the adverse effects that may have on a user's subsequent schedule even after the user's vehicle runs out of power and becomes unable to move. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An information processing method by an information processing device, receiving a charge request from a user terminal, the charge request including information indicating a destination; determining an operation plan for the power supply vehicle, which includes transporting the user and the user vehicle toward the destination while supplying power to the user vehicle in response to the charging request; transmitting the operation plan to a business operator terminal; Includes: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even after a user's vehicle runs out of power and is unable to move, it is possible to reduce the adverse impact that may have on the user's subsequent schedule. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a carrier terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a user terminal 2, a business operator terminal 3, a user vehicle SV, and a power supply vehicle BV, which are capable of communicating with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, a mobile communication network, the Internet, or a fixed communication network.

[0010] The user terminal 2 is operated by a user SP. The user SP drives or rides in the user vehicle SV. The business operator terminal 3 is operated by a business operator BP. The business operator BP drives or rides in the power supply vehicle BV. The power supply vehicle BV moves to the position of the user vehicle SV in direction A and supplies power from the power supply vehicle BV to the user vehicle SV. Here, as an example, the user vehicle SV is an electric vehicle including a battery, but is not limited to this. The power supply vehicle BV can have both a power supply function for supplying power to the user vehicle SV and a transportation function for transporting the user vehicle SV. Furthermore, the transportation function can include, but is not limited to, a towing type and a loading type. As an alternative, the business operator BP does not need to ride in the power supply vehicle BV. As a further alternative, the power supply vehicle BV may operate in an autonomous driving mode.

[0011] For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 illustrates one each of information processing device 1, user terminal 2, and provider terminal 3. However, the respective numbers of information processing device 1, user terminal 2, and provider terminal 3 are not limited to this. For example, the processing executed by the information processing device 1 of this embodiment may be executed by multiple information processing device 1 that are distributed. The information processing device 1 may be capable of communicating with multiple user terminals 2 and multiple provider terminals 3.

[0012] The information processing device 1 may be a server that supports the provision of services by a business entity. The information processing device 1 may be installed, for example, in a facility dedicated to the business entity or in a shared facility including a data center. As an alternative example, the information processing device 1 may be installed in a user terminal 2 or a business operator terminal 3. The information processing device 1 may be referred to as a center server.

[0013] The user terminal 2 may include, for example, a navigation device installed in the user vehicle SV, or a mobile device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a wearable device, or a tablet. Alternatively, the user terminal 2 may be a general-purpose device such as a PC, or a dedicated device. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0014] The operator terminal 3 includes, for example, a navigation device mounted on the power supply vehicle BV, or a mobile device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a wearable device, or a tablet. Alternatively, the operator terminal 3 may be a general-purpose device such as a PC, or a dedicated device.

[0015] The internal configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0016] The information processing device 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The components of the information processing device 1 are connected to each other via, for example, a dedicated line so that they can communicate with each other.

[0017] The control unit 11 includes, for example, one or more general-purpose processors including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 11 may include one or more dedicated processors specialized for specific processing. Instead of including a processor, the control unit 11 may include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuits may be, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 11 may include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control unit 11 transmits and receives any information via the communication unit 12.

[0018] The communication unit 12 includes a communication module compatible with one or more wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards for connecting to the network NW. The communication unit 12 may include a module compatible with one or more mobile communication standards including LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 12 may include a communication module compatible with one or more short-range communication standards or specifications including Bluetooth (registered trademark), AirDrop (registered trademark), IrDA, ZigBee (registered trademark), FeliCa (registered trademark), or RFID. The communication unit 12 transmits and receives any information via the network NW.

[0019] The memory unit 13 may include, but is not limited to, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory may be, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM may be, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM may be, for example, EEPROM. The memory unit 13 may function as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 13 may store information resulting from analysis or processing by the control unit 11. The memory unit 13 may store various information related to the operation or control of the information processing device 1. The memory unit 13 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, etc. The memory unit 13 may be provided external to the information processing device 1 and accessed by the information processing device 1. The memory unit 13 includes a vehicle information database (DB), a reservation information DB, and an operator information DB. As an alternative, these DBs may be separated into a vehicle management server, a reservation management server, and an operator server.

[0020] The internal configuration of the user terminal 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0021] The user terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, a display unit 24, an input unit 25, and a positioning unit 26. The components of the user terminal 2 are communicably connected to each other via, for example, a dedicated line.

[0022] The description of the hardware configuration of the control unit 21, communication unit 22, and storage unit 23 of the user terminal 2 may be the same as the description of the hardware configuration of the control unit 11, communication unit 12, and storage unit 13 of the information processing device 1. The description here will be omitted.

[0023] The display unit 24 is, for example, a display. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescence. The display unit 24 may be connected to the user terminal 2 as an external output device instead of being provided in the user terminal 2. Any connection method may be used, for example, USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0024] The input unit 25 is, for example, a physical key, a capacitance key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone. The input unit 25 accepts an operation to input information used for the operation of the user terminal 2. The input unit 25 may be connected to the user terminal 2 as an external input device instead of being provided in the user terminal 2. Any connection method may be used, for example, USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0025] The positioning unit 26 includes at least one GNSS receiver. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS, QZSS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The positioning unit 26 acquires location information. "Location information" is information that can identify the location of the user terminal 2, and includes, for example, coordinates.

[0026] The internal configuration of the operator terminal 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0027] The operator terminal 3 includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, an input unit 35, and a positioning unit 36. The components of the operator terminal 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, for example, via a dedicated line.

[0028] The description of the hardware configuration of the control unit 31, communication unit 32, storage unit 33, display unit 34, input unit 35, and positioning unit 36 ​​of the operator terminal 3 may be the same as the description of the hardware configuration of the control unit 21, communication unit 22, storage unit 23, display unit 24, input unit 25, and positioning unit 26 of the user terminal 2. The description here will be omitted.

[0029] The services executed by the information processing system S of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 5. As an example, a service will be described in which, when a reservation for an on-site charging service is received from a user SP, the user SP and the user vehicle SV are transported to a destination while power is supplied to the user vehicle SV. This service may be provided via an app installed on the user terminal 2 and the business operator terminal 3, or via a web browser on the user terminal 2 and the business operator terminal 3.

[0030] In step S1, the positioning unit 36 ​​of the business operator terminal 3 measures position information periodically or irregularly. In step S2, the control unit 31 can transmit power supply vehicle information as a measurement result to the information processing device 1 periodically or irregularly. The power supply vehicle information is any information related to the power supply vehicle BV, and includes, for example, the measured position information of the power supply vehicle BV, the power supply remaining capacity of the power supply vehicle BV, and a power supply vehicle identifier. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 1 can receive the power supply vehicle information. The control unit 11 can store the received power supply vehicle information in a vehicle information DB in the storage unit 13 in association with the power supply vehicle identifier. The vehicle information DB is a DB that stores any vehicle-related information, such as position information, power supply remaining capacity, or remaining charge capacity, for each of the power supply vehicle BV and a user vehicle SV described later. The control unit 11 can monitor the position information and power supply remaining capacity of the power supply vehicle BV. As an alternative example, the control unit 31 of the business operator terminal 3 may transmit the power supply vehicle information to the control unit 11 when the control unit 11 receives a charging request described later.

[0031] In step S3, the positioning unit 26 of the user terminal 2 measures the position information periodically or irregularly. In step S4, the control unit 21 can transmit user vehicle information as a measurement result to the information processing device 1 periodically or irregularly. The user vehicle information is any information related to the user vehicle SV, and includes, for example, the measured position information of the user vehicle SV, the remaining charge of the user vehicle SV, and a user vehicle identifier. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 1 can receive the user vehicle information. The control unit 11 can store the received user vehicle information in the vehicle information DB in the storage unit 13 in association with the user vehicle identifier. The control unit 11 can monitor the position information and remaining charge of the user vehicle SV. As an alternative example, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 may transmit the user vehicle information to the control unit 11 together with a charging request, which will be described later.

[0032] In step S5, when the user SP in the user vehicle SV becomes unable to move due to a lack of power while en route to a desired destination, the user SP selects or inputs a charging request as a reservation for an emergency charging service via the input unit 25 of the user terminal 2. The charging request includes information indicating the destination and a user vehicle identifier. As an additional example, the charging request may further include location information of the user vehicle SV and the remaining charge of the user vehicle SV. As a further additional example, the charging request may further include any user preference information, such as the type of power supply vehicle BV or a desired stopover point on the way to the destination. As an alternative example, the charging request may be selected or input when the user SP determines that the user vehicle SV is likely to be unable to move due to a lack of power (i.e., before the user vehicle SV becomes unable to move due to a lack of power). The control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 accepts the charging request.

[0033] In step S6, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 transmits a charging request to the information processing device 1. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the charging request from the user terminal 2. As an additional example, the control unit 11 may register the charging request as unprocessed data in the reservation information DB in the storage unit 13 in association with the user vehicle identifier. The reservation information DB is a DB that stores past and current charging requests. In other words, the reservation information DB holds the past history and reservation information of the emergency charging service. As an alternative example, as described above, the control unit 11 may acquire power supply vehicle information from the business operator terminal 3 when receiving a charging request.

[0034] In step S7, the control unit 11 determines an operation plan for the power supply vehicle BV, which includes transporting the user SP and the user vehicle SV toward the destination while supplying power to the user vehicle SV in response to the charging request. Determining the operation plan includes, for example, determining a route for the power supply vehicle BV to move to the position of the user vehicle SV and transport the user vehicle SV and the user SP to the destination, based on position information of the user vehicle SV, information indicating the destination of the user SP, and position information of the power supply vehicle BV. As an additional example, determining the operation plan includes determining a route further based on user preference information, such as desired stopovers on the way to the destination.

[0035] As an additional example, the operation plan may include terminating power supply and transportation of the user vehicle SV when the user vehicle SV, being transported while receiving power from the power supply vehicle BV, becomes capable of self-propelling the remaining route to the destination. The control unit 11 may, for example, calculate or predict the amount of charge required for the user vehicle SV to reach the destination from the location of the user vehicle SV, based on the fuel efficiency of the user vehicle SV, the power supply speed between the user vehicle SV and the power supply vehicle BV, and the route and required time to the destination. The control unit 11 may further determine a location on the route at which the user vehicle SV can self-propel by calculating or predicting the required time for the user vehicle SV to be supplied with power up to the calculated or predicted amount of charge. In this case, determining the operation plan may, for example, include determining a route for the power supply vehicle BV to move to the location of the user vehicle SV and transport the user vehicle SV and the user SP to a location on the route at which the user vehicle SV can self-propel, based on the location information of the user vehicle SV, the location on the route at which the user vehicle SV can self-propel, and the location information of the power supply vehicle BV.

[0036] As an additional example, the control unit 11 can determine the power supply vehicle BV in response to the charging request. The determination of the power supply vehicle BV is performed based on, for example, but not limited to, the following. User preference information such as the type of power supply vehicle BV (e.g., on-board or towed). Regarding charging specifications, whether the specifications of the user vehicle SV and the specifications of the power supply vehicle BV are compatible. Whether or not the power supply vehicle BV is available based on the registered information in the business operator information DB described below. The amount of charge required by the user vehicle SV (specifically, consider a case where there is a power supply vehicle CV that has a small remaining power supply capacity but is closer to the user vehicle SV than the power supply vehicle DV, and a power supply vehicle DV that has sufficient remaining power supply capacity but is farther from the user vehicle SV than the power supply vehicle CV. When the control unit 11 determines that the remaining power supply capacity of the power supply vehicle CV is insufficient to charge the amount required by the user vehicle SV, the control unit 11 does not select the power supply vehicle CV as the power supply vehicle BV. Next, when the control unit 11 determines that the remaining power supply capacity of the power supply vehicle DV is sufficient to charge the amount required by the user vehicle SV, the control unit 11 selects the power supply vehicle DV as the power supply vehicle BV.) As an additional example, the control unit 11 may associate information about the determined power supply vehicle BV with the power supply vehicle identifier and register it in the business operator information DB in the storage unit 13. The business operator information DB is a DB that stores any information about the power supply vehicle BV, such as the type or usage status of the power supply vehicle BV.

[0037] As an additional example, in step S8, the control unit 11 transmits the operation plan to the user terminal 2. Upon receiving the operation plan, the control unit 21 of the user terminal 2 displays the operation plan on the display unit 24. The control unit 21 can accept approval of the operation plan from the user SP via the input unit 25. In step S9, the control unit 21 can transmit the approval result from the user SP to the information processing device 1. The control unit 11 of the information processing device 1 can receive the approval result. In step S10, the control unit 11 determines whether the user SP has approved the operation plan. If the approval result indicates that the user SP has approved the operation plan, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S11, which will be described later. As an additional example, if the approval result indicates that the user SP has approved the operation plan, the control unit 11 can register information about the user-approved operation plan in the reservation information DB and the business operator information DB in the storage unit 13, in association with the user vehicle identifier or the power supply vehicle identifier.

[0038] As an alternative example, the control unit 11 can transmit a plurality of operation plan candidates to the user terminal 2. The candidate routes included in each operation plan are determined based on, for example, but not limited to, the following: · Whether to use toll roads or not. The power supply vehicle BV transports the user vehicle SV and the user SP to the destination, or the power supply vehicle BV transports the user vehicle SV and the user SP until the user vehicle SV is able to move under its own power. ·Multiple routes to a destination that have the same arrival time to the destination. When the control unit 11 transmits a plurality of candidate routes to the user terminal 2, the control unit 21 can accept, via the input unit 25, the selection of a candidate route desired by the user SP.

[0039] In step S11, the control unit 11 transmits the operation plan to the business operator terminal 3. When the control unit 31 of the business operator terminal 3 receives the operation plan, it can display the operation plan on the display unit 34. The business operator BP can operate the power supply vehicle BV in accordance with the operation plan. As an alternative example, the control unit 11 may transmit to the business operator terminal 3 an operation plan for operating the power supply vehicle BV in autonomous driving mode.

[0040] As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 of the information processing device 1 includes receiving a charge request including information indicating a destination from the user terminal 2, determining an operation plan for the power supply vehicle BV including transporting the user SP and the user vehicle SV toward the destination while supplying power to the user vehicle SV in response to the charge request, and transmitting the operation plan to the business operator terminal 3. With this configuration, the information processing device 1 can reduce adverse effects that may have on the subsequent schedule of the user SP even after the user vehicle SV runs out of power and becomes unable to move.

[0041] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the operation plan includes terminating power supply and transportation of the user vehicle SV when the user vehicle SV, which is being transported while receiving power from the power supply vehicle BV, becomes capable of self-propelling the remaining route to the destination. Travel by the user vehicle SV can arrive at the destination more quickly than travel by the power supply vehicle BV. With the above configuration, the information processing device 1 can further reduce adverse effects that may have on the subsequent schedule of the user SP.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes determining the time when the user vehicle SV will be able to move on its own, based on the fuel efficiency of the user vehicle SV, the power supply speed between the user vehicle SV and the power supply vehicle BV, and the route and required time to the destination. This configuration allows the information processing device 1 to more accurately calculate or predict the time when the user vehicle SV will be able to move on its own.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 11 includes transmitting the operation plan to the user terminal 2 and receiving the approval result of the user SP for the operation plan from the user terminal 2. With this configuration, the information processing device 1 can implement an operation plan in line with the intention of the user SP.

[0044] Although the present disclosure will be described based on various drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or step may be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple means or steps may be combined or divided into one.

[0045] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a program for executing all or part of the functions or processes of the information processing device 1 can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include non-transitory computer-readable media, such as magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or semiconductor memories. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium, such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), on which the program is recorded. The program can also be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transmitting the program from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product. The present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor.

[0046] A computer temporarily stores a program recorded on a portable recording medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device using a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable recording medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may also be executed through a so-called ASP-type service that achieves its functions simply by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results, without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. Programs include information used for processing by a computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that does not directly instruct a computer but has properties that define computer processing falls under the category of "equivalent to a program." [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] S Information Processing System

Claims

1. An information processing method by an information processing device, receiving a charge request from a user terminal, the charge request including information indicating a destination; determining an operation plan for the power supply vehicle, which includes transporting the user and the user vehicle toward the destination while supplying power to the user vehicle in response to the charging request; transmitting the operation plan to a business operator terminal; Including, The operation plan includes terminating power supply and transportation of the user vehicle at a point in time when the user vehicle, which is being transported while receiving power from the power supply vehicle, becomes capable of self-propelled on the remaining route to the destination.

2. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, determining the time when the user vehicle becomes self-propelled based on fuel efficiency of the user vehicle, a power supply speed between the user vehicle and the power supply vehicle, and a route and a required time to the destination.

3. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, An information processing method including determining the power supply vehicle in response to the charging request.

4. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, An information processing method including: transmitting the operation plan to the user terminal; and receiving, from the user terminal, a user approval result for the operation plan.

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