Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique that can contribute to promoting a user of an internal combustion vehicle to switch to a battery electric vehicle (BEV).SOLUTION: In an information processing device of the present disclosure, a control unit acquires an operation history of an internal combustion vehicle in a first period. The control unit determines whether or not battery charging will be required during traveling of a first battery electric vehicle (BEV) when assuming that the first BEV will be operated in accordance with an operation schedule indicated by the acquired operation history. When it is determined that the battery charging will be required during traveling of the first BEV, the control unit generates first information including information related to a charging timing and a charging location, and outputs the generated first information via a first terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a known technology that acquires the conditions under which a user's vehicle is actually driven, and estimates the energy consumption of a comparison vehicle that has different energy consumption characteristics and / or energy source from the user's vehicle, assuming that the comparison vehicle is driven under the same conditions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-271749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can contribute to encouraging users of internal combustion engine vehicles to switch to BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be understood as an information processing device. In this case, the information processing device includes, for example, Acquiring an operation history of an internal combustion engine vehicle for a first period; generating first information regarding timing of charging a battery of the first BEV, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to an operation schedule indicated by the operation history; outputting the first information through a first terminal; The control unit may be configured to execute the above.

[0006] The present disclosure can also be regarded as an information processing method. In this case, the information processing method includes, for example, Acquiring an operation history of an internal combustion engine vehicle for a first period; generating first information regarding timing of charging a battery of the first BEV, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to an operation schedule indicated by the operation history; outputting the first information through a first terminal; may be executed by a computer.

[0007] The present disclosure can be understood as an information processing program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned information processing method, or as a non-transitory storage medium for storing the above-mentioned information processing program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology that can contribute to encouraging users of internal combustion engine vehicles to switch to BEVs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a charging simulation system to which an information processing device according to the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each of an in-vehicle terminal, a user terminal, and a server device included in the charging simulation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual schedule according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing the change over time in the remaining battery charge when the first BEV is assumed to be driven according to a hypothetical schedule. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing the change over time in the remaining battery charge when the first BEV is assumed to be driven according to the hypothetical schedule. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a first diagram illustrating a method for determining a charging location in an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a second diagram for explaining a method for determining a charging location in the embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by a server device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a charging location in the first modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a charging location in Modification 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a charging location in Modification 4. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by a server device in a fifth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In recent years, there has been a movement to promote the spread of BEVs. In response to this, it is expected that users of internal combustion engine vehicles will consider switching to BEVs. However, users of internal combustion engine vehicles may be hesitant to switch to BEVs because they cannot predict when they will need to charge their BEV batteries.

[0011] In response to this, an information processing device according to the present disclosure presents to a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle information (first information) regarding the timing of charging the battery when it is assumed that a first BEV is operated in accordance with an operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle during a first period. In detail, in the information processing device according to the present disclosure, a control unit acquires an operation history of the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period. The first period is, for example, one day, one week, or a period designated by the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle. The operation history is data recorded in chronological order, in which the operating state of the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period and the position of the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period are associated with each other. The data indicates the actual operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period (e.g., parking start time, parking end time, parking position, driving start time, driving start position, driving end time, driving end position, driving route, and driving positions by time).

[0012] The control unit generates first information regarding the timing of charging the battery of the first BEV, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to an operation schedule (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first operation schedule") indicated by the operation history of the internal combustion engine vehicle. The first BEV here refers to, for example, a BEV of the same or similar class as the internal combustion engine vehicle, a BEV of similar price to the internal combustion engine vehicle, or a BEV made by the same manufacturer as the internal combustion engine vehicle. Note that the first BEV may also be a BEV specified by a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle (for example, a BEV that the user is considering switching from an internal combustion engine vehicle to). The charging timing here refers to the timing at which the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the first operation schedule.

[0013] The control unit outputs the generated first information through the first terminal. The first terminal is, for example, an in-vehicle terminal mounted on the internal combustion engine vehicle, or a user terminal used by a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle. In the case where the information processing device according to the present disclosure is a server device on a network, the control unit may transmit a command to the first terminal to output the first information. The control unit may also output (display) the first information through a web browser of the first terminal.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a user of an internal combustion engine vehicle can receive first information via a first terminal. This allows the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle to understand the timing of charging the first BEV, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to a first operating schedule, before switching to the first BEV. As a result, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle can predict when to charge the battery of the first BEV, assuming that the first BEV is used in the same manner as the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period. This also makes it possible to eliminate hesitation about switching from an internal combustion engine vehicle to the first BEV.

[0015] Here, the control unit of the information processing device according to the present disclosure may calculate a battery consumption amount when the first BEV is assumed to be operated according to the first operation schedule. The control unit may calculate a remaining battery capacity based on the calculated battery consumption amount. The control unit may determine a charging timing based on the calculated remaining battery capacity. For example, the control unit may determine the charging timing when the remaining battery capacity drops to a threshold value (e.g., approximately 10% to 20% remaining battery capacity). The control unit may also generate first information based on the determined charging timing. This makes it possible to estimate the timing to charge the battery when the first BEV is assumed to be operated according to the first operation schedule. The battery consumption amount may be calculated based on the gradient of the road on which the internal combustion engine vehicle traveled during the first period, the traveling speed of the internal combustion engine vehicle when traveling during the first period, the acceleration / deceleration rate of the internal combustion engine vehicle when traveling during the first period, etc. Alternatively, the battery consumption amount may be calculated based on the assumption that the first BEV travels under conditions that result in the worst power consumption rate.

[0016] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the present disclosure may estimate the remaining battery capacity by taking into account that the battery of the first BEV is charged at a storage location, such as a parking lot at the user's home. In this case, in the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may determine a first length of time that the first BEV will be parked at the storage location, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to a first operation schedule. The control unit may calculate a first charge amount of the battery, assuming that the first length of time is the battery charging time. The control unit may calculate the remaining battery capacity based on the battery consumption amount and the first charge amount. For example, during the first period, the control unit may subtract the battery consumption amount from the remaining battery capacity during the period that the first BEV is traveling. Furthermore, during the first period, the control unit may add the first charge amount to the remaining battery capacity during the period that the first BEV is parked at the storage location. The control unit may perform these calculation processes chronologically according to the first operation schedule. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the battery consumption when the first BEV is operated according to the first operation schedule.

[0017] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the present disclosure may estimate the remaining battery capacity taking into consideration that the battery of the first BEV is charged at a location other than the storage location. In this case, in the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may identify a first location, other than the storage location and equipped with a charging station, among locations where the first BEV will be parked if the first BEV is assumed to be operated according to the first operation schedule. The control unit may identify a first location where the first BEV will be parked if the first BEV is assumed to be operated according to the first operation schedule. The control unit may determine a second length of time during which the BEV will be parked at the first location. The control unit may calculate a second charge amount of the battery when the second length of time is assumed to be the battery charging time. The control unit may calculate the remaining battery capacity based on the battery consumption amount, the first charge amount, and the second charge amount. For example, during the first period during which the first BEV is traveling, the control unit may subtract the battery consumption amount from the remaining battery capacity. During the first period during which the first BEV is parked at a storage location, the control unit may add the first charge amount to the remaining battery capacity. Furthermore, during the first period during which the first BEV is parked at the first location, the control unit may add the second charge amount to the remaining battery capacity. The control unit may perform these calculation processes chronologically in accordance with the first operation schedule. This allows for more accurate estimation of the remaining battery capacity when the first BEV is operated according to the first operation schedule.

[0018] Furthermore, the first information according to the present disclosure may further include information about a first charging station that is a charging station suitable for charging the battery of the first BEV. In this case, the control unit of the information processing device according to the present disclosure may identify a driving route of the first BEV assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the first operating schedule. The control unit may identify a point on the identified driving route where a charging timing will arrive. The control unit may determine, as the first charging station, a charging station located on the driving route within a predetermined distance from the point where a charging timing will arrive. The predetermined distance here is, for example, a distance that the first BEV can travel with a remaining battery charge equivalent to the aforementioned threshold. This allows a user of an internal combustion engine vehicle to predict not only the timing of charging the first BEV but also the charging location for the first BEV when using the first BEV in the same manner as the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period. As a result, it is possible to more reliably eliminate hesitation about switching from an internal combustion engine vehicle to the first BEV.

[0019] In the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may determine, as the first charging station, a charging station that is located on a driving route within a predetermined distance from a point where the charging timing arrives and that is installed at a location where the first BEV would be parked if the first BEV were to be operated according to a first operation schedule. This allows a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle to predict that, if the user uses the first BEV in the same way as the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period, the user should charge the battery of the first BEV at the same location where the internal combustion engine vehicle is parked.

[0020] In the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may determine, as the first charging station, a charging station that is located on a driving route within a predetermined distance from a point where the charging timing arrives and that is free of charge. This allows the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle to predict that, when using the first BEV in the same manner as the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period, the battery of the first BEV can be charged at a free charging station.

[0021] In addition, in the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may determine, as the first charging station, a charging station that is located on a driving route within a predetermined distance from a point where the charging timing arrives and that is the least crowded during the time period when the charging timing arrives. This allows a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle, when using the first BEV in the same manner as the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first time period, to know which charging station is the least crowded during the time period when the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged.

[0022] In the information processing device according to the present disclosure, the control unit may determine, as the first charging station, a charging station that is located on the driving route within a predetermined distance from the point where the charging timing arrives and that is equipped with a quick charger. If the user of the vehicle in question uses the first BEV in the same manner as an internal combustion engine vehicle for a first period of time, the user can expect to be able to charge the battery of the first BEV at a charging station equipped with a rapid charger.

[0023] The first information according to the present disclosure may include information on a third length of time, which is a recommended charging time at the first charging station, in addition to information on the timing of charging the battery when the first BEV is operated according to the first operating schedule and information on the first charging station. In this case, the control unit of the information processing device according to the present disclosure may calculate the remaining battery power when the first BEV arrives at the first charging station. The control unit may calculate the third length of time based on the calculated remaining battery power. This allows a user of an internal combustion engine vehicle to predict the charging time at the first charging station if they switch to the first BEV.

[0024] The information processing device according to the present disclosure may be a server device capable of communicating with an in-vehicle terminal of an internal combustion engine vehicle or a user terminal of a user. The information processing device according to the present disclosure may also be an in-vehicle terminal or a user terminal.

[0025] <Embodiment> Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which an information processing device according to the present disclosure is applied to a system for providing a BEV charging simulation service to users of internal combustion engine vehicles (hereinafter, also referred to as a "charging simulation system"). Note that, unless otherwise specified, the configurations described in the present embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure to only those.

[0026] (System Overview) 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a charging simulation system according to this embodiment. The charging simulation system according to this embodiment includes an on-board terminal 100 mounted on an internal combustion engine vehicle 10, a user terminal 200 used by a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, and a server device 300. Each of the on-board terminal 100 and the user terminal 200 is connected to the server device 300 via a network N1.

[0027] The internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is a vehicle that runs using an internal combustion engine as a prime mover. The in-vehicle terminal 100 collects an operation history of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during a first period and transmits the collected operation history to the server device 300. The operation history is data that chronologically records the actual operating state and position of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period. The data recorded in this manner indicates the actual operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle during the first period (e.g., parking start time, parking end time, parking position, driving start time, driving start position, driving end time, driving end position, driving route, and driving position by time of day, etc.). The first period may be, for example, one day or one week. The first period may also be a period arbitrarily designated by the user.

[0028] The server device 300 generates first information based on the operation history received from the in-vehicle terminal 100. The first information is information regarding the timing of charging the battery of the first BEV, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the operation schedule indicated by the operation history. Specifically, the first information includes information indicating whether battery charging will be required while the first BEV is traveling, information indicating the charging timing if battery charging is required, and information indicating a charging location (charging station) if battery charging is required, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 for a first period.

[0029] In this embodiment, the server device 300 performs a simulation in which the first BEV is operated according to the same operation schedule as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during a first period, and determines whether the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling. If it is determined that the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged, the server device 300 determines the charging timing and charging location. The server device 300 generates first information based on the above determination result, and provides the generated first information to the user terminal 200. Note that the first BEV used in the above simulation may be a BEV of the same or similar class as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, a BEV of similar price to the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, a BEV made by the same manufacturer as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, or a BEV specified by the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 (for example, a BEV that the user is considering switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, etc.).

[0030] The user terminal 200 outputs the first information provided by the server device 300 and presents it to the user. The user who is presented with the first information can predict the timing and location of charging when the first BEV will be used in the same manner as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 in the first period before switching to the first BEV. This allows the user to predict when and where the battery should be charged when the first BEV will be used in the same manner as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 in the first period. This can eliminate the user's hesitation about switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 to the first BEV.

[0031] (System Configuration) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each of the on-board terminal 100, the user terminal 200, and the server device 300 included in the charging simulation system in this embodiment.

[0032] The on-board terminal 100 is a computer mounted on the internal combustion engine vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the on-board terminal 100 includes a control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 101, a position acquisition unit The control ECU 101, the position acquisition unit 102, the management ECU 103, and the communication unit 104 are connected to each other in accordance with the CAN (Controller Area Network) standard. The on-board terminal 100 is connected to each other via an in-vehicle network (CAN-BUS) or the like. The hardware configuration of the on-board terminal 100 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2, and components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0033] The control ECU 101 is an ECU for controlling various devices mounted on the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, and is configured to include a plurality of ECUs for different device systems. For example, the control ECU 101 includes an ECU that controls the internal combustion engine, which is the prime mover of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, an ECU that controls the braking device of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, an ECU that controls the transmission of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, an ECU that controls the suspension of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, an ECU that controls the air conditioning device of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, and an ECU that controls the multimedia devices mounted on the internal combustion engine vehicle 10. The control ECU 101 controls the prime mover, the braking device, the transmission, the suspension, the air conditioning device, the multimedia devices, etc. based on detection signals from various sensors mounted on the internal combustion engine vehicle 10.

[0034] The position acquisition unit 102 is a device that acquires position information indicating the current position of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10. The position acquisition unit 102 is configured to include, for example, a GPS receiver. The position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 102 is, for example, latitude and longitude. However, the position acquisition unit 102 is not limited to a GPS receiver, and the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 102 is not limited to latitude and longitude. The position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 102 is output to the management ECU 103. Note that a position acquisition unit included in a car navigation system installed in the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can also be used as the position acquisition unit 102.

[0035] The management ECU 102 acquires the operating state and position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 through the control ECU 101 and the position acquisition unit 102 at a predetermined cycle, associates the operating state and the position information with each other, and records them in chronological order. Each time a first period elapses, the management ECU 103 transmits the recorded data for the first period to the server device 300 through the communication unit 104. The recorded data for the first period transmitted from the management ECU 103 to the server device 300 in this manner corresponds to the "operation history" according to the present disclosure. The recorded data that has been transmitted to the server device 300 may be deleted from the management ECU 103. The operating state of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is, for example, the on / off state of the ignition switch (whether the internal combustion engine is operating or stopped), etc. However, the operating state of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is not limited to the on / off of the ignition switch, but may also include the driving speed, accelerator opening, on / off of the brake switch, on / off of the air conditioning device, on / off of the multimedia device, etc. Furthermore, the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 includes information indicating the position of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 while in operation (when the ignition switch is on), and information indicating the position of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 while stopped (when the ignition switch is off).

[0036] The communication unit 104 is an interface for connecting the in-vehicle terminal 100 to a network N1 outside the vehicle. The communication unit 104 connects to the network N1 using, for example, a wireless communication network, and communicates with the server device 300 through the network N1. In this embodiment, the communication unit 104 transmits the driving history received from the management ECU 103 through the in-vehicle network to the server device 300 through the network N1. The wireless communication network may be, for example, a mobile communication network such as 5G (5th-Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution), or a Wi- The network N1 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) that is a global public communication network such as the Internet, or another communication network.

[0037] The user terminal 200 has a function of presenting first information to the user through the server device 300. Specifically, the user terminal 200 presents to the user information indicating whether the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling, information indicating the timing of charging if the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged, and information indicating the charging location if the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the same operation schedule as the operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 for the first period. The above-mentioned functions are realized, for example, by an application program installed on the user terminal 200 or a web browser running on the user terminal 200.

[0038] The user terminal 200 that realizes the above-described functions is a computer used by an individual, such as a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet computer, or personal information terminal. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 200 includes a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, an input / output unit 204, and a communication unit 205. The processor 201, the main memory unit 202, the auxiliary memory unit 203, the input / output unit 204, and the communication unit 205 are connected to one another by a bus. The configuration of the user terminal 200 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2, and components can be added, changed, or omitted as appropriate.

[0039] The processor 201 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP). The processor 201 performs various information processing operations. The user terminal 200 is controlled by the above.

[0040] The main memory unit 202 is a computer-readable recording medium. The main memory unit 202 is a storage device used as a recording area for loading programs stored in the auxiliary memory unit 203, or as a buffer for temporarily storing the results of calculations by the processor 201. The main memory unit 202 is configured to include, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0041] The auxiliary storage unit 203 is a computer-readable recording medium. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores various programs, as well as various data and tables used when the processor 201 executes the various programs. The auxiliary storage unit 203 includes, for example, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The auxiliary storage unit 203 may include a removable medium, i.e., a portable recording medium. The removable medium may be, for example, a disk recording medium such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a universal serial bus (USB) memory. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 include an operating system (OS) and an application program for implementing a function of presenting first information to a user through the server device 300. Note that some or all of the information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 may be stored in the main storage unit 202.

[0042] The communication unit 204 is an interface for connecting the user terminal 200 to the network N1. In this embodiment, the communication unit 204 is connected to the network N1 and communicates with the server device 300 through the network N1. The communication unit 204 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0043] The input / output unit 204 accepts input operations performed by the user and presents information to the user. The input / output unit 204 is configured to include, for example, a touch panel display and its control circuit. In this embodiment, the input / output unit 204 displays the first information provided from the server device 300 on the touch panel display.

[0044] The server device 300 is a computer operated by a provider of a charging simulation service and corresponds to an "information processing device" according to the present disclosure. The server device 300 simulates the driving of the first BEV based on the driving history acquired from the in-vehicle terminal 100 and generates first information. The server device 300 provides the generated first information to the user terminal 200. Such a server device 300 may be configured to function as a web server for interacting with the user terminal 200. In this case, the user terminal 200 can present the first information to the user through the server device 300 by accessing the web server through a browser. Note that the server device 300 may provide the first information to the user terminal 200 by means other than a web server. For example, the first information may be provided from the server device 300 to the user terminal 200 using an application program installed in the user terminal 200 and a predetermined protocol.

[0045] 2, the server device 300 that realizes the above-described functions includes a processor 301, a main memory unit 302, an auxiliary memory unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The processor 301, the main memory unit 302, the auxiliary memory unit 303, and the communication unit 304 are connected to one another via a bus. The hardware configuration of the server device 300 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2, and components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0046] The server device 300 realizes the above-described functions by having the processor 301 load a program stored in a recording medium into a work area of ​​the main memory unit 302 and execute the program. Note that the series of processes executed by the server device 300 can be executed by hardware or software.

[0047] The processor 301, main memory 302, and auxiliary memory 303 are the same as the processor 201, main memory 202, and auxiliary memory 203 of the user terminal 200, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. However, the program stored in the auxiliary memory 303 includes a charging simulation program. The auxiliary storage unit 303 includes a program for realizing a function of providing online services to users. Note that part or all of the information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303 may be stored in the main storage unit 302.

[0048] The communication unit 304 transmits and receives information between external devices (e.g., the in-vehicle terminal 100 and the user terminal 200) and the server device 300. The communication unit 304 is, for example, a LAN interface board or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The LAN interface board or the wireless communication circuit is connected to the network N1.

[0049] (Functional configuration of server device) Here, the functional configuration of the server device 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 300 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 300 in this embodiment has, as its functional components, an acquisition unit F310, a simulation unit F320, a generation unit F330, a provision unit F340, and a map information database D310.

[0050] The acquisition unit F310, the simulation unit F320, the generation unit F330, and the provision unit F340 are realized by the processor 301 of the server device 300 loading and executing a program from the auxiliary storage unit 303 onto the main storage unit 302. Note that the acquisition unit F310, the simulation unit F320, the generation unit F330, and the provision unit F340 may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0051] In this embodiment, the processor 301 that realizes the functional components of the acquisition unit F310, the simulation unit F320, the generation unit F330, and the provision unit F340 corresponds to the "control unit" according to the present disclosure.

[0052] The map information database D310 is constructed by a database management system (DBMS) managing data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 303. The database management system is a program executed by the processor 301 of the server device 300.

[0053] Any of the functional components of the server device 300, or part of the processing thereof, may be executed by another computer connected to the network N1. The functional configuration of the server device 300 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 3, and functional components may be omitted, changed, or added as appropriate.

[0054] Map data of roads and charging stations is registered in the map information database D310. The map data registered in the map information database D310 may be data in a known format. For example, the map data registered in the map information database D310 may include multiple map meshes corresponding to multiple areas divided by latitude and longitude. Each map mesh may include road links indicating roads that are passable by automobiles, information for identifying the position of each road link on the map (e.g., latitude and longitude or address), and information for identifying the position of each charging station on the map (e.g., latitude and longitude or address).

[0055] The acquisition unit F310 acquires the driving history from the in-vehicle terminal 100. Specifically, when the driving history is transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the server device 300, the acquisition unit F310 acquires the driving history through the communication unit 304. The driving history is data in which the actual driving state and position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during a first period are recorded in chronological order in association with each other. , which shows the operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 in the first period. The operation history acquired by the acquisition unit F310 is passed to the simulation unit F320.

[0056] The simulation unit F320 simulates the change over time in the remaining battery charge when it is assumed that the first BEV is operated according to the operation schedule indicated by the operation history received from the acquisition unit F310. Specifically, the simulation unit F320 first generates an operation schedule (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "virtual schedule") for the first BEV when it is assumed that the first BEV is operated according to the operation schedule indicated by the operation history.

[0057] An example of a virtual schedule will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual schedule. Ts in FIG. 4 is the start time of the first period. Te in FIG. 4 is the end time of the first period. The example shown in FIG. 4 is a virtual schedule when the first period is one day. Therefore, Ts is midnight on the relevant day, and Te is midnight on the relevant day. Note that if the first period is one week, a virtual schedule from midnight on Sunday of the relevant week to midnight on Saturday of the same week should be generated.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , it is assumed that the first BEV is parked at a storage location during the first period from time Ts to time T0. The storage location may be a parking lot at the user's home or a monthly parking lot under contract with the user. The schedule from time Ts to time T0 is set based on the operating state and position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the period from time Ts to time T0 in the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit F310. That is, if the ignition switch of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is off during the period from time Ts to time T0 in the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit F310 and the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 matches the position of the storage location, the simulation unit F320 determines that the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 was parked at the storage location during the period from time Ts to time T0. Accordingly, the simulation unit F320 assumes that the first BEV is parked at the storage location during the period from time Ts to time T0. At this time, the simulation unit F320 identifies the parking time length from time Ts to time T0.

[0059] Furthermore, if the ignition switch of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is on and the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 changes over time from the storage location to facility A during the period from time T0 to time T1 in the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit F310, the simulation unit F320 determines that the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 traveled from the storage location to facility A during the period from time T0 to time T1. Accordingly, the simulation unit F320 assumes that the first BEV travels from the storage location to facility A during the period from time T0 to time T1. At this time, the simulation unit F320 compares the change in the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the period from time T0 to time T1 with the map data in the map information database D310, thereby identifying the travel route from the storage location to facility A and the change in the travel position of the first BEV on that travel route.

[0060] Furthermore, if the ignition switch of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is off during the period from time T1 to time T2 in the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit F310 and the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 matches the position of facility A, the simulation unit F320 determines that the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 was parked at facility A during the period from time T1 to time T2. Accordingly, the simulation unit F320 assumes that the first BEV is parked at facility A during the period from time T1 to time T2. At that time, the simulation unit F320 specifies the length of parking time from time T1 to time T2. Furthermore, the simulation unit F320 specifies the presence or absence of a charging station at facility A based on the map data in the map information database D310.

[0061] Furthermore, if the ignition switch of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is on and the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 changes over time from facility A to the storage location during the period from time T2 to time T3 in the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit F310, the simulation unit F320 determines that the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 traveled from facility A to the storage location during the period from time T2 to time T3. Accordingly, the simulation unit F320 assumes that the first BEV travels from facility A to the storage location during the period from time T2 to time T3. At this time, the simulation unit F320 compares the change in the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the period from time T2 to time T3 with the map data in the map information database D310, thereby identifying the travel route from facility A to the storage location and the change in the travel position of the first BEV on that travel route.

[0062] Furthermore, if the ignition switch of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is off during the period from time T3 to time Te in the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit F310, and the position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 matches the position of the storage location, the simulation unit F320 determines that the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 was parked at the storage location during the period from time T3 to time Te. Accordingly, the simulation unit F320 assumes that the first BEV is parked at the storage location during the period from time T3 to time Te. At that time, the simulation unit F320 specifies the length of parking time from time T3 to time Te.

[0063] 4 is generated, the simulation unit F320 simulates the change in the remaining battery charge over time when the first BEV is operated according to the virtual schedule. The simulation is performed under the assumption that a charging facility is installed at the storage location.

[0064] A method for simulating the remaining battery charge of the first BEV will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the change in remaining battery charge over time when the first BEV is assumed to be operated according to the virtual schedule of FIG. 4 described above. The difference between the example illustrated in FIG. 5 and the example illustrated in FIG. 6 is the remaining battery charge at the start time of the first period (time Ts in FIGS. 5 and 6). That is, the remaining battery charge at the start time Ts of the first period is greater in the example illustrated in FIG. 5 than in the example illustrated in FIG. 6. The remaining battery charge at the start time Ts of the first period may be the remaining battery charge at the end (e.g., midnight on the previous day) of the previous first period (e.g., the previous day). The solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 6 indicate the change in remaining battery charge over time when a charging station is installed at facility A, and the dashed lines in FIGS. 5 and 6 indicate the change in remaining battery charge over time when a charging station is not installed at facility A. 5 and 6, the "threshold" is the remaining battery charge level at which it is determined that the battery needs to be charged, for example, a remaining battery charge of approximately 10% to 20%. Although it is actually impossible for the remaining battery charge to fall below 0%, the graph also shows the transition of the remaining battery charge below 0%.

[0065] In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the simulation unit F320 first simulates the change over time of the remaining battery charge during the period from time Ts to time T0. During this period, the battery of the first BEV is charged at the storage location, so the remaining battery charge increases over time. Therefore, the simulation unit F320 calculates the change over time of the remaining battery charge during this period by integrating the battery charge amount per unit time over time. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the remaining battery charge reaches 100% midway through this period (time Ts1 in FIG. 5), so the remaining battery charge remains at 100% during the period from time Ts1 to time T0. The parking time length from time Ts to time T0 in FIGS. 5 and 6 corresponds to the "first time length" according to the present disclosure. In addition, The battery charge amount from time Ts to time T0 corresponds to the "first charge amount" according to the present disclosure.

[0066] Once the change in remaining battery power over time during the period from time Ts to time T0 has been calculated, the simulation unit F320 simulates the change in remaining battery power over time during the period from time T0 to time T1. During this period, the first BEV travels from the storage location toward facility A, causing the remaining battery power to decrease over time. This is because the distance traveled by the first BEV increases over time during the period from time T0 to time T1, and the remaining battery power decreases accordingly. Therefore, the simulation unit F320 calculates the change in remaining battery power over time during this period by repeatedly subtracting the battery consumption per unit distance (e.g., 1 km) from the remaining battery power as the travel distance increases.

[0067] The battery consumption per unit distance may be set according to the gradient of the travel route, the travel speed (the same travel speed as when the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 traveled along the travel route), the acceleration / deceleration rate (the same acceleration / deceleration rate as when the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 traveled along the travel route), the on / off status of the air conditioner (the same as the on / off status of the air conditioner when the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 traveled along the travel route), the on / off status of the multimedia device (the same as the on / off status of the multimedia device when the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 traveled along the travel route), etc. Alternatively, the battery consumption per unit distance may be the battery consumption per unit distance when the first BEV is assumed to travel under conditions that result in the worst power consumption rate. In this embodiment, in order to reduce the calculation load on the server device 300, the battery consumption per unit distance when the first BEV is assumed to travel under conditions that result in the worst power consumption rate is used.

[0068] After the change in remaining battery power over time during the period from time T0 to time T1 is calculated, the simulation unit F320 simulates the change in remaining battery power over time during the period from time T1 to time T2. During this period, the first BEV is parked at facility A. If a charging station is set up at facility A, this period can be allocated to charging the battery of the first BEV. Therefore, if a charging station is set up at facility A, the simulation unit F320 calculates the change in remaining battery power over time during this period by integrating the battery charge amount per unit time over time. As a result, as shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 6, the remaining battery power increases over time. In this case, facility A corresponds to the "first location" according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the parking time length from time T1 to time T2 corresponds to the "second time length" according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the battery charge amount from time T1 to time T2 corresponds to the "second charge amount" according to the present disclosure. The battery charge amount per unit time may be set according to the model or rating of the charger installed in facility A. Information relating to the model or rating of the charger installed in facility A may be stored in the map information database D310 together with information for identifying the position of each charging station on a map, or may be stored in a database separate from the map information database D310.

[0069] If no charging station is installed in facility A, the battery of the first BEV cannot be charged during this period, and therefore the simulation unit F320 does not increase or decrease the remaining battery capacity during this period from time T1 to time T2. As a result, the remaining battery capacity during this period remains approximately constant (the same as the remaining battery capacity at time T1), as shown by the dashed dotted lines in Figures 5 and 6.

[0070] Once the change in the remaining battery charge over time from time T1 to time T2 has been calculated, the simulation unit F320 simulates the change in the remaining battery charge over time from time T2 to time T3. During this period, the first BEV travels from facility A to the storage location, and the remaining battery charge decreases over time. The application unit F320 calculates the change in the remaining battery charge over time during the period by repeatedly subtracting the battery consumption per unit distance from the battery capacity as the travel distance increases. In this case, the battery consumption per unit distance is calculated assuming that the first BEV travels under conditions that result in the worst power consumption rate.

[0071] Once the change in remaining battery capacity over time for the period from time T2 to time T3 has been calculated, the simulation unit F320 simulates the change in remaining battery capacity over time for the period from time T3 to time Te. During this period, the battery of the first BEV is charged at the storage location, so the remaining battery capacity increases over time. Therefore, the simulation unit F320 calculates the change in remaining battery capacity over time for this period by integrating the battery charge amount per unit time over time. The length of time from time T3 to time Te (parking time length) in FIGS. 5 and 6 also corresponds to the "first length of time" according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the battery charge amount from time T3 to time Te in FIGS. 5 and 6 also corresponds to the "first charge amount" according to the present disclosure.

[0072] After simulating the remaining battery charge using the method described above, the simulation unit F320 determines whether battery charging will be required while the first BEV is traveling based on the simulation results. If the simulation results shown by the solid line in Figure 5 are obtained, it is estimated that the remaining battery charge will not drop to the threshold value throughout the entire virtual schedule. Therefore, the simulation unit F320 determines that battery charging will not be required while the first BEV is traveling when the first BEV travels according to the virtual schedule.

[0073] Furthermore, if a simulation result such as that shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 5 is obtained, it is estimated that the remaining battery charge will drop to a threshold value while traveling from facility A to the storage location (time T21 in FIG. 5). Therefore, the simulation unit F320 determines that, when the first BEV travels according to the virtual schedule, battery charging will be necessary while the first BEV is traveling. If such a determination is made, the simulation unit F320 determines time T21 while the first BEV is traveling from facility A to the storage location as the charging timing. Furthermore, the simulation unit F320 determines a first charging station. The first charging station is a charging station suitable for charging the battery of the first BEV at the charging timing or before or after the charging timing.

[0074] An example of a method for determining a first charging station will now be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a road map of a first area. The first area is a city, ward, town, village, or other area that includes a first point (Pom in FIG. 7). The first point Pom is the traveling position of the first BEV on its traveling route at the time when the charging timing arrives. In the simulation results shown by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 5, the traveling position of the first BEV at time T21 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the first point Pom. Furthermore, Cs1, Cs2, and Cs3 in FIG. 7 indicate charging stations within the first area.

[0075] When identifying the first charging station, the simulation unit F320 first identifies the first point Pom. Specifically, the simulation unit F320 identifies the traveling position of the first BEV at time T21 based on the above-mentioned virtual schedule. Alternatively, the simulation unit F320 may extract position information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 at time T21 from the operation history of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10, and set the position indicated by the extracted position information as the first point Pom.

[0076] The simulation unit F320 accesses the map information database D310 and identifies the first area that includes the first point Pom. Among the charging stations in the area, the charging stations (Cs1, Cs2, and Cs3 in FIG. 7) on the driving route of the first BEV are extracted from the map information database D310. The simulation unit F320 selects, from the extracted charging stations, charging stations located within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom. The simulation unit F320 determines the selected charging station as the first charging station.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, there may be multiple charging stations located within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom (e.g., Cs2 and Cs4 in FIG. 8). In this case, the simulation unit F320 may determine the charging station closest to the first point Pom (e.g., Cs4 in FIG. 8) as the first charging station. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the charging station Cs4 determined as the first charging station is on the route along which the first BEV travels before reaching the first point Pom. In such a case, the simulation unit F320 may correct the charging timing to the time when the first BEV travels past the position of the charging station Cs4. Furthermore, if there is no charging station on the travel route within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the simulation unit F320 may determine the charging station that is not on the travel route but is within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom as the first charging station. Alternatively, if there is no charging station on the driving route within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the simulation unit F320 may determine as the first charging station the charging station that is on the route that the first BEV travels before the driving route within the predetermined distance from the first point Pom and that is closest to the first point Pom.

[0078] Furthermore, if simulation results such as those indicated by the solid line and dashed line in FIG. 6 are obtained, it is estimated that the remaining battery charge will drop to a threshold value while traveling from the storage location to facility A (time T01 in FIG. 6). Therefore, the simulation unit F320 determines that battery charging will be necessary when the first BEV travels according to the virtual schedule. If such a determination is made, the simulation unit F320 determines time T01 while traveling from the storage location to facility A as the charging timing. Furthermore, the simulation unit F320 determines a first charging station. The method for determining the first charging station is the same as the method described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0079] The simulation result of the first BEV traveling according to the virtual schedule and the determination result regarding whether or not battery charging is required are passed from the simulation unit F320 to the generation unit F330. If it is determined that battery charging is required, the simulation unit F320 passes, in addition to the simulation result and determination result, information regarding the charging timing and the first charging station (charging location) to the generation unit F330.

[0080] Returning to the description of FIG. 3, the generation unit F330 generates first information based on information received from the simulation unit F320. If the simulation unit F320 determines that battery charging is unnecessary, the generation unit F330 generates first information including information indicating a hypothetical schedule, information indicating a simulation result, and information indicating that battery charging is unnecessary. If the simulation unit F320 determines that battery charging is necessary, the generation unit F330 generates first information including information indicating a hypothetical schedule, information indicating a simulation result, information indicating that battery charging is necessary, information indicating the charging timing, and location information of a first charging station. The location information of the first charging station may be information indicating the location of the first charging station on a map. The first information generated by the generation unit F330 is passed from the generation unit F330 to the provision unit F340.

[0081] The providing unit F340 provides the first information generated by the generating unit F330 to the user terminal 200. Specifically, the providing unit F340 may transmit the first information generated by the generating unit F330 to the user terminal 200 via the communication unit 304. Note that, if the server device 300 is configured to be able to realize the above-mentioned Web server, the providing unit F340 may cause the browser of the user terminal 200 to display the first information generated by the generating unit F330.

[0082] (Processing flow) Here, the flow of processing executed by the server device 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by the server device 300 when triggered by receiving an operation history from the user terminal 200. Note that the processing routine in Fig. 9 is executed by the processor 301 of the server device 300, but the following description will be focused on the functional components of the server device 300.

[0083] In the processing routine of Fig. 9, the acquisition unit F310 acquires the driving history transmitted from the on-board terminal 100 to the server device 300 via the communication unit 304 (step S101). As described above, the driving history is data recorded in chronological order by the management ECU 103 of the on-board terminal 100, in which the driving state and location information of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during a first period are associated with each other. The driving history acquired by the acquisition unit F310 is passed from the acquisition unit F310 to the simulation unit F320. The simulation unit F320 executes the processing of step S102 when triggered by the reception of the driving history.

[0084] In step S102, the simulation unit F320 generates a virtual schedule for the first BEV based on the operation history of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period. The virtual schedule is an operation schedule for the first BEV when it is assumed that the first BEV is operated according to the operation schedule indicated by the operation history, and is the same as the operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period. The virtual schedule is generated by the method described above in the description of FIG. 4. After completing the processing of step S102, the simulation unit F320 executes the processing of step S103.

[0085] In step S103, the simulation unit F320 simulates the change over time in the remaining battery charge of the first BEV when the first BEV is assumed to be operated according to the virtual schedule generated in step S102. As described above in the explanation of FIGS. 5 and 6, the simulation is performed based on the length of time the first BEV is parked at the storage location, the amount of battery charge at the storage location, the amount of battery consumption during driving, the parking time at a stop-off location (e.g., facility A in FIGS. 5 and 6), and the presence or absence of battery charging facilities at the stop-off location. As a result, the simulation unit F320 derives the simulation results shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. After completing the processing of step S103, the simulation unit F320 executes the processing of step S104.

[0086] In step S104, the simulation unit F320 determines whether battery charging is required while the first BEV is traveling, based on the simulation results of step S103. Specifically, the simulation unit F320 determines whether the remaining battery charge falls to a threshold value while the first BEV is traveling (for example, during the period from time T0 to time T1 or during the period from time T2 to time T3) based on the simulation results shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. If the remaining battery charge falls to the threshold value while the first BEV is traveling, the simulation unit F320 makes a positive determination in step S105. On the other hand, if the remaining battery charge does not fall to the threshold value while the first BEV is traveling, the simulation unit F320 makes a negative determination in step S105.

[0087] If the determination in step S105 is affirmative, the simulation unit F320 The simulation unit F320 executes the process of step S106. In step S106, the simulation unit F320 determines the charging timing. The charging timing is the timing when the battery needs to be charged while the first BEV is traveling in accordance with the virtual schedule, and is the timing when the remaining battery charge drops to a threshold. Here, as in the simulation result shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 5, if the remaining battery charge drops to the threshold at time T21 while traveling from facility A to the storage location, the simulation unit F320 determines time T21 as the charging timing. Also, as in the simulation result shown by the solid line and dashed-dotted line in FIG. 6, if the remaining battery charge drops to the threshold at time T01 while traveling from the storage location to facility A, the simulation unit F320 determines time T01 as the charging timing. After completing the process of step S106, the simulation unit F320 executes the process of step S107.

[0088] In step S107, the simulation unit F320 determines a first charging station. The first charging station is a charging station (charging location) suitable for charging the battery of the first BEV at the charging timing or a timing before or after the charging timing. In determining such a first charging station, the simulation unit F320 first determines the traveling position (e.g., Pom in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the first BEV at the time when the charging timing arrives (e.g., time T21 in FIG. 5 or time T01 in FIG. 6), and identifies the traveling position as a first point Pom.

[0089] Once the first point Pom has been identified, the simulation unit F320 accesses the map information database D310 to identify a first area that includes the first point Pom. Once the first area has been identified, the simulation unit F320 extracts charging stations (Cs1 to Cs3 in FIG. 7 or Cs1 to Cs4 in FIG. 8) that are located in the first area from the map information database D310.

[0090] Once the charging stations in the first area are extracted, the simulation unit F320 selects from the extracted charging stations a charging station located within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom. The simulation unit F320 determines the selected charging station as the first charging station. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8 above, if there are multiple charging stations (e.g., Cs2 and Cs4 in FIG. 8) within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the simulation unit F320 determines the charging station closest to the first point Pom (e.g., Cs4 in FIG. 8) as the first charging station. Note that if the first charging station is located on the route traveled by the first BEV before the first point Pom, the simulation unit F320 may correct the charging timing to the time when the first BEV passes the position of the first charging station.

[0091] After completing the processing of step S107, the simulation unit F320 passes the virtual schedule generated in step S102, the result of the simulation executed in step S103, the determination result of step S105, the charging timing identified in step S106 (or the charging timing corrected in step S107), and the first charging station determined in step S107 to the generation unit F330. The generation unit F330 executes the processing of step S108, triggered by receiving information from the simulation unit F320.

[0092] In step S108, the generation unit F330 generates first information based on the information received from the simulation unit F320. In this case, the first information includes information indicating the virtual schedule, information indicating the simulation result, information indicating that the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling, information indicating the charging timing, and location information of the first charging station. The first information generated by the generation unit F330 is stored in the generation unit F330. The first information is passed to the providing unit F340. The providing unit F340 executes the process of step S109, triggered by receiving the first information.

[0093] In step S109, the providing unit F340 provides the first information to the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10. Specifically, the providing unit F340 transmits the first information to the user terminal 200 via the communication unit 304. Alternatively, when the user accesses the above-mentioned Web server via the browser of the user terminal 200, the providing unit F340 causes the browser of the user terminal 200 to display the first information.

[0094] If the determination in step S105 is negative, the processes of steps S106 and S108 are skipped, and the processes of steps S108 and S109 are executed. In this case, the virtual schedule generated in step S102, the result of the simulation executed in step S103, and the determination result of step S105 are passed from the simulation unit F320 to the generation unit F330. In step S108, the generation unit F330 generates first information including information indicative of the virtual schedule, information indicative of the simulation result, and information indicating that battery charging will not be required during the travel of the first BEV. In step S109, the provision unit F340 provides the first information to the user, including information indicative of the virtual schedule, information indicative of the simulation result, and information indicating that battery charging will not be required during the travel of the first BEV.

[0095] According to this embodiment, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the same operation schedule (virtual schedule) as the operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can predict whether or not the battery will need to be charged while the first BEV is traveling. Furthermore, if the battery needs to be charged while the first BEV is traveling, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can also predict when the battery will need to be charged. Furthermore, if the battery needs to be charged while the first BEV is traveling, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can also predict where the battery should be charged. Therefore, before switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 to the first BEV, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can determine the timing and location of charging the first BEV if the first BEV is used in the same way as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period. In particular, if the operation schedule of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period is an operation schedule that is repeated daily (for example, an operation schedule when the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 is used for commuting to work or school by the user), the user can determine the timing and location of charging the first BEV when using the first BEV on a daily basis. As a result, the user can also predict changes in lifestyle patterns when switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 to the first BEV.

[0096] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the user's hesitation about switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 to the first BEV, and it is also possible to encourage switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 to the first BEV.

[0097] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station closest to the first point Pom is determined to be the first charging station. However, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station located at a stop location for the first BEV may be determined to be the first charging station.

[0098] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a road map of the first area. In the example shown in FIG. There are two charging stations (Cs5 and Cs6 in FIG. 10) within a predetermined distance from the point Pom. Of these two charging stations Cs5 and Cs6, the charging station Cs5 is located at facility A, which the first BEV stops at when traveling according to the virtual schedule. If the charging station Cs5 is located within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the simulation unit F320 of the server device 300 determines the charging station Cs5 as the first charging station. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 10, similar to the example shown in FIG. 8, the charging station Cs5 determined as the first charging station is on the route traveled by the first BEV before the first point Pom. Therefore, the simulation unit F320 may correct the charging timing to the time when the first BEV travels past the position of the charging station Cs5 (in this case, the time when the first BEV arrives at facility A). Furthermore, if charging station Cs5 of facility A is not located within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station closest to the first point Pom may be determined to be the first charging station, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0099] According to this modified example, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the same operating schedule as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period, when the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can be made to anticipate that the battery of the first BEV can be charged at charging station Cs5 in facility A.

[0100] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station closest to the first point Pom is determined as the first charging station. However, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station that is free of charge may be determined as the first charging station.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a road map of a first area. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, there are two charging stations (Cs7 and Cs8 in FIG. 11) within a predetermined distance from a first point Pom. Of these two charging stations, Cs7 is available free of charge, while Cs8 is available for a fee. In this manner, if the free charging station Cs7 and the fee-charging station Cs8 are both within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the simulation unit F320 of the server device 300 determines the free charging station Cs7 as the first charging station. Note that if there are multiple free charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station closest to the first point Pom may be determined as the first charging station. Furthermore, if all charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom are paid charging stations, the charging station closest to the first point Pom may be determined as the first charging station. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , similar to the example shown in FIG. 8 , charging station Cs7 determined as the first charging station is on the route that the first BEV will travel before the first point Pom. Therefore, the simulation unit F320 may correct the charging timing to the time when the first BEV will travel past the position of charging station Cs7. Information on whether each charging station is free or paid may be stored in the map information database D310 together with information for identifying the location of each charging station on the map, or may be stored in a database separate from the map information database D310.

[0102] According to this modified example, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the same operating schedule as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period, when the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can be made aware that the battery of the first BEV can be charged at a free charging station Cs7.

[0103] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station closest to the first point Pom is determined as the first charging station. Alternatively, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station that is least busy during the time period when the charging timing arrives may be determined as the first charging station. In this case, statistics on the availability rate of each charging station by time period may be calculated in advance, and these statistics may be stored separately for each charging station in the auxiliary storage unit 303 of the server device 300.

[0104] According to this modified example, assuming that the first BEV is operated on the same operating schedule as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can be made aware of the charging station that is most vacant during the time period when the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged.

[0105] <Variation 4> In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station closest to the first point Pom is determined to be the first charging station. However, when there are multiple charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station equipped with a rapid charger may be determined to be the first charging station.

[0106] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a road map of a first area. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, there are two charging stations (Cs9 and Cs10 in FIG. 12) within a predetermined distance from a first point Pom. Of these two charging stations, Cs9 is equipped with a rapid charger, while Cs10 is not. In this manner, when charging station Cs9 equipped with a rapid charger and charging station Cs10 without a rapid charger are both within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the simulation unit F320 of the server device 300 determines charging station Cs9 equipped with a rapid charger as the first charging station. Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 12, similar to the example illustrated in FIG. 8 described above, charging station Cs9 determined as the first charging station is on the route traveled by the first BEV before the first point Pom. Therefore, the simulation unit F320 may correct the charging timing to the time when the first BEV travels through the position of the charging station Cs9. Furthermore, if there are multiple charging stations equipped with quick chargers within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom, the charging station closest to the first point Pom among those multiple charging stations may be determined to be the first charging station. Furthermore, if all charging stations within a predetermined distance from the first point Pom are charging stations that do not have quick chargers, the charging station closest to the first point Pom may be determined to be the first charging station.

[0107] According to this modified example, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to the same operating schedule as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period, when the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged, the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can be made aware that the battery of the first BEV can be charged at a charging station Cs9 equipped with a rapid charger.

[0108] <Variation 5> In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the first BEV is operated according to a virtual schedule. In the above example, when it is determined that the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling, first information including information indicating the hypothetical schedule, information indicating the simulation results, information indicating that the battery will need to be charged while traveling, information indicating the charging timing, and location information of the first charging station is provided to the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10. In contrast, when it is assumed that the first BEV is operated according to the hypothetical schedule, when it is determined that the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling, first information including information indicating the charging time at the first charging station in addition to the above information may be provided to the user of the internal combustion engine vehicle 10.

[0109] Here, the flow of processing executed by the server device 300 in this modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by the server device 300 when triggered by receiving an operation history from the user terminal 200. In Fig. 13, the same processes as those in Fig. 9 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0110] The processing routine of FIG. 13 differs from the processing routine of FIG. 9 in that after the processing of step S107 is executed, the processing of step S201 is executed before the processing of step S108 is executed.

[0111] In step S201, the simulation unit F320 determines a charging time. The charging time here is the charging time recommended at the first charging station determined in step S107. To determine the charging time, the simulation unit F320 first determines the distance of a section of the travel route defined in the virtual schedule that the first BEV will travel after the battery is charged at the first charging station (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first distance"). The simulation unit F320 then determines the remaining battery capacity (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "target remaining battery capacity") required for the first BEV to travel the first distance. The target remaining battery capacity is calculated based on the power consumption rate of the first BEV and the first distance. The simulation unit F320 then determines the battery charge amount per unit time at the first charging station. The battery charge amount per unit time at the first charging station is determined according to the model or rating of a charger installed at the first charging station. The simulation unit F320 calculates the charging time based on the target remaining battery capacity and the battery charge amount per unit time at the first charging station. For example, the simulation unit F320 calculates the charging time by dividing the target remaining battery capacity by the battery charge amount per unit time at the first charging station. The charging time calculated in this manner corresponds to the "third time length" according to the present disclosure.

[0112] When the simulation unit F320 finishes executing the processing of step S201, the virtual schedule generated in step S102, the result of the simulation executed in step S103, the judgment result in step S105, the charging timing identified in step S106, the first charging stand determined in step S107, and the charging time determined in step S201 are passed from the simulation unit F320 to the generation unit F330.

[0113] The generation unit F330 executes the process of step S108 when it receives information from the simulation unit F320. In this case, in step S108, the generation unit F330 generates first information including information indicating the virtual schedule, information indicating the simulation result, information indicating that the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling, information indicating the charging timing, location information of the first charging station, and information indicating the charging time at the first charging station. The first information generated by the generation unit F330 is passed from the generation unit F330 to the provision unit F340.

[0114] The providing unit F340 performs the step triggered by receiving the first information. In step S109, the providing unit F340 provides the user with first information including information indicating the virtual schedule, information indicating the simulation result, information indicating that the battery of the first BEV will need to be charged while traveling, information indicating the charging timing, location information of the first charging station, and information indicating the charging time at the first charging station.

[0115] According to this modified example, assuming that the first BEV is operated on the same operating schedule as the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 during the first period, the internal combustion engine vehicle 10 can allow the user to know the estimated charging time at the first charging station when the battery of the first BEV needs to be charged.

[0116] <Other> The above-described embodiment and modified examples are merely examples, and the present disclosure may be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, some or all of the processing performed by the server device 300 may be performed by the in-vehicle terminal 100 or the user terminal 200. The information processing device according to the present disclosure may also be applied to a terminal installed at a dealer or the like that sells the first BEV, or a terminal carried by an employee of the dealer. In this case, the employee of the dealer may connect their terminal to the in-vehicle terminal 100 with a cable and download the driving history from the in-vehicle terminal 100 to their terminal.

[0117] Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradictions arise. For example, the embodiment and Modification Examples 1-2 can be combined as much as possible. Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration for realizing each function can be flexibly changed.

[0118] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus, or via a network. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read by a computer or the like. Examples of such a recording medium include any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (such as a floppy disk or HDD) or an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, DVD disk, or Blu-ray disk). The recording medium may also be a medium such as a ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, or SSD (Solid State Drive). . [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10 Internal combustion engine vehicles 100 In-vehicle terminal 200 user terminals 300 Server device 301 processor 302 Main memory 303 Auxiliary storage unit 304 Communications Department D310 Map Information Database F310 Acquisition Department F320 Simulation Department F330 generator F340 supply department

Claims

1. Acquiring an operation history of an internal combustion engine vehicle during a first period designated by a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle; Calculating a battery consumption amount of a first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) that the user is considering switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle to, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to an operation schedule indicated by the operation history; calculating a remaining battery capacity of the first BEV based on the battery consumption amount; determining whether or not charging of the first BEV is necessary based on the remaining battery charge; generating first information regarding whether charging of the first BEV is necessary according to the determination result of whether charging is necessary; outputting the first information through a first terminal used by the user; A control unit that executes Information processing device.

2. Calculating the remaining battery capacity includes calculating the remaining battery capacity using an arbitrary remaining battery capacity as a starting value. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. When the determination result of the need for charging indicates that charging is required, the control unit determines a charging location and generates the first information including the determined charging location. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. Obtaining an operation history of an internal combustion engine vehicle during a first period designated by a user of the internal combustion engine vehicle; Calculating a battery consumption amount of a first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) that the user is considering switching from the internal combustion engine vehicle to, assuming that the first BEV is operated according to an operation schedule indicated by the operation history; calculating a remaining battery capacity of the first BEV based on the battery consumption amount; determining whether or not charging of the first BEV is necessary based on the remaining battery charge; generating first information regarding whether charging of the first BEV is necessary according to the determination result of whether charging is necessary; outputting the first information through a first terminal used by the user; The computer executes Information processing methods.

5. Calculating the remaining battery capacity includes calculating the remaining battery capacity using an arbitrary remaining battery capacity as a starting value. The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. When the determination result of whether charging is necessary indicates that charging is necessary, the computer determines a charging location and generates the first information including the determined charging location. The information processing method according to claim 4.

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