Terminal device-executed method, server-executed method, and system

Abstract

To improve a technique for guiding the position of a power supply facility.SOLUTION: A method executed by a terminal device of a user includes: determining whether or not a vehicle has entered a target area based on position information of the vehicle of the user; detecting the remaining amount of power of the vehicle; and outputting a message regarding one or more power supply facilities provided in the target area when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining amount of power is less than a predetermined standard.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device-implemented method, a server-implemented method, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known techniques for providing information on energy supply facilities. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle device that displays a map of a service area when it detects that the vehicle has entered the service area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-153339 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There was room for improvement in the technology used to provide information about energy supply facilities.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the technology for providing information about energy supply facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises: A method executed by a user terminal device, comprising: determining whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on location information of the user's vehicle; Obtaining the remaining energy of the vehicle; and When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, outputting a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities provided within the target area. Includes:

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises: A server-implemented method comprising: determining whether the user's vehicle has entered a target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle; Obtaining the remaining energy of the vehicle; and When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, sending a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed within the target area to the user's terminal device. Includes:

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system includes: A system comprising a terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device, The terminal device or the server Determine whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on location information of the user's vehicle; obtaining a remaining energy amount of the vehicle; The terminal device When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities provided within the target area is output. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a technique for providing information about energy supply facilities is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] (Outline of the embodiment) An overview of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 can communicate with each other via a network 30 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0013] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and has a dedicated application with a car navigation function installed. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 is a car navigation (Automotive navigation system) installed in a user's vehicle V. The terminal device 10 is used by a user. As will be described later, the terminal device 10 displays the target area and the location of the energy supply facility on a map screen and outputs synthesized voice.

[0014] The server 20 may be a part of a cloud computing system or other computing system, and may implement various functions. The server 20 may communicate with the terminal device 10 via a network 30.

[0015] The network 30 may include the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one M AN, or a combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 30 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network may be, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0016] The vehicle V is any automobile that uses energy such as gasoline, electricity, or hydrogen for at least part of its propulsion.

[0017] In this embodiment, a user is driving a vehicle V on a road such as a highway (hereinafter referred to as a "road, etc."). The vehicle V can replenish energy by using energy supply facilities installed in each target area on the driving route of the vehicle V.

[0018] In this embodiment, the term "energy supply facility" refers to a facility that is installed on the premises of a target area (described later) and that can replenish energy to the vehicle V. Examples of the energy supply facility include, but are not limited to, a gas station, an EV charging station, or a hydrogen station.

[0019] In this embodiment, the "target area" refers to an area that the vehicle V can enter from a road or the like and where a user can park for a certain period of time to take a break or to replenish the vehicle V with energy. The target area is, for example, a service area (SA) or a parking area (PA), but is not limited to these. In this embodiment, when the vehicle V enters the target area, it travels one-way along a route that includes an approach road (deceleration lane), a parking lot, and an exit road (acceleration lane) in order. In addition, the vehicle V can directly access the energy supply facility from the approach road or the parking lot.

[0020] In this embodiment, "vehicle V enters the target area" means that vehicle V deviates from a travel route such as a road and travels on a travel route in the target area.

[0021] Information about each target area is stored in advance in the server 20 and can be changed as desired.

[0022] An overview of this embodiment will now be described, and details will be provided later. The terminal device 10 determines whether the vehicle V has entered a target area based on location information of the user's vehicle V. The terminal device 10 acquires the remaining energy amount of the vehicle V. When it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, the terminal device 10 outputs a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed within the target area.

[0023] According to this embodiment, information about energy supply facilities, such as the location of energy supply facilities in the target area, can be conveyed to users who have a high need to supply energy to the vehicle V. Furthermore, for users who do not have a high need to supply energy to the vehicle V, no synthetic voice is output, which can reduce annoyance. In this way, the technology for providing information about energy supply facilities is improved in that users entering the target area can easily grasp information about the energy supply facilities.

[0024] Next, each of the components of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0025] (Terminal Device Configuration) As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, an output unit 15, and an acquisition unit 16.

[0026] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor may be, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to these. The programmable circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The dedicated circuit may be, for example, but is not limited to, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 10.

[0027] The storage unit 12 includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, optical memories, etc., but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the terminal device 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store system programs, application programs, map information, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 12 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 13, for example.

[0028] The communication unit 13 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. The communication interfaces correspond to mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation), wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards, but are not limited to these and may correspond to any communication standard. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 communicates with the server 20 via the communication unit 13 and the network 30.

[0029] The input unit 14 includes one or more input devices that detect input operations by a user. Examples of the input devices include, but are not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch screen integrated with the display of the output unit 15, or a microphone. Alternatively, the input unit 14 may include an interface for connecting an external input device.

[0030] The output unit 15 includes one or more output devices that output information. The output devices may be, for example, but are not limited to, a display that outputs information as a video or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. Alternatively, the output unit 15 may include an interface for connecting an external output device.

[0031] The acquisition unit 16 includes a GPS receiver that receives GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The control unit 11 derives the position (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the terminal device 10 based on the GPS signals received by the acquisition unit 16.

[0032] The acquisition unit 16 also includes any sensor module capable of acquiring the amount of energy used by the vehicle V. For example, if the vehicle V uses gasoline as its energy source, the acquisition unit 16 may include a sensor module capable of measuring the amount of fuel injected by the vehicle V. For example, if the vehicle V uses electricity as its energy source, the acquisition unit 16 may include a power sensor module capable of calculating the power consumption of the vehicle V. For example, if the vehicle V uses hydrogen as its energy source, the acquisition unit 16 may include a sensor module capable of measuring the amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle V.

[0033] (Server configuration) As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit .

[0034] The control unit 21 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the server 20.

[0035] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the server 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, map information, embedded software, databases, etc.

[0036] The communication unit 23 includes one or more communication interfaces that connect to the network 30. The communication interfaces correspond to, for example, a mobile communication standard, a wired LAN standard, or a wireless LAN standard, but are not limited to these and may correspond to any communication standard.

[0037] In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 can acquire the position information of the vehicle V by receiving it from the terminal device 10.

[0038] In addition, the communication unit 23 can acquire the remaining energy amount of the vehicle V by receiving it from the terminal device 10.

[0039] (Operation of terminal device) The operation of the terminal device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The operation in Fig. 4 corresponds to the method according to this embodiment.

[0040] S100: The control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 acquires the position information of the vehicle V.

[0041] Any method can be used to acquire the location information. For example, the control unit 11 acquires the location information of the vehicle V using the acquisition unit 16. The location information of the vehicle V may be specified by longitude and latitude.

[0042] The location information may be acquired at any time.

[0043] S101: The control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle V has entered the target area. If it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area (S101-Yes), the process proceeds to S102. If it is determined that the vehicle V has not entered the target area (S101-No), the process ends.

[0044] Any method can be used to determine whether the vehicle V has entered the target area. For example, if the position information of the vehicle V traveling on a highway indicates a position on a deceleration lane leading to the target area, rather than on the main lane of the highway, the control unit 11 may determine that the vehicle V has entered the target area. On the other hand, if the position information of the vehicle V indicates a position on the main lane, the control unit 11 may determine that the vehicle V has not entered the target area.

[0045] S102: The control unit 11 acquires the remaining energy amount of the vehicle V.

[0046] For example, the control unit 11 acquires the remaining energy amount of the vehicle V by the acquisition unit 16.

[0047] S103: The control unit 11 determines whether the remaining energy is less than a predetermined standard. If it is determined that the remaining energy is less than the predetermined standard (S103-Yes), the process proceeds to S104. If it is determined that the remaining energy is equal to or greater than the predetermined standard (S103-No), the process ends.

[0048] The predetermined standard may be a fixed value or may be automatically determined by the control unit 11. For example, when the user sets a destination point, the control unit 11 may calculate the predetermined standard based on the distance from the position of the target area where it is determined that the vehicle V has entered to the destination point. For example, the control unit 11 may set a higher predetermined standard as the distance from the target area to the destination becomes longer. In this case, the control unit 11 may also calculate the predetermined standard taking into consideration the type of vehicle V (fuel efficiency), etc. For example, the control unit 11 may set a lower predetermined standard as the fuel efficiency of the vehicle V becomes better.

[0049] S104: When it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 outputs a message in synthetic voice regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed in the target area. The message output does not have to be in the form of synthetic voice; for example, the control unit 11 may display the message in text format on the screen of the terminal device 10.

[0050] For example, the control unit 11 outputs a message in a synthesized voice that provides information about the locations of energy supply facilities in the target area from the output unit 15. In addition, the control unit 11 may output information about the number, types, etc. of energy supply facilities installed in the target area in a synthesized voice.

[0051] As described above, the terminal device 10 determines whether the vehicle V has entered the target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle V. The terminal device 10 acquires the remaining energy amount of the vehicle V. Then, when it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, the terminal device 10 outputs a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed within the target area.

[0052] According to this configuration, information about energy supply facilities in the target area can be communicated to users who have a high need to supply energy to the vehicle V. Furthermore, for users who do not have a high need to supply energy to the vehicle V, no synthetic voice is output, which can reduce annoyance. In this way, the technology for providing information about energy supply facilities is improved in that users entering the target area can easily grasp information about the energy supply facilities.

[0053] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0054] For example, in one variation of the above-described embodiment, in S104, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may determine the content of the message to be output in synthetic voice based on the position information of the vehicle V at the time when it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area. For example, when it is determined that the vehicle V has advanced to the vicinity of an energy supply facility, the output message may not be appropriate as guidance. By changing the content of the message to be output by the control unit 11 in accordance with the position of the vehicle V, it is possible to more appropriately guide the user to the location of the energy supply facility.

[0055] Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, when the location of the vehicle V at the time when it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area is within a second area behind a checkpoint set on the travel route of the target area, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may shorten the content of the message compared to when the location is within a first area before the checkpoint. For example, when it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area, if the vehicle V is traveling within the first area before a checkpoint set at a predetermined position within the target area (e.g., a position on a deceleration lane to the target area or in a parking lot), the control unit 11 outputs the entire preset message. When the vehicle V is traveling within the second area behind the checkpoint, the control unit 11 outputs a message that is shorter than the preset message. Any method can be used to shorten the message to be output. For example, part of the message may be omitted, or the playback speed of the message may be increased. Even when the vehicle V has progressed considerably along the travel route and the distance to the energy supply facility is short, shortening the message to be output can provide guidance that allows the user to grasp the location of the energy supply facility with more time to spare.

[0056] For example, when outputting the message in S104, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may display the position of the energy supply facility on a map screen of the terminal device 10. The control unit 11 may also automatically adjust the scale of the map screen according to the positions of the energy supply facility and the vehicle V. For example, the control unit 11 may automatically adjust the scale so that both the position of the vehicle V and the position of the energy supply facility are displayed on the screen. This allows the user to confirm the position of the energy supply facility at a glance. In addition, the control unit 11 may automatically adjust the scale of the map screen taking into account the positions of other predetermined facilities, etc.

[0057] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, when two or more energy supply facilities are installed within the target area, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 may display representative positions of the two or more energy supply facilities (for example, the central positions of the two or more energy supply facilities) on the map screen.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 21 of the server 20 may calculate the center position in accordance with changes in the number and / or locations of energy supply facilities. For example, when an energy supply facility is added to the target area, the control unit 21 calculates a new center position by analyzing a drive recorder image or a satellite image capturing the energy supply facility. The control unit 21 then stores the calculated center position in the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the terminal device 10 via the network 30. The control unit 11 of the terminal device 10 displays the new center position on the map screen. This allows the user to be guided to the latest locations of the energy supply facilities.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, an embodiment is also possible in which the server 20 executes part of the processing executed by the terminal device 10 in the above-described embodiment.

[0060] In the above case, the control unit 21 of the server 20 determines whether the vehicle V has entered the target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle V. The control unit 21 acquires the remaining energy amount of the vehicle V. Then, when it is determined that the vehicle V has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, the control unit 21 transmits a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed in the target area to the user's terminal device 10.

[0061] Also, for example, an embodiment is possible in which a general-purpose computer functions as the terminal device 10 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the terminal device 10 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

[0062] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples, however, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] A method executed by a user terminal device, comprising: determining whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on location information of the user's vehicle; Obtaining the remaining energy of the vehicle; and When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, outputting a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities provided within the target area. A method comprising: [Appendix 2] 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: The terminal device determines the content of the message to be output in synthetic voice based on the vehicle's location information at the time it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area, and outputs the message in synthetic voice. [Appendix 3] 10. The method of claim 2, The method comprises the steps of: when the vehicle's position at the time it is determined that it has entered the target area is within a second area further back than a checkpoint set on the vehicle's route through the target area, the terminal device shortens the content of the message compared to when the vehicle is within a first area further back than the checkpoint. [Appendix 4] 4. The method of any one of appendices 1 to 3, comprising: Displaying the location of the energy supply facility on a map screen of the terminal device; and Automatically adjusting the scale of the map screen according to the position of the energy supply facility and the position of the vehicle. The method further comprises: [Appendix 5] 5. The method of any one of appendices 1 to 4, comprising: A method in which, when two or more energy supply facilities are installed within the target area, the terminal device displays the center positions of the two or more energy supply facilities on a map screen. [Appendix 6] 6. The method of any one of appendices 1 to 5, comprising: When the user has set a destination point, the terminal device calculates the predetermined criterion based on a distance from a position of the target area to the destination point. [Appendix 7] A server-implemented method comprising: determining whether the user's vehicle has entered a target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle; Obtaining the remaining energy of the vehicle; and When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, sending a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed within the target area to the user's terminal device. A method comprising: [Appendix 8] 8. The method of claim 7, The method further comprises determining the content of the message to be output in synthetic voice based on the vehicle's position information at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area. [Appendix 9] 9. The method of claim 8, The method wherein the server shortens the content of the message when the vehicle's position at the time it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area is within a second area further back than a checkpoint set on the vehicle's route through the target area, compared to when the vehicle is within a first area closer to the checkpoint. [Appendix 10] 10. The method of any one of appendices 7 to 9, comprising: The terminal device Displaying the location of the energy supply facility on a map screen of the terminal device; and Automatically adjusting the scale of the map screen according to the position of the energy supply facility and the position of the vehicle. The method further comprises: [Appendix 11] 11. The method of any one of appendices 7 to 10, comprising: When two or more energy supply facilities are installed within the target area, the server causes the terminal device to display the central positions of the two or more energy supply facilities on a map screen. [Appendix 12] 12. The method of claim 11, The method further comprises the step of: calculating the central position according to a change in the number and / or location of the energy supply facilities. [Appendix 13] 13. The method of any one of appendices 7 to 12, comprising: When the user has set a destination point, the server calculates the predetermined criterion based on a distance from the location of the target area to the destination point. [Appendix 14] A system comprising a terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device, The terminal device or the server Determine whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on location information of the user's vehicle; obtaining a remaining energy amount of the vehicle; The terminal device The system outputs a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities provided within the target area when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard. [Appendix 15] 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: The terminal device or the server determining the content of the message to be output in synthetic voice based on the position information of the vehicle at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area; The terminal device outputs the message in synthesized voice. [Appendix 16] 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: The terminal device or the server If the vehicle's position at the time it is determined that it has entered the target area is within a second area further back than a checkpoint set on the route of travel through the target area, the system shortens the content of the message compared to when the vehicle is within a first area further forward than the checkpoint. [Appendix 17] 17. The system of any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising: The terminal device Displaying the location of the energy supply facility on a map screen of the terminal device; and A system that automatically adjusts the scale of the map screen according to the position of the energy supply facility and the position of the vehicle. [Appendix 18] 18. The system of any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising: The terminal device A system that, when two or more energy supply facilities are installed within the target area, displays the central positions of the two or more energy supply facilities on a map screen. [Appendix 19] 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: The server The system calculates the central position in response to changes in the number and / or location of the energy supply facilities. [Appendix 20] 20. The system of any one of claims 14 to 19, comprising: The terminal device or the server When the user sets a destination point, the terminal device calculates the predetermined criterion based on the distance from the position of the target area to the destination point. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 System 10 Terminal Equipment 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Output section 16 Acquisition Department 20 servers 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Network

Claims

1. A method executed by a user terminal device, comprising: determining whether the vehicle has entered a target area that includes a deceleration lane as an approach road, separate from the main lane of the expressway, based on position information of the vehicle of the user traveling on the expressway; Obtaining the remaining energy of the vehicle; and When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, outputting a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities provided within the target area. Including, The method comprises the steps of: when the vehicle's position at the time it is determined that it has entered the target area is within a second area further back than a checkpoint set on the approach road to the target area, the terminal device shortens the content of the message compared to when the vehicle is within a first area further forward than the checkpoint.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, The terminal device determines the content of the message to be output in synthetic voice based on the vehicle's location information at the time it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area, and outputs the message in synthetic voice.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, Displaying the location of the energy supply facility on a map screen of the terminal device; and Automatically adjusting the scale of the map screen according to the position of the energy supply facility and the position of the vehicle. The method further comprises:

4. 10. The method of claim 1, When the user has set a destination point, the terminal device calculates the predetermined criterion based on a distance from a position of the target area to the destination point.

5. A server-implemented method comprising: determining whether or not the user's vehicle traveling on a highway has entered a target area that includes a deceleration lane as an approach road, separate from the main lane of the highway, based on location information of the vehicle; Obtaining the remaining energy of the vehicle; and When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, sending a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed within the target area to the user's terminal device. Including, The method comprises the steps of: when the vehicle's position at the time it is determined that it has entered the target area is within a second area further back than a checkpoint set on the approach road to the target area, the server shortens the content of the message compared to when the vehicle is within a first area further forward than the checkpoint.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, The method further comprises determining the content of the message to be output in synthetic voice based on the vehicle's position information at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, The terminal device Displaying the location of the energy supply facility on a map screen of the terminal device; and Automatically adjusting the scale of the map screen according to the position of the energy supply facility and the position of the vehicle. The method further comprises:

8. A server-implemented method comprising: determining whether the user's vehicle has entered a target area based on the location information of the user's vehicle; Obtaining the remaining energy of the vehicle; and When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, sending a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities installed within the target area to the user's terminal device. Including, When two or more energy supply facilities are installed within the target area, the server causes the terminal device to display the central position of all of the two or more energy supply facilities on a map screen as a representative position of all of the two or more energy supply facilities.

9. The method of claim 8, When an energy supply facility is added within the target area, the server calculates a new center position by analyzing drive recorder footage or satellite images of the energy supply facility, and causes the terminal device to display the new center position on the map screen as the representative position.

10. 9. The method of claim 5 or claim 8, When the user has set a destination point, the server calculates the predetermined criterion based on a distance from the location of the target area to the destination point.

11. A system comprising a terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device, The terminal device or the server determining whether or not the vehicle has entered a target area that includes a deceleration lane as an approach road, separate from the main lane of the expressway, based on location information of the vehicle of the user traveling on the expressway; obtaining a remaining energy amount of the vehicle; The terminal device When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, outputting a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities provided within the target area; The terminal device or the server If the vehicle's position at the time it is determined that it has entered the target area is within a second area further back than a checkpoint set on the approach road to the target area, the system shortens the content of the message compared to when the vehicle is within a first area further forward than the checkpoint.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, The terminal device or the server determining the content of the message to be output in synthetic voice based on the position information of the vehicle at the time when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area; The terminal device The system outputs the message in a synthesized voice.

13. 12. The system of claim 11, The terminal device Displaying the location of the energy supply facility on a map screen of the terminal device; and A system that automatically adjusts the scale of the map screen according to the position of the energy supply facility and the position of the vehicle.

14. A system comprising a terminal device and a server capable of communicating with the terminal device, The terminal device or the server Determine whether the vehicle has entered a target area based on location information of the user's vehicle; obtaining a remaining energy amount of the vehicle; The terminal device When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the target area and the remaining energy amount is less than a predetermined standard, outputting a message regarding one or more energy supply facilities provided within the target area; A system that, when two or more energy supply facilities are installed within the target area, displays the central position of all of the two or more energy supply facilities on a map screen as a representative position of all of the two or more energy supply facilities.

15. The system of claim 14, The server When an energy supply facility is added to the target area, a new center position is calculated by analyzing a drive recorder image or a satellite image that shows the energy supply facility; The terminal device The system displays the new center position as the representative position on the map screen.

16. 15. A system according to claim 11 or claim 14, The terminal device or the server When the user has set a destination point, the system calculates the predetermined criterion based on the distance from the location of the target area to the destination point.

Images