Information processing device

Abstract

To improve the timing of executing control for switching from an outside-air introduction mode to an inside-air circulation mode in a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes a control part for determining whether control for switching from an outside-air introduction mode to an inside-air circulation mode in a vehicle is to be executed on the basis of obtained vehicular environmental data and travel data. In the case of determining that the switching control is to be executed, the control part executes either of notification processing to promote the switching control and the switching control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle, control for switching between an outside air introduction mode and an inside air circulation mode is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes switching between an inside air inlet and an outside air inlet according to the cooling state inside the vehicle in order to improve cooling efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement in the timing for executing control to switch from the outside air introduction mode to the inside air circulation mode in a vehicle.

[0005] In view of this point, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the timing for executing control to switch from the outside air introduction mode to the inside air circulation mode in a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that determines whether to execute switching control for switching from an outside air introduction mode to an inside air circulation mode in the vehicle based on acquired environmental data and driving data of the vehicle. When the control unit determines that the switching control should be executed, the control unit executes notification processing for recommending execution of the switching control or executes the switching control.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the timing of the control performed in a vehicle to switch from an outside air intake mode to an internal air circulation mode can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the system's operation. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the setting conditions. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an in-vehicle device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the system 1 according to this embodiment includes a server device 10 and a plurality of vehicles 20. The server device 10 and the vehicles 20 can communicate with each other via a network 2. The network 2 may be any network, including a mobile communication network and the Internet.

[0011] The server device 10 is an information processing device. The server device 10 is, for example, a dedicated computer, a general-purpose personal computer, or a cloud computing system configured to function as a server.

[0012] The server device 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0013] The communication unit 11 is configured to include at least one communication module that can connect to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module that complies with standards such as wired LAN (Local Area Network) or wireless LAN. The communication unit 11 is connected to the network 2 via the communication module through the wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0014] The storage unit 12 is configured to include at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or at least two combinations thereof. The storage unit 12 may function as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores data used for the operation of the server device 10 and data obtained by the operation of the server device 10.

[0015] The control unit 13 is configured to include at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is, 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. The control unit 13 controls each part of the server device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the server device 10.

[0016] Vehicle 20 is, for example, a gasoline-powered automobile or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). However, vehicle 20 is not limited to these. Vehicle 20 may be any type of automobile as long as it is equipped with the air conditioning system 24 described later and is powered by gasoline or other fuel.

[0017] The vehicle 20 includes a first sensor unit 21, a second sensor unit 22, an electronic control unit 23, an air conditioning system 24, and on-board equipment 30.

[0018] The first sensor unit 21 can detect the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20. The first sensor unit 21 is configured to include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The first sensor unit 21 may be arranged inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20.

[0019] The second sensor unit 22 can detect the ambient temperature and humidity around the vehicle 20. The second sensor unit 22 is configured to include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. At least a part of the second sensor unit 22 may be arranged outside the vehicle 20. The ambient temperature around the vehicle 20 is also described as the outside air temperature of the vehicle 20.

[0020] The electronic control unit 23 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 20. The electronic control unit 23 controls various functions of the vehicle 20.

[0021] The air conditioner 24 can cool the interior of the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20. The air conditioner 24 may also be able to heat the interior of the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20. When the air conditioner 24 can heat the interior of the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20, it may be a so-called air conditioner or a heating and cooling device.

[0022] The air conditioner 24 has an outside air introduction mode and an internal air circulation mode as operation modes. The outside air introduction mode is a mode in which the air outside the vehicle 20, that is, the outside air, is introduced into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20. The internal air circulation mode is a mode in which the internal air inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20 is circulated. In the internal air circulation mode, the intrusion of outside air into the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 20 may be blocked. The initial set operation mode of the air conditioner 24 is the outside air introduction mode.

[0023] The air conditioner 24 includes an electronic control unit 25 and a switch 26.

[0024] The electronic control unit 25 is an ECU of the vehicle 20. The electronic control unit 25 controls the air conditioner 24.

[0025] The electronic control unit 25 is capable of performing switching control. Switching control is a control that switches the vehicle 20 from outside air intake mode to internal air circulation mode. In this embodiment, the switching control is a control that switches the operating mode of the air conditioning system 24 from outside air intake mode to internal air circulation mode according to the outside air temperature of the vehicle 20. For example, if the outside air temperature of the vehicle 20 exceeds a set temperature, the electronic control unit 25 switches the operating mode of the air conditioning system 24 from outside air intake mode to internal air circulation mode. If the outside air temperature of the vehicle 20 is below the set temperature, the electronic control unit 25 maintains the operating mode of the air conditioning system 24 in the initial setting outside air intake mode. The set temperature may be set according to the environment in which the vehicle 20 is driving. The set temperature is, for example, 26 degrees. The electronic control unit 25 may obtain the outside air temperature of the vehicle 20 from the second sensor unit 22. If the electronic control unit 25 receives an instruction to execute internal air circulation mode from an external button or the like, it may switch the operating mode of the air conditioning system 24 to internal air circulation mode.

[0026] Switch 26 is operated by the user of the vehicle 20. Switch 26 is a switch that toggles whether or not to perform switching control. When switch 26 is switched to the position to perform switching control, the electronic control unit 25 performs switching control. When switch 26 is switched to the position to not perform switching control, the electronic control unit 25 does not perform switching control. When switching control is not performed, in this embodiment, the air conditioning unit 24 operates in the initial external introduction mode.

[0027] The in-vehicle device 30 is an information processing device. The in-vehicle device 30 is, for example, a navigation device. The in-vehicle device 30 comprises a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0028] The communication unit 31 comprises at least one communication module that can connect to the network 2. The communication module is, for example, a communication module compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation).

[0029] The communication unit 31 is comprised of at least one communication module capable of communicating with the first sensor unit 21, the second sensor unit 22, the electronic control unit 23, and the electronic control unit 25. The communication module is, for example, a communication module that conforms to the standards of an in-vehicle network or a dedicated line.

[0030] The input unit 32 is capable of receiving input from the user. The input unit 32 is configured to include at least one input interface capable of receiving input from the user. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touchscreen integrated with a display, or a microphone.

[0031] The output unit 33 is capable of outputting data. The output unit 33 is configured to include at least one output interface capable of outputting data. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0032] The configuration of the memory unit 34 may be the same as or similar to that of the memory unit 12. The memory unit 34 stores data used for the operation of the in-vehicle equipment 30 and data obtained from the operation of the in-vehicle equipment 30. For example, the memory unit 34 stores information such as the type of vehicle 20.

[0033] The configuration of the control unit 35 may be the same as or similar to that of the control unit 13. The control unit 35 controls each part of the in-vehicle equipment 30 and performs processing related to the operation of the in-vehicle equipment 30.

[0034] (System operation) Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of System 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0035] The processes S1 and S2 may be performed by the on-board equipment 30 of any vehicle 20 among the multiple vehicles 20 included in System 1.

[0036] In the process of S1, the in-vehicle device 30, specifically the control unit 35, acquires environmental data of the vehicle 20. The environmental data of the vehicle 20 includes, for example, time-series data of the interior temperature of the vehicle 20, time-series data of the interior humidity of the vehicle 20, time-series data of the ambient temperature of the vehicle 20, and time-series data of the ambient humidity of the vehicle 20. The control unit 35 acquires time-series data of the interior temperature and interior humidity of the vehicle 20 by sequentially receiving the data of the interior temperature and interior humidity of the vehicle 20 detected by the first sensor unit 21 via the communication unit 31. The control unit 35 acquires time-series data of the ambient temperature and ambient humidity of the vehicle 20 by sequentially receiving the data of the ambient temperature and ambient humidity of the vehicle 20 detected by the second sensor unit 22 via the communication unit 31.

[0037] In the process of S1, the control unit 35 acquires driving data of the vehicle 20. The driving data of the vehicle 20 includes, for example, data on the trip time of the vehicle 20 and data on the fuel consumption of the vehicle 20 for each trip time. The trip time is the time the vehicle 20 traveled from the departure point to the destination. The fuel consumption of the vehicle 20 is the distance the vehicle 20 traveled per unit volume of fuel. The control unit 35 acquires the driving data of the vehicle 20 by communicating with the electronic control unit 23 via the communication unit 31.

[0038] In the process of S1, the control unit 35 acquires data on the usage history of the air conditioning unit 24. The usage history data of the air conditioning unit 24 includes, for example, data on the time periods when the vehicle interior of the vehicle 20 is in a cooling state, the time periods when switching control is being performed, and the time periods when switching control is not being performed. The control unit 35 acquires the usage history data of the air conditioning unit 24 by communicating with the electronic control unit 25 via the communication unit 31.

[0039] In the process of S1, the control unit 35 obtains information about the vehicle type of the vehicle 20 from the storage unit 34.

[0040] In the process of S2, the control unit 35 transmits environmental data of the vehicle 20, driving data of the vehicle 20, usage history data of the air conditioning system 24, and vehicle type information of the vehicle 20 to the server device 10 via the network 2 using the communication unit 31.

[0041] In the S3 process, the server device 10, specifically the control unit 13, receives environmental data of the vehicle 20, driving data of the vehicle 20, usage history data of the air conditioning system 24, and information on the vehicle type of the vehicle 20 via the network 2 using the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 stores the received environmental data of the vehicle 20, etc., in the storage unit 12.

[0042] The processes from S1 to S3 may be executed repeatedly for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be set based on the driving frequency of the multiple vehicles 20 included in System 1. As the processes from S1 to S3 are repeatedly executed, environmental data of the multiple vehicles 20 is accumulated in the storage unit 12 of the server device 10.

[0043] In the S4 process, the control unit 13 of the server device 10 acquires environmental data, etc., of multiple vehicles 20 stored in the storage unit 12. Based on the acquired data, etc., the control unit 13 calculates the fuel efficiency difference of the vehicles 20.

[0044] In this disclosure, the fuel efficiency difference for vehicle 20 is the difference between the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is performed and the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is performed, while the interior of vehicle 20 is air-conditioned. In other words, the larger the fuel efficiency difference for vehicle 20, the greater the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is performed and the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is performed and the interior of vehicle 20 is air-conditioned. As described above, the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 is the distance that vehicle 20 travels per unit volume of fuel. Therefore, the greater the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20, the better the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20. Better fuel efficiency for vehicle 20 means that vehicle 20 can travel a longer distance with less fuel.

[0045] Here, the fuel efficiency difference in vehicle 20 depends on at least one of the environmental conditions and driving conditions of vehicle 20, as illustrated below.

[0046] As an example of the above-mentioned conditions, consider the situation where the ambient temperature around vehicle 20 is higher than the cabin temperature and set temperature of vehicle 20, and the trip time of vehicle 20 is short. Under these conditions, the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is performed is greater than the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is not performed. In other words, the fuel efficiency difference of vehicle 20 becomes larger. The reason for this is that when switching control is performed, the operating mode of the air conditioning unit 24 switches to the internal air circulation mode because the ambient temperature around vehicle 20 is higher than the set temperature. When the operating mode of the air conditioning unit 24 switches to the internal air circulation mode, outside air at a temperature higher than the cabin temperature of vehicle 20 is not introduced into the cabin of vehicle 20, so the cabin of vehicle 20 can be cooled efficiently. When the cabin of vehicle 20 can be cooled efficiently, the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 increases.

[0047] As an example of the above-mentioned conditions, consider the situation where the cabin temperature of vehicle 20 is higher than the ambient temperature of vehicle 20, and the ambient temperature of vehicle 20 is higher than the set temperature. Under these conditions, the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is not performed is greater than the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 when switching control is performed. In other words, the fuel efficiency difference for vehicle 20 becomes smaller. The reason for this is that, under these conditions, the cabin temperature of vehicle 20 is higher than the ambient temperature of vehicle 20, so introducing outside air into the cabin of vehicle 20 allows for more efficient cooling of the cabin. In other words, when switching control is performed, because the ambient temperature of vehicle 20 is higher than the set temperature, the operating mode of the air conditioning unit 24 switches to the internal air circulation mode, and outside air is no longer introduced into the cabin of vehicle 20. When outside air is no longer introduced into the cabin of vehicle 20, it becomes impossible to efficiently cool the cabin of vehicle 20. When the cabin of vehicle 20 cannot be efficiently cooled, the fuel efficiency of vehicle 20 decreases.

[0048] Thus, the fuel efficiency difference in vehicle 20 depends on at least one of the environmental conditions and driving conditions of vehicle 20. Therefore, the control unit 13 sets the setting conditions for vehicle 20 that have a large fuel efficiency difference by identifying at least one of the environmental conditions and driving conditions of vehicle 20 that have a large fuel efficiency difference. The control unit 13 may set the setting conditions for vehicle 20 that have a large fuel efficiency difference by identifying at least one of the environmental conditions and driving conditions of vehicle 20 that have a large fuel efficiency difference, and thereby identifying the setting conditions for vehicle 20 that have a large fuel efficiency difference. For example, the control unit 13 divides the environmental data and driving data of vehicle 20 stored in the storage unit 12 into data groups. The control unit 13 identifies at least one of the environmental conditions and driving conditions of vehicle 20 that have a large fuel efficiency difference by calculating the fuel efficiency difference in each data group based on the usage history data of the air conditioning unit 24.

[0049] Here, the structure of the air conditioning system 24 or the interior of the vehicle differs depending on the type of vehicle 20. Therefore, even under the same environmental and driving conditions, the setting conditions for vehicle 20 that result in a larger difference in fuel efficiency may change depending on the type of vehicle 20. For this reason, the control unit 13 may set setting conditions for each type of vehicle 20. By setting setting conditions for each type of vehicle 20, it is possible to set setting conditions for vehicle 20 that result in a larger difference in fuel efficiency.

[0050] For example, the control unit 13 sets the setting conditions as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the setting conditions are set for each vehicle type 20, "aaa" and "bbb". For the vehicle type "aaa", condition A is set as the setting condition that results in a large difference in fuel efficiency. In condition A, the environmental conditions for vehicle 20 are set as the range of the interior temperature of vehicle 20 from temperature Ta1 to temperature Ta2 and the range of the ambient temperature of vehicle 20 from temperature Tb1 to temperature Tb2. In condition A, the driving conditions for vehicle 20 are set as the range of the trip time from time Ha1 to time Ha2. For the vehicle type "bbb", condition B is set as the setting condition that results in a large difference in fuel efficiency. In condition B, the environmental conditions for vehicle 20 are set as the range of the interior temperature of vehicle 20 from temperature Tc1 to temperature Tc2 and the range of the ambient temperature of vehicle 20 from temperature Td1 to temperature Td2. Under condition B, the driving conditions for vehicle 20 are set to a range of trip times from time Hb1 to time Hb2.

[0051] In processing S5, the control unit 13 transmits data of the setting conditions for each vehicle type to each of the multiple vehicles 20 included in the system 1 via the network 2 using the communication unit 11.

[0052] In the processing of S6, the in-vehicle equipment 30 of the vehicle 20, the control unit 35 receives data on setting conditions for each vehicle type from the server device 10 via the network 2 using the communication unit 31. The control unit 35 stores the received data on setting conditions for each vehicle type in the storage unit 34.

[0053] (Operation of in-vehicle equipment) Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the in-vehicle device 30 shown in Figure 1. It is assumed that the process of S6 is executed before the process of S11. In other words, it is assumed that the memory unit 34 stores data for setting conditions for each vehicle type. The control unit 35 starts the process of S11, for example, when the ignition of the vehicle 20 changes from off to on.

[0054] In the process of S11, the control unit 35 acquires environmental data of the vehicle 20. The environmental data of the vehicle 20 includes, for example, the interior temperature of the vehicle 20, the interior humidity of the vehicle 20, the ambient temperature of the vehicle 20, and the ambient humidity of the vehicle 20. The control unit 35 acquires the interior temperature of the vehicle 20 and the interior humidity of the vehicle 20 from the first sensor unit 21. The control unit 35 acquires the ambient temperature of the vehicle 20 and the ambient humidity of the vehicle 20 from the second sensor unit 22.

[0055] In the process of S11, the control unit 35 acquires driving data of the vehicle 20. The driving data of the vehicle 20 includes, for example, data on the trip time of the vehicle 20. If the vehicle 20 has not yet started driving, the control unit 35 may calculate the trip time of the vehicle 20 from the planned driving route.

[0056] In the process of S11, the control unit 35 acquires data on the usage status of the air conditioning unit 24. The data on the usage status of the air conditioning unit 24 includes, for example, data indicating whether the interior of the vehicle 20 is in a cooling state, and data indicating whether switching control is being performed. The control unit 35 acquires the data on the usage status of the air conditioning unit 24 by communicating with the electronic control unit 25 via the communication unit 31.

[0057] In the process of S12, the control unit 35 uses the usage data of the air conditioning unit 24 obtained in the process of S11 to determine whether the interior of the vehicle 20 is in a cooling state and whether or not switching control is being performed.

[0058] If the control unit 35 determines that the interior of the vehicle 20 is in an air-conditioned state and that switching control is not being performed (S12: YES), it proceeds to process S13. On the other hand, if the control unit 35 does not determine that the interior of the vehicle 20 is in an air-conditioned state and that switching control is not being performed (S12: NO), it returns to process S11 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time may be set based on the vehicle 20's driving speed, etc.

[0059] In the process of S13, the control unit 35 determines whether or not to execute switching control. The control unit 35 determines whether the environmental data and driving data of the vehicle 20 acquired in the process of S11 meet the setting conditions for the same vehicle type as the vehicle stored in the storage unit 34. If the control unit 35 determines that the environmental data and driving data of the vehicle 20 acquired in the process of S11 meet the setting conditions for the same vehicle type as the vehicle, it determines that switching control should be executed. If the control unit 35 determines that the environmental data and driving data of the vehicle 20 acquired in the process of S11 do not meet the setting conditions for the same vehicle type as the vehicle, it determines that switching control should not be executed.

[0060] For example, suppose that data for the setting conditions shown in Figure 3 is stored in the storage unit 34. Also, suppose that the vehicle type is "aaa". In this case, the control unit 35 determines that condition A is met if the interior temperature of the vehicle 20 obtained in the process of S11 is in the range of temperature Ta1 to Ta2, the ambient temperature is in the range of temperature Tb1 to Tb2, and the trip time is in the range of time Ha1 to Ha2. If the control unit 35 determines that condition A is met, it decides that switching control should be executed.

[0061] If the control unit 35 determines that switching control should be performed (S13: YES), it proceeds to process S14. On the other hand, if the control unit 35 determines that switching control should not be performed (S13: NO), it returns to process S11 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0062] In the process of S14, the control unit 35 performs a notification process. The notification process is a process to recommend the execution of switching control. In this embodiment, the control unit 35 causes the output unit 33 to output a notification recommending the execution of switching control. As an example, the control unit 35 outputs the voice message "We recommend the execution of switching control" to the speaker of the output unit 33. As another example, the control unit 35 displays the text "We recommend the execution of switching control" on the display of the output unit 33.

[0063] When the S14 process, i.e., the notification process, is executed, the user of the vehicle 20 considers whether or not to perform the switching control. If the user chooses to perform the switching control, they operate the switch 26 and cause the electronic control unit 25 to perform the switching control. However, depending on conditions such as the ambient humidity of the vehicle 20 or the interior temperature of the vehicle 20, the windshield or other parts of the vehicle 20 may fog up when the switching control is performed. In this case, the user chooses not to perform the switching control.

[0064] After processing in S14, the user inputs the evaluation result from the input unit 32. This evaluation result indicates whether performing or not performing the switching control hinders the driving of the vehicle 20. For example, when the switching control is performed, the windshield may fog up, making the forward visibility of the vehicle 20 unclear. In this case, the user inputs the evaluation result from the input unit 32 that performing the switching control hinders the driving of the vehicle 20.

[0065] In the process of S15, the control unit 35 receives the evaluation result from the input unit 32.

[0066] In the S16 process, the control unit 35 transmits the evaluation results received in the S15 process, the vehicle type information of the vehicle 20, and the environmental data and driving data of the vehicle 20 acquired in the S11 process to the server device 10 via the network 2 using the communication unit 31. In the server device 10, the control unit 13 receives the evaluation results, etc., from the vehicle 20 via the network 2. The control unit 13 stores the received evaluation results, the vehicle type, environmental data, and driving data of the vehicle 20 in the storage unit 12, associating them with each other.

[0067] After processing in S16, the control unit 35 returns to processing in S11 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0068] In the S11 process, which is executed again, the control unit 35 may calculate the trip time based on the route already traveled and the route to be traveled. In the repeatedly executed S11 to S16 processes, the control unit 35 may terminate the process as shown in Figure 4 when the vehicle 20 arrives at its destination. Furthermore, by repeatedly executing the S11 process, the control unit 35 can obtain the same data as the environmental data of the vehicle 20, the driving data of the vehicle 20, and the usage history data of the air conditioning unit 24 acquired in the S1 process. Therefore, before terminating the process as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 35 may transmit the data acquired in the repeatedly executed S11 process, along with the vehicle type information of the vehicle 20, to the server device 10 via the network 2 using the communication unit 31. This process corresponds to the S2 process.

[0069] Furthermore, if the control unit 35 determines that switching control should be performed (S13: YES), it may perform the switching control using the electronic control unit 25 without executing the process in S14. With this configuration, switching control is performed automatically. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0070] Furthermore, as multiple vehicles 20 execute the process in S16, data such as evaluation results is accumulated in the storage unit 12 of the server device 10. In the server device 10, the control unit 13 may identify inhibition conditions based on the evaluation results and other data accumulated in the storage unit 12. Inhibition conditions are the conditions under which the driving of vehicle 20 is inhibited when switching control is executed while the interior of vehicle 20 is in an air-conditioned state. Inhibition conditions may be set based on the environmental data and driving data of vehicle 20. Here, the structure of vehicle 20 differs depending on the vehicle type. Therefore, even with the same environmental and driving conditions, the inhibition conditions may differ depending on the vehicle type of vehicle 20. Thus, the control unit 13 may identify inhibition conditions for each vehicle type of vehicle 20. The control unit 13 may transmit the identified inhibition conditions for each vehicle type of vehicle 20 to each of the multiple vehicles 20 included in the system 1 via the network 2 using the communication unit 11. In the in-vehicle equipment 30 installed in the vehicle 20, the control unit 35 may receive interference conditions for each vehicle type from the server device 10 via the network 2 using the communication unit 31. The control unit 35 may store the received interference conditions for each vehicle type in the storage unit 34. In this case, even if the control unit 35 determines in the S13 process that switching control should be performed, if the environmental data and driving data of the vehicle 20 acquired in the S11 process satisfy the interference requirements set for its own vehicle type, it does not need to perform the S14 process, i.e., the notification process. In other words, the control unit 35 may return to the S11 process without proceeding to the S14 process. With this configuration, the possibility of the vehicle 20's driving being hindered by the execution of switching control can be reduced.

[0071] In this in-vehicle device 30, which is an information processing device, the control unit 35 determines whether or not to perform switching control based on the acquired environmental data and driving data of the vehicle 20. If the control unit 35 determines that switching control should be performed, it either performs a notification process to recommend the execution of switching control, or the electronic control unit 25 performs the switching control. With this configuration, for example, switching control can be performed at a timing that improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 20 according to the environmental data and driving data of the vehicle 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the timing of performing the control to switch from outside air intake mode to internal air circulation mode in the vehicle 20 can be improved.

[0072] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each component or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided into two.

[0073] For example, in the embodiment described above, the in-vehicle device 30 was described as an information processing device that determines whether or not to execute switching control. However, the information processing device that determines whether or not to execute switching control is not limited to the in-vehicle device 30. Any information processing device may determine whether or not to execute switching control. As another example, the server device 10, which is an information processing device, may determine whether or not to execute switching control and execute a notification process to recommend the execution of switching control, or it may execute switching control. In this case, the control unit 13 may calculate the total fuel consumption difference for each vehicle type of vehicle 20 by multiplying the number of vehicles of each type of vehicle 20 by the fuel consumption difference for each vehicle type of vehicle 20. The control unit 13 may send a notification to the vehicle 20 of the vehicle type whose total fuel consumption difference exceeds a predetermined value, recommending the execution of switching control, via the network 2 and the communication unit 11. The predetermined value may be set considering the cost of sending the notification, etc. By sending a notification to the vehicle 20 of the vehicle type whose total fuel consumption difference exceeds a predetermined value, the fuel consumption of multiple vehicles 20 can be efficiently improved. In addition, notifications can be sent intensively to the vehicle 20 of the vehicle type whose fuel consumption will improve. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1: System, 2: Network, 10: Server device, 11: Communication unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Control unit, 20: Vehicle, 21: First sensor unit, 22: Second sensor unit, 23: Electronic control unit, 24: Air conditioning unit, 25: Electronic control unit, 26: Switch, 30: In-vehicle equipment, 31: Communication unit, 32: Input unit, 33: Output unit, 34: Memory unit, 35: Control unit

Claims

1. The vehicle includes a control unit that determines whether or not to perform switching control to switch from outside air intake mode to internal air circulation mode based on acquired vehicle environmental data and driving data. If the control unit determines that the switching control should be executed, it will either perform a notification process to recommend the execution of the switching control, or execute the switching control. The control unit determines that the switching control should be executed if the acquired vehicle environmental data and driving data meet the set conditions. The aforementioned setting conditions are those that result in a large difference in fuel efficiency, and are set based on at least one of the vehicle's environmental conditions and the vehicle's driving conditions. The fuel consumption difference is obtained by subtracting the fuel consumption of the vehicle when the switching control is not performed from the fuel consumption of the vehicle when the switching control is performed, while the vehicle's interior is in an air-conditioned state, according to the information processing device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple setting conditions are set for each vehicle model.

3. An information processing device comprising a control unit that determines whether or not to perform switching control to switch from outside air intake mode to internal air circulation mode in the vehicle based on acquired vehicle environmental data and driving data, If the control unit determines that the switching control should be executed, it will either perform a notification process to recommend the execution of the switching control, or execute the switching control. The aforementioned information processing device is an in-vehicle device further comprising an output unit, The control unit, as part of the notification process, causes the output unit to output a notification recommending the execution of the switching control. The in-vehicle device further comprises an input section, The control unit, After the notification is output to the output unit, the input unit receives an evaluation result indicating whether or not the switching control was performed or not would hinder the vehicle's operation. Based on the evaluation results, the inhibiting conditions that hinder the vehicle's movement when the switching control is being executed are identified. Even if it is determined that the switching control should be performed, if the acquired vehicle environmental data and driving data satisfy the inhibiting conditions, the information processing device will not output the notification to the output unit.

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