Power management system, power management method, and power management program

Abstract

To provide a power management system, a power management method, and a power management program which can properly manage power consumption until arriving at the destination.SOLUTION: A creating part creates a power use plan to travel to a destination based on an amount of electric power for traveling and an amount of electric power related to consumption (S15). A determination part determines, based on power consumption parameter, whether or not the current power use plan is adequate (S17). When the determination part determines that the current power use plan is not adequate, the creating part creates a power use plan for update, different from the current power use plan (S19).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power management system, a power management method, and a power management program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, vehicles such as HV, PHV, and EV have become popular, but there is a limit to the power storage capacity of the drive battery. Therefore, there is a risk that the power required for the vehicle to reach the destination from the current location cannot be secured. To solve this type of problem, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, a predicted value of the remaining energy of the battery when the electric vehicle reaches the destination is calculated, and notification based on the predicted value of the remaining energy is performed by a notification device.

[0003] In recent years, with the development of vehicle driving support technologies and autonomous driving technologies, when a destination is input, the driver can automatically move from the current location to the destination without driving the vehicle. In this case, vehicle occupants have more time to spare in the vehicle interior and have more opportunities and time to enjoy entertainment with entertainment properties.

[0004] When vehicle occupants enjoy entertainment in the vehicle interior, it is conceivable to watch a movie projected on a display device pre-equipped in the vehicle. Also, it is conceivable that vehicle occupants bring a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook personal computer into the vehicle interior and enjoy entertainment while charging in the vehicle interior. At this time, the power consumption required until reaching the destination varies depending on the needs of the vehicle occupants. Therefore, it is desirable to manage the power consumption used in the vehicle so as to meet these needs.

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 only remains a passive notification and starts notification control from the timing approaching the upper limit of the usage amount. Therefore, vehicle occupants can use power without worrying until the system notifies that it has approached the upper limit of the usage fee.

[0006] In this case, even if some event occurs that requires the consumption of a large amount of electricity when the electricity usage limit is approaching, there is a risk that usage will be restricted and electricity consumption will not be possible. Conversely, vehicle occupants may become overly concerned with such electricity consumption and hesitate to use electricity even when there is sufficient power available to reach the destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-178566 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a power management system, a power management method, and a power management program that enable appropriate management of power consumption until the destination is reached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This disclosure According to the calculation unit, it calculates the amount of electricity used for driving the vehicle 10 while it is in motion until it reaches its destination, as well as the amount of electricity required to perform the functions of the vehicle equipment used until it reaches its destination, based on the electricity consumption parameters of the vehicle. The creation unit creates an electricity usage plan for driving to the destination based on the amount of electricity used for driving and the amount of electricity required to perform the functions of the vehicle equipment used until it reaches its destination. The determination unit determines, based on the electricity consumption parameters, whether the use of the current electricity usage plan is appropriate or not, for example, whether it is unsustainable or not.

[0010] For example, when power consumption parameters that consume electricity within the vehicle are updated, such as changes in the number of occupants or their occupancy status, or information entered by occupants into the control input unit (e.g., personal settings, air conditioner settings, personal preference information (such as planned viewing of entertainment like movies)), the judgment unit determines whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters.

[0011] If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, the creation unit will create an updated power usage plan that differs from the current one. Therefore, even if some event occurs that requires the consumption of a large amount of power when the power usage limit is approaching, the system will be able to respond to this event by consuming power accordingly. This allows for appropriate management of power consumption until the destination is reached.

[0012] According to this disclosure The notification control unit can notify the vehicle occupants of the power usage plan for the upgrade, making them aware of the amount of power consumed until they reach their destination. If there is a surplus of power, the vehicle occupants will not be excessively concerned about such power consumption and will be able to use power with a margin of safety until they reach their destination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Block diagram illustrating a power management system for a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram illustrating the main functions of the ECU. [Figure 3] A flowchart that provides a general overview of the processing operation. [Figure 4] Figure 1, which schematically shows how the amount of electricity changes. [Figure 5] Figure 2, which schematically shows how the amount of electricity changes. [Figure 6] A flowchart that outlines the processing operations while the vehicle is in motion. [Figure 7] Figure 3, which schematically shows the changes in electricity consumption. [Figure 8] Figure 4 schematically showing the change pattern of power consumption [Figure 9A] Figure 5 schematically showing the change pattern of power consumption [Figure 9B] Flowchart 1 for schematically explaining the processing operations in a modification of the first embodiment [Figure 9C] Flowchart 2 for schematically explaining the processing operations in a modification of the first embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart for schematically explaining the processing operations in the second embodiment [Figure 11] Example 1 of the display mode in the third embodiment [Figure 12] Flowchart for schematically explaining the processing operations [Figure 13] Example 2 of the display mode [Figure 14] Example 3 of the display mode [Figure 15] Example 1 of the display mode in the fourth embodiment [Figure 16] Flowchart for schematically explaining the processing operations [Figure 17] Example 2 of the display mode [Figure 18] Example 3 of the display mode [Figure 19] Example 4 of the display mode

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the vehicle power management system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments described below, components that perform the same or similar operations are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as necessary.

[0015] (First Embodiment) The power management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle 10. Here, the vehicle 10 is shown as an electric vehicle 10 (EV), but it may also be applied to a hybrid vehicle (HV) combined with an internal combustion engine, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV, PHEV), or the like.

[0016] Vehicle 10 is equipped with on-board equipment that operates using power supplied from battery 11. Examples of on-board equipment include occupant detection unit 14, communication unit 15, operation input unit 16, display device 17, surrounding environment acquisition unit 18, and other vehicle equipment 19. ECU stands for Electronic Control Unit. Battery 11 refers to an auxiliary battery that supplies power to ECUs 12 and 13, along with a battery pack consisting of battery cells connected in series as a power source for driving.

[0017] ECU12 is network-connected to another ECU13. ECUs 12 and 13 may be classified and configured as a display system ECU for notifying and controlling information to vehicle occupants, an environment monitoring system ECU for acquiring the state of the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10 and monitoring the area around the vehicle 10, and a driving control system ECU for controlling the driving of the vehicle 10. They may also be configured as an integrated ECU that integrates some or all of the functions of these ECUs 12 and 13. Here, ECU 12, which realizes the functions of the present invention, is denoted by the reference numeral 12, which is different from that of the other ECUs 13, but ECU 12 may be configured by integrating the mounted functions of the other ECUs 13.

[0018] The ECU of the driving control system includes an electronic control unit that controls the electric driving of the vehicle 10 using the vehicle's driving motor based on the driver's operation, or an electronic control unit that realizes an automatic driving mode corresponding to various levels of automatic driving. This allows the vehicle 10 to be controlled in manual driving mode or in a predetermined level of automatic driving mode.

[0019] The ECU12 is connected to an occupant detection unit 14, a communication unit 15, an operation input unit 16, and a display device 17. The occupant detection unit 14 is configured to detect vehicle occupants using various sensors such as a DSM14a, PSM14b, a seating sensor 14c, and a seat belt sensor (not shown).

[0020] DSM14a is a so-called driver status monitor, a high-performance recognition system that automatically recognizes the driver's face and body using a camera and detects the driver's driving status. DSM14a detects the driver's status with high accuracy. PSM14b is a so-called passenger status monitor, which automatically recognizes the faces and bodies of vehicle occupants other than the driver using a camera and detects the status of the vehicle occupants, and detects the status of other vehicle occupants with high accuracy. The seat sensor 14c is placed on each seat where a vehicle occupant is seated and detects which seat the vehicle occupant is sitting in. The seat belt sensor detects whether the vehicle occupant is wearing a seat belt. The occupant detection unit 14 can use these various devices to detect whether a vehicle occupant is seated in any of the seats, the position of the driver's or other vehicle occupants' faces and body parts, and can also detect the state of the vehicle occupants, such as their emotions, by monitoring them.

[0021] The communication unit 15 is a DCM for communicating with the outside of the vehicle 10, enabling communication processing through the communication network outside the vehicle 10. DCM stands for Data Communication Module. The operation input unit 16 accepts operation input from the driver or vehicle occupants, for example, via a touch panel configured on the display screen of the display device 17 or mechanical switches provided next to the display screen. For example, the operation switches include switches for switching between manual driving mode, driving assistance mode, and automatic driving mode. When an operation input is received by the operation input unit 16, the ECU 12 receives the operation input via I / O 12z, and the ECU 12 executes control based on the operation signal from the operation input unit 16.

[0022] The display device 17 is, for example, a center information display (CID) composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display device 17 is capable of displaying various types of content based on the control of the ECU 12.

[0023] The surrounding environment acquisition unit 18 uses a front-view camera, side-view camera, corner-view camera, rear-view camera, electronic mirror, LiDaR laser radar, and / or millimeter-wave radar to image the area around the vehicle 10. The surrounding environment acquisition unit 18 can acquire the state of the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10. When the ECU 12 receives the state of the surrounding environment acquired by the surrounding environment acquisition unit 18, such as image information, via I / O 12z, it stores it in the memory unit 12y. The ECU 12 and other ECUs 13 can use the state of the surrounding environment acquired by the surrounding environment acquisition unit 18 to implement various assist functions, such as radar cruise control (LCC). The radar cruise control function is a function that follows a vehicle 10 traveling in front of its own vehicle 10 while maintaining a constant distance. In addition, when the system is switched to manual driving mode, the ECU 12 and other ECUs 13 control the driving actuators related to manual driving. When ECU12 and other ECU13 are switched to driver assistance mode or autonomous driving mode, they control driving actuators (not shown) to provide predetermined driver assistance or achieve autonomous driving according to the level.

[0024] Other vehicle equipment 19 include an air conditioning unit that adjusts the air conditioning inside the vehicle. Other vehicle equipment 19 include entertainment equipment equipped with a large-capacity storage device such as a DVD, Blu-ray disc, HDD, or semiconductor memory that provides media such as movies recorded on the storage device. Other vehicle equipment 19 include broadcasting equipment that receives and broadcasts television and radio waves, and speaker units that output sound inside the vehicle.

[0025] The ECU12 is comprised of a microcomputer equipped with a processor 12x such as an MCU core, various storage units 12y such as cache memory, RAM, ROM, and SSD, I / O 12z, and a bus connecting them. The storage unit 12y represents a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and data that can be read by the computer. The non-transitory tangible storage medium is implemented using semiconductor memory or the like. The ECU12 may also be configured by connecting a large-capacity external storage device such as a DVD, HDD, or SSD as the storage unit 12y. Other ECUs 13 can be implemented with a similar configuration.

[0026] Next, the functions of the application program stored in the memory unit 12y will be described. The ECU 12 executes the application program stored in the memory unit 12y using the processor 12x. When waypoints and destinations are input via the operation input unit 16, the ECU 12 refers to the map information M stored in the memory unit 12y, searches for a route to the destination via the waypoints, and provides a navigation function to guide along that route. The map information M may be obtained from an external server 20.

[0027] Furthermore, the ECU 12 executes an application program to perform navigation functions such as route searching and guidance to the destination. Also, by executing the application program, the ECU 12 realizes the functions of a calculation unit 12a, a creation unit 12b, a judgment unit 12c, a notification control unit 12d, and an execution unit 12e, as shown in Figure 2. Although these functions are shown as being realized by a single ECU 12, the processing capacity of the internal physical resources may be shared with other ECUs 13 and other vehicle equipment 19.

[0028] The calculation unit 12a calculates the amount of electricity consumed by the vehicle 10 while it is in motion until it reaches its destination. The calculation unit 12a calculates the amount of electricity required to perform the functions of the in-vehicle equipment (e.g., some or all of 14-19) used until it reaches its destination. The calculation unit 12a calculates the amount of electricity based on the power consumption parameters that consume power inside the vehicle 10.

[0029] The power consumption parameters indicate the elements that consume power within the vehicle. The power consumption parameters include elements that consume power based on at least one of the following occupant information: information on the driver's operation of the vehicle 10, information on the operation of vehicle equipment 19 by the vehicle occupants, and the state of the vehicle occupants, such as emotions, the number of passengers, and the preferences of the vehicle occupants.

[0030] Power consumption parameters are parameters that change the amount of power consumed in response to various factors inside and outside the vehicle. For example, external factors such as weather, detours due to road closures, changes in load weight, and driver changes can all affect the power consumption parameters. For instance, when the weather gets hotter, the power consumption of the air conditioner increases. Also, when it rains, the frequency of wiper use increases, leading to increased power consumption. If a detour is taken due to a road closure when a route is set, the power consumption will change according to the accumulated distance and changes in gradient. Furthermore, if the driver is changed midway through the journey, the power consumption will change due to the driver's driving habits and other factors. Internal factors include changes in power consumption due to the aging and deterioration of various parts inside the vehicle.

[0031] <<Crew Information Explanation>> Here, we will explain the occupant information. Occupant information represents the emotional state and other conditions of the vehicle occupants monitored by the occupant detection unit 14, as well as the setting status and priority of the vehicle occupants' preferences. The setting status of the vehicle occupants' preferences refers to the setting information and its history information that is pre-entered by the operation input unit 16 before the start of driving the vehicle 10 or during driving. This setting status of vehicle occupants' preferences does not have to be personalized for each individual, as it does not have to be set for data such as the vehicle occupant's attributes, behavior, and operation history, but may be set for groups such as the owner of the vehicle 10 or family.

[0032] Server 20 is able to communicate with a large number of vehicles 10 through a communication unit 15, and receives and stores preference data set within each vehicle 10 from the communication unit 15 of the numerous vehicles 10. Server 20 has previously learned the operation input information from the operation input unit 16 stored in the memory unit 12y of the numerous vehicles 10, sets preference priorities in order of frequency of setting, and sets this information as crew information.

[0033] For example, if the server 20 learns information transmitted from multiple vehicles 10 and learns that "the owner of this vehicle 10 often watches movies while driving on the highway," it notifies the ECU 12 of the corresponding vehicle 10 of this fact. The ECU 12 stores this information in the memory unit 12y as occupant information. Note that some or all of the processing performed by the server 20 may be performed by the ECU 12 of each vehicle 10. In the above example, the preference priority was set as occupant information by relatively comparing multiple vehicle occupants, but this is not the only way. For example, the ECU 12 may set the preference priority in order of frequency of setting based on the results of individually learning each vehicle occupant, and set this information as occupant information.

[0034] <<Explanation of the calculation method for the amount of electricity needed for driving>> Next, we will explain how to calculate the amount of electricity needed for driving. When the driver initiates manual operation of the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 will move. At this time, the rate at which the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases will change depending on how much the driver presses the accelerator and brakes. The rate at which the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 11 decreases will also change depending on the number of passengers in the vehicle and whether the number of passengers increases or decreases.

[0035] Furthermore, the ECU 12 of the vehicle 10 is configured with vehicle information related to driving assistance, such as a normal mode for normal driving that provides a good balance of fuel efficiency, quietness, and driving performance; a power mode that provides a quick response to accelerator input and achieves powerful acceleration; and an eco-drive mode that moderates the driving force in response to accelerator input while suppressing the operation of the air conditioner and prioritizing energy saving. In addition, the ECU 12 of the vehicle 10 is configured with vehicle information such as the current internal equipment information of the vehicle 10, for example, which equipment is currently in operation, whether a mobile terminal 8 or the like is connected to the charging port and charging, and the set temperature of the air conditioner and the power consumption associated with it.

[0036] Based on this type of vehicle information and the incline and decline of the planned route explored to reach the destination, the rate at which the remaining power of the battery 11 decreases until the destination is reached changes. The calculation unit 12a calculates the amount of power needed to travel until the destination is reached based on such power consumption parameters as vehicle information and the driving conditions of the planned route.

[0037] Furthermore, whether the vehicle is being driven manually or autonomously, the occupants may use other in-vehicle equipment 19 to adjust the temperature of the air conditioner, or use entertainment equipment or broadcasting equipment, based on their preferences. Therefore, the calculation unit 12a calculates the amount of energy consumed until the destination is reached, based on the operation information of the in-vehicle equipment (e.g., 14-19), including such other in-vehicle equipment 19, the operation input information, and the power consumption parameters based on the preferences of the vehicle occupants.

[0038] The creation unit 12b is provided to create power usage plans K1 and K2 for traveling to the destination based on the amount of power used for driving and the amount of power consumed. The determination unit 12c is provided to determine whether the current power usage plan K2 is appropriate or not, for example, whether it is unsustainable, based on power consumption parameters.

[0039] If the creation unit 12b determines that the current power usage plan K2 is inappropriate, for example, unsustainable, it creates an updated power usage plan K2a that is different from the current power usage plan K2. The notification control unit 12d is provided to notify the vehicle occupants of the power usage plans K1, K2, or / and the updated power usage plan K2a. The execution unit 12e has the function of putting the power usage plans K1, K2, or K2a into action after confirming with the vehicle occupants as necessary.

[0040] The following describes specific examples of the functions using flowcharts. When the ignition switch or power switch of the vehicle 10 is turned ON by the driver, power is supplied to the vehicle 10 from the battery 11, and vehicle equipment 19 such as the ECU 12 is started up. After starting up, the ECU 12 performs the process shown in Figure 3.

[0041] When the driver inputs a destination using the operation input unit 16 and performs driving operations, the ECUs 12 and 13 begin driving control. As shown in Figure 3, in S11, the ECU 12 acquires the state of the surrounding environment using the surrounding environment acquisition unit 18, and in S12, it acquires destination information input by the operation input unit 16.

[0042] In step S13, the ECU12 acquires occupant information and vehicle information from other ECUs13, other vehicle equipment 19, and the occupant detection unit 14. As mentioned above, the occupant information includes information on the driver's operation of the vehicle 10, information on the operation of in-vehicle equipment by the vehicle occupants, the occupant's riding status, the number of occupants, and the settings of the vehicle occupants' preferences.

[0043] In S14, the calculation unit 12a of the ECU 12 considers occupant information and vehicle information as power consumption parameters and calculates the amount of power required from the current location to the destination based on the power consumption parameters. In S15, the creation unit 12b of the ECU 12 creates a power usage plan K1. The power usage plan K1 is obtained chronologically by accumulating the amount of power consumed calculated by the calculation unit 12a over the planned route to the destination and subtracting it from the current remaining charge of the battery 11.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, consider the case where a power usage plan K1 is formulated from the current location to the destination. The ECU 12 calculates the total power consumption assuming that the current power usage plan K1 is carried out until the destination is reached, and determines whether there is a margin of power greater than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount E, which includes a margin of power. If the ECU 12 determines that there is a margin of power greater than or equal to the remaining amount E, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 notifies and proposes the current power usage plan K1 to the vehicle occupants in S15, and also controls the notification to encourage them to carry out the current power usage plan K1.

[0045] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the notification control unit 12d displays and proposes the current power usage plan K1 on the display screen of the display device 17, and notifies that if the current power usage plan K1 is followed, there will be a predetermined remaining amount E that exceeds the margin power amount expected to reach the destination. This allows the notification control unit 12d to control the notification to encourage the following:

[0046] Subsequently, in S16, the ECU 12 determines whether or not the power consumption parameters have been updated. If the power consumption parameters have not been updated in S16, the ECU 12 determines NO in S16 and applies the proposed power usage plan K1 in S18. The ECU 12 then executes the control related to the power usage plan K1 using the execution unit 12e.

[0047] For example, if a vehicle occupant, such as a driver, gives an instruction to start using the air conditioning unit along with the entertainment equipment while the vehicle 10 is stopped before departure, it is expected that a large amount of power will be consumed before reaching the destination. At this time, the ECU 12 calculates the amount of power consumption using the calculation unit 12a. In S15, the ECU 12 creates a power usage plan K2 based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 12a. In S16, the ECU 12 determines that the power consumption parameters have been updated, for example, when it receives an instruction to start using the vehicle equipment 19, and determines YES in S16. In S17, the ECU 12 determines whether the current power usage plan K2 is appropriate using the function of the judgment unit 12c.

[0048] If the air conditioning unit is used continuously along with entertainment equipment in the car while driving from the current location to the destination, a large amount of power will be consumed. As a result, the calculation unit 12a calculates the amount of power, and as shown in the dashed line power usage plan K2 in Figure 5, the amount of power in the battery 11 may reach a predetermined remaining amount E at the midpoint T2 between the current location and the destination. In this case, the ECU 12 determines, based on the function of the judgment unit 12c, that the current power usage plan K2 is not appropriate. In other words, the ECU 12 determines, based on the function of the judgment unit 12c, that the use of the current power usage plan K2 is inappropriate if it exceeds a predetermined standard set from the standpoint of safety or security.

[0049] If the ECU12 determines, based on the judgment unit 12c, that it is inappropriate and cannot be continued, it will output NO in S17, and the creation unit 12b of the ECU12 will create an updated power usage plan K2a in S19 that is different from the current power usage plan K2.

[0050] For example, when the creation unit 12b creates the update power usage plan K2a shown by the solid line in Figure 5, the notification control unit 12d notifies and proposes the update power usage plan K2a on the display screen of the display device 17 in S19. The notification control unit 12d may notify a suggestion such as, "You will consume more power than planned. You can use it until point T1 (place name, etc.), but if you continue driving the vehicle 10, how about refraining from using the air conditioner until you reach your destination?" or a suggestion such as, "How about reducing power usage?" If the vehicle occupant accepts the notification and proposal made by the notification control unit 12d in S20 by operating the operation input unit 16, the update power usage plan K2a is applied in S18b. The ECU 12 executes the control of the update power usage plan K2a using the execution unit 12e.

[0051] These processes are also performed while the vehicle 10 is in motion, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. For example, if additional operation input is received from the vehicle occupants while the vehicle 10 is in motion, a larger amount of power than previously planned will begin to be consumed during the vehicle's journey. In such cases, the same processes are performed.

[0052] Even while the vehicle 10 is in motion, the ECU 12 acquires occupant information and vehicle information in S21, and acquires the state of the surrounding environment in S22. In S23, the ECU 12 determines whether or not the power consumption parameters have been updated.

[0053] While vehicle 10 is traveling towards its destination, a power usage plan (for example, let's call it K1) has already been formulated. Even if there is no active input of changes to the power usage plan K1 by the vehicle occupants, if there is an action that is presumed to be a change, i.e., an action that consumes a large amount of power, it is determined in S23 that the power consumption parameters have been updated.

[0054] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the power of the battery 11 gradually decreases while the vehicle 10 is traveling from the starting point. If the vehicle occupants start watching a movie and simultaneously set the air conditioner to a high setting while the vehicle 10 is traveling, the power consumption increases. In this case, the rate at which the stored power of the battery 11 decreases increases.

[0055] ECU12 creates power usage plan K3 in S24, provided that the power consumption parameters have been updated. It then refers to the current power usage plan K3. In S25, ECU12 determines whether the current power usage plan K3 is sustainable and available.

[0056] For example, ECU12 determines that the current power usage plan K3 is unsuitable because it will reach a predetermined remaining amount E before reaching the destination, making continuation impossible. In S26, ECU12 creates an updated power usage plan K4 and proposes to the vehicle occupants that they implement it.

[0057] In S26, ECU12 should either notify and control a message such as "You can watch movies until you reach your destination. How about lowering the air conditioner temperature setting?" along with a suggestion for an updated power usage plan K4 that reduces the rate of decrease in the battery 11's remaining power, or a suggestion such as "How about reducing power usage?".

[0058] If the vehicle occupant approves in S27, the ECU 12 applies the power usage plan K4 for the update in S28. If the vehicle occupant approves the proposed plan as notified by the notification control unit 12d via an operation input from the operation input unit 16, the power usage plan K4 for the update is applied in S28b. The ECU 12 executes the control of the power usage plan K4 for the update using the functions of the execution unit 12e.

[0059] <<Regarding the priority of preferences>> The priority of the vehicle occupant's preferences may be set in advance in the memory unit 12y of the ECU 12 by the operation input unit 16. If the priority of watching movies is high and the priority of adjusting the air conditioning by the air conditioner is set in the memory unit 12y, the ECU 12 may prioritize watching movies and suggest this to the vehicle occupant by notifying and controlling a message such as "You can watch movies until you reach your destination. How about lowering the temperature setting of the air conditioner?" in S26.

[0060] Conversely, if the priority of adjusting the air conditioner's temperature is high and the priority of watching movies is low, as set in memory unit 12y, then in S26, the ECU 12 should suggest to the vehicle occupant that they prioritize the air conditioner's temperature setting, for example, by saying, "We can keep the air conditioner's temperature setting active until you reach your destination, but would you consider refraining from watching movies?" It is desirable for the ECU 12 to suggest and inform the vehicle occupant of their preferences based on the priorities set in this way.

[0061] Furthermore, if the ECU 12 determines that the current power usage plan K3 is inappropriate because it will reach a predetermined remaining amount E before reaching the destination and is therefore unsuitable for continuation, it may create an updated power usage plan K4 to suppress the use of the air conditioner that adjusts the internal environment of the vehicle 10. When adjusting the internal environment of the vehicle 10, the occupant detection unit 14 may detect seats where there are no vehicle occupants and create and execute an updated power usage plan K4 to adjust the output of the air conditioner to those seats. In this case, the updated power usage plan K4 may be notified to the vehicle occupants or executed automatically by the execution unit 12e without obtaining the consent of the vehicle occupants in S27.

[0062] In addition, if the seats in which the vehicle occupants sit are equipped with a temperature control function, the ECU 12 may create and execute an updated power usage plan K4 to control the output of the temperature control function and adjust the temperature sensation of a part of the vehicle occupant's body to adjust power usage. The ECU 12 may also create and execute an updated power usage plan K4 to adjust the output of the air conditioning and direct airflow to a limited part of the vehicle occupant's body to adjust power usage. In this case, the execution unit 12e may execute the updated power usage plan K4 automatically without notifying the vehicle occupant or obtaining the vehicle occupant's consent in S27.

[0063] <Specific example> The ECU12 can acquire temperature information inside the vehicle using a temperature sensor. The ECU12 may also determine that the battery 11's power level is low and insufficient when the vehicle occupants feel relatively cold inside the vehicle, such as during winter. The ECU12 may create and propose an updated power usage plan K4 that saves power by disabling the heating function of the air conditioning and / or the seat heater function, and if approved, it may implement it. Alternatively, an updated power usage plan K4 may be created that saves power by gradually lowering the target temperature setting of the air conditioning heating function.

[0064] Instead of shutting down the heating function of the air conditioning and / or the seat heater function, it may be determined that sufficient power can be maintained until the destination by operating other vehicle equipment 19, such as entertainment equipment. In this case, a power usage plan K4 for when the entertainment equipment is operating may be created and proposed, and if approved, it may be implemented. Alternatively, the power usage plan K4 for when the vehicle occupants are operating may be implemented by the execution unit 12e without obtaining their consent.

[0065] Conversely, if there is a relatively large amount of power remaining in the battery 11 during the journey to the destination, the vehicle occupants may decide that the interior of the vehicle feels relatively cold, such as in winter. In this case, the surplus power can be used to strengthen the heating function of the air conditioning and / or the seat heater function. For this reason, the ECU 12 should create and propose an updated power usage plan K4 that increases the power consumption due to the heating function of the air conditioning and / or the seat heater function, and execute it if approved. The updated power usage plan K4 may also be executed by the execution unit 12e without obtaining approval from the vehicle occupants.

[0066] For example, in the summer, when vehicle occupants may feel the interior of the vehicle is relatively hot, it may be determined that the power level of battery 11 is low and insufficient. In this case, it is advisable to create and propose an upgrade power usage plan K4 that saves power by disabling the air conditioning cooling function, and then implement it if approved. Alternatively, an upgrade power usage plan K4 may be created that saves power by gradually increasing the target temperature of the air conditioning cooling function.

[0067] The ECU 12 may determine that it can maintain sufficient power to reach the destination even if it operates other vehicle equipment 19, such as entertainment equipment, instead of shutting down the air conditioning cooling function. In this case, it is advisable to create and propose an update power usage plan K4 for when the entertainment equipment is operating, and to execute it if approved. Alternatively, the update power usage plan K4 may be executed by the execution unit 12e without obtaining approval from the vehicle occupants.

[0068] Conversely, if there is a relatively large amount of power remaining in the battery 11 during the journey to the destination, the vehicle occupants may determine that the interior of the vehicle feels relatively hot, especially in the summer. The ECU 12 can use this surplus power to strengthen the cooling function of the air conditioner, for example, by lowering the target temperature. For this reason, the ECU 12 should create and propose an updated power usage plan K4 that increases the power consumption due to the cooling function of the air conditioner, and execute it if approved. The updated power usage plan K4 may also be executed by the execution unit 12e without obtaining approval from the vehicle occupants.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the updated power usage plan (e.g., K4) is updated and executed by the execution unit 12e without waiting for a decision from the occupants of the vehicle 10. At this time, the notification control unit 12d should notify how the power usage plan (e.g., K3→K4) is updated and to understand the changes between the power usage plan before and after the update (e.g., K3→K4).

[0070] <Variation Example 1> Unlike the case where there is no surplus power as described above, the ECU 12 may, as shown in Figure 8, determine that, after calculating the total power consumption, there is a significant surplus of power for the current power usage plan T5 compared to the predetermined remaining amount E. In such cases, the ECU 12 may create an updated power usage plan T6 in S19 of Figure 3 or S26 of Figure 6 to increase the power consumption based on the vehicle occupant's preferences. At this time, the notification control unit 12d should provide notification control to propose a power usage plan that takes into account the vehicle occupant's preferences in line with the updated power usage plan T6.

[0071] For example, as mentioned above, the ECU 12 may have previously learned that "the owner of this vehicle 10 often watches movies on the highway" by referencing occupant information from the memory unit 12y as the occupant's preferences. In this case, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 should create and notify the occupant of a power usage plan T6 for updating the power supply if they watch a movie, along with a message such as "There is sufficient power available. How about watching a movie?" If the occupant approves, the ECU 12 should apply this power usage plan T6 for updating the power supply. In this case, the ECU 12 controls the execution unit 12e to process the display of the movie content on the display device 17.

[0072] <Difference 2> For example, as shown in Figure 9A, when a vehicle occupant starts operating vehicle 10, the ECU 12 creates power usage plans K8 and K8a that consume more power than the initial power usage plan K7. In this case, the ECU 12 may, for example, use power usage plan K8, which reflects the needs of the vehicle occupant, up to point T3 along the route, and then propose using power usage plan K8a, which conserves more power than power usage plan K8, from the point where vehicle 10 is traveling. Let's explain a specific example. For example, let's assume that the ECU 12 has caught traffic congestion information for the planned route of vehicle 10 at the time of operation by the vehicle occupant. Also, during this time, the ECU 12 determines that the vehicle occupant is likely to use various assistance functions related to driving vehicle 10 in traffic congestion (for example, radar cruise control function (LCC)) or entertainment equipment for watching movies to enjoy the boring traffic jam.

[0073] If ECU12 predicts that traffic congestion will clear at point T3 along the planned route as time progresses, it can predict that the vehicle occupants' power usage needs—in this case, assistance functions such as radar cruise control, and / or the use of entertainment equipment—will decrease from point T3 onward. In this case, ECU12 should create and propose a power usage plan K8a that suppresses the use of assistance functions and entertainment equipment from point T3 along the planned route. This will allow the needs of the vehicle occupants to be reflected as much as possible.

[0074] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the ECU 12 calculates the amount of power needed to travel to the destination, along with the amount of power consumed for purposes unrelated to travel, and calculates the amount of power required to travel to the destination. The ECU 12 then determines whether the current power usage plan (e.g., K1, K2) is appropriate, provided that the power consumption parameters have been updated before it becomes impossible to travel to the destination. If it determines that the plan is not appropriate, it creates an updated power usage plan (e.g., K2a).

[0075] Therefore, even if some event occurs that requires the consumption of a large amount of power when the power usage limit is approaching, the system will be able to respond to this event by consuming power accordingly. In this way, power management can be properly performed while ensuring that the amount of power in the battery 11 until the destination is reached is above the remaining charge E.

[0076] If the ECU12 simply proposes plans to meet the vehicle occupant's requests, it could lead to insufficient power remaining in the battery 11. Therefore, the ECU12 creates power usage plans K2a, K4, and K6 for updating based on multiple conditions, such as operation input information and the vehicle occupant's status. This enables power management that responds to the steadily changing needs of the vehicle occupant. By processing in this way, power management that meets the needs can be actively proposed to the vehicle occupant. By creating, notifying, and proposing power usage plans K2a, K4, K6, etc., the ECU12 allows the vehicle occupant to be aware of power management before or during driving.

[0077] The ECU12, based on preference priorities, turns on / off in-vehicle devices (e.g., entertainment equipment, broadcasting equipment) that can operate until the destination, or suggests parameters for parameterizable in-vehicle devices (e.g., air conditioning settings). This allows it to meet the needs of vehicle occupants.

[0078] <Modification of the first embodiment, part 3> Figure 9B shows a modified version of a part of Figure 3. In S19, the ECU 12 creates and proposes the power usage plan K2a for the upgrade, but if the vehicle occupant does not accept it in S20, it will create the power usage plan K2a again in S19. However, if the ECU 12 has proposed the power usage plan K2a for the upgrade to the vehicle occupant multiple times in S20b but has not received an acceptance response, it may determine YES in S20b and have the execution unit 12e execute the power usage plan K2a for the upgrade regardless of the vehicle occupant's decision. In other words, if communication with the vehicle occupant is unsuccessful, the execution may be forced. In this example, the process is shown when the vehicle is stopped, but the process can be similarly applied when the vehicle is in motion by applying the process in Figure 6.

[0079] <Modification of the first embodiment, part 4> Figure 9C shows a modified version of a part of Figure 3. In S17, the ECU 12 determines whether the current power usage plan K1 is appropriate. At this time, it determines that the current power usage plan K1 is inappropriate if, for example, it determines that the destination cannot be reached due to a lack of power or fuel for driving, or that the vehicle will stop at an undesirable parking location due to a lack of power or fuel for driving. For example, this may occur when the vehicle is caught in a traffic jam while driving on a highway, or when the route is set in a mountainous area and it is determined that charging is not possible because there are no charging facilities. In this case, it is advisable to display a message indicating that "the current power usage plan has problems."

[0080] In S19, ECU12 creates and proposes the updated power usage plan K2a. However, if the vehicle occupants do not approve in S20, ECU12 will recreate the updated power usage plan K2a in S19. If the occupants do not approve, they may propose a change (YES in S20c). For example, the occupants may request that the current power usage plan K1 be continued because it is comfortable. Another example is when the updated power usage plan K2a created in S19 proposes raising the air conditioner temperature setting, but the occupants request that the air conditioner temperature be kept low.

[0081] In S20d, ECU12 determines whether the proposed power usage plan K2a for renewal is appropriate. If ECU12 determines that the proposed power usage plan K2a for renewal is appropriate, it can apply and execute the proposed power usage plan K2a for renewal. If it is not appropriate, in S20e it determines whether the process has been repeated a predetermined number of times. If it has been repeated less than the predetermined number of times, it returns to S19 to create the power usage plan K2a for renewal again and repeats the processes of S20, S20c, and S20d.

[0082] If the ECU12 receives a predetermined number of inappropriate suggestions from the occupant in S20e, it may determine "YES" in S20e and forcibly execute the power usage plan K2a for updating created in S19, regardless of the vehicle occupant's judgment. In other words, if communication with the vehicle occupant is unsuccessful, the created power usage plan K2a for updating may be forcibly executed. This example shows the process while the vehicle is stationary, but the process shown in Figure 6 can be applied similarly while the vehicle is in motion.

[0083] <How to change the electricity usage plan when resetting the destination, transit points, etc.> The navigation system's destination may be reset based on the occupants' instructions, or waypoints may be set for shopping, rest stops, etc. Alternatively, the occupants may choose to spend time shopping or resting without setting waypoints, in which case the route may change while the vehicle is in motion. This could result in the desired arrival time at the final destination being earlier or later. If the destination or waypoints are changed, the same processing can be achieved by repeating the process shown in Figure 3 or Figure 6.

[0084] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. In this embodiment, as shown in S31 and S32 of Figure 10, the case in which the ECU 12 detects that the operation input unit 16 has switched from manual operation to automatic operation will be described.

[0085] When ECU12 detects that the vehicle has switched to autonomous driving, it notifies the driver of the current power usage plan (for example, T5 in Figure 8) and the current power usage status in S33. In S34, ECU12 notifies the vehicle occupants to ask if there are any changes to the current power usage plan T5. For example, during autonomous driving in an autonomous driving mode above a predetermined level, the driver does not need to concentrate on driving.

[0086] Vehicle occupants often have time to spare while inside the vehicle and have many opportunities to enjoy entertainment. Therefore, in S35, the ECU12 notifies the occupants of the current power usage plan T5 and asks whether it is necessary to change the current power usage plan T5. In this case, if the ECU12 determines in S35 that a change is necessary, it should create an updated power usage plan T6 in S36 and notify the occupants of the updated power usage plan T6 along with a message such as "How about watching a movie while the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode?". If the ECU12 determines in S35 that there is no need for a change, it applies the original power usage plan T5 in S37.

[0087] If the ECU 12 obtains the vehicle occupant's consent in S36b, it applies the power usage plan T6 for the update in S37b. If the vehicle occupant's consent is not obtained, it returns to S36 and repeats the creation of the power usage plan for the update. In cases where there is no response from the vehicle occupant, the power usage plan for the update may be applied in S37b without obtaining consent. Here, the ECU 12 may also automatically control the display to process the display of movie content on the display device 17 as needed, using the functions of the execution unit 12e.

[0088] During autonomous driving, there are often situations where vehicle occupants particularly want to consume power. According to this embodiment, power usage can be managed to concentrate, such as during autonomous driving. Furthermore, the needs of vehicle occupants can be responded to at any point while the vehicle 10 is in motion.

[0089] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. When the destination is entered by the user and the navigation function is executed, the ECU 12 displays the content of the map information M along with the current location mark of the vehicle 10 on the display screen of the display device 17, as shown in the upper part of Figure 11.

[0090] As shown in Figure 12, while the vehicle 10 is in motion, the ECU 12 determines in S41 whether the current power usage plan (for example, K3 in Figure 7) is appropriate. If the ECU 12 determines that the current power usage plan K3 is unsustainable and inappropriate, it creates an updated power usage plan K4 in S42.

[0091] In S43, the ECU12 determines whether or not content is already displayed on the display screen of the display device 17. If content is already displayed, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU12 may, in S44, display the information on the inability to continue and the reason information on the display screen of the display device 17, overlaid on the map information M which is already displayed information.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 11, the ECU 12 interrupts the display device 17 with the message "The destination cannot be reached with the current power usage plan" as continuation information, and "The air conditioner appears to be using too much power" as reason information. The ECU 12 may also overlay this information with suggestion information such as "Why not try turning off the air conditioner?"

[0093] As shown in Figure 13, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 may graph the current power usage plan K3 and the updated power usage plan K4, and display them as unusable information on a part of the display screen of the display device 17 by overlaying the chart P on the map information M. Here, the form in which the chart P is overlaid on the map information M is shown as an example, but it may also be displayed by overlaying it on surrounding camera information that has been captured around the vehicle 10, or on various video information such as movies or television broadcasts.

[0094] Conversely, if the ECU 12 determines in S43 of Figure 12 that no content is displayed on the display device 17, it proceeds to S45. In S45, the ECU 12 controls the display device 17 to display information indicating that the current power usage plan (e.g., K3 in Figure 7) is unsustainable, and reason information indicating the reason why it is unsustainable. At this time, the information may be displayed as text or as a graph, and the ECU 12 may display this unsustainable information and reason information across the entire display screen of the display device 17, as shown in Figure 14.

[0095] Furthermore, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 may display the result on a portion of the display screen of the display device 17, or it may only display whether or not the current power usage plan (for example, K3 in Figure 7) can be continued. The notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 may also change the display mode depending on the remaining power of the battery 11 when the destination is reached. The lower the remaining power when the destination is reached, the stronger the warning level may be, and warning colors may be used for the display processing to draw attention.

[0096] (Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 18. When the destination is entered by the user and the navigation function is executed, the ECU 12 displays the content of the map information M along with the current location mark of the vehicle 10 on the display screen of the display device 17, as shown in the upper part of Figure 15.

[0097] As shown in Figure 16, while the vehicle 10 is in motion, the ECU 12 determines in S41 whether the current power usage plan (for example, K3 in Figure 7) is appropriate. If the ECU 12 determines that the current power usage plan K3 is unsustainable and inappropriate, it creates an updated power usage plan K4 in S42.

[0098] In S43, the ECU 12 determines whether or not content is already displayed on the display screen of the display device 17. If content is already displayed, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 changes the display arrangement of the already displayed information in S44a, and in S44b displays information indicating that continuation is not possible and reason information in an area different from the area where the already displayed information is placed.

[0099] For example, consider the case where map information M is displayed across the entire display screen of the display device 17, along with the vehicle's current location marker, as shown in the upper part of Figure 15. In this case, the ECU 12 can crop a portion of the left half of the map information M and leave the cropped portion blank, then use this blank area to display information about the inability to continue and the reason for the error on the right half of the display screen.

[0100] In addition, as shown in the lower part of Figure 17, the ECU 12 may reduce the overall scale of the map information M and use the resulting empty space to display the information about the inability to continue and the reason for the reduction on the display screen. Alternatively, as shown in the lower part of Figure 18, the ECU 12 may erase the entire map information M and use the empty space to display the information about the inability to continue and the reason for the reduction on the entire display screen. This allows the vehicle occupants to be warned to be aware of the power consumption inside the vehicle.

[0101] Furthermore, variations of the proposed changes to the power usage plan will be explained. As mentioned earlier, proposing changes every time certain conditions are met can be bothersome for the user. Therefore, it is desirable to make suggestions using the vehicle occupant's current driving status and past operation input history information. This will make the user feel more pleased than bothered. Operation input information from the vehicle occupant in response to suggestions can be accumulated as training data, and a decision on whether or not to make a suggestion can be made based on this training data. If a positive response to a suggestion is received, the frequency of the suggestion should be increased, and conversely, if a negative response is received, the frequency of the suggestion should be decreased.

[0102] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 19. When the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 displays various information, it may set up an info area IN on a part of the display screen of the display device 17, as shown in the upper part of Figure 19. It is preferable to display information in this info area IN that does not require any operation from the occupant. For example, notification information such as "Message received" when an email to the occupant is received, or general news information may be displayed horizontally.

[0103] When any emergency information arises, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 may display information of high urgency or information requiring action from the occupants (for example, in the embodiment described above, whether or not a change to the power usage plan (e.g., K1 → K2a) can be implemented) as a pop-up. In this case, as shown in the lower part of Figure 19, the notification control unit 12d of the ECU 12 may display the emergency information in a raised manner to make it stand out, or display it with an icon indicating a warning such as an exclamation mark, and may also notify the user with an audible alert.

[0104] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms, and is applicable to various embodiments without departing from its essence. The methods using ECUs 12 and 13 described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the methods using ECUs 12 and 13 described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control device and its methods described in this disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0105] This disclosure includes, in addition to the claims, the following inventions: [1] A calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of power consumed while the vehicle is in motion until it reaches its destination, as well as the amount of power consumption related to the operation of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used until it reaches its destination, based on power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle. A creation unit (12b) that creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and power consumption related to driving, The system includes a determination unit (12c) that determines whether the current use of the power usage plan is appropriate (whether it is unsustainable or not) based on the power consumption parameters, The creation unit is a power management system that creates an updated power usage plan different from the current power usage plan if the judgment unit determines that it is inappropriate.

[0106] [2] The power consumption parameters include at least one of the following occupant information: information on the driver's operation of the vehicle, information on the operation of in-vehicle equipment by the vehicle occupants, the status of the vehicle occupants, and the preferences of the vehicle occupants [1].

[0107] [3] The system includes a notification control unit (12d) that notifies and controls the vehicle occupants of the aforementioned power usage plan, The power management system according to [1] or [2], wherein the notification control unit notifies the vehicle occupants of the current power usage plan and provides notification control to encourage them to carry out the current power usage plan.

[0108] [4] It includes a notification control unit (12d) that notifies and controls the power usage plan to the vehicle occupants, If the calculation unit determines that the total power consumption calculated assuming the current power usage plan is carried out until the destination is reached is greater than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount that includes a margin of power, The creation unit creates the power usage plan for the upgrade so as to increase the amount of power consumed based on the preferences of the vehicle occupants. The power management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the notification control unit provides notification control to propose a power usage plan for renewal related to the preferences of the vehicle occupants.

[0109] [5] It includes a notification control unit (12d) that notifies and controls the power usage plan to the vehicle occupants, The power management system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the notification control unit, on the condition that the operation has been switched from manual to automatic operation, notifies and controls the current power usage plan and the current power usage status, and notifies and controls the vehicle occupants to ask whether there are any changes to the current power usage plan.

[0110] [6] The notification control unit is configured to connect a display device (17) for displaying and controlling the content, If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is unsustainable and inappropriate, If the content is not displayed on the display device, the notification control unit displays on the display device information indicating that the current power usage plan cannot be continued, and reason information indicating the reason why it cannot be continued. A power management system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein if the content is already displayed on the display device, the system displays the information on the inability to continue and the reason information on the display device overlaid on the already displayed information.

[0111] [7] The notification control unit is configured to connect a display device (17) for displaying and controlling the content, If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is unsustainable and inappropriate, A power management system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the notification control unit changes the display arrangement of already displayed information on the display device, and displays on the display device the already displayed information, information indicating that the first power usage plan cannot be continued, and reason information indicating the reason why it cannot be continued.

[0112] [8] If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, A power management system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the creation unit creates the update power usage plan in such a way that it suppresses the use of the function that adjusts the environment inside the vehicle.

[0113] [9] It is configured by connecting an occupant detection unit (14) that detects which seat the aforementioned vehicle occupant is in, If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, The power management system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the creation unit creates the power usage plan for the update to adjust the environment inside the vehicle and adjust the output of the air conditioning to seats where there are no vehicle occupants.

[0114]

[10] It is configured by connecting an occupant detection unit (14) that detects the position of the vehicle occupant's body, If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, The power management system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the creation unit creates the power usage plan for the update so as to adjust the power usage by adjusting the output of the air conditioner and directing the airflow to a specific part of the body of the vehicle occupant.

[0115]

[11] It is configured by connecting an occupant detection unit (14) that detects which seat the aforementioned vehicle occupant is seated in, If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, The power management system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the creation unit creates the power usage plan for the update so as to control the output of the temperature control function of the seat in which the vehicle occupant sits, thereby adjusting the temperature sensation of a part of the vehicle occupant's body and adjusting the use of power.

[0116]

[12] A power management system according to any one of [1] to

[11] , comprising an execution unit (12e) that executes the power usage plan for the update without waiting for a decision by the occupants of the vehicle.

[0117]

[13] If the occupants of the vehicle have been presented with the aforementioned power usage plan for the upgrade multiple times, but have not given their consent, or if the occupants have been presented with an inappropriate proposal as the aforementioned power usage plan for the upgrade multiple times, A power management system according to any one of [1] to

[12] , comprising an execution unit (12e) that executes the power usage plan for the upgrade regardless of the judgment of the occupants of the vehicle.

[0118]

[14] The aforementioned judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate if it exceeds the predetermined standards set out from the standpoint of safety or security. The creation unit is a power management system [1] to

[13] which creates the power usage plan for renewal when it is determined that the current power usage is inappropriate.

[0119]

[15] The calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of power consumed during the vehicle 10's journey until it reaches its destination, along with the amount of power consumption related to the operation of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used until it reaches its destination, based on the power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle. The creation unit (12b) creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the amount of power used for driving and the amount of power consumed. The determination unit (12c) determines whether the current use of the power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, The creation unit creates an updated power usage plan different from the current power usage plan if the judgment unit determines that it is inappropriate.

[0120]

[16] In the power management system, A procedure for calculating, by a calculation unit (12a), the amount of power consumed during the vehicle 10's journey to reach the destination, along with the amount of power consumption related to the operation of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle, and A procedure for creating a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption related to power consumption, using a power usage plan creation unit (12b), A procedure for determining whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters by a determination unit (12c), A power management program that, if the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, causes the creation unit to create an updated power usage plan different from the current power usage plan.

[0121] Although this disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments described above, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments or structures. The present invention also encompasses various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include one, more, or fewer of those elements, fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] In the drawing, 1 represents the power management system, 12 and 13 represent the ECU, 12a is the calculation unit, 12b is the creation unit, 12c is the judgment unit, 12d is the notification control unit, 14 is the occupant detection unit (in-vehicle equipment), 15 is the communication unit (in-vehicle equipment), 16 is the operation input unit (in-vehicle equipment), 17 is the display device (in-vehicle equipment), 18 is the surrounding environment acquisition unit (in-vehicle equipment), and 19 is other vehicle equipment (in-vehicle equipment).

Claims

1. A calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of power consumed during the vehicle's journey to reach its destination, as well as the amount of power consumption required to perform the functions of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle. A creation unit (12b) that creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption-related power consumption, A determination unit (12c) that determines whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, It includes a notification control unit (12d) that notifies and controls the power usage plan to the vehicle occupants, If the creation unit determines that it is inappropriate, it will create an updated power usage plan that is different from the current power usage plan. If the calculation unit determines that the total power consumption calculated assuming the current power usage plan is carried out until the destination is reached is greater than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount that includes a margin of power, The creation unit creates the power usage plan for the upgrade so as to increase the amount of power consumed based on the preferences of the vehicle occupants. The notification control unit is a power management system that provides notification control to propose the power usage plan for the upgrade related to the preferences of the vehicle occupants.

2. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein the preferences of the vehicle occupants are set individually or for groups of people.

3. The power management system according to claim 1, wherein the preferences of the vehicle occupants are set based on information received from the server.

4. A calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of power consumed during the vehicle's journey to reach its destination, as well as the amount of power consumption required to perform the functions of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle. A creation unit (12b) that creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption-related power consumption, A determination unit (12c) that determines whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, It includes a notification control unit (12d) that notifies and controls the power usage plan to the vehicle occupants, If the creation unit determines that it is inappropriate, it will create an updated power usage plan that is different from the current power usage plan. The aforementioned notification control unit is a power management system that, on the condition that the operation has been switched from manual to automatic, notifies and controls the current power usage plan and current power usage status, and notifies and controls the vehicle occupants to ask whether there are any changes to the current power usage plan.

5. The power management system according to claim 1 or 4, further comprising an execution unit (12e) that executes the power usage plan for updating without waiting for a decision by the occupants of the vehicle.

6. The aforementioned judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate if it exceeds the predetermined standards set out from the standpoint of safety or security. The power management system according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the creation unit creates the power usage plan for renewal when it is determined that the use is inappropriate.

7. A calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of power consumed during the vehicle's journey to reach its destination, as well as the amount of power consumption required to perform the functions of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle. A creation unit (12b) that creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption-related power consumption, The system includes a determination unit (12c) that determines whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, It is configured by connecting an occupant detection unit (14) that detects the body position of the vehicle occupants, If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, The creation unit is a power management system that creates an updated power usage plan different from the current power usage plan, which adjusts the output of the air conditioning and directs the airflow to specific parts of the vehicle occupants' bodies to reduce power consumption.

8. A calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of power consumed during the vehicle's journey to reach its destination, as well as the amount of power consumption required to perform the functions of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle. A creation unit (12b) that creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption-related power consumption, The system includes a determination unit (12c) that determines whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, It is configured by connecting an occupant detection unit (14) that detects which seat the vehicle occupants are seated in, The creation unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate and creates an updated power usage plan different from the current power usage plan to reduce power consumption by controlling the output of the temperature control function of the seat where the vehicle occupant sits and adjusting the temperature sensation of a part of the vehicle occupant's body.

9. The occupant detection unit (14) is configured to detect which seat the vehicle occupant is in, If the judgment unit determines that the current power usage plan is inappropriate, The power management system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the creation unit creates the power usage plan for the update so as to adjust the environment inside the vehicle and adjust the output of the air conditioning to seats where there are no vehicle occupants.

10. A calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of power consumed during the vehicle's journey to reach its destination, as well as the amount of power consumption required to perform the functions of the in-vehicle equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on power consumption parameters that consume power within the vehicle. A creation unit (12b) that creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption-related power consumption, The system includes a determination unit (12c) that determines whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, The creation unit, if it is determined by the judgment unit that it is inappropriate, will create an updated power usage plan that is different from the current power usage plan. If the occupants of the vehicle have been presented with the aforementioned power usage plan for the upgrade multiple times, but have not given their consent, or if the occupants have been presented with an inappropriate proposal as the aforementioned power usage plan for the upgrade multiple times, A power management system comprising an execution unit (12e) that executes the power usage plan for the upgrade regardless of the judgment of the occupants of the vehicle.

11. The calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of electricity used for driving the vehicle until it reaches the destination, as well as the amount of electricity required to perform the functions of the vehicle equipment (14-19) used until it reaches the destination, based on the power consumption parameters that consume electricity within the vehicle. The creation unit (12b) creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the amount of power used for driving and the amount of power consumed. The determination unit (12c) determines whether the current use of the power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, If the creation unit determines that it is inappropriate, it will create an updated power usage plan that is different from the current power usage plan. The notification control unit (12d) is responsible for notifying and controlling the vehicle occupants of the power usage plan. If the calculation unit determines that the total power consumption calculated assuming the current power usage plan is carried out until the destination is reached is greater than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount that includes a margin of power, The creation unit creates the power usage plan for the upgrade so as to increase the amount of power consumed based on the preferences of the vehicle occupants. The notification control unit provides a power management method that provides notification control to propose the power usage plan for the upgrade related to the preferences of the vehicle occupants.

12. The calculation unit (12a) calculates the amount of electricity used for driving the vehicle until it reaches the destination, as well as the amount of electricity required to perform the functions of the vehicle equipment (14-19) used until it reaches the destination, based on the power consumption parameters that consume electricity within the vehicle. The creation unit (12b) creates a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the amount of power used for driving and the amount of power consumed. The determination unit (12c) determines whether the current use of the power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters, If the creation unit determines that it is inappropriate, it will create an updated power usage plan that is different from the current power usage plan. The notification control unit (12d) is responsible for notifying and controlling the vehicle occupants of the power usage plan. The aforementioned notification control unit, on the condition that the operation has been switched from manual to automatic operation, notifies and controls the current power usage plan and current power usage status, and notifies and controls the vehicle occupants to ask whether there are any changes to the current power usage plan.

13. In the power management system (1), A procedure for calculating, by a calculation unit (12a), the amount of electricity consumed during the vehicle's journey to reach the destination, along with the amount of electricity consumption related to the operation of the vehicle's equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on the electricity consumption parameters of the vehicle, A procedure for creating a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption related to power consumption, using a power usage plan creation unit (12b), A procedure for determining whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters by a determination unit (12c), If the judgment unit determines that it is inappropriate, the creation unit creates an updated power usage plan that is different from the current power usage plan. The procedure for notifying the vehicle occupants of the power usage plan by the notification control unit (12d) and the execution of the following: If the calculation unit determines that the total power consumption calculated assuming the current power usage plan is carried out until the destination is reached is greater than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount that includes a margin of power, In the procedure created by the creation unit, the power usage plan for the upgrade is created so as to increase the amount of power consumed based on the preferences of the vehicle occupants. The notification control procedure includes a power management program that provides notification control to propose the power usage plan for the upgrade related to the preferences of the vehicle occupants.

14. In the power management system (1), A procedure for calculating, by a calculation unit (12a), the amount of electricity consumed during the vehicle's journey to reach the destination, along with the amount of electricity consumption related to the operation of the vehicle's equipment (14-19) used to reach the destination, based on the electricity consumption parameters of the vehicle, A procedure for creating a power usage plan for traveling to the destination based on the aforementioned power consumption and the aforementioned power consumption related to power consumption, using a power usage plan creation unit (12b), A procedure for determining whether the current power usage plan is appropriate based on the power consumption parameters by a determination unit (12c), If the judgment unit determines that it is inappropriate, the creation unit creates an updated power usage plan that is different from the current power usage plan. The procedure for notifying the vehicle occupants of the power usage plan by the notification control unit (12d) and the execution of the following: The aforementioned notification control procedure includes a power management program that, on the condition that the vehicle has switched from manual to automatic operation, notifies the current power usage plan and current power usage status, and notifies the vehicle occupants to ask whether there are any changes to the current power usage plan.

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