Information processing device, information processing device system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device (200) is provided with a consumption amount estimating unit (270), a reference acquiring unit (280), and an output processing unit (320). The consumption amount estimating unit (270) calculates an estimated consumption amount of a consumed amount of energy consumed by a vehicle until the vehicle reaches a specific location. The reference acquiring unit (280) acquires a reference charge amount of an energy storage unit provided in the vehicle. The output processing unit (320) calculates, on the basis of the reference charge amount and the estimated consumption amount, consumed energy information, which is information relating to consumed energy.

Description

Information processing device, information processing device system, information processing method and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing device system, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a vehicle display system that correlates and displays the distance to a destination on a set route with a change in SOC (State of Charge) when traveling the route. This vehicle display system includes a power consumption prediction calculation unit, a battery remaining capacity prediction calculation unit, a battery remaining capacity calculation unit, and a display. The power consumption prediction calculation unit and the battery remaining capacity prediction calculation unit calculate multiple predicted SOC changes to the destination according to predicted energy consumption under different conditions.

[0003] The battery remaining capacity calculation unit calculates an actual SOC change based on actual energy consumption. According to Patent Document 1, the battery remaining capacity calculation unit calculates the SOC from a voltage obtained from the battery device, etc. The display displays the calculated actual SOC change and also selects and displays at least one predicted SOC change from the plurality of calculated predicted SOC changes.

[0004] JP 2014-44178 A

[0005] As described above, the vehicle display system disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates the SOC from the voltage obtained from the battery device, etc. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technique for estimating energy consumption information when the current energy state of the energy storage unit, such as the voltage of the battery device, cannot be obtained. Energy consumption information is information related to the energy consumed.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an example of an objective of the present disclosure is to estimate energy consumption information even when the current energy state of an energy storage unit cannot be obtained.

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing device comprising: a consumption estimation unit that calculates an estimated amount of energy that a vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific point; a reference acquisition unit that acquires a reference filling amount of an energy storage unit equipped in the vehicle; and an output processing unit that calculates energy consumption information, which is information regarding the energy consumed, based on the reference filling amount and the estimated consumption amount.

[0008] An invention according to claim 10 is an information processing system including the information processing device and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device includes an output unit that outputs energy consumption information.

[0009] The invention described in claim 11 is an information processing method in which one or more computers calculate an estimated amount of energy consumption that a vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific location, obtain a reference filling amount of an energy storage unit equipped in the vehicle, and calculate energy consumption information, which is information regarding the energy consumed, based on the reference filling amount and the estimated consumption amount.

[0010] The invention described in claim 12 is a program for causing one or more computers to calculate an estimated amount of energy consumption that a vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific location, obtain a reference filling amount of an energy storage unit equipped in the vehicle, and calculate energy consumption information, which is information regarding the energy consumed, based on the reference filling amount and the estimated consumption amount.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is an example of a first display screen according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is an example of a second display screen according to an embodiment; and FIG. 8 is an example of a third display screen according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the physical configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, like components are denoted by like reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0013] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system S1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system S1 is a system for estimating energy consumption information of a vehicle. For example, the information processing system S1 may estimate energy consumption information of a vehicle when the current energy state of the vehicle is not available.

[0014] The "current energy state" refers to the current state of an energy storage unit provided in a vehicle. The energy storage unit according to this embodiment is a storage battery when the vehicle is an electric vehicle. The current energy state according to this embodiment is the SOC (State of Charge).

[0015] The vehicle may be a fuel-powered vehicle, in which case the energy storage unit is, for example, a fuel tank, and the current energy state in this case is, for example, the fill rate or remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank.

[0016] The "energy consumption information" is information related to the energy consumed. The energy consumption information includes, for example, at least one of a range, an energy consumption rate, a point where the consumption rate reaches a predetermined value, and the number of times energy is replenished (e.g., the number of times charging) required to reach the destination.

[0017] The range is, for example, a range that can be reached from the current location without refilling fuel such as by charging.

[0018] The energy consumption rate is, for example, the ratio of the energy consumed until reaching a specific point to the reference charged amount.

[0019] The specific point may include, for example, a destination, a predetermined facility such as a highway or a main road, or a predetermined point. The facility may be, for example, a service area, a parking area, an interchange, a toll booth, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0020] The reference charging amount is a standard for the amount of energy charged in an energy storage unit included in a vehicle. The reference charging amount is a charging amount determined as a standard for the energy storage unit, and is, for example, a full charging amount.

[0021] The full charge amount may be, for example, a predetermined percentage of the rated charge amount. This predetermined percentage may be, for example, 85%, 100%, etc. The rated charge amount of a storage battery is also referred to as a rated capacity, etc. Note that, for example, if the vehicle is a fuel-powered vehicle, the rated charge amount may be the upper limit of the tank capacity.

[0022] The information processing system S1 includes, for example, a terminal device 100 used by a user and an information processing device 200. The terminal device 100 and the information processing device 200 are connected to each other via a communication network NT, and transmit and receive information to and from each other via the communication network NT. The communication network NT may be, for example, wired, wireless, or a combination of these.

[0023] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 100 according to one embodiment. The terminal device 100 is a mobile terminal used by a user who travels by vehicle, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, an in-vehicle device attached to a vehicle, or the like.

[0024] The terminal device 100 includes, for example, an input unit 110 , a current position detection unit 120 , a terminal communication unit 130 , and an output unit 140 .

[0025] The input unit 110 accepts input from the user.

[0026] The current position detection unit 120 detects the current position. To detect the current position, a general technology such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) function or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) function may be used.

[0027] The terminal communication unit 130 exchanges information with the information processing device 200 .

[0028] The output unit 140 outputs various types of information. For example, the output unit 140 outputs energy consumption information. For example, the output unit 140 may output the information by display. Note that the output unit 140 may also output the information by voice.

[0029] (Regarding the Information Processing Device 200) Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 200 according to one embodiment. The information processing device 200 is a device for estimating current energy consumption information of a vehicle used by a user. For example, the information processing device 200 may estimate energy consumption information of a vehicle when the current energy state of the vehicle cannot be obtained.

[0030] The information processing device 200 functionally includes, for example, a vehicle information storage unit 210, a vehicle information acquisition unit 220, a destination acquisition unit 230, a current position acquisition unit 240, a travel route calculation unit 250, a route information acquisition unit 260, a consumption estimation unit 270, a reference acquisition unit 280, a refueling information acquisition unit 290, a driving information acquisition unit 300, a consumption record acquisition unit 310, and an output processing unit 320.

[0031] The vehicle information storage unit 210 stores vehicle information. The vehicle information storage unit 210 may store information in which the vehicle information is associated with a user ID (Identification), which is information for identifying a user.

[0032] The vehicle information is information about the vehicle, and may include, for example, information about the storage battery (storage battery information) as information about the energy storage unit provided in the vehicle. In detail, for example, the vehicle information may include at least one of vehicle weight, vehicle width, vehicle height, total mileage, vehicle model (including year), model type, etc. The storage battery information may include, for example, at least one of a reference charge amount such as a fully charged amount, a storage battery model, etc.

[0033] The vehicle information acquisition unit 220 acquires vehicle information. For example, when the vehicle information acquisition unit 220 acquires vehicle information based on a user's input together with a user ID from the terminal device 100, the vehicle information acquisition unit 220 stores information in which the vehicle information and the user ID are associated with each other in the vehicle information storage unit 210.

[0034] The destination acquisition unit 230 acquires the user's destination. For example, the destination acquisition unit 230 acquires the destination based on the user's input from the terminal device 100.

[0035] The current position acquisition unit 240 acquires the current position of the vehicle. For example, the current position acquisition unit 240 acquires the current position detected by the current position detection unit 120 from the terminal device 100. For example, the current position acquisition unit 240 may acquire the current position at a predetermined timing. For example, the current position acquisition unit 240 may acquire the current position transmitted from the terminal device 100 at a predetermined timing, or may request the current position from the terminal device 100 at a predetermined timing and acquire the current position in response.

[0036] The predetermined timing may include, for example, at least one of when the destination acquisition unit 230 acquires the destination, at a predetermined time interval (for example, one minute interval), when a specific point is reached, and the like.

[0037] The travel route calculation unit 250 calculates a travel route from a starting point to a destination. The starting point is, for example, the current location at the time when the destination is acquired. The travel route may be calculated using general technology, for example, using map information.

[0038] The route information acquisition unit 260 acquires information (route information) about a travel route from a departure point to a destination. The route information may include, for example, a travel route and at least one of the road gradient along the travel route, the elevation of each point along the travel route, weather information along the travel route, traffic information, etc. The weather information may include, for example, at least one of the predicted temperature and predicted weather at each point along the travel route. The traffic information may include, for example, at least one of traffic congestion, traffic accidents, traffic regulation status, etc.

[0039] The route information acquisition unit 260 may acquire route information based on, for example, map data and weather information. The map data is data including, for example, roads and at least one of the gradient and elevation of the roads. The weather information may include, for example, the current temperature, weather, etc. at each location, and may also include forecasts of the temperature, weather, etc. at the estimated time the vehicle is to arrive at each location.

[0040] The map data may be stored in advance in the information processing device 200, or may be acquired by the information processing device 200 from an external device (not shown). The weather information may be acquired by the information processing device 200 from an external device (not shown). The consumption estimation unit 270 calculates an estimated amount of energy consumption that the vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific point.

[0041] For example, the consumption estimation unit 270 calculates the estimated consumption using route information. The consumption estimation unit 270 may calculate the estimated consumption from the starting point using the route information, for example. As described above, the route information may include, in addition to the travel route, at least one of the road gradient on the travel route and the altitude of each point included in the travel route. This allows the consumption estimation unit 270 to calculate the estimated consumption by further using the road gradient of the travel route. As described above, the route information may include at least one of weather information on the travel route, etc. This allows the consumption estimation unit 270 to calculate the estimated consumption by further using weather information on the travel route, such as temperature and weather.

[0042] The reference acquisition unit 280 acquires a reference charge amount of an energy storage unit (storage battery) provided in the vehicle. For example, the reference acquisition unit acquires the reference charge amount when SOC information, which is information used for calculating the SOC, cannot be obtained.

[0043] For example, if the reference filling amount is stored in the vehicle information storage unit 210 , the reference acquisition unit 280 may acquire the reference filling amount from the vehicle information storage unit 210 .

[0044] For example, if the reference filling amount is not stored in the vehicle information storage unit 210, the reference acquisition unit 280 may acquire the reference filling amount based on information related to the storage battery stored in the vehicle information storage unit 210. In detail, for example, the reference acquisition unit 280 may refer to storage battery data that associates the model of the storage battery with the reference filling amount, and acquire the reference filling amount of the storage battery that corresponds to the model of the storage battery stored in the vehicle information storage unit 210. This storage battery data may be stored in advance in the information processing device 200 (reference acquisition unit 280), or may be acquired by the information processing device 200 (reference acquisition unit 280) from an external device (not shown).

[0045] For example, the reference acquisition unit 280 may acquire the state of health (SOH) of the storage battery using the vehicle mileage, vehicle model (including year), model, etc. included in the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit 210. The reference acquisition unit 280 may then acquire (calculate) the reference filling amount by further using the state of deterioration of the storage battery. The state of deterioration is expressed, for example, by a value corresponding to the state of deterioration (deterioration state value). For example, the reference acquisition unit 280 may acquire the deterioration state value and multiply the rated capacity by the deterioration state value to acquire (calculate) the reference filling amount.

[0046] The charging information acquisition unit 290 acquires charging information indicating that charging has been performed based on the user's input.

[0047] For example, when a predetermined charging confirmation condition is satisfied, the charging information acquisition unit 290 may notify the terminal device 100 of confirmation of whether charging has been completed. The charging confirmation condition may be, for example, that the vehicle has been parked at a charging location such as a charging station for a predetermined period of time or more. Whether the vehicle is at the charging location may be determined based on the current location acquired by the current location acquisition unit 240 and map data. In this case, the map data includes the location of the charging location such as the charging station.

[0048] The charging information acquisition unit 290 acquires, for example, a response that the user inputs to the terminal device 100 in response to the above-mentioned confirmation notification from the terminal device 100. This response is, for example, information indicating whether charging has been performed or not, and includes charging information.

[0049] The charging information is an example of filling information indicating that the energy storage unit has been filled (replenished) with energy when the energy storage unit is a storage battery, and the same applies hereinafter. For example, when the energy storage unit is a fuel tank, the filling information may be information indicating that the fuel tank has been filled with fuel.

[0050] The travel information acquisition unit 300 acquires travel information of the vehicle. For example, the travel information acquisition unit 300 may acquire the travel information of the vehicle based on a history of the current position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 240 from the starting point to the current point after the vehicle starts traveling.

[0051] The travel information may include, for example, at least one of a travel position, a travel route, a speed, an acceleration, traffic congestion information, etc. The traffic congestion information is information indicating that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam, and may be, for example, information indicating a traffic congestion section through which the vehicle has traveled.

[0052] The travel position may be, for example, the current position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 240. The travel route may be, for example, a history of the current position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 240.

[0053] The speed, acceleration, and congestion information may each be acquired based on, for example, a history of the current position. In detail, for example, the travel information acquisition unit 300 may acquire the speed, acceleration, congestion information, etc. of the vehicle up to the present time based on the history of the current position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 240. The speed and acceleration may each be calculated, for example, by calculating the travel distance from the vehicle's position and calculating the time required for that travel. The congestion information may be determined based on a predetermined congestion condition, such as a speed below a predetermined value continuing for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0054] The actual consumption acquisition unit 310 estimates the actual consumption, which is the amount of energy consumed by traveling, based on the traveling information of the vehicle after the vehicle starts traveling. For example, the actual consumption acquisition unit 310 may estimate the actual consumption based on the traveling information of the vehicle after the vehicle starts traveling.

[0055] For example, the actual consumption acquisition unit 310 may estimate the actual consumption based on the travel information and at least one of geographic data and weather history information.

[0056] By using driving information, such as speed, acceleration, and traffic congestion information, consumption results can be estimated.

[0057] For example, the geographical data is data including at least one of the road gradient and altitude of the route traveled by the vehicle. This allows the consumption history acquisition unit 310 to estimate the consumption history by further using the road gradient. The weather history information is information including the history of temperature, weather, etc. in each location, and may include, for example, the temperature, weather, etc. along the route traveled by the vehicle. This allows the consumption history acquisition unit 310 to estimate the consumption history by further using the weather history along the route traveled by the vehicle.

[0058] The geographic data may be stored in advance in the information processing device 200, or may be acquired by the information processing device 200 from an external device (not shown). Map data may be used instead of the geographic data. The climate information may be acquired by the information processing device 200 from an external device (not shown).

[0059] The output processing unit 320 calculates consumed energy information, which is information related to the energy consumed, based on the reference filling amount and the estimated consumption amount.

[0060] As described above, the energy consumption information may include at least one of the following, for example: the range of travel, the energy consumption rate, the point at which the consumption rate reaches a predetermined value, the number of energy charges required to reach the destination, and the like.

[0061] The energy consumption rate may be, for example, the ratio of the cumulative value of the energy consumption amount consumed by the vehicle from the starting point to the specific point to the reference charging amount, and may be expressed as a negative value. A negative value is a value expressed with a predetermined symbol indicating a negative value, such as "-" (minus) or "▼". Note that the energy consumption rate (i.e., the ratio of the cumulative value of the energy consumption amount to the reference charging amount) may be expressed as a value without a predetermined symbol indicating a negative value.

[0062] The number of charging times may be calculated based on the reference charge amount, the estimated consumption amount, and predetermined charging conditions, which may include, for example, at least one of arriving at the destination with a minimum remaining amount, always maintaining a minimum remaining amount, and charging for a predetermined amount (e.g., 30 minutes with a quick charger).

[0063] For example, the output processing unit 320 may calculate energy consumption information, which is information related to energy consumption, based on the reference filling amount and the estimated consumption amount before the vehicle starts traveling or at the time the vehicle starts traveling.

[0064] For example, after the vehicle starts traveling, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information based on the reference filling amount, the estimated consumption amount, and the actual consumption. In detail, for example, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information by subtracting the actual consumption from the reference filling amount. By subtracting the actual consumption, accurate energy consumption information that takes the traveling history into consideration can be calculated.

[0065] For example, if the difference between the actual energy consumption and the estimated energy consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value after the vehicle starts traveling, the output processing unit 320 may issue a warning that the actual energy consumption is higher than expected. This warning may be sent to, for example, the terminal device 100. This allows the user to know that the energy consumption is higher than expected. This makes it possible to charge the vehicle at an appropriate time.

[0066] For example, when charging information is acquired after the vehicle starts traveling, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information based on the reference charging amount, the estimated consumption amount, the actual consumption, and the charging information. In this case, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information assuming that a predetermined amount of electricity (e.g., 30 minutes with a rapid charger) has been stored in the storage battery through charging.

[0067] (Example of Operation of Information Processing System S1) The information processing system S1 executes information processing to estimate current energy consumption information of a vehicle used by a user. For example, the information processing may estimate energy consumption information of a vehicle when the current energy state of the vehicle is not available.

[0068] 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of information processing executed by the information processing device 200 according to an embodiment. The information processing is started, for example, when the destination acquisition unit 230 acquires a destination. Note that the trigger for starting the information processing is not limited to the example shown here.

[0069] For example, before the information processing is started, the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 220 may be stored in advance in the vehicle information storage unit 210. Furthermore, for example, during the execution of the information processing, the current position acquisition unit 240 may continuously acquire the current position detected by the current position detection unit 120 from the terminal device 100 at predetermined time intervals (for example, time intervals of several seconds to several minutes).

[0070] The travel route calculation unit 250 calculates a travel route from the departure point to the destination (step S100).

[0071] The starting point may be, for example, the current position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 240 when executing step S100. For example, the movement route calculation unit 250 may transmit the calculated movement route to the terminal device 100.

[0072] The route information acquisition unit 260 acquires information (route information) about the travel route from the departure point to the destination (step S110).

[0073] For example, if multiple travel routes are calculated in step S100, which travel route to use may be determined based on a user specification. In this case, the route information acquisition unit 260 may acquire the user specification regarding the travel route and acquire route information regarding the travel route specified by the user.

[0074] The consumption amount estimator 270 calculates the estimated consumption amount using the route information (step S120).

[0075] For example, the consumption amount estimating unit 270 may use the route information acquired in step S110 to calculate the estimated consumption amount when traveling from the departure point to the destination according to the travel route specified by the user.

[0076] The reference acquisition unit 280 acquires the reference charge amount of the energy storage unit (storage battery) provided in the vehicle (step S130).

[0077] The output processing unit 320 calculates the energy consumption information based on the estimated consumption amount calculated in step S120 and the reference filling amount acquired in step S130 (step S140).

[0078] The energy consumption information may also include an energy refueling location. For example, the energy refueling location may be a charging station for an electric vehicle, or a gas station for a fuel-powered vehicle. In this case, for example, the output processing unit 320 may calculate energy consumption information including the energy refueling location when it is expected that charging will be required before reaching the destination (for example, when the energy consumption rate before reaching the destination exceeds 100%, when the number of charges is one or more, etc.). The energy consumption information may also include information for issuing a warning that charging is required when charging is expected to be required before reaching the destination.

[0079] The output processing unit 320 transmits the energy consumption information calculated in step S140 to the terminal device 100 (step S150).

[0080] The consumed energy information transmitted in step S150 may be acquired by, for example, the terminal communication unit 130 and output by the output unit 140. The output unit 140 may, for example, function as a display unit, and may display a display screen including the consumed energy information.

[0081] 6 to 8 are examples of display screens including energy consumption information.

[0082] The first display screen illustrated in FIG. 6 is an example of a screen showing the range that can be traveled if the vehicle proceeds without refueling. The first display screen illustrated in FIG. 6 may include the route from the departure point to the destination, along with the range that can be traveled. The first display screen also includes an example of a point where the consumption rate reaches a predetermined value. In FIG. 6, the predetermined value for the consumption rate is an example of a value between -20% and -100% in 20% increments, but the predetermined value is not limited to this and may be set as appropriate.

[0083] The second display screen shown in Fig. 7 is an example of a screen showing the consumption rate when passing through a specified facility on a highway. The third display screen shown in Fig. 8 is an example of a screen showing the consumption rate when passing through predetermined points included in a travel route. The consumption rates shown in Figs. 6 to 8 are examples of energy consumption information expressed as negative values, which are the ratio of the integrated value of the energy consumption amount consumed by the vehicle from the departure point to the specific point to the reference charging amount.

[0084] By displaying such a display screen, the user can know the energy consumption information when traveling to the destination. Therefore, for example, a user of an electric vehicle can determine an appropriate charging plan by considering whether charging is necessary until reaching the destination. In addition, by being able to check the ratio to the reference charging amount, an appropriate charging plan can be determined. In addition, by being able to check the ratio to the reference charging amount along the route, an appropriate charging plan can be determined.

[0085] The travel information acquisition unit 300 determines whether a predetermined recalculation condition is satisfied (step S160). If the recalculation condition is not satisfied (step S160; No), the travel information acquisition unit 300 waits until the recalculation condition is satisfied.

[0086] The recalculation condition is, for example, a condition for recalculating the energy consumption information. For example, the travel information acquisition unit 300 may determine whether the recalculation condition is satisfied after the vehicle starts traveling.

[0087] For example, the recalculation condition may include acquisition of charging information indicating that charging has been performed. For example, in the information processing, the charging information acquisition unit 290 may notify the terminal device 100 of confirmation of whether charging has been performed when the charging confirmation condition is satisfied, as described above. The traveling information acquisition unit 300 may determine that the recalculation condition is satisfied when, for example, the charging information acquisition unit 290 acquires charging information indicating that charging has been performed in response to this confirmation notification.

[0088] The recalculation condition is not limited to obtaining charging information indicating that charging has been performed. The recalculation condition may include, for example, a predetermined time interval (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). The recalculation condition may include, for example, passing through a point where the energy consumption rate is expected to reach a predetermined value (e.g., a value in 20% increments from -20% to -100%). The recalculation condition may include, for example, passing through a predetermined point included in the travel route.

[0089] The recalculation conditions are not limited to those exemplified here, and may include one or more predetermined conditions.

[0090] If the recalculation condition is met (step S160; Yes), the travel information acquisition unit 300 acquires travel information of the vehicle (step S170).

[0091] For example, the travel information acquisition unit 300 may acquire vehicle travel information based on a history of the current position that has been continuously acquired from the starting point to the current point.

[0092] The actual consumption acquisition unit 310 estimates the actual consumption, which is the amount of energy consumed during driving, based on the driving information acquired in step S170 (step S180).

[0093] The output processing unit 320 calculates energy consumption information based on the estimated consumption calculated in step S120, the reference filling amount acquired in step S130, and the actual consumption estimated in step S180 (step S190).

[0094] In step S190, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information by, for example, subtracting the actual consumption from the reference filling amount. The energy consumption information may be calculated based on the subtraction result and the estimated consumption from the current location. This allows the energy consumption information to be calculated taking the actual consumption into account.

[0095] In step S190, for example, when recalculation is performed based on the charging information in step S150, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information by subtracting the actual consumption from the reference charging amount and adding a predetermined charging amount. The energy consumption information may be calculated based on, for example, the result of adding the charging amount and the estimated consumption amount from the current location. This makes it possible to calculate energy consumption information that takes charging into account.

[0096] The output processing unit 320 transmits the energy consumption information calculated in step S190 to the terminal device 100 (step S200).

[0097] The energy consumption information transmitted in step S190 may be acquired by the device communication unit 130 and output by the output unit 140. The output unit 140 may, for example, function as a display unit to display a display screen including the energy consumption information. The configuration of this display screen may be the same as the display screens described above (see FIGS. 6 to 8).

[0098] This allows the user to know energy consumption information that takes into account actual energy consumption since leaving the departure point. Therefore, the user can refer to the accurate energy consumption information based on the latest information, consider whether charging is necessary until reaching the destination, and determine a more appropriate charging plan.

[0099] Steps S160 to S200 may be repeatedly executed until, for example, a termination condition is met. The termination condition may include, for example, at least one of a user giving an instruction, arriving at a destination, etc. Note that the termination condition is not limited to the examples given here.

[0100] (Example of Physical Configuration of Information Processing Device 200) The information processing device 200 is, for example, a general-purpose computer, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or the like.

[0101] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the physical configuration of an information processing device 200 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 200 includes, for example, a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, an input interface 1060, and an output interface 1070.

[0102] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, network interface 1050, input interface 1060, and output interface 1070. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0103] The processor 1020 is implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0104] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0105] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read-only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules for realizing the functions of the device that includes the storage device 1040. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them to realize the function corresponding to that program module.

[0106] The network interface 1050 is an interface for connecting a device equipped with the network interface 1050 to the network NT.

[0107] The input interface 1060 is an interface for inputting information by an operator of the information processing device 200. The input interface 1060 is configured from, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and the like.

[0108] The output interface 1070 is an interface for presenting information to an operator of the information processing device 200. The output interface 1070 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, a speaker, and the like.

[0109] The terminal device 100 may be physically configured in the same manner as the information processing device 200 .

[0110] (Variation 1) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the terminal device 100 is connected to the information processing device 200 via the communication network NT, but some or all of the functions of the information processing device 200 may be incorporated into the terminal device 100. That is, the terminal device 100 may function as an information processing device and include some or all of the functions of the information processing device 200.

[0111] (Actions and Effects) As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 200 includes a consumption estimation unit 270, a reference acquisition unit 280, and an output processing unit 320. The consumption estimation unit 270 calculates an estimated amount of energy that a vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific location. The reference acquisition unit 280 acquires a reference charge amount of an energy storage unit provided in the vehicle. The output processing unit 320 calculates consumed energy information, which is information related to the energy consumed, based on the reference charge amount and the estimated consumption amount.

[0112] This allows energy consumption information to be calculated based on the reference charging amount. Therefore, even if the current energy state of the energy storage unit cannot be obtained, it is possible to estimate energy consumption information. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to connect to the vehicle to obtain energy state information, it is possible to estimate energy consumption information with a simple configuration.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the reference acquisition unit 280 acquires the reference filling amount when SOC information, which is information used to calculate the SOC, cannot be obtained.

[0114] This allows the energy consumption information to be calculated even if the SOC information is not available when the energy storage unit is a storage battery. Therefore, even if the SOC information cannot be obtained, the energy consumption information can be estimated.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the energy consumption information includes at least one of the following: the range of travel, the consumption rate, which is the ratio of the energy consumed to reach a specific point to a standard charged amount, the point at which the consumption rate reaches a predetermined value, and the number of charges required to reach the destination.

[0116] This allows the user to know the energy consumption information and appropriately consider whether or not it is necessary to charge the energy storage unit with energy before reaching the destination, etc. Therefore, the user can appropriately charge the energy storage unit with energy.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the consumption rate is the ratio of the integrated value of the energy consumption amount consumed by the vehicle from the departure point to the specific point to the reference charging amount, and is expressed as a negative value.

[0118] This allows the user to know how much energy has been consumed by referring to the consumption rate, and therefore allows the user to appropriately charge energy into the energy storage unit.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the information processing device 200 includes a current location acquisition unit 240, a driving information acquisition unit 300, and a consumption record acquisition unit 310. The current location acquisition unit 240 acquires the current location of the vehicle. The driving information acquisition unit 300 acquires driving information of the vehicle based on the current location. After the vehicle starts driving, the consumption record acquisition unit 310 estimates the consumption record, which is the amount of energy consumed by driving, based on the vehicle driving information.

[0120] This allows the actual consumption to be estimated. Therefore, even if the current energy state of the energy storage unit cannot be obtained, it is possible to calculate the energy consumption information taking the actual consumption into consideration.

[0121] According to this embodiment, after the vehicle starts traveling, the output processing unit 320 calculates the energy consumption information based on the reference filling amount, the estimated consumption amount, and the actual consumption.

[0122] This allows the calculation of energy consumption information that takes into account actual consumption. Therefore, the user can know accurate energy consumption information based on new information and more appropriately consider whether or not it is necessary to charge the energy storage unit with energy before reaching the destination. Therefore, the user can more appropriately charge energy into the energy storage unit.

[0123] According to this embodiment, when the difference between the actual consumption and the estimated consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the output processing unit 320 issues a warning that the actual energy consumption is higher than expected.

[0124] This allows the user to know that the energy consumption is higher than expected, and thus allows the user to charge the energy storage unit appropriately.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the information processing device 200 includes a charging information acquisition unit 290 that acquires charging information indicating that charging has been performed based on a user's input. When the charging information is acquired after the vehicle starts traveling, the output processing unit 320 calculates energy consumption information based on the reference charging amount, the estimated consumption amount, the actual consumption, and the charging information.

[0126] This allows the calculation of energy consumption information when the battery is charged. Therefore, even if the current energy state (e.g., SOC) of the energy storage unit cannot be obtained, it is possible to calculate the energy consumption information taking into account the charging of energy.

[0127] Furthermore, the user can know accurate energy consumption information based on new information, including charging, and can more appropriately consider whether or not the energy storage unit needs to be charged with energy before reaching the destination. Therefore, the user can more appropriately charge the energy storage unit with energy.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the charging information acquisition unit 290 notifies confirmation of whether charging has been performed when a predetermined charging confirmation condition is met.

[0129] This allows accurate acquisition of charging information indicating that charging has occurred. Therefore, even if the current energy state (e.g., SOC) of the energy storage unit cannot be acquired, it is possible to calculate energy consumption information taking into account the charging of energy.

[0130] (Variation 2) For example, the destination acquisition unit 230 may acquire SOC information based on a user's input along with the destination. The SOC information may include a value indicating the current energy state (e.g., the current remaining capacity of the storage battery).

[0131] For example, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information using SOC information (such as remaining capacity) instead of the reference charging amount. In this case, the energy consumption information using the reference charging amount may be output to the output unit 140.

[0132] Furthermore, for example, even when SOC information is acquired, the output processing unit 320 may calculate the energy consumption information using the reference charging amount in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0133] That is, the output processing unit 320 may calculate energy consumption information using the reference filling amount and energy consumption information using SOC information (remaining capacity, etc.). In this case, the energy consumption information using the reference filling amount and the energy consumption information using SOC information (remaining capacity, etc.) may be output to the output unit 140. In this case, only the energy consumption information using the reference filling amount may be output to the output unit 140.

[0134] Even when SOC information is acquired, the output processing unit 320 may calculate only the consumed energy information using the reference filling amount, and may output the consumed energy information using the reference filling amount to the output unit 140.

[0135] There are cases where the SOC information cannot be obtained because the user does not input it, or where the correct information is input even if it is input, etc. By outputting the energy consumption information using the reference filling amount, the user can know the energy consumption information based on the specific condition of using the reference filling amount.

[0136] Furthermore, if only energy consumption information using SOC information (such as remaining capacity) is output when SOC information is acquired, the conditions for calculating the output energy consumption information will differ depending on whether or not SOC information is acquired. This is because SOC information (such as remaining capacity) is used to calculate the energy consumption information output when SOC information is acquired, and the reference charging amount is used to calculate the energy consumption information output when SOC information is not acquired. In such a case, the user will be informed of energy consumption information calculated under different conditions depending on whether or not SOC information is input, which may confuse the user. Outputting energy consumption information using the reference charging amount reduces the possibility of user confusion. Therefore, it is possible to provide a reference charging amount that is easy for the user to understand.

[0137] (Variation 3) The method of displaying energy consumption information on the display screen is not limited to the examples described in the embodiment. For example, the display screen may display areas where the consumption rate exceeds a predetermined value and areas where the consumption rate is less than the predetermined value in different display modes. The predetermined value here is, for example, a reference filling amount, a ratio to the reference filling amount, or a predetermined value related to SOC information (such as remaining capacity) based on user input. The display mode may be, for example, at least one of color, character size, character color, the color of at least one of the interior and / or frame of a graphic such as a frame associated with the area, and the thickness of the frame of the graphic. Furthermore, the display mode may be changed to the same or a different mode when the predetermined value is approached.

[0138] In more detail, for example, the predetermined value may be SOC information (such as remaining capacity) input by the user. For example, when the remaining capacity is input as 80%, the display screen showing the cruising range illustrated in FIG. 6 may be a screen that displays the area where the consumption rate exceeds 80%, which is the remaining capacity, i.e., the area outside of −80% as viewed from the current location, in a different display mode from the area where the consumption rate is less than 80%, which is the remaining capacity. The display mode here may be, for example, at least one of the color used to paint the area, the thickness of the line indicating the point where the consumption rate reaches the predetermined value, the color of the line, etc.

[0139] 7 may be a screen that displays facilities C and D in areas where the consumption rate exceeds 80% of the remaining capacity in a different display format from facilities A and B in areas where the consumption rate is less than 80% of the remaining capacity. The display format may be, for example, at least one of a frame color, a frame color, a text color, and the like associated with each of facilities A, B, C, and D.

[0140] (Variation 4) For example, if it is predicted that charging will be necessary before reaching the destination, the display screen may include information such as a message that warns the user that charging is necessary.

[0141] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0142] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in a sequential order, the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order shown. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of content. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as the content is not contradictory.

[0143] S1 Information processing system 100 Terminal device 140 Output unit 200 Information processing device 210 Vehicle information storage unit 220 Vehicle information acquisition unit 230 Destination acquisition unit 240 Current position acquisition unit 250 Travel route calculation unit 260 Route information acquisition unit 270 Consumption amount estimation unit 280 Reference acquisition unit 290 Refueling information acquisition unit 300 Travel information acquisition unit 310 Consumption record acquisition unit 320 Output processing unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a consumption estimation unit that calculates an estimated amount of energy that a vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific point; a reference acquisition unit that acquires a reference filling amount of an energy storage unit provided in the vehicle; and an output processing unit that calculates energy consumption information, which is information regarding energy to be consumed, based on the reference filling amount and the estimated consumption amount.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the reference acquisition unit acquires the reference filling amount when SOC information used for calculating the SOC cannot be obtained.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy consumption information includes at least one of the following: a cruising range; a consumption rate which is the ratio of the energy consumed to reach the specific point to the reference charging amount; a point where the consumption rate reaches a predetermined value; and the number of charges required to reach the destination.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the consumption rate is a ratio of the integrated value of the amount of energy consumed by the vehicle from the departure point to the specific point to the reference charging amount, and is expressed as a negative value.

5. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of the vehicle; a driving information acquisition unit that acquires driving information of the vehicle based on the current position; and a consumption result acquisition unit that, after the vehicle starts driving, estimates actual consumption, which is the amount of energy consumed by driving, based on the driving information of the vehicle.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the output processing unit calculates the energy consumption information based on the reference filling amount, the estimated consumption amount, and the actual consumption after the vehicle starts traveling.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the output processing unit issues a warning that actual energy consumption is higher than expected when the difference between the actual consumption and the estimated consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

8. An information processing device as described in claim 5, further comprising a charging information acquisition unit that acquires charging information indicating that charging has occurred based on user input, wherein when the charging information is acquired after the vehicle starts traveling, the output processing unit calculates the energy consumption information based on the reference charging amount, the estimated consumption amount, the actual consumption, and the charging information.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the charging information acquisition unit notifies confirmation of whether charging has been performed when a predetermined charging confirmation condition is met.

10. An information processing system comprising: an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a terminal device, wherein the terminal device comprises an output unit that outputs energy consumption information.

11. An information processing method in which one or more computers calculate an estimated amount of energy that a vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific location, obtain a reference charge amount of an energy storage unit equipped in the vehicle, and calculate energy consumption information, which is information regarding the energy consumed, based on the reference charge amount and the estimated consumption amount.

12. A program for causing one or more computers to perform the following steps: calculate an estimated amount of energy that a vehicle will consume until it reaches a specific location; obtain a reference charge amount of an energy storage unit equipped in the vehicle; and calculate energy consumption information, which is information regarding the energy consumed, based on the reference charge amount and the estimated consumption amount.

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