Information Processing Device, Information Processing System, Information Processing Method, and Terminal Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a terminal device. The information processing apparatus (10) includes: an interface (14) that acquires information related to a user's (80) desire to move from the user's (80) terminal device (70), and acquires information related to a power distribution network (50) that supplies power to at least a part of the transportation means (20) available to the user (80); and a control unit (12) that determines the transportation means (20) to be proposed to the user (80) based on the information related to the user's (80) desire to move and the information related to the power distribution network (50), and outputs the determination result to the terminal device (70).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-184674 filed on November 4, 2020, and the entire content thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a terminal device. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, as a configuration related to charging a vehicle battery, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-134160 discloses a technology for predicting the future charging amount of electric vehicles in a given area, accurately predicting the power demand in the area, and improving the utilization rate of natural energy power generation to contribute to the improvement of the quality of a smart community. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To pursue an improvement in the stability of power supply.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure accomplished in view of the above circumstances is to improve the stability of power supply.

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an interface and a control unit. The interface acquires information related to a user's desired movement from the user's terminal device. The interface acquires information related to a power distribution network that supplies power to at least a part of the means of movement available to the user. The control unit determines a means of movement to be proposed to the user based on the information related to the user's desired movement and the information related to the power distribution network, and outputs it to the terminal device.

[0007] An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above information processing apparatus and the above terminal device.

[0008] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes acquiring information related to a user's desired movement from the user's terminal device. The information processing method includes acquiring information related to a power distribution network that supplies power to at least a part of the means of movement available to the user. The information processing method includes determining a means of movement to be proposed to the user based on the information related to the user's desired movement and the information related to the power distribution network, and outputting it to the terminal device.

[0009] A terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit receives an input of information related to a desire to move from a user and outputs it to an information processing device. The control unit obtains from the information processing device a proposed means of movement based on information related to the user's desire to move and information related to a power distribution network that supplies power to at least a part of the means of movement available to the user, and notifies the user of the proposed means of movement.

[0010] According to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the stability of power supply. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the features, advantages, technology, and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components, where:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of an information processing system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a structural example of an information processing system according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for proposing a means of movement to a user in the form of a map.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for proposing a means of movement to a user in a list form.

[0016] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of an information processing method according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a terminal control method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] (Structural Example of Information Processing System 1)

[0019] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment includes a server 10 and a terminal device 70 used by a user 80.

[0020] When the user 80 wishes to move, the information processing system 1 obtains information related to the user 80's wish to move and proposes the use of the means of movement 20 based on this information. The information related to the user 80's wish to move is also referred to as movement information. The movement information includes information for determining the departure location 61 (see Figure 3 ) and the destination location 62 (see Figure 3 ) of the user 80. The movement information may also include information for determining the departure time or the arrival time.

[0021] At least a part of the means of movement 20 is driven by consuming electric power supplied from the power distribution network 50. The information processing system 1 also proposes the use of the means of movement 20 to the user 80 based on information related to the power distribution network 50 that supplies electric power to at least a part of the means of movement 20. The information related to the power distribution network 50 is also referred to as power distribution network information. The power distribution network information includes information related to the power demand in the power distribution network 50. The power distribution network information may include information related to the maximum power that can be supplied by the power distribution network 50. The power distribution network information may include the ratio of the power demand to the maximum power that can be supplied. The ratio of the power demand to the maximum power that can be supplied is also referred to as the power utilization rate. The power distribution network information may also include the difference between the maximum power that can be supplied and the actual power demand. The difference between the maximum power that can be supplied and the actual power demand is also referred to as the reserve supply power. The power distribution network information may include the ratio of the reserve supply power to the maximum power that can be supplied. The ratio of the reserve supply power to the maximum power that can be supplied is also referred to as the power reserve rate.

[0022] The information processing system 1 may decide whether to propose to the user 80 to use the means of movement 20 that consumes electric power or to propose to use the means of movement 20 that does not consume electric power based on the power distribution network information, or the power utilization rate or the power reserve rate included in the power distribution network information. The information processing system 1 may decide whether to propose to the user 80 to use the means of movement 20 that consumes a large amount of electric power or to propose to use the means of movement 20 that consumes little electric power based on the power distribution network information, or the power utilization rate or the power reserve rate included in the power distribution network information.

[0023] That is, the information processing system 1 determines the means of movement 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on the movement information and the power distribution network information. Hereinafter, a structural example of the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0024] <Server 10>

[0025] The server 10 includes a server control unit 12 and a server interface 14. The server interface 14 is also referred to as the server I / F 14.

[0026] The server control unit 12 controls each component unit of the server 10. The server control unit 12 is also simply referred to as the control unit. The server control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more processors. In the present embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor, a processor dedicated to specific processing, etc., but is not limited to these. The server control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit may include, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The server control unit 12 may be configured to include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a processor and a dedicated circuit.

[0027] The server 10 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc., but is not limited to these. The storage unit may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage unit stores any information used in the operation of the server 10. For example, the storage unit may store a system program or an application program. The storage unit may be included in the server control unit 12.

[0028] The server I / F 14 outputs information, data, etc. from the server control unit 12, or inputs information, data, etc. to the server control unit 12. The server I / F 14 is also simply referred to as an interface or I / F.

[0029] The server I / F 14 may include a communication module configured to be able to communicate with the mobile means 20 via the network 30. The communication module may include, for example, a communication module corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), but is not limited to these. The server I / F 14 may be configured to be able to connect to the communication module.

[0030] The server 10 may include one or a plurality of server devices that can communicate with each other. The server 10 is also referred to as an information processing device.

[0031] <Terminal device 70>

[0032] The terminal device 70 is configured to be usable by the user 80. The terminal device 70 may be held by the user 80. The terminal device 70 may include, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone. The terminal device 70 may include a PC such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC. The terminal device 70 is not limited to these examples and may include various devices.

[0033] The terminal device 70 includes a terminal control unit 72 and a terminal interface 74. The terminal interface 74 is also referred to as the terminal I / F 74.

[0034] The terminal control unit 72 controls each component of the terminal device 70. The terminal control unit 72 is also simply referred to as the control unit. The terminal control unit 72 can be configured to be the same as or similar to the server control unit 12 of the server 10. The terminal control unit 72 can be configured to include one or more processors. The terminal control unit 72 can be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit can include, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The terminal control unit 72 can be configured to include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or can be configured to include a processor and a dedicated circuit.

[0035] The terminal device 70 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit of the terminal device 70 can be configured to be the same as or similar to the storage unit of the server 10. The storage unit is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc., but is not limited to these. The storage unit can function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit can include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage unit stores any information used in the operation of the terminal device 70. For example, the storage unit can store a system program, an application program, etc. The storage unit can be included in the terminal control unit 72.

[0036] The terminal I / F 74 outputs information, data, etc. from the terminal control unit 72, or outputs information, data, etc. to the terminal control unit 72. The terminal I / F 74 is also simply referred to as the interface or I / F.

[0037] The terminal I / F 74 can be configured to be the same as or similar to the server I / F 14. The terminal I / F 74 can include a communication module configured to be able to communicate with the mobile means 20 via the network 30. The communication module can include, for example, a communication module corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as 4G or 5G, but is not limited to these. The terminal I / F 74 can be configured to be able to connect to the communication module.

[0038] The terminal device 70 may further include an input unit 76. The input unit 76 is configured to include an input device that receives input of information, data, etc. from the user 80. The input device can be configured to include, for example, a touch panel or a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device can be configured to include physical buttons. The input device can be configured to include a voice input device such as a microphone.

[0039] The terminal device 70 may further include an output unit 78. The output unit 78 is configured to include an output device for outputting information, data, etc. to the user 80. The output device may include, for example, a display device for outputting visual information such as images, characters, or graphics. The display device may be configured to include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), etc. The display device is not limited to these displays and may also be configured to include various other types of displays. The display device may be configured to include a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emission Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The display device may be configured to include various other devices. The output device may include, for example, a sound output device such as a speaker for outputting auditory information such as sound. The output device is not limited to these examples and may include various other devices.

[0040] The number of terminal devices 70 included in the information processing system 1 is not limited to one and may also be two or more.

[0041] <Mobile means 20>

[0042] The information processing system 1 may determine various moving bodies configured for the user 80 to use for movement as the moving means 20 proposed for the user 80 to use. The moving means 20 may include, for example, movement using a moving body that runs along a specified path such as a tram or a route bus. The moving means 20 may include, for example, movement using a moving body that runs according to the request of the user 80 such as an on-demand bus or a taxi. The moving means 20 may include, for example, movement using a moving body such as a shared car, a rental car, or a rental bicycle lent to the user 80 for the user 80 to operate by himself / herself. The moving means 20 may include the user 80 moving on foot or the like without using a moving body.

[0043] The moving means 20 is classified into an electric moving body 22 that is driven by consuming electric power and a non-electric moving body that is driven without consuming electric power. The electric moving body 22 is driven by consuming electric power supplied from the power distribution network 50. The electric moving body 22 may be directly driven by consuming electric power supplied from the power distribution network 50. The electric moving body 22 may also charge the electric power supplied from the power distribution network 50 to a storage battery and be driven by consuming the electric power discharged from the storage battery. The non-electric moving body is driven by consuming fossil fuels such as gasoline or natural gas or other energy sources, for example. The non-electric moving body may also be driven by the user 80 himself / herself.

[0044] The operation of the moving means 20 can be managed by the information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 can manage, for example, the operation schedules of moving bodies that run along a prescribed path, such as route buses or trams. The information processing system 1 can manage, for example, the operation of demand-responsive buses or taxis according to the requests of users 80. The information processing system 1 can manage, for example, the lending status of shared cars, rental cars, or rental bicycles.

[0045] The number of types of the moving means 20 that are the management objects of the information processing system 1 is not limited to one, and can also be two or more. The moving means 20 can include moving bodies that move by autonomous driving or automatic operation. When the moving means 20 is a vehicle, the autonomous driving can be implemented, for example, at any one of levels 1 to 5 defined in SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). The autonomous driving is not limited to the exemplified definition and can also be implemented based on other definitions.

[0046] <Distribution network 50>

[0047] The distribution network 50 electrically connects a power supply source such as the power generation equipment 52 and a power supply target such as the electric moving body 22. In the present embodiment, the distribution network 50 is configured to electrically connect the power generation equipment 52 and the electric moving body 22 and can supply power from the power generation equipment 52 to the electric moving body 22.

[0048] The power generation equipment 52 includes, for example, power plants that generate electricity in various ways such as thermal power generation, hydraulic power generation, nuclear power generation, or renewable energy power generation. Renewable energy power generation includes, for example, solar power generation, wind power generation, geothermal power generation, or hydraulic power generation.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the information processing system 1 is communicably connected to the distribution network server 54 via the network 30. The distribution network server 54 can be configured to be the same as or similar to the server 10. The distribution network server 54 acquires distribution network information. The distribution network information includes information related to the amount of electric power required by the power supply targets in the distribution network 50. The distribution network server 54 can generate information indicating the amount of electric power for instructing power generation to the power generation equipment 52 as the power supply source in order to meet the power demand of the power supply targets in the distribution network 50 and output it to the power generation equipment 52.

[0050] The distribution network server 54 can function as a CEMS (Community Energy Management System). The CEMS manages energy such as electric power for the entire region. Specifically, the CEMS manages the electric power supplied from the power generation equipment 52 within the region and the electric power consumed in the entire region. That is, the CEMS manages the demand and supply of electric power in the entire region.

[0051] The distribution network server 54 can obtain information related to the status of the power generation equipment 52. The distribution network server 54 can generate information indicating the amount of electric power to be generated for the power generation equipment 52 based on the power generation equipment information. The information related to the status of the power generation equipment 52 is also referred to as power generation equipment information. The power generation equipment information can include information related to the amount of electric power that the power generation equipment 52 can output at the current moment, and can also include information related to the amount of electric power that is inferred to be output by the power generation equipment 52 in the future. Specifically, the power generation equipment information can include the prediction results of electric power generated by renewable energy such as solar power generation or wind power generation. The power generation equipment information can include information related to the power generation plan of thermal power generation or the like.

[0052] (Operation example of the information processing system 1)

[0053] The information processing system 1 provides a service for proposing the means of movement 20 to the user 80. The information processing system 1 can accept the registration to the service from the user 80 who wishes to propose the means of movement 20. The information processing system 1 can propose the means of movement 20 to the user 80 registered in the service. The information processing system 1 can also propose the means of movement 20 to the user 80 not registered in the service.

[0054] In the information processing system 1, regardless of whether the user 80 is registered in the service or not, the server control unit 12 of the server 10 can obtain information related to the user 80 using the service and store it in the storage unit. The information related to the user 80 using the service is also referred to as the using user information.

[0055] The terminal device 70 obtains information related to the user 80's desire to move, that is, movement information. The terminal device 70 can accept the input of the user 80's movement information through the input unit 76 or the terminal I / F 74. The terminal device 70 outputs the movement information to the server 10. The server 10 obtains the movement information from the terminal device 70 through the server I / F 14. The movement information can be associated with the using user information or can include the using user information.

[0056] The distribution network server 54 generates information related to the power supply and demand of the distribution network 50 that supplies power to the means of movement 20, that is, distribution network information, and outputs it to the server 10. The server 10 obtains the distribution network information from the distribution network server 54 through the server I / F 14.

[0057] The server control unit 12 determines the means of movement 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on the movement information and the distribution network information obtained through the server I / F 14. Specifically, the server control unit 12 generates at least one path that connects the departure point 61 determined using the movement information and the destination point 62. The server control unit 12 extracts the means of movement 20 that the user 80 can use to move along the path. The server control unit 12 may propose the extracted means of movement 20 to the user 80. The information proposed to the user 80 is also referred to as proposed information. In other words, the proposed information includes information related to the means of movement 20 determined by the server control unit 12 to be proposed to the user 80. The server control unit 12 may propose to the user 80 the information obtained by associating the path with the means of movement 20 as the proposed information. The server control unit 12 proposes the means of movement 20 to the user 80 by outputting the proposed information to the terminal device 70 and notifying the user 80 from the terminal device 70. The proposed information may be associated with the user usage information.

[0058] The server control unit 12 may generate the information obtained by associating the generated path with the extracted means of movement 20 as the proposed information and output it to the terminal device 70. The server control unit 12 may generate the information obtained by further associating the information obtained by associating the path with the means of movement 20 with the time or cost spent when the user 80 uses the means of movement 20 as the proposed information and output it to the terminal device 70.

[0059] When the extracted means of movement 20 includes the electric moving body 22, the server control unit 12 obtains the information related to the power consumption when the user 80 moves using the means of movement 20. The information related to the power consumption is also referred to as power consumption information. The server control unit 12 may generate the information obtained by further associating the information obtained by associating the path with the means of movement 20 with the power consumption information as the proposed information and output it to the terminal device 70.

[0060] The server control unit 12 may infer the time period during which the user 80 uses the means of movement 20 based on the departure time or arrival time determined using the proposed information. The time period during which the user 80 uses the means of movement 20 is also referred to as the usage time period.

[0061] The server control unit 12 can determine the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on the power distribution network information during the inferred usage period. For example, the server control unit 12 can determine the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on the power reserve rate. Specifically, when the power reserve rate during the inferred usage period is equal to or higher than a specified value, the server control unit 12 can determine the means of transportation 20 that consumes power as the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80. When proposing the means of transportation 20 that consumes power to the user 80, such as a tram that operates regardless of whether the user 80 uses it or not, the server control unit 12 can propose this means of transportation 20 regardless of the magnitude of the power reserve rate. That is, the server control unit 12 can determine whether the power reserve rate during the inferred usage period is equal to or higher than the specified value as a condition for proposing to the user 80 the means of transportation 20 that consumes power when the user 80 uses it among the means of transportation 20 that consume power.

[0062] The server control unit 12 can determine the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on the power distribution network information during a period earlier than the inferred usage period. For example, the server control unit 12 can determine the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on whether there is a period with a power reserve rate equal to or higher than the specified value earlier than the inferred usage period. Specifically, the server control unit 12 can propose to the user 80 the means of transportation 20 that can charge the battery during the period with a power reserve rate equal to or higher than the specified value in the period earlier than the inferred usage period. That is, the server control unit 12 can propose to the user 80 the means of transportation 20 that consumes the power charged in advance during the period with a power reserve rate equal to or higher than the specified value for the use of the user 80.

[0063] When the power reserve rate is less than the specified value during the inferred usage period or a previous period, the server control unit 12 can propose to the user 80 the means of transportation 20 that does not consume power. When the power reserve rate is less than the specified value during the inferred usage period or a previous period, the server control unit 12 can propose to the user 80 the means of transportation 20 other than the means of transportation 20 that consumes power due to the use of the user 80.

[0064] The smaller the power reserve rate during the inferred usage period, the smaller the means of transportation 20 that consumes power the server control unit 12 can propose to the user 80. The smaller the power reserve rate during the period earlier than the inferred usage period, the more the server control unit 12 can propose to the user 80 the means of transportation 20 that can be used even if the power to be charged is small.

[0065] As described above, the server control unit 12 can predict the impact of the operation of the moving means 20 on the power demand of the distribution network 50 by determining the moving means 20 proposed to the user 80 based on the movement information and the distribution network information. As a result, the prediction accuracy of the power demand of the distribution network 50 can be improved. In addition, the server control unit 12 can determine the moving means 20 proposed to the user 80 in such a way as to equalize the power demand of the distribution network 50 and reduce the peak value of the power demand. It is difficult for the power reserve rate at the peak of the power demand of the distribution network 50 to approach zero. As a result, the stability of the power supply of the distribution network 50 can be improved.

[0066] <Display of the proposed moving means 20>

[0067] The server control unit 12 outputs the proposal information to the terminal device 70. The terminal device 70 outputs the proposal information through the output unit 78 or the terminal I / F 74 for the user 80 to identify.

[0068] The terminal device 70 can cause the output unit 78 configured as a display device to display the proposal information. Specifically, the output unit 78 displays a proposal screen 60 that determines the departure location 61 and the destination location 62 of the user 80 and determines at least one path connecting the departure location 61 and the destination location 62.

[0069] For example, as Figure 3 shown, the output unit 78 can display the proposal screen 60 in a form that displays at least one path connecting the departure location 61 and the destination location 62 and the moving means 20 available on each path on the map. The way of displaying on the map is also called the map form. In Figure 3 it, three proposed paths 41, 42, and 43 proposed to the user 80 are displayed. The number of paths proposed to the user 80 is not limited to three, and can also be two or less, or can be four or more. Each path can include at least one relay location 63 between the departure location 61 and the destination location 62. The number of relay locations 63 can be two or more, or can be zero.

[0070] The output unit 78 displays the moving means 20 that the user 80 can use to move between the locations on the proposal screen 60 to propose to the user 80.

[0071] As the moving means 20 for moving along the proposed path 41, a walking icon 64, a bus icon 66, and a taxi icon 68 are displayed. That is, the proposed path 41 is associated with walking, bus, and taxi as the moving means 20. When moving along the proposed path 41, the user 80 can use walking, bus, and taxi as the moving means 20. It is assumed that the bus is a route bus. The bus can also be an on-demand bus. The taxi can be replaced by an on-demand bus.

[0072] As the moving means 20 for moving along the proposed path 42, a bicycle icon 65 and a tram icon 67 are shown. That is, the proposed path 42 is associated with the bicycle and the tram as the moving means 20. When moving along the proposed path 42, the user 80 can use the bicycle and the tram as the moving means 20. Assume that the bicycle is a rental bicycle.

[0073] As the moving means 20 for moving along the proposed path 43, a walking icon 64 and a passenger car icon 69 are shown. That is, the proposed path 43 is associated with walking and the passenger car as the moving means 20. When moving along the proposed path 43, the user 80 can use walking and the passenger car as the moving means 20. Assume that the passenger car is a rental car or a shared car. The passenger car can be replaced by an on-demand bus.

[0074] The terminal device 70 can output more detailed information related to each path or each moving means 20. For example, the terminal device 70 can output detailed information related to the path specified by the user 80 through input from among the proposed paths. The detailed information related to the path can include, for example, the time taken for the movement using each path or the cost required to use each path. The terminal device 70 can output detailed information related to the moving means 20 specified by the user 80 through input from among the proposed moving means 20. The detailed information related to the moving means 20 can include, for example, the time taken for the movement using each moving means 20, the cost required to use each moving means 20, or the conditions required to use each moving means 20.

[0075] For example, as Figure 4 shown, the output unit 78 can display the proposed screen 60 in a way that shows each path and the moving means 20 available on each path in a list. The list display method is also called a list form. Specifically, for example, the terminal device 70 can arrange and display the moving means 20 available on the proposed paths 41, 42, and 43, that is, the moving means 20 associated with each path, in one row. The terminal device 70 can display the time taken for the movement using each path or the cost required to use each path in the row showing each path or in an adjacent row or a nearby row. Not limited to these examples, the terminal device 70 can also display the paths proposed to the user 80 and the moving means 20 available on that path in other various forms such as text form.

[0076] <Selection and reservation of the moving means 20 by the user 80>

[0077] The user 80 can select a route based on the information displayed on the proposal screen 60. The terminal device 70 receives an input from the user 80 to select any one of the proposed routes 41, 42, and 43 through the input unit 76 or the terminal I / F 74. When a route is displayed on the map, the terminal device 70 can receive an input from the user 80 to directly specify the route displayed on the map. When the routes are displayed in a list form, the terminal device 70 can receive an input from the user 80 to specify a row of the displayed routes. When the routes are displayed in various other forms, the terminal device 70 can receive an input for the user 80 to select a route according to the displayed form. When the terminal device 70 receives an input for selecting a route from the user 80, it can be considered that the user 80 has selected the means of transportation 20 used on the route selected by the user 80. When two or more available means of transportation 20 are associated with the route selected by the user 80, the terminal device 70 can be considered that the user 80 has selected all the associated available means of transportation 20 together. The terminal device 70 can receive an input from the user 80 to further reduce the selection of the means of transportation 20 from among two or more means of transportation 20 associated with the route selected by the user 80.

[0078] The user 80 can select the means of transportation 20 based on the information displayed on the proposal screen 60. The terminal device 70 receives an input from the user 80 to select the means of transportation 20 included in any one of the proposed routes 41, 42, and 43 through the input unit 76 or the terminal I / F 74. When the means of transportation 20 is displayed on the map, the terminal device 70 can receive an input from the user 80 to directly specify the icon of the means of transportation 20 displayed on the map. When the means of transportation 20 is displayed in a table form, the terminal device 70 can receive an input from the user 80 to specify the cell displaying the means of transportation 20. When the means of transportation 20 is displayed in various other forms, the terminal device 70 can receive an input for the user 80 to select the means of transportation 20 according to the displayed form.

[0079] When the terminal device 70 receives an input from the user 80 to select a route or the means of transportation 20, it outputs the means of transportation 20 selected by the user 80 to the server 10.

[0080] The server control unit 12 of the server 10 can be considered that the user 80 has reserved the use of the means of transportation 20 selected by the user 80, and sets the reservation for the use of the means of transportation 20. When the user 80 selects the means of transportation 20, the terminal device 70 can also receive an input to reserve the use of the means of transportation 20, and outputs the information related to the reservation to the server 10. The server control unit 12 can obtain the information related to the reservation from the terminal device 70 and set the reservation for the use of the means of transportation 20.

[0081] The server control unit 12 infers the power consumption of the mobile means 20 based on the usage reservation of the mobile means 20 of the user 80. The server control unit 12 infers the power demand of the power distribution network 50 based on the inference result of the power consumption of the mobile means 20.

[0082] When the user 80 uses the mobile means 20 as reserved, the server control unit 12 may give an incentive to the user 80. In this way, the frequency of the user 80 changing or canceling the reservation can be reduced. By reducing the changes or cancellations of the reservation, the prediction accuracy of the operation of the mobile means 20 can be improved. As a result, the prediction accuracy of the server control unit 12 for the power demand can be improved.

[0083] The server control unit 12 may determine the operation schedule of the mobile means 20 based on the reservation of the user 80. Specifically, the server control unit 12 may determine the operation schedule in such a way that the mobile means 20 does not operate during the period when there is no reservation for using the mobile means 20. The server control unit 12 may determine the operation schedule in such a way that the operation frequency of the mobile means 20 is reduced during the period when the reservation for using the mobile means 20 is small. The server control unit 12 may determine the operation schedule to transfer the reservation to other periods and not operate the mobile means 20 during the period when the reservation for using the mobile means 20 is small. By determining the operation schedule of the mobile means 20 based on the reservation, the mobile means 20 can operate efficiently. As a result, the power consumption of the mobile means 20 can be reduced.

[0084] <Granting of Incentive>

[0085] The server control unit 12 outputs the information related to the usage reservation of the mobile means 20 selected by the user 80 to the terminal device 70. The terminal control unit 72 may notify the user 80 by causing the output unit 78 to display the information related to the usage reservation. The user 80 may use the mobile means 20 based on the usage reservation. The terminal control unit 72 outputs the information related to the usage result of the mobile means 20 by the user 80 to the server 10. The information related to the usage result may include the information determined that the user 80 uses the mobile means 20 as reserved. The information related to the usage result may include the information determined that the user 80 cancels or changes the usage reservation. That is, the information related to the usage result may include the information determined that the user 80 does not use the mobile means 20 as reserved.

[0086] When information that the user 80 has used the mobile means 20 as reserved is obtained as information related to the usage result, the server control unit 12 may give a reward to the user 80. Specifically, the server control unit 12 may give a reward to the user 80 by outputting information related to the reward to the terminal device 70. The server control unit 12 may give information related to the reward to the user 80 who has set a reservation for using the mobile means 20 by associating the information related to the reward with the usage user information.

[0087] The reward may be given as points, for example. The reward may be given as points that can be applied to the payment of the usage fee of the mobile means 20. The reward may be given as electronic money. The reward may be given as points that can be exchanged for valuable items or paid services. The points may be able to be exchanged for a coupon for foot bath. The points may be able to be exchanged for a coupon for using the mobile means 20. Not limited to these examples, the points may be able to be exchanged for various other valuable items or paid services.

[0088] By giving a reward when the user 80 uses the mobile means 20 as reserved, it becomes easier for the mobile means 20 to be used as reserved. As a result, the management of the power demand in the distribution network 50 becomes easier.

[0089] <Example steps of the information processing method>

[0090] The server control unit 12 may execute an information processing method including Figure 5 the steps of the flowchart illustrated. The information processing method may be implemented as an information processing program that causes the processor constituting the server control unit 12 to execute.

[0091] The server control unit 12 obtains movement information from the terminal device 70 (step S1). The server control unit 12 obtains distribution network information from the distribution network server 54 (step S2). The server control unit 12 generates and outputs proposed information based on the movement information and the distribution network information (step S3). The server control unit 12 obtains the result that the user 80 has selected the mobile means 20 based on the proposed information from the terminal device 70 (step S4). The server control unit 12 sets a reservation for the user 80 to use the selected mobile means 20 (step S5). In the step S5, the server control unit 12 may output information related to the set reservation to the terminal device 70. The server control unit 12 determines the operation schedule of the mobile means 20 based on the reservation for using the mobile means 20 (step S6). In the step S6, the server control unit 12 may update the determined operation schedule.

[0092] The server control unit 12 obtains information related to the result of the user 80 using the mobile means 20 from the terminal device 70, and determines whether the mobile means 20 has been used as scheduled (step S7). If the mobile means 20 has not been used as scheduled (step S7: No), the server control unit 12 ends Figure 5 the execution of the steps of the flowchart. If the mobile means 20 has been used as scheduled (step S7: Yes), the server control unit 12 gives a reward to the user 80 (step S8). Specifically, the server control unit 12 may output information related to the reward to the terminal device 70 held by the user 80. After the execution of the steps in step S8, the server control unit 12 ends Figure 5 the execution of the steps of the flowchart.

[0093] <Example steps of the terminal control method>

[0094] The terminal control unit 72 of the terminal device 70 may execute a terminal control method including Figure 6 the steps of the flowchart exemplified. The terminal control method may be implemented as a terminal control program that causes a processor constituting the terminal control unit 72 to execute.

[0095] The terminal control unit 72 receives the input of mobile information from the user 80 and outputs it to the server 10 (step S11). The terminal control unit 72 obtains proposal information from the server 10 and displays it on the output unit 78 (step S12). The terminal control unit 72 receives the input of selecting the mobile means 20 from the user 80 and outputs it to the server 10 (step S13). In the steps of step S13, the terminal control unit 72 may also receive the input of the user 80 making a reservation for using the mobile means 20 and output it to the server 10. The terminal control unit 72 obtains the reservation setting information for the user 80 to use the mobile means 20 from the server 10 (step S14). The terminal control unit 72 outputs the result of the user 80 using the mobile means 20 (step S15). Specifically, the terminal control unit 72 outputs information determining whether the user 80 has used the mobile means 20 as scheduled. The terminal control unit 72 obtains information related to the reward given to the user 80 according to the user 80 using the mobile means 20 from the server 10 (step S16). Specifically, if the user 80 has used the mobile means 20 as scheduled, the terminal control unit 72 may obtain information related to the reward from the server 10. After the execution of the steps in step S16, the terminal control unit 72 ends Figure 6 the execution of the steps of the flowchart.

[0096] <Summary>

[0097] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can propose the means of transportation 20 to the user 80 based on the information related to the moving desire of the user 80 and the information related to the distribution network 50. In this way, the power demand can be equalized. As a result, the stability of the power supply of the distribution network 50 can be improved. In addition, the information processing system 1 can determine the operation schedule of the means of transportation 20 based on the usage reservation of the user 80. In this way, the means of transportation 20 can be operated efficiently. As a result, the power consumption of the means of transportation 20 can be reduced. In addition, the information processing system 1 can give rewards based on the usage results of the user 80. In this way, it is easy to use the means of transportation 20 as reserved. As a result, the management of the power demand in the distribution network 50 becomes easy. In addition, the stability of the power supply can be improved.

[0098] (Other Embodiments)

[0099] <Proposal of the Means of Transportation 20 Based on Distribution Network Information>

[0100] As described above, the server control unit 12 can determine the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on the distribution network information. Not limited to the power reserve rate of the distribution network 50, the server control unit 12 can also determine the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on other information. For example, the server control unit 12 can determine the means of transportation 20 to be proposed to the user 80 based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment that supplies power to the distribution network 50. When the means of transportation 20 can operate by consuming the power generated by the renewable energy power generation equipment, the server control unit 12 can propose the use of the means of transportation 20 to the user 80. The server control unit 12 can propose the use of the means of transportation 20 to the user 80 in such a way that the proportion of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation equipment in the power consumed by the means of transportation 20 becomes larger. When the user 80 uses the means of transportation 20 that consumes the power generated by the renewable energy power generation equipment, the server control unit 12 can give a reward to the user 80 based on the proportion of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation equipment in the power consumption of the means of transportation 20.

[0101] <Management of Power Supply to the Means of Transportation 20 Based on Distribution Network Information>

[0102] The server control unit 12 can manage the power supply for mobile means 20 that consume electric power, such as electric mobile body 22, based on the distribution network information. For example, the server control unit 12 can determine the operation schedule of the electric mobile body 22 based on the distribution network information. That is, the server control unit 12 can manage the power supply for the electric mobile body 22 by managing the power consumption of the electric mobile body 22. Specifically, the server control unit 12 can cause the electric mobile body 22 that operates by immediately consuming the power supplied from the distribution network 50 without charging to operate during a period when the power reserve rate is predicted to be large, and on the other hand, cause it to stop during a period when the power reserve rate is predicted to be small. The server control unit 12 can determine the operation schedule of the electric mobile body 22 in such a way that the larger the power reserve rate, the more the number of operating electric mobile bodies 22 increases. By managing the power supply for the electric mobile body 22 based on the distribution network information, the server control unit 12 can equalize the power demand.

[0103] The electric mobile body 22 can be equipped with a storage battery and be driven by the power charged to the storage battery. That is, the electric mobile body 22 can be configured to be rechargeable. The server control unit 12 can manage the power supply for the electric mobile body 22 by determining the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 configured to be rechargeable.

[0104] The server control unit 12 can determine the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 based on the usage reservation of the user 80. For example, the server control unit 12 can determine the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 configured to be rechargeable based on the usage reservation of the mobile means 20 of the user 80. Specifically, the server control unit 12 can determine the charging schedule so that the charging of the mobile means 20 can be completed before the time when the user 80 reserves the usage of the mobile means 20.

[0105] The server control unit 12 can also determine the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 based on the distribution network information. For example, the server control unit 12 can determine the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 to charge the electric mobile body 22 during a period when the power reserve rate is large.

[0106] The server control unit 12 can determine the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment. For example, the server control unit 12 can determine the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 to charge the electric mobile body 22 during a period when the power generation amount of the renewable energy power generation equipment is large. In addition, the server control unit 12 can determine the charging schedule of the electric mobile body 22 based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment located within a specified area. In this way, the loss of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation equipment can be reduced.

[0107] The embodiments related to the present disclosure have been described based on the respective drawings and examples. However, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various deformations and changes based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it is necessary to note that these deformations and changes are included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each mechanism or each step, etc., can be reconfigured in a logically non-contradictory manner, and multiple mechanisms or steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, wherein, Comprising: an interface that obtains information related to the user's desire to move from the user's terminal device and obtains information related to the power distribution network that supplies power to at least a part of the means of transportation available to the user; and a control unit that determines the means of transportation to be proposed to the user based on the information related to the user's desire to move and the information related to the power distribution network, and outputs information related to the determined means of transportation to the terminal device, wherein the control unit determines the means of transportation to be proposed to the user based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation device that supplies power to the power distribution network, wherein the control unit awards the user based on the proportion of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation device in the power consumed by the means of transportation used by the user, the information related to the power distribution network, i.e., the power distribution network information, includes: information related to the power demand in the power distribution network, information related to the maximum power that can be supplied by the power distribution network, the ratio of the power demand to the maximum power that can be supplied, i.e., the power utilization rate, the difference between the maximum power that can be supplied and the actual power demand, i.e., the reserve supply power, and the ratio of the reserve supply power to the maximum power that can be supplied, i.e., the power reserve rate, the control unit determines whether to propose to the user the means of transportation that consumes power or the means of transportation that does not consume power based on the power reserve rate included in the power distribution network information, the control unit proposes to the user the means of transportation that can charge the battery in a time period when the power reserve rate is equal to or higher than a specified value in a time period earlier than the inferred usage time period, when the power reserve rate is less than the specified value in the inferred usage time period or a time period earlier than the inferred usage time period, the control unit proposes to the user the means of transportation that does not consume power, and the smaller the power reserve rate in the inferred usage time period, the means of transportation with less power consumption is proposed by the control unit to the user.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit accepts a reservation for the use of a means of transportation from the user, and awards the user when the user moves as per the use reservation.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines the operation schedule of the means of transportation based on the use reservation of the user.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the means of transportation reserved by the user includes a rechargeable electric vehicle, the control unit determines the charging schedule of the rechargeable electric vehicle based on the user's reservation.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the means of transportation reserved by the user includes a rechargeable electric vehicle, the control unit determines the charging schedule of the rechargeable electric vehicle based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation device.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein The control unit determines the charging schedule of the electric moving body based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment located within a specified area.

7. An information processing system, wherein it includes the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and the terminal device.

8. An information processing method, wherein, It includes: obtaining information related to the user's movement intention from the user's terminal device; obtaining information related to the power distribution network that supplies power to at least a part of the means of movement available to the user; and determining the means of movement proposed to the user based on the information related to the user's movement intention and the information related to the power distribution network, and outputting it to the terminal device, determining the means of movement proposed to the user based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment that supplies power to the power distribution network, awarding a reward to the user based on the proportion of the power generated by the renewable energy power generation equipment in the power consumed by the means of movement used by the user, The information related to the power distribution network, that is, the power distribution network information, includes: information related to the power demand in the power distribution network, information related to the maximum power that the power distribution network can supply, the ratio of the power demand to the maximum power that can be supplied, that is, the power utilization rate, the difference between the maximum power that can be supplied and the actual power demand, that is, the reserve supply power, and the ratio of the reserve supply power to the maximum power that can be supplied, that is, the power reserve rate, determining whether to propose to the user to use the power-consuming means of movement or the non-power-consuming means of movement based on the power reserve rate included in the power distribution network information, proposing to the user the means of movement that can charge the storage battery during a period when the power reserve rate is above a specified value in a period earlier than the inferred usage period, when the power reserve rate is less than the specified value during the inferred usage period or in a period earlier than the inferred usage period, proposing to the user the non-power-consuming means of movement, and the smaller the power reserve rate during the inferred usage period, the less power-consuming means of movement is proposed to the user.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, wherein, It further includes: receiving a usage reservation of the means of movement from the user; and awarding a reward to the user when the user moves as per the usage reservation.

10. According to the information processing method described in claim 9, wherein it further includes determining the operation schedule of the means of movement based on the user's usage reservation.

11. According to the information processing method described in claim 9 or 10, wherein it further includes, when the means of movement reserved by the user includes a rechargeable electric moving body, determining the charging schedule of the rechargeable electric moving body based on the user's reservation.

12. According to the information processing method described in claim 8, wherein it further includes, when the means of movement reserved by the user includes a rechargeable electric moving body, determining the charging schedule of the rechargeable electric moving body based on the power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12, wherein, it further includes determining a charging schedule for the electric moving body based on a power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment located within a specified area.

14. A terminal device, wherein, it is provided with a control unit, the control unit receives an input of information related to a desire to move from a user and outputs it to an information processing device, the control unit obtains from the information processing device a proposed means of movement based on information related to the user's desire to move and information related to a power distribution network that supplies power to at least a part of the means of movement available to the user, and notifies the user, the control unit of the information processing device determines the means of movement proposed to the user based on a power generation schedule of the renewable energy power generation equipment that supplies power to the power distribution network, the control unit of the information processing device awards the user based on a ratio of power generated by the renewable energy power generation equipment in the power consumed by the means of movement used by the user, the information related to the power distribution network, that is, the power distribution network information, includes: information related to power demand in the power distribution network, information related to the maximum power that can be supplied by the power distribution network, the ratio of power demand to the maximum power that can be supplied, that is, the power utilization rate, the difference between the maximum power that can be supplied and the actual power demand, that is, the reserve supply power, and the ratio of the reserve supply power to the maximum power that can be supplied, that is, the power reserve rate, the control unit of the information processing device determines whether to propose to the user the means of movement that consumes power or the means of movement that does not consume power based on the power reserve rate included in the power distribution network information, the control unit of the information processing device proposes to the user the means of movement that can charge a storage battery during a period when the power reserve rate is equal to or higher than a specified value in a period earlier than the inferred utilization period, when the power reserve rate is less than the specified value during the inferred utilization period or a period earlier than the inferred utilization period, the control unit of the information processing device proposes to the user the means of movement that does not consume power, and the smaller the power reserve rate during the inferred utilization period, the means of movement with less power consumption is proposed by the control unit of the information processing device to the user.

15. The terminal device according to claim 14, wherein, the control unit of the terminal device obtains from the information processing device information related to the award given to the user based on the user's use of the means of movement.

16. The terminal device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, the control unit of the terminal device receives an input of a reservation for the user to use the means of movement and outputs information related to the reservation to the information processing device.

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