Control device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

A control device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium. Improve the technology that utilizes information related to vehicle charging. The control device (20) includes a control unit (21). The control unit (21) acquires energy information indicating the power generation method of the electric power stored in the battery (14) of the vehicle (10), determines the usage fee of the vehicle (10) based on the acquired energy information, and notifies the usage fee of the vehicle (10) to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique using information related to charging of a vehicle has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that during the borrowing period of a shared electric vehicle (BEV) in a car-sharing service, a user records information related to charging performed in the shared electric vehicle, and based on this information, determines a reward to be provided to the user.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-169113 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] There is room for improvement in the technique using information related to charging of a vehicle, without considering the category of the power generation method of the power used for charging the vehicle.

[0007] In view of this, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the technique using information related to charging of a vehicle.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit,

[0010] The control unit,

[0011] acquires energy information indicating the power generation method of the power stored in the battery of the vehicle,

[0012] determines the usage fee of the vehicle based on the acquired energy information,

[0013] notifies the user of the usage fee of the vehicle.

[0014] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0015] acquiring energy information indicating the power generation method of the power stored in the battery of the vehicle;

[0016] determining the usage fee of the vehicle based on the acquired energy information; and

[0017] notifying the user of the usage fee of the vehicle.

[0018] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0019] causes a computer to perform operations, the operations including:

[0020] Obtain energy information representing the power generated by the battery of the vehicle;

[0021] Based on the obtained energy information, determine the usage fee of the vehicle; and

[0022] Notify the user of the usage fee of the vehicle.

[0023] Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the technology using information related to vehicle charging can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device.

[0027] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of energy information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0029] Refer to Figure 1 , the outline of the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The system 1 includes a vehicle 10 and a control device 20. The vehicle 10 and the control device 20 are communicably connected to a network 30 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0030] The vehicle 10 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited thereto, and may be any vehicle that travels using charging power. The automobile is, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), etc., but is not limited thereto. The number of vehicles 10 included in the system 1 can also be arbitrarily specified.

[0031] The control device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. The control device 20 can communicate with the vehicle 10 via the network 30.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the system 1 is used for a car-sharing service in which multiple users share the vehicle 10. A fee is generated for each user every time the vehicle 10 is used. The fee may include a basic fee and a unit-based fee.

[0033] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and the details will be described later. The control device 20 acquires energy information indicating the power generation method of the electric power stored in the battery 14 of the vehicle 10. The control device 20 determines the usage fee of the vehicle 10 based on the acquired energy information. Moreover, the control device 20 notifies the user of the usage fee of the vehicle 10.

[0034] The power generation methods included in the energy information may also be multiple. In this case, the energy information shows the amount of electric power for each of the multiple power generation methods. The energy information may also be generated when the battery 14 is charged.

[0035] Thus, according to this embodiment, the usage fee is determined based on the power generation method of the electric power stored in the battery 14 of the vehicle 10. Thereby, it is possible to promote the use of, for example, desired energy resources. In addition, by means of the usage fee of the vehicle 10, it is possible to enhance the user's awareness of energy resources. Therefore, considering the category of the power generation method of the electric power for charging the vehicle, it is possible to improve the technology for using the information related to the charging of the vehicle.

[0036] Next, each component of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0037] As Figure 1 shown, the vehicle 10 includes: a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a battery 14. The control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, and the battery 14 may also be connected to an in-vehicle network such as CAN (Controller Area Network) in a communicable manner, for example.

[0038] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor dedicated to specific processing, but is not limited thereto. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), but is not limited thereto. The control unit 11 controls the operation of the entire vehicle 10. The control unit 11 can acquire information indicating the total amount of electric power consumed from the start time of the user's ride, that is, the consumed electric power amount, from the battery 14. The control unit 11 can acquire information indicating the charging state from the battery 14.

[0039] The storage unit 12 includes one or more memories. The memory is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc., but is not limited thereto. Each memory included in the storage unit 12 can also function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the storage unit 12 can also store system programs, application programs, and embedded software, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 12 can also be updated, for example, using information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 13. The storage unit 12 stores energy information.

[0040] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard. For example, an in-vehicle communication device such as a DCM (Data Communication Module) can also function as the communication unit 13. The communication unit 13 receives information for the operation of the vehicle 10 and also sends information obtained through the operation of the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 communicates with the control device 20 via the communication unit 13 and the network 30.

[0041] The battery 14 is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The vehicle 10 is driven by supplying power from the battery 14 to a motor or the like. The battery 14 can be, for example, a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. The battery 14 is charged by being connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a charging device provided at an arbitrary charging point such as a parking lot provided by an automobile sharing service or the user's home.

[0042] As Figure 1 shown, the control device 20 includes: a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0043] The control unit 21 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor customized for a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC but is not limited thereto. The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the control device 20.

[0044] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 can also function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information for the operation of the control device 20. For example, the storage unit 22 can also store system programs, application programs, databases, and map information, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 22 can also be updated, for example, using information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 23.

[0045] The communication unit 23 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 30. The communication interface corresponds to, for example, a mobile communication standard, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) standard, or a wireless LAN standard, but is not limited thereto, and may correspond to any communication standard. In the present embodiment, the control device 20 communicates with the vehicle 10 via the communication unit 23 and the network 30.

[0046] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrally provided with a display, or a microphone. The input unit 24 accepts an operation for inputting data for controlling the operation of the control device 20. The input unit 24 may not be provided in the control device 20 and may be connected to the control device 20 as an external input device. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0047] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescence. The output unit 25 outputs data obtained by the operation of the control device 20. The output unit 25 may not be provided in the control device 20 and may be connected to the control device 20 as an external output device. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0048] The functions of the control device 20 are realized by a processor equivalent to the control unit 21 executing the control program of the present embodiment. That is, the functions of the control device 20 are realized by software. The control program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 20, causing the computer to function as the control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the operations of the control device 20 according to the control program.

[0049] The program can be pre-stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The distribution of the program is carried out, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM storing the program. "DVD" is an abbreviation of digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation of compact disc read only memory. The program can also be pre-saved in the storage device of a server, and the program is transmitted from the server to other computers, thereby realizing the distribution of the program. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0050] A computer, for example, temporarily saves the program stored in a portable medium or the program transmitted from a server in a main storage device. Further, in the computer, the processor reads the program saved in the main storage device, and the processor executes the processing according to the read program. The computer can also directly read the program from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer can also successively execute the processing according to the received program each time the program is transmitted from the server to the computer. It is also possible to execute the processing by implementing a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions only through execution instructions and result acquisition without transmitting the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation of application service provider. The program includes information for the processing of an electronic computer and based on the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of specifying the processing of the computer conforms to "based on the program".

[0051] Part or all of the functions of the control device 20 can also be implemented by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit 21. That is, part or all of the functions of the control device 20 can also be implemented by hardware.

[0052] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the operation of the control device 20 of the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the control device 20 performs the transmission and reception of information with an external device via the communication unit 23 and the network 30.

[0053] In step S100, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 acquires energy information indicating the power generation method of the electric power stored in the battery 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0054] The acquisition of energy information can be carried out by any method. For example, the control unit 21 communicates with the vehicle 10 to acquire energy information. Specifically, first, the control unit 21 requests the vehicle 10 to send energy information. In response to this request, the control unit 11 of the vehicle 10 sends the energy information stored in the storage unit 12 to the control device 20. The control unit 21 acquires it by receiving this energy information. The energy information can also be periodically sent from the vehicle 10 to the control device 20. Without being limited to this, the control unit 21 can also acquire energy information from an external server that manages the charging of the vehicle 10.

[0055] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of energy information in tabular form. In the storage unit 12 of the vehicle 10, information on the amount of electric power, the power generation method, and the power generation source are associated and stored as energy information. The "amount of electric power" is the amount of electric power stored in the battery 14 of the vehicle 10, and the unit is kWh. The amount of electric power is shown for each of the multiple power generation methods. The "power generation method" is information indicating the method used for generating the electric power stored in the battery 14, and includes a first power generation method based on renewable resources and a second power generation method based on non-renewable resources. Specifically, the first power generation method includes solar power generation, wind power generation, hydroelectric power generation, geothermal power generation, solar thermal power generation, biomass power generation, etc. Specifically, the second power generation method includes oil power generation, coal power generation, natural gas power generation, nuclear power generation, etc. The "power generation source" is information indicating the location where the electric power is generated.

[0056] The information included in the energy information is not limited to this. For example, information such as the location where the vehicle 10 is charged and the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to each of the multiple power generation methods can also be recorded.

[0057] In step S101, the control unit 21 determines at least a part of the usage fee of the vehicle 10 according to the amount of electric power corresponding to each of the multiple power generation methods indicated by the energy information acquired in step S100.

[0058] Specifically, the control unit 21 determines at least a part of the usage fee based on the result obtained by multiplying the amount of electric power corresponding to each of the multiple power generation methods by the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to each of the multiple power generation methods. The "at least a part of the usage fee" in this step corresponds to the basic fee when using the vehicle 10. The basic fee can also be prompted before the user uses the vehicle 10. The "price per unit amount of electric power" in this step can also be the amount per 1 kWh when the electric power is supplied to the vehicle 10. The information on the price per unit amount of electric power can also be included in the energy information, or can be acquired by the control unit 21 communicating with an external server.

[0059] In this example, the price per unit of electric energy corresponding to the first power generation method is 50 yen, and the price per unit of electric energy corresponding to the second power generation method is 60 yen. Referring to Figure 3 the energy information shown, the amount of electric energy corresponding to the first power generation method is 60 kWh, and the amount of electric energy corresponding to the second power generation method is 40 kWh. Based on these figures, the control unit 21 calculates the amount of electric energy of the first power generation method as 3000 yen (50 yen × 60 kWh), and calculates the amount of electric energy of the second power generation method as 2400 yen (60 yen × 40 kWh). The control unit 21 determines at least a part of the usage fee of the vehicle 10 as 5400 yen obtained by adding up these calculated values.

[0060] The method for determining at least a part of the usage fee is not limited to the above method. For example, the control unit 21 may also determine at least a part of the usage fee based on the ratio of the amount of electric energy corresponding to each of the multiple power generation methods. Referring to Figure 3 the energy information shown, the amount of electric energy corresponding to the first power generation method is 60 kWh, and the amount of electric energy corresponding to the second power generation method is 40 kWh. Based on these figures, the control unit 21 determines the ratio of the amount of electric energy corresponding to the first power generation method, i.e., the first amount of electric energy, and the second amount of electric energy corresponding to the second power generation method as 3:2. The control unit 21 sets a weighting coefficient according to this ratio. The weighting coefficient can be set freely. For example, it can also be that the larger the ratio of the first amount of electric energy to the total amount of electric energy, the smaller the weighting coefficient of the first amount of electric energy is set. For example, the control unit 21 sets the weighting coefficient of the first amount of electric energy as 0.5 and the weighting coefficient of the second amount of electric energy as 1.2. In this case, the control unit 21 multiplies the ratio by the weighting coefficient respectively, calculates a value of 1.5 (3 × 0.5) for the first amount of electric energy, and calculates a value of 2.4 (2 × 1.2) for the second amount of electric energy. The control unit 21 multiplies the total value of 3.9 of the calculated values by a fixed amount of 1000 yen to calculate an amount of 3900 yen. The control unit 21 may also determine 3900 yen calculated as at least a part of the usage fee of the vehicle 10.

[0061] In step S102, the control unit 21 stores the amount determined in step S101 in the storage unit 22. In this example, the control unit 21 stores a value of 5400 yen in the storage unit 22.

[0062] In step S103, the control unit 21 determines whether the user has started using the vehicle 10.

[0063] Any method may be adopted in the determination of the situation where the user has started using the vehicle 10. For example, the control unit 21 may also obtain the position information of the vehicle 10 and the position information of the terminal device held by the user, and determine the situation where the user has started using the vehicle 10 by taking the vehicle 10 based on this position information.

[0064] In step S104, the control unit 21 determines that the user has finished using the vehicle 10.

[0065] Any method can be adopted for the determination in the case where the user has finished using the vehicle 10. For example, when the control unit 21 receives a notification indicating the intention to finish using the vehicle 10 from the terminal device held by the user, the control unit 21 may determine that the user has got off the vehicle 10 and finished using it.

[0066] In step S105, the control unit 21 acquires information indicating the power consumption amount of the vehicle 10 caused by the user's use.

[0067] Any method can be adopted for the acquisition of the information indicating the power consumption amount. For example, the control unit 21 may communicate with a power sensor that measures the power consumption amount, and acquire the measurement result of the power sensor as the information indicating the power consumption amount. In this example, the power consumption amount of the vehicle 10 caused by the user's use is 70 kWh.

[0068] In step S106, the control unit 21 determines at least a part of the usage fee of the vehicle 10 based on the acquired power consumption amount.

[0069] The control unit 21 determines, as at least a part of the usage fee, the value calculated by multiplying the acquired power consumption amount by each of the prices per unit power amount corresponding to each of the multiple power generation methods. The “at least a part of the usage fee” in this step corresponds to the volume-based fee incurred according to the usage amount of the vehicle 10. The “price per unit power amount” in this step may also be the amount per 1 kWh of power amount when the user uses the vehicle 10. The control unit 21 may communicate with an external server during the user's use of the vehicle 10 or when the user has finished using the vehicle 10 to acquire the information on the price per unit power amount.

[0070] Specifically, the control unit 21 sets the first power amount corresponding to the first power generation method as A, the second power amount corresponding to the second power generation method as B, the power consumption amount caused by the user's use as C, the price per unit power amount corresponding to the first power generation method as X, and the price per unit power amount corresponding to the second power generation method as Y. When 0 < C ≤ A, the value calculated by X × C is determined as at least a part of the usage fee. When A < C ≤ (A + B), the value calculated by X × A + Y × (C - A) is determined as at least a part of the usage fee. In this example, A = 60 kWh, B = 40 kWh, C = 70 kWh, A + B = 100 kWh. In addition, X = 30 yen and Y = 40 yen. Since A < C ≤ (A + B), the control unit 21 determines the value of 2200 yen calculated by the formula X × A + Y × (C - A) as the volume-based fee.

[0071] In step S107, the control unit 21 stores the amount determined in step S106 in the storage unit 22. In this example, the control unit 21 stores a value of 2,200 yen in the storage unit 22.

[0072] In step S108, the control unit 21 adds up the amount determined in step S101, that is, the basic cost which is a part of the usage fee, and the amount determined in step S106, that is, the unit cost which is a part of the usage fee, and calculates it as the usage fee. In this example, the control unit 21 adds up the value of 5,400 yen determined in step S101 and the value of 2,200 yen determined in step S106, and calculates a value of 7,600 yen.

[0073] In step S109, the control unit 21 notifies the user of the value calculated in step S108 as the usage fee. After that, the process ends.

[0074] The notification of the usage fee to the user can be done by any method. For example, the control unit 21 can also send information indicating the usage fee to the terminal device held by the user. In this case, the terminal device receives the information and notifies the user of the usage fee by image or sound. The notification of the usage fee can also be to separately notify the amounts generated according to the amounts of power of the first power generation method and the second power generation method respectively. In addition, the notification of the usage fee can also be to separately notify the basic cost and the unit cost.

[0075] In addition, not limited to the above processing, the control unit 21 can also perform only one of the processing of determining the basic cost in step S101 and the processing of determining the unit cost from step S105 to step S108.

[0076] As described above, the control device 20 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 21, acquires energy information indicating the power generation method of the power stored in the battery 14 of the vehicle 10, determines the usage fee of the vehicle 10 based on the acquired energy information, and notifies the user of the usage fee of the vehicle 10.

[0077] The usage fee of the vehicle 10 is determined according to the power generation method of the power stored in the battery 14. Thus, a user who wants to use the vehicle 10 can easily be aware of the power generation method of the power. Therefore, the technology of using information related to vehicle charging can be improved.

[0078] As described above, in the control device 20, the energy information shows the amount of power for each of a plurality of power generation methods. The control unit 21 determines at least a part of the usage fee of the vehicle 10 according to the amount of power corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods.

[0079] A part of the usage fee is determined according to the amount of electric power corresponding to each of a plurality of power generation methods. Thereby, it is easy for the user to recognize the category of the power generation method and the corresponding amount of electric power. In addition, an operator providing a car-sharing service can also flexibly determine the usage fee of the provided vehicle 10. Therefore, it is possible to improve the technology for utilizing information related to charging of the vehicle.

[0080] As described above, in the control device 20, the control unit 21 determines at least a part of the usage fee based on the result obtained by multiplying the amount of electric power corresponding to each of a plurality of power generation methods by the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods.

[0081] A part of the usage fee is determined by multiplying the amount of electric power by the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to each of a plurality of power generation methods. When the vehicle 10 is selected, since the breakdown of the usage fee becomes clear, it is easier for the user to recognize the amount of electric power corresponding to the category of the power generation method. Therefore, it is possible to improve the technology for utilizing information related to charging of the vehicle.

[0082] As described above, in the control device 20, the control unit 21 determines at least a part of the usage fee based on the ratio of the amount of electric power corresponding to each of a plurality of power generation methods.

[0083] A user who wants to use the vehicle 10 can more easily recognize the ratio of the amount of electric power corresponding to each of a plurality of power generation methods in the total amount of electric power stored in the battery 14. In addition, an operator providing a car-sharing service can also flexibly determine the usage fee of the vehicle 10 using the ratio of the amount of electric power. Therefore, it is possible to improve the technology for utilizing information related to charging of the vehicle.

[0084] As described above, in the control device 20, the plurality of power generation methods include a first power generation method based on renewable resources and a second power generation method based on non-renewable resources. The control unit 21 sets the amount of electric power corresponding to the first power generation method, i.e., the first amount of electric power, as A, the second amount of electric power corresponding to the second power generation method as B, the amount of consumed electric power caused by the user's use as C, the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to the first power generation method as X, and the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to the second power generation method as Y. When 0 < C ≤ A, the value calculated by X × C is determined as at least a part of the usage fee. When A < C ≤ (A + B), the value calculated by X × A + Y × (C - A) is determined as at least a part of the usage fee.

[0085] The per-unit charge, which is part of the usage charge, is determined based on whether electricity from renewable resources or non-renewable resources is used. Thus, the user who wants to use the vehicle 10 can more easily recognize whether the electricity stored in the battery 14 is from renewable resources or non-renewable resources. Therefore, the technology for using information related to vehicle charging can be improved.

[0086] The present disclosure has been described based on the respective drawings and embodiments. However, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and changes are all included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, reconfiguration can be performed in a logically non-contradictory manner with respect to the functions and the like included in each component or each step, multiple components or steps can be combined into one, or division can be performed. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an embodiment in which the configuration and operation of the control device 20 are distributed to a plurality of computers capable of communicating with each other is also possible. Further, for example, an embodiment in which a part or all of the constituent elements of the control device 20 are provided in the vehicle 10 is also possible.

[0087] (Modification Example 1)

[0088] As a modification example of the present disclosure, it may also be that the control unit 21 determines, as at least a part of the usage charge, a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the amount of electricity corresponding to a predetermined power generation method among the plurality of power generation methods from the amount of electricity consumed by the vehicle 10 due to the user's use by any one of the prices per unit amount of electricity corresponding to the plurality of power generation methods.

[0089] Specifically, the control unit 21 first acquires information indicating the amount of electricity consumed. The control unit 21 selects a predetermined power generation method among the plurality of power generation methods, and calculates a value obtained by subtracting the amount of electricity corresponding to the selected power generation method from the amount of electricity consumed. The control unit 21 determines the per-unit charge, which is at least a part of the usage charge, based on the result obtained by multiplying the calculated amount of electricity by the price per unit amount of electricity. The price per unit amount of electricity may also be the price during the use of the vehicle 10.

[0090] For example, it is assumed that the obtained power consumption is 50 kWh, the first power amount corresponding to the first power generation method stored in the battery 14 is 40 kWh, and the second power amount corresponding to the second power generation method is 30 kWh. The control unit 21 selects the first power amount among the first power amount and the second power amount. The control unit 21 calculates a value of 10 kWh, which is the result obtained by subtracting the first power amount of 40 kWh from the power consumption of 50 kWh. The control unit 21 multiplies the calculated first power amount of 10 kWh by the price of 50 yen per unit power amount corresponding to the first power generation method to calculate a value of 500 yen. The control unit 21 determines the calculated value of 500 yen as the volume-based charge.

[0091] According to this modification example, for the user, no charge corresponding to the power consumption occurs until the amount equivalent to the power amount corresponding to any one of the multiple power generation methods is reached. The user considers the scheduled usage time or distance of the vehicle 10 and selects the vehicle 10 while being aware of the power generation method of the charged power. In addition, the car-sharing operator can flexibly determine the service. As a result, the technology of using information related to vehicle charging can be improved.

[0092] (Modification Example 2)

[0093] As a modification example of the present disclosure, the control unit 21 obtains information indicating the amount of regenerative power generated during the use of the vehicle 10, and when determining at least a part of the usage charge, based on this information, adds the value of the regenerative power amount to any one of the power amounts corresponding to the multiple power generation methods.

[0094] Specifically, the control unit 21 first obtains information indicating the power consumption and information indicating the regenerative power amount. The regenerative power amount refers to the power amount generated by regenerative braking during the use of the vehicle 10. The information indicating the regenerative power amount can be obtained by any method. For example, the control unit 21 can also communicate with a power sensor that measures the regenerative power amount and obtain the measurement result of the power sensor as the information indicating the regenerative power amount.

[0095] Next, the control unit 21 selects any one of a plurality of power generation methods, and adds the value of the regenerated power amount to the power amount value corresponding to the selected power generation method. The control unit 21 sets the power amount of the added result as D, sets the power amount corresponding to the unselected power generation method as E, sets the power consumption amount caused by the user's use as F, sets the price per unit power amount corresponding to the selected power generation method as Q, and sets the price per unit power amount corresponding to the unselected power generation method as R. When 0 < F ≤ D, the value calculated by Q × F is determined as at least a part of the usage fee. When D < F ≤ (D + E), the value calculated by Q × D + R × (F - D) is determined as at least a part of the usage fee. The price per unit power amount may also be the amount per 1 kWh at the time when the user uses the vehicle 10.

[0096] For example, it is assumed that the regenerated power amount is 10 kWh, and the power generation methods for storing the power amount in the battery 14 are the first power generation method and the second power generation method. Among them, the control unit 21 selects the first power amount corresponding to the first power generation method. In addition, it is assumed that the first power amount is 50 kWh. The control unit 21 adds the value of the 10 kWh regenerated power amount to the value of the selected first power amount, and calculates the value of D = 60 kWh. In addition, it is assumed that the power consumption amount F = 50 kWh, the second power amount E = 40 kWh, the price per unit power amount Q corresponding to the first power generation method = 30 yen, and the price per unit power amount R corresponding to the second power generation method = 40 yen. Since 0 < F ≤ D, the control unit 21 determines the value of 1500 yen calculated by the formula of Q × F as the volume-based fee.

[0097] According to this modification example, the control unit 21 calculates the regenerated power amount as the power amount corresponding to the selected power generation method, and determines a part of the usage fee. When the power consumption amount is less than or equal to the value obtained by adding any one of the power amounts corresponding to the plurality of power generation methods and the regenerated power amount, the result obtained by multiplying the price per unit power amount corresponding to the power generation method by the power consumption amount is determined as the volume-based fee. Since it is clear that the regenerated power amount is calculated as the power amount corresponding to which power generation method to determine the usage fee, the user is more aware of the category of the power generation method. In addition, the car-sharing operator providing the vehicle 10 can flexibly determine the service. As a result, the technology of using the information related to vehicle charging can be improved.

[0098] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0099] 1 System

[0100] 10 Vehicle

[0101] 11 Control Unit

[0102] 12 Storage Unit

[0103] 13 Communication unit

[0104] 14 Battery

[0105] 20 Control device

[0106] 21 Control unit

[0107] 22 Storage unit

[0108] 23 Communication unit

[0109] 24 Input unit

[0110] 25 Output unit

[0111] 30 Network.

Claims

1. A control device includes a control unit, The control unit, acquires energy information indicating a power generation method of the electric power stored in a battery of a vehicle, determines a usage fee of the vehicle based on the acquired energy information, notifies the usage fee of the vehicle to a user, The energy information shows the amount of electric power for each of a plurality of power generation methods, The plurality of power generation methods include a first power generation method based on renewable resources and a second power generation method based on non-renewable resources, The control unit sets the amount of electric power corresponding to the first power generation method, i.e., the first amount of electric power, as A, sets the second amount of electric power corresponding to the second power generation method as B, sets the amount of electric power consumed due to the user's usage as C, sets the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to the first power generation method as X, and sets the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to the second power generation method as Y, When 0 < C ≤ A, the value calculated by X × C is determined as at least a part of the usage fee, When A < C ≤ (A + B), the value calculated by X × A + Y × (C - A) is determined as at least a part of the usage fee.

2. The control device according to claim 1, The control unit sets a weighting coefficient according to a ratio of the amount of electric power corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods, multiplies the value obtained by multiplying each ratio by the weighting coefficient by a fixed amount, and determines at least a part of the usage fee.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit determines as at least a part of the usage fee a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the amount of electric power corresponding to a predetermined power generation method among the plurality of power generation methods from the amount of electric power consumed by the vehicle due to the user's usage by any one of the prices per unit amount of electric power corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit acquires information indicating the amount of regenerated electric power generated during the usage of the vehicle, When determining at least a part of the usage fee, based on the information, an addition operation is performed between the value of the amount of regenerated electric power and any one of the values of the amount of electric power corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods.

5. A control method includes: acquiring energy information indicating a power generation method of the electric power stored in a battery of a vehicle; determining a usage fee of the vehicle based on the acquired energy information; and notifying the usage fee of the vehicle to a user, The energy information shows the amount of electric power for each of a plurality of power generation methods, The plurality of power generation methods include a first power generation method based on renewable resources and a second power generation method based on non-renewable resources, The control method further includes: setting the amount of electric power corresponding to the first power generation method, i.e., the first amount of electric power, as A, setting the second amount of electric power corresponding to the second power generation method as B, setting the amount of electric power consumed due to the user's usage as C, setting the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to the first power generation method as X, and setting the price per unit amount of electric power corresponding to the second power generation method as Y, When 0 < C ≤ A, determine at least a part of the usage fee as the value calculated by X × C. When A < C ≤ (A + B), determine at least a part of the usage fee as the value calculated by X × A + Y × (C - A).

6. The control method according to claim 5, further comprising: Set a weighting coefficient according to the ratio of the power amounts corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods, multiply the value obtained by multiplying each of the ratios by the weighting coefficient by a fixed amount, and determine at least a part of the usage fee.

7. The control method according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: Determine at least a part of the usage fee as the value calculated by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the power amount corresponding to a predetermined power generation method among the plurality of power generation methods from the power consumption amount of the vehicle caused by the usage of the user by any one of the prices per unit power amount corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods.

8. The control method according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: Obtain information indicating the amount of regenerative power generated during the usage of the vehicle; and When determining at least a part of the usage fee, based on the information, perform an addition operation on the value of the regenerative power amount and any one of the values of the power amounts corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform operations, the operations including: Obtain energy information of a power generation method indicating the power stored in the battery of the vehicle; Based on the obtained energy information, determine the usage fee of the vehicle; and Notify the user of the usage fee of the vehicle, The energy information shows the power amount of the power for each of the plurality of power generation methods, The plurality of power generation methods include a first power generation method based on renewable resources and a second power generation method based on non-renewable resources, The operations that the program causes the computer to perform further include: Set the first power amount corresponding to the first power generation method as A, set the second power amount corresponding to the second power generation method as B, set the power consumption amount caused by the usage of the user as C, set the price per unit power amount corresponding to the first power generation method as X, and set the price per unit power amount corresponding to the second power generation method as Y, When 0 < C ≤ A, determine at least a part of the usage fee as the value calculated by X × C. When A < C ≤ (A + B), determine at least a part of the usage fee as the value calculated by X × A + Y × (C - A).

10. According to the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, The operations that the program causes the computer to perform further include: Set a weighting coefficient according to the ratio of the power amounts corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods, multiply the value obtained by multiplying each of the ratios by the weighting coefficient by a fixed amount, and determine at least a part of the usage fee.

11. According to the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 or 10, The operations that the program causes the computer to perform further include: A value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the amount of electric power corresponding to a predetermined power generation method among the plurality of power generation methods from the amount of electric power consumed by the vehicle due to the use by the user by each of the prices per unit amount of electric power corresponding to each of the plurality of power generation methods is determined as at least a part of the usage fee.

12. A computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method according to claim 5.

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