Non-contact charging device and non-contact charging method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a non-contact charging device and a non-contact charging method. A control device of the non-contact charging device performs a process including the following steps: if a vehicle is present on the power transmission device (S100: Yes), obtaining vehicle information (S102); if the vehicle is determined to be an electric vehicle used as a taxi (S104: Yes), allowing charging (S106); starting charging (S108); if the vehicle is determined not to be an electric vehicle used as a taxi (S104: No), prohibiting charging (S110); and performing notification processing (S112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contactless charging technology for charging a vehicle-mounted power storage device in a contactless manner. Background Art

[0002] Contactless charging is a technology used to charge power storage devices mounted on electric vehicles. Contactless charging uses power received by a power receiving device on the electric vehicle from a power transmitting device connected to an external power source on the electric vehicle in a contactless manner, without using any contacts.

[0003] Regarding such contactless charging, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-191451 discloses a technology that compares pre-registered identification information with identification information received from an electric vehicle, starts or stops power transmission when they match, and thereby charges a power storage device mounted on the appropriate electric vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Such contactless charging can be performed at waiting areas for electric vehicles, such as taxis, that provide scheduled (predetermined) services. By performing contactless charging at waiting areas, charging can be performed while the vehicle is waiting until the service begins, allowing for efficient charging of the power storage device.

[0005] However, if only certain electric vehicles are allowed to use contactless charging at the waiting area, and if the permission for contactless charging is determined using identification information set for each vehicle as described above, there is a possibility that even an electric vehicle used as a taxi, for example, will not be able to use contactless charging at the waiting area if the identification information has not been pre-registered. As a result, contactless charging may not be available during the waiting period, and the service may not be continued.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a non-contact charging device and a non-contact charging method capable of charging a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle for providing a predetermined service.

[0007] A non-contact charging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a non-contact charging device configured to charge a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle used to provide a predetermined service in a non-contact manner. The electric vehicle includes a power receiving device that receives power from the non-contact charging device. The non-contact charging device includes: a power transmitting device that can transmit power to the power receiving device when the electric vehicle is parked at a predetermined position in a parking space set as a waiting area for the electric vehicle; an acquisition device that obtains information indicating that the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space from an external device of the non-contact charging device; and a control device that controls the power transmitting device. The control device uses the information obtained by the acquisition device to determine whether the vehicle parked in the parking space is an electric vehicle used to provide the predetermined service. When the control device determines that the vehicle is an electric vehicle used to provide the predetermined service, it allows power to be transmitted from the power transmitting device to the power receiving device.

[0008] In this way, if the information obtained by the acquisition device determines that the vehicle parked in the parking space is an electric vehicle such as a taxi or bus used to provide a scheduled service, power transmission from the power transmitting device to the power receiving device is permitted. Therefore, if the vehicle is an electric vehicle used to provide the scheduled service, contactless charging is possible. As a result, electric vehicles used to provide the scheduled service can continue to provide the service by using the contactless charging device while waiting at the waiting area.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control device prohibits power transmission from the power transmitting device to the power receiving device when it is determined that the vehicle is not an electric vehicle used to provide a predetermined service.

[0010] In this way, vehicles parked in parking spaces cannot utilize contactless charging, and thus it is possible to suppress vehicles other than electric vehicles used to provide the scheduled service from occupying the waiting area for the purpose of charging.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the external device includes a camera that captures a vehicle parked in a parking space. The control device uses the image captured by the camera to determine whether the vehicle is an electric vehicle used to provide the predetermined service.

[0012] In this way, the image captured by the camera can be used to accurately determine whether the vehicle parked in the parking space is an electric vehicle used to provide a scheduled service, such as a taxi or bus. Therefore, only electric vehicles used to provide a scheduled service can use contactless charging.

[0013] In another embodiment, the imaging device images the exterior of the vehicle. If the exterior of the vehicle includes a characteristic feature of an electric vehicle for providing a predetermined service, the control device determines that the vehicle is an electric vehicle for providing the predetermined service.

[0014] In this way, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether a vehicle parked in a parking space is an electric vehicle used to provide a predetermined service, such as a taxi or a bus.

[0015] In another embodiment, the imaging device images a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the vehicle. If the image obtained by imaging the predetermined position includes a predetermined image, the control device determines that the vehicle is an electric vehicle for providing the predetermined service.

[0016] In this way, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the vehicle parked in the parking space is an electric vehicle used to provide a predetermined service.

[0017] In another embodiment, the electric vehicle is a taxi, and the power transmission device is installed in a parking space set as a waiting area for the taxi.

[0018] In this way, if the vehicle parked in the parking space is an electric vehicle used as a taxi, it can use the contactless charging device while waiting in the waiting area, so that the service can continue.

[0019] In another embodiment, the electric vehicle is a bus, and the power transmission device is installed in a parking space set as a waiting area for the bus.

[0020] In this way, if the vehicle parked in the parking space is an electric vehicle used as a bus, it can use the contactless charging device while waiting in the waiting area without registering its identification information in advance, thereby enabling the service to continue.

[0021] In still another embodiment, when the control device determines that the vehicle is not an electric vehicle used to provide the predetermined service, the control device notifies that the vehicle parked in the parking space is not a target for charging.

[0022] This can prevent vehicles other than electric vehicles used to provide the scheduled service from occupying the waiting area for the purpose of charging.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-contact charging method that charges a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle used to provide a predetermined service by transmitting power using a power transmission device. The electric vehicle includes a power receiving device that receives power from the power transmission device when the electric vehicle is parked at a predetermined position within a parking space set as a waiting area for electric vehicles. The non-contact charging method includes the following steps: a step of obtaining information indicating that the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space from an external device; a step of using the obtained information to determine whether the vehicle parked in the parking space is an electric vehicle used to provide the predetermined service; and a step of allowing power to be transmitted from the power transmission device to the power receiving device when it is determined that the vehicle is an electric vehicle used to provide the predetermined service.

[0024] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a non-contact charging system in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining contactless charging control performed at a taxi waiting area.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the non-contact charging device corresponding to a vehicle parked in a waiting area.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device in the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the non-contact charging system 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 The non-contact charging system 1 includes an electric vehicle 100 , a non-contact charging device 400 , a first camera (acquisition device) 405 , a second camera 406 , a notification device 416 , and a system power supply 450 .

[0032] The electric vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle used to provide a scheduled service. In this embodiment, for example, the electric vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. Figure 1 As an example, the electric vehicle 100 is shown as being parked in a parking space 200 set as a taxi waiting area. Figure 1 Between arrows A and B. Non-contact charging device 400 is installed under the ground in parking space 200 at a position where it can transmit electricity to electric vehicle 100 .

[0033] The following describes the detailed configuration of electric vehicle 100. Electric vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Electric vehicle 100 includes a power storage device 120, a motor generator (MG) 130, a power control unit (PCU) 140, a power receiving device 150, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 190.

[0034] Power storage device 120 is a rechargeable DC power supply and includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery having a liquid or solid electrolyte, or a power storage element such as an electric double layer capacitor.

[0035] MG130 is, for example, a three-phase AC rotating electrical machine that functions as both an electric motor and a generator. The output torque of MG130 is transmitted to the drive wheels via a speed reducer and a differential device. Figure 1 , only one MG is provided. However, the number of MGs mounted on the electric vehicle 100 is not limited thereto, and a plurality of (for example, two) MGs may be provided.

[0036] PCU 140 includes an inverter, a converter, and other components. It converts DC power supplied from power storage device 120 into AC power based on control signals from ECU 190 and supplies the power to MG 130. This generates driving force for electric vehicle 100 in MG 130. Alternatively, PCU 140 converts AC power generated by regenerative operation of MG 130 into DC power and supplies the power to power storage device 120. Power storage device 120 is charged using the DC power supplied by PCU 140.

[0037] Power receiving device 150 receives AC power from non-contact charging device 400 in a contactless manner (i.e., without any contacts between power receiving device 150 and non-contact charging device 400), converts the received AC power into DC power of a desired voltage, and supplies the converted power to power storage device 120. Power storage device 120 is also charged using the DC power supplied from power receiving device 150.

[0038] The power receiving device 150 includes, for example, a resonator and a rectifier (not shown). The resonator is, for example, an LC resonator including a power receiving coil and a capacitor. The rectifier converts AC power received by the resonator into DC power.

[0039] ECU 190 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 192 and memory 194. It controls various devices in electric vehicle 100 (e.g., PCU 140 and power receiving device 150) based on information stored in memory 194 and / or information from various sensors (not shown). Control performed by ECU 190 is not limited to processing via software; dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry) may also be used.

[0040] The electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi also includes a first indicator light 160 and a second indicator light 170. The first indicator light 160 is located at a predetermined position within the vehicle (e.g., on the dashboard on the passenger side) and displays text information indicating the taxi's status (e.g., "Vacant," "Loading," etc.) toward the front of the vehicle. The second indicator light 170 is, for example, a company indicator light located on the roof of the electric vehicle 100. The display states (lighting states) of the first indicator light 160 and the second indicator light 170 are switched automatically or manually by, for example, the ECU 190.

[0041] The following describes the detailed configuration of contactless charging device 400. As described above, contactless charging device 400 is installed underground in parking space 200 at a taxi stand and is configured to transmit power from system power supply 450 to electric vehicle 100 in a contactless manner.

[0042] Specifically, non-contact charging device 400 includes a communication device 402 , a power transmission device 404 , and a control device 408 .

[0043] The communication device 402 is configured to communicate with each of the first camera 405, the second camera 406, and the notification device 416. For example, the communication device 402 receives data representing an image (still image or moving image) captured by the first camera 405 and transmits the received data to the control device 408. Furthermore, the communication device 402 receives data representing an image (still image or moving image) captured by the second camera 406 and transmits the received data to the control device 408. Furthermore, the communication device 402 receives control commands from the control device 408 and transmits the received control commands to at least one of the first camera 405, the second camera 406, and the notification device 416.

[0044] Power transmission device 404 conditions the AC power supplied from system power supply 450 and transmits the conditioned AC power to power receiving device 150 in a contactless manner. Power transmission device 404 includes, for example, a resonator and a converter (not shown). The resonator is, for example, an LC resonator comprising a power transmission coil and a capacitor. The resonator of power transmission device 404 is configured so that its resonant frequency substantially matches the resonant frequency of the resonator of power receiving device 150. The converter is connected to system power supply 450, conditions the frequency and voltage of the AC power supplied from system power supply 450, and supplies the conditioned AC power to the resonator of power transmission device 404.

[0045] The control device 408 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 410 and memory 412. It controls the devices of the contactless charging apparatus 400 (e.g., the power transmission device 404) based on information stored in the memory 412 and / or information from external devices (e.g., the first camera 405 and the second camera 406). Control performed by the control device 408 is not limited to processing performed by software and may also be performed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0046] The following describes the configuration of external devices connected to the non-contact charging apparatus 400. A first camera 405, a second camera 406, and a notification device 416 are connected to the non-contact charging apparatus 400 as external devices.

[0047] The first camera 405 is installed at a position where it can capture images of the exterior of a vehicle parked in the parking space 200. For example, the first camera 405 may be installed at a position where it can capture images of the roof of the electric vehicle 100 or the windshield of the electric vehicle 100. The first camera 405 may also be installed, for example, so as to face the electric vehicle 100 from above or diagonally above the electric vehicle 100 parked in the parking space 200.

[0048] First camera 405 can capture both still and moving images. First camera 405 captures images based on control signals from control device 408 of non-contact charging device 400. First camera 405 is configured to transmit data representing the captured image to control device 408 of non-contact charging device 400.

[0049] Second camera 406 is located in a position capable of capturing an image of a predetermined position on the bottom surface of a vehicle parked in parking space 200. Second camera 406 includes, for example, a fisheye lens and is positioned so as to face upward from contactless charging device 400. Second camera 406 captures the space above contactless charging device 400 using the fisheye lens.

[0050] Second camera 406 can capture both still and moving images. Second camera 406 captures images based on a control signal from control device 408 of contactless charging device 400. Second camera 406 is configured to transmit data representing the captured image to control device 408 of contactless charging device 400. Second camera 406 can capture a predetermined position on the lower surface of a vehicle parked in parking space 200. Furthermore, if the parked vehicle is electric vehicle 100, second camera 406 can capture an image used to determine whether the positional relationship between power receiving device 150 and contactless charging device 400 is a positional relationship that enables contactless charging.

[0051] Notification device 416 is configured to notify a vehicle parked in parking space 200 of predetermined information based on a control signal from control device 408 of contactless charging device 400. Notification device 416 may be configured, for example, as a display device, as a sound generator, or as both a display device and a sound generator.

[0052] In contactless charging system 1 having the above-described configuration, when electric vehicle 100 serving as a taxi is parked in parking space 200 at a waiting area, contactless charging control can be executed to charge power storage device 120 using power received from contactless charging device 400 .

[0053] Figure 2 FIG is a diagram for explaining contactless charging control implemented at a taxi waiting area. Figure 2 As shown, a sidewalk 800 is provided along a one-way, two-lane road 700. A sign 500 indicating a taxi waiting area (taxi pick-up point) is provided at a predetermined position on sidewalk 800. A parking space 200 is provided in a lane of road 700 adjacent to sidewalk 800, and further forward of sign 500 in the direction of travel. A contactless charging device 400 is installed underground within parking space 200.

[0054] The user of electric vehicle 100, which is used as a taxi, moves electric vehicle 100 to parking space 200 at a waiting area to wait for a passenger and parks electric vehicle 100 in parking space 200. At this time, if the positional relationship between electric vehicle 100 and non-contact charging device 400 is such that non-contact charging control can be performed, non-contact charging control is performed.

[0055] Specifically, for example, when electric vehicle 100 is parked in parking space 200 and the positional relationship between electric vehicle 100 and non-contact charging device 400 is such that non-contact charging control can be performed, electric power is transmitted from non-contact charging device 400. Furthermore, power storage device 120 is charged using the electric power received by power receiving device 150.

[0056] In the contactless charging system 1 having the above-described configuration, contactless charging is performed at a waiting area for an electric vehicle such as a taxi used for a scheduled service, as described above. This allows charging to be performed while the vehicle is waiting until the service begins (i.e., until the vehicle begins carrying passengers). Consequently, power storage device 120 can be charged efficiently.

[0057] On the other hand, when parking spaces capable of contactless charging are provided on the lanes of such road 700, it is possible that vehicles other than taxis may occupy the taxi waiting area for the purpose of charging. Therefore, to avoid this situation, identification information such as an ID is transmitted from electric vehicle 100 to contactless charging device 400. Contactless charging device 400 compares this information with the identification information of vehicles previously registered as available. If the received identification information matches the registered identification information, contactless charging becomes available.

[0058] However, if such identification information is used to determine whether contactless charging is permitted, there are cases where an electric vehicle used as a taxi cannot be charged with contactless charging at a taxi stand unless the identification information has been pre-registered. Consequently, contactless charging may be unavailable during the waiting period, requiring the vehicle to wait for charging and preventing the taxi service from continuing.

[0059] Therefore, in this embodiment, control device 408 operates as follows. Specifically, control device 408 obtains information indicating that electric vehicle 100 is parked in parking space 200 from an external device of contactless charging device 400. Control device 408 uses this information to determine whether the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is a taxi. If control device 408 determines that the parked vehicle is a taxi, it permits power transmission from power transmitting device 404 to power receiving device 150. In this embodiment, control device 408 uses images captured by first camera 405 to determine whether the parked vehicle is a taxi.

[0060] Thus, if the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is a taxi, non-contact charging can be performed. As a result, by using non-contact charging device 400 while waiting at a taxi stand, the taxi can continue to provide services.

[0061] Below, refer to Figure 3 , an example of the processing performed by the control device 408 is described. Figure 3 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device 408. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed in a predetermined control cycle.

[0062] In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 100, control device 408 determines whether a vehicle is on power transmitting device 404 of contactless charging device 400. Control device 408 determines that a vehicle is on power transmitting device 404 if, for example, an image captured by first camera 405 contains an image showing a vehicle on power transmitting device 404. Control device 408 determines whether an image captured by first camera 405 contains an image showing a vehicle on power transmitting device 404 by, for example, using image analysis techniques such as machine learning (AI). The detailed determination method based on image analysis can be based on well-known techniques and will not be described in detail. Alternatively, control device 408 may determine that a vehicle is on power transmitting device 404 if, for example, an image captured by second camera 406 contains an image showing the underside of a vehicle. If it is determined that a vehicle is on power transmitting device 404 (S100: YES), processing proceeds to S102.

[0063] In S102, control device 408 obtains vehicle information. Specifically, control device 408 extracts characteristic portions of the taxi from the image captured by first camera 405 and uses these as vehicle information. For example, control device 408 extracts an image representing the roof and windshield of the vehicle from the image captured by first camera 405 as vehicle information.

[0064] In S104, control device 408 determines whether the vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. Control device 408 can determine whether the image obtained as vehicle information includes images showing first indicator light 160 and second indicator light 170, for example, through image analysis using AI as described above. If the vehicle is determined to be an electric vehicle used as a taxi (S104: Yes), the process proceeds to S106.

[0065] In S106, control device 408 permits charging. Control device 408 permits charging by, for example, setting a permission flag to an active (ON) state.

[0066] In S108, control device 408 starts charging. Specifically, control device 408 controls power transmitting device 404 to supply power to power receiving device 150, for example, when the permission flag is active and the positional relationship between power transmitting device 404 and power receiving device 150 is such that contactless charging is possible. Control device 408 may also use, for example, images captured by second camera 406 to determine whether the positional relationship between power transmitting device 404 and power receiving device 150 is such that contactless charging is possible. Furthermore, control device 408 sets power transmitting device 404 to a power transmission stop state if the permission flag is inactive (OFF) and / or the positional relationship between power transmitting device 404 and power receiving device 150 is not such that contactless charging is possible. Furthermore, if it is determined that the vehicle is not an electric vehicle used as a taxi (S104: No), processing proceeds to S110.

[0067] In S110, control device 408 prohibits charging. Control device 408 prohibits charging by, for example, setting a permission flag to an inactive state.

[0068] In S112, control device 408 performs notification processing. Specifically, control device 408 uses notification device 416, for example, to notify the user of a vehicle parked in parking space 200 that the parked vehicle is not eligible for contactless charging. Control device 408 may also use notification device 416 to further notify the user of the vehicle, urging them to remove the vehicle from parking space 200.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 , an example of the operation of the control device 408 of this embodiment based on the above-mentioned structure and flowchart is described. Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of non-contact charging device 400 in response to a vehicle parked in a waiting area.

[0070] Figure 4 (A) and (B) respectively show a one-way two-lane road 700 (only two lanes), a sidewalk 800 set along the road 700, a sign 500 set on the sidewalk 800, a parking space 200 set on the lane of the road 700 adjacent to the sidewalk 800, and a contactless charging device 400 set under the ground in the parking space 200.

[0071] In addition, Figure 4 In (A), a vehicle 101 that is not a taxi is shown parked in a parking space 200. Figure 4 (B) shows a state where the electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi is parked in a parking space 200 .

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), for example, when a vehicle 101 other than a taxi is parked in a parking space 200, the image captured by the first camera 405 is used to determine that a vehicle is present on the power transmitting device 404 (S100: YES). Images of the vehicle's roof and windshield are obtained from the image captured by the first camera 405 as vehicle information (S102).

[0073] Then, if the acquired image of the windshield portion does not include an image representing the first indicator light 160, or if the image of the vehicle's roof portion does not include an image representing the second indicator light 170, it is determined that the parked vehicle is not an electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi (S104: "No"). Therefore, charging is prohibited (S110), and notification processing is performed (S112). Therefore, notification device 416 is used to notify vehicle 101 that vehicle 101 is not eligible for contactless charging. Therefore, the user of vehicle 101 cannot charge and is forced to move vehicle 101.

[0074] On the other hand, Figure 4 As shown in (B), for example, when electric vehicle 100, used as a taxi, is parked in parking space 200, the image captured by first camera 405 is used to determine that a vehicle is present on power transmitting device 404 (S100: Yes). Images of the vehicle's roof and windshield are obtained from the image captured by first camera 405 as vehicle information (S102).

[0075] If the acquired image of the windshield includes an image representing first indicator light 160 and the image of the vehicle's roof includes an image representing second indicator light 170, the parked vehicle is determined to be electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi (S104: YES). Therefore, charging is permitted, and if the positional relationship between power transmitting device 404 and power receiving device 150 allows for contactless charging, charging begins (S108).

[0076] As described above, the contactless charging device 400 of this embodiment enables contactless charging when the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is a taxi. Consequently, by utilizing contactless charging device 400 while waiting at a taxi stand, the taxi can continue providing services. Therefore, a contactless charging device and contactless charging method are provided that can charge a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle used to provide a scheduled service.

[0077] Furthermore, if the vehicle parked in the parking space 200 is not an electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi, contactless charging cannot be used. Therefore, it is possible to suppress vehicles other than taxis from occupying the waiting area for the purpose of charging.

[0078] Furthermore, by using the image captured by the first camera 405 , it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the vehicle is a vehicle used as a taxi.

[0079] Modifications will be described below.

[0080] In the above embodiment, a taxi is used as an example of a vehicle for providing a scheduled service. However, the vehicle for providing a scheduled service is not particularly limited to a taxi, and may be a bus, for example.

[0081] Below, refer to Figure 5 , an example of the processing performed by the control device 408 in the modified example is described. Figure 5 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device 408 in the modification. The series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed in a predetermined control cycle.

[0082] In addition, except for the following cases, Figure 5 The processing of S100, S106, S108, S110 and S112 are respectively Figure 3 The processing of S100, S106, S108, S110 and S112 is the same. Therefore, the processing of Figure 5 Detailed description of the processing of S100, S106, S108, S110 and S112.

[0083] When it is determined that a vehicle is present on power transmitting device 404 ( S100 : YES), the process proceeds to S200 .

[0084] In S200, control device 408 obtains vehicle information. Specifically, control device 408 extracts characteristic portions of the bus from the image captured by first camera 405 and uses these as vehicle information. For example, control device 408 extracts an image representing the front surface of the vehicle and an image representing the outer contour of the vehicle from the image captured by first camera 405 as vehicle information.

[0085] In S202, the control device 408 determines whether the vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a bus. For example, when the image representing the front surface of the vehicle is consistent with the front surface shape of the bus and the image representing the outer contour of the vehicle is consistent with the outer contour shape of the bus, the control device 408 determines that the vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a bus. The control device 408 determines whether the image obtained as vehicle information is consistent with the front surface shape and outer contour shape of the bus by image analysis using AI such as machine learning, for example. When it is determined that the vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a bus (S202: "Yes"), the processing moves to S106. In addition, when it is determined that the vehicle is not an electric vehicle used as a bus (S202: "No"), the processing moves to S110.

[0086] Thus, if the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is a bus, non-contact charging can also be performed. As a result, by using non-contact charging device 400 while waiting at a bus stop, the bus can continue to provide services.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a taxi is described as an example of a vehicle for providing the reservation service. However, the vehicle is not particularly limited to a taxi, and may be, for example, a rental car or a shared car.

[0088] For example, the control device 408 extracts the characteristic portion of a rental car or shared vehicle from the image captured by the first camera 405 as vehicle information. The control device 408 uses the obtained vehicle information to determine whether the parked vehicle is a rental car or shared vehicle. The characteristic portion of a rental car or shared vehicle may include, for example, a display on a license plate indicating that the vehicle is a rental car or shared vehicle, or a predetermined portion of the vehicle's exterior bearing a marking indicating that the vehicle is a rental car or shared vehicle.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as an example, the roof and windshield of the vehicle are used as characteristic parts of a taxi to determine whether the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. However, instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned parts, the color of the license plate and the front surface of the vehicle can be extracted as characteristic parts of the taxi, and the extracted characteristic parts can be used as the basis for determining whether the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. For example, the control device 408 can also determine that the parked vehicle is not an electric vehicle used as a taxi when at least the color of the license plate is not a commercially usable color. Alternatively, the control device 408 can also determine that the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi when the vehicle model determined based on the front surface of the vehicle is limited to a vehicle model used as a taxi.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image captured by first camera 405 is used to determine whether a parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. However, for example, the image captured by first camera 405 and the image captured by second camera 406 may also be used to determine whether a parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. That is, control device 408 may use vehicle information obtained from the image captured by first camera 405 to determine whether the vehicle is used as a taxi, and further determine that the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle if the image of the lower surface of the vehicle captured by second camera 406 includes an image representing the power receiving device. In this way, it is possible to accurately determine whether a parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the image captured by the first camera 405 is used to determine whether the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. However, for example, the image captured by the second camera 406 may be used instead of the image captured by the first camera 405 to determine whether the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi. For example, if a predetermined mark is attached to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the electric vehicle used as a taxi, whether the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi can be determined based on whether the portion of the image captured by the second camera 406 corresponding to the predetermined position on the lower surface of the electric vehicle contains an image representing the predetermined mark. In this way, whether the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi can be determined with high accuracy.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the notification device 416 is used to notify the predetermined information when the parked vehicle is determined not to be an electric vehicle used as a taxi. However, for example, if the parked vehicle is an electric vehicle used as a taxi, and the positional relationship between the power receiving device 150 and the power transmitting device 404 is not a position that allows non-contact charging control when charging is permitted, the notification device 416 may be used to notify this fact or to indicate the movement (e.g., movement direction, movement distance) required to achieve a positional relationship that allows non-contact charging control.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control device 408 obtains an image captured by the first camera 405, which is an external device of the contactless charging device 400, as information indicating that the electric vehicle 100 is parked in the parking space 200, and uses the obtained information to determine whether the vehicle parked in the parking space 200 is the electric vehicle 100. However, the external device is not particularly limited to the first camera 405. For example, the external device may be the electric vehicle 100, or may be a management server that manages the location of the electric vehicle 100.

[0094] For example, control device 408 may determine that the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi when communication with electric vehicle 100 is established and / or when information indicating that the vehicle is a taxi is received from electric vehicle 100 .

[0095] Alternatively, electric vehicle 100 obtains the current location of electric vehicle 100 based on signals (radio waves) from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, for example, and transmits a signal (location information) indicating the current location of electric vehicle 100 to the management server. If the current location of electric vehicle 100 is parking space 200, the management server may transmit information indicating that the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is a taxi to contactless charging device 400. Upon receiving this information from the management server, control device 408 may determine that the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is an electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi.

[0096] Thus, if the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is a taxi, non-contact charging can also be performed. As a result, by using non-contact charging device 400 while waiting at a taxi stand, the taxi can continue to provide services.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a partial image at a position corresponding to a characteristic portion of a taxi is obtained from an image of the vehicle as vehicle information, and image analysis is used to determine whether the vehicle parked in parking space 200 is electric vehicle 100 used as a taxi. However, for example, an image of the entire vehicle may be used to determine whether the vehicle corresponds to a taxi through image analysis.

[0098] Furthermore, all or part of the above-mentioned modifications may be appropriately combined and implemented.

[0099] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A non-contact charging device configured to charge a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle used for providing taxi or bus services in a non-contact manner, the electric vehicle including a power receiving device for receiving power from the non-contact charging device, the non-contact charging device comprising: a power transmitting device capable of transmitting electric power to the power receiving device when the electric vehicle is parked at a predetermined position in a parking space set as a waiting area for the electric vehicle, the power transmitting device being provided in the parking space set as a waiting area for a taxi or a bus; an acquisition device that acquires information indicating that the electric vehicle is parked in the parking space from a device external to the contactless charging device; and a control device that controls the power transmission device, The external device includes a camera for photographing a vehicle parked in the parking space, wherein the camera photographs an exterior portion of the vehicle. The control device, using the image captured by the camera, and determining that the vehicle is the electric vehicle for providing taxi or bus services when the exterior of the vehicle includes a characteristic portion of an electric vehicle as a taxi or bus; If the vehicle is determined to be an electric vehicle used for taxi or bus services, power transmission from the power transmitting device to the power receiving device is permitted, thereby allowing the vehicle to use the contactless charging device while waiting at a waiting area without registering identification information in advance.

2. A contactless charging method for contactlessly charging a power storage device mounted on an electric vehicle used for taxi or bus services by transmitting power using a power transmission device, wherein the electric vehicle includes a power receiving device that receives power from the power transmission device when the electric vehicle is parked in a predetermined position within a parking space designated as a waiting area for the electric vehicle. The power transmission device is installed in the parking space set as a waiting area for taxis or buses. The non-contact charging method comprises the following steps: a step of acquiring, from a camera that captures an exterior portion of a vehicle parked in the parking space, an image captured by the camera; a step of determining, using the image, that the vehicle is the electric vehicle for providing taxi or bus service when an exterior portion of the vehicle includes a characteristic portion of an electric vehicle as a taxi or bus; and If it is determined that the vehicle is the electric vehicle used to provide taxi or bus services, power transmission from the power transmitting device to the power receiving device is allowed, thereby allowing the vehicle to use the non-contact charging device while waiting at a waiting area without registering identification information in advance.

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