Service System

Abstract

The present invention provides a service system comprising: a reservation unit capable of setting reservations for goods or services in a commercial facility and also capable of setting identification information of an electric vehicle visiting the commercial facility; a connection confirmation unit capable of detecting that an electric vehicle corresponding to the identification information set in the reservation unit is connected to a charging and discharging device of the commercial facility; and a reporting unit capable of reporting to the commercial facility that the electric vehicle corresponding to the identification information detected by the connection confirmation unit is connected to the charging and discharging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a service system, and more particularly to a service system related to charging and discharging of electric vehicles and utilization of commercial facilities. Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-41324 discloses a vehicle guidance device for guiding electric vehicles to charging stations. This vehicle guidance device determines the balance of power demand and the magnitude of the demand for guiding electric vehicles to the charging station. The greater the magnitude of the demand, the greater the reward for responding to the guidance. This facilitates achieving a balance in power demand.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-137751 discloses an electricity trading system that increases or decreases electricity transaction fees based on the point value specified in an advertisement. In this electricity trading system, if a user views an advertisement with points set, sets the amount of electricity to be traded, and then charges or discharges electricity at the parking lot corresponding to the advertisement, the electricity transaction fee increases or decreases based on the point value specified in the advertisement. According to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-137751, this electricity trading system is intended to stimulate electricity trading aimed at obtaining discounts and promote the widespread use of electric vehicles.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-41324

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-137751 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The vehicle guidance device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-41324 and the power trading system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-137751 aim to encourage electric vehicle users to connect their electric vehicles to the power system and increase the chances of their electric vehicles being incorporated into the power system. This application proposes another system that increases the chances of electric vehicles being incorporated into the power system.

[0008] The service system proposed herein comprises: a reservation unit capable of setting reservations for goods or services in a commercial facility, and also capable of setting identification information of an electric vehicle visiting the commercial facility; a connection confirmation unit for detecting that an electric vehicle corresponding to the identification information set in the reservation unit is connected to a charging and discharging device of the commercial facility; and a reporting unit for reporting to the commercial facility that the electric vehicle corresponding to the identification information detected by the connection confirmation unit is connected to the charging and discharging device.

[0009] In the proposed service system, the connection of an electric vehicle associated with a product or service reservation to a commercial facility's charging and discharging equipment serves as a trigger, enabling the facility to begin preparing the product or service. This improves user convenience and encourages the connection of electric vehicles to the commercial facility's charging and discharging equipment. Consequently, the opportunity for electric vehicles to be integrated into the power system increases.

[0010] The service system proposed herein may also include: a power storage acquisition unit for acquiring the power storage of a battery of an electric vehicle connected to a charging and discharging device of a commercial facility; an information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the supply and demand conditions of electricity; and a charging and discharging instruction unit for issuing instructions to the charging and discharging device to charge or discharge the electric vehicle based on the power storage of the battery of the electric vehicle acquired by the power storage acquisition unit and the information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0011] The reporting unit may be configured to report information identifying the charging and discharging device to which the electric vehicle corresponding to the identification information is connected to the commercial facility.

[0012] The proposed service system may also include an execution instruction unit that instructs the execution of a reservation accepted by the reservation unit when the connection confirmation unit detects that the electric vehicle corresponding to the confirmation information is connected to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility. The service system may also include a transmission unit that, after detecting that the electric vehicle corresponding to the confirmation information is connected to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility, transmits the waiting time associated with the reserved goods or services to the user of the electric vehicle. The reservation unit may also be configured to enable additional orders for goods or services after detecting that the electric vehicle corresponding to the confirmation information is connected to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility.

[0013] The service system may further include a pickup device installed in a commercial facility, and when detecting that an electric vehicle corresponding to the specific information is connected to a charging and discharging device in the commercial facility, the pickup device collects the reserved products at a predetermined pickup location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship among the service system according to the embodiment, the electric vehicle, the user's terminal, and the charging and discharging device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a commercial facility.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a service system, a user terminal, and a charging and discharging device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the flow from reserving a product to calculating the charging and discharging fees. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] An embodiment of the service system disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described herein is not intended to limit the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein. Components and parts that perform the same function will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0019] Figure 1 : is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship of the service system 40 involved in this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the service system 40 involved in this embodiment includes: a charge and discharge management system 50, which manages the charging or discharging of the electric vehicle 10 (referred to as charging and discharging in this article); a reservation management system 70, which manages the reservation of goods or services associated with the charging and discharging of the electric vehicle 10; and a commercial facility 30 (also refer to Figure 2 The charge and discharge management system 50, the reservation management system 70, and the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 are interconnected to manage the charge and discharge of the electric vehicle 10 and the reservation of goods or services while exchanging information.

[0020] The charge and discharge management system 50 includes a power storage device (not shown) and manages the process of charging the electric vehicle 10 using the power stored in the power storage device and the process of storing the power discharged from the electric vehicle 10 in the power storage device. The power stored in the power storage device is sold to a specific operator such as a power company. The charge and discharge management system 50 can be used for trading electricity, that is, selling and purchasing electricity.

[0021] Here, the person who manages the charge and discharge management system 50 is referred to as the system manager of the charge and discharge management system 50. The system manager of the charge and discharge management system 50 is also called an aggregator. The system manager of the charge and discharge management system 50 controls the demand for electricity in a manner that ensures a balance between the demand and supply of electricity. For example, the system manager of the charge and discharge management system 50 supplies electricity according to the needs of a specific operator such as an electric power company, and supplies electricity to a specific operator. Therefore, in order to ensure the necessary amount of electricity, the system manager of the charge and discharge management system 50 preferably uses the charge and discharge management system 50 to establish more contracts between the users of the electric vehicle 10 and the managers who manage the charge and discharge device 22. For example, in the charge and discharge management system 50, one or more users who use or own the electric vehicle 10 are registered, and one or more managers who manage the charge and discharge device 22 that charges and discharges the electric vehicle 10 are registered. In addition, the electric vehicle 10 itself and the charge and discharge device 22 itself may also be registered in the charge and discharge management system 50. The charge and discharge management system 50 manages electric power by supplying electric power from the charge and discharge device 22 to the electric vehicle 10 (here, charging) or by supplying electric power from the electric vehicle 10 to the charge and discharge device 22 (here, discharging).

[0022] In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 includes electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and other vehicles that use electricity as an energy source. The electric vehicle 10 can be either a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. Here, one or more charging and discharging devices 22 are provided at the charging and discharging location 20. The number of charging and discharging devices 22 provided at one charging and discharging location 20 is not particularly limited. One charging and discharging location 20 is managed by a predetermined manager. The charging and discharging location 20 can be a parking lot where a charging and discharging device 22 is provided. Parking lots include parking lots of commercial facilities, parking lots of residences, and the like. Here, the case where the charging and discharging location 20 is a charging and discharging location provided at a commercial facility that provides goods or services to customers is described. The commercial facility here refers to a facility having one or more stores or facilities that can provide goods or services to customers, and can be either a manned facility or an unmanned facility. Goods or services may also include free goods or services.

[0023] Figure 2 30 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a commercial facility 30. Figure 2As shown, a commercial facility 30 in one example is equipped with multiple shops 31 that offer goods and services. Commercial facility 30 is, for example, a shopping mall. A parking lot is provided within commercial facility 30 for vehicles that visit the facility. At least a portion of the parking lot is equipped with a charging / discharging device 22, serving as a charging / discharging location 20 where electric vehicles 10 can be charged and discharged. Users visiting commercial facility 30 in electric vehicles 10 can use shops 31 and other facilities, and can also charge and discharge electric vehicles 10 using charging / discharging device 22.

[0024] Reservation management system 70 enables reservations for the purchase of goods or provision of services at commercial facility 30. In this embodiment, connection of electric vehicle 10 to charging / discharging device 22 is associated with the reservation of goods or services by reservation management system 70. Furthermore, reservation management system 70 manages not only the reservation of goods or services but also all operations related to the reservable goods or services (e.g., ordering, shipping, and related services).

[0025] The system administrator of the reservation management system 70 may also be the administrator of the commercial facility 30. Typically, the administrator of the commercial facility 30 may also be the administrator of the charging and discharging location 20. In this case, the administrator of the commercial facility 30 (the system administrator of the reservation management system 70) may exchange information between the reservation management system 70 and the charging and discharging management system 50 and, as needed, enter into a monetary transaction contract with the administrator of the charging and discharging management system 50. Multiple reservation management systems 70 may be connected to the charging and discharging management system 50, and the service system 40 may include the charging and discharging management system 50, multiple reservation management systems 70, and the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30.

[0026] In another embodiment, the system administrator of the reservation management system 70 may also be the administrator of the charge-discharge management system 50. In this case, the charge-discharge management system 50 and the reservation management system 70 may be operated by a single system. In this embodiment, the system administrators of the charge-discharge management system 50 and the reservation management system 70 may also enter into a contract with the administrator of the commercial facility 30 (or, if the administrator of the charge-discharge location 20 is different from the administrator of the commercial facility 30, with the administrator of the charge-discharge location 20). Alternatively, the administrator of the reservation management system 70 may be another system administrator who has entered into a contract with the administrators of the charge-discharge management system 50 and the administrators of the commercial facility 30.

[0027] Figure 1 The diagram shows a case where the manager of the charge and discharge management system 50, the manager of the reservation management system 70, and the manager of the commercial facility 30 are all different managers. Figure 1As shown, the manager of the commercial facility 30 manages the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30. The management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 is connected to the charge and discharge management system 50 and the reservation management system 70. The charge and discharge management system 50 and the reservation management system 70 can also be connected to the management systems 35 of multiple commercial facilities 30. The charge and discharge management system 50, the reservation management system 70, and the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 can also be implemented by, for example, a server of a client server system. The charge and discharge management system 50, the reservation management system 70, and the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 can also be implemented by cloud computing. Figure 1 As shown, the charge and discharge management system 50 is communicatively connected to the terminal 15 of the user using the electric vehicle 10 and the charge and discharge device 22 installed at the charge and discharge location 20. The reservation management system 70 is communicatively connected to the terminals of customers including the terminal 15 of the user using the electric vehicle 10. The management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 is connected to a plurality of terminals 37 (hereinafter referred to as the terminals 37 of the store 31) used by the salespersons of the commercial facility 30 or the store 31 therein. In addition, Figure 1 Systems, terminals or devices that are not directly connected in the example may sometimes be directly connected to each other.

[0028] The service system 40 involved in this embodiment is configured so that after making a reservation for goods, etc. using the reservation management system 70, the user visits the commercial facility 30 using the set electric vehicle 10, and when the electric vehicle 10 is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30, special services are provided to the user of the electric vehicle 10. Alternatively, the service system 40 instructs the salesperson of the commercial facility 30, etc. to provide special services in the above situation. As a result, the convenience of the user is improved, and the connection of the electric vehicle 10 to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30 is promoted. As a result, the opportunity to integrate the electric vehicle 10 into the power system can be increased. In addition, the commercial facility 30 can expect an increase in the number of customers using it.

[0029] Figure 3 4 is a block diagram showing the service system 40, etc. Figure 3 As shown, the charge-discharge management system 50 includes a control device 55. The structure of the control device 55 is not particularly limited. Here, the control device 55 is, for example, a microcomputer. The control device 55 includes, for example, an interface, a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The charge-discharge management system 50 can be implemented by a single computer or by multiple computers working together. The reservation management system 70 and the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 also include similar control devices 75 and 36, respectively.

[0030] The user's terminal 15 may be, for example, a car navigation system installed in the electric vehicle 10, or a smartphone, tablet terminal, or desktop or portable personal computer used by the user. The terminal 37 in the store 31 may also be, for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, or desktop or portable personal computer.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the control device 55 of the charge-discharge management system 50 includes a vehicle specifying unit 61, a connection confirming unit 62, a reporting unit 63, a stored-power acquisition unit 64, a supply-demand information acquisition unit 65, a charge-discharge instruction unit 66, and an incentive granting unit 67. The control device 75 of the reservation management system 70 includes a product reservation unit 81, an execution instruction unit 82, and an information transmission unit 83. Although not shown in the figure, the control device 36 of the commercial facility 30 includes, for example, a processing unit for processing orders for products, etc. in conjunction with the reservation management system 70, a processing unit for performing inventory management, a processing unit for issuing instructions and transmitting information to the terminal 37 of the store 31, and a processing unit for acquiring information input to the terminal 37 of the store 31.

[0032] The product reservation unit 81 of the reservation management system 70 and the vehicle identification unit 61 of the charge-discharge management system 50 constitute the reservation unit 41, which is capable of setting reservations for products or services at the commercial facility 30 and also of setting identification information for the electric vehicle 10 visiting the commercial facility 30. The product reservation unit 81 of the reservation management system 70 is configured to accept reservations for products or services from customers. If the product or service being reserved is one already available at the commercial facility 30, and the customer who has placed the reservation intends to visit the commercial facility 30 using the electric vehicle 10, the customer can use the vehicle identification unit 61 of the charge-discharge management system 50 to set the identification information for the electric vehicle 10. The identification information for the electric vehicle 10 may be, for example, identification information stored in the electric vehicle 10 and read by connecting to the charge-discharge device 22. Alternatively, the identification information for the electric vehicle 10 may be identification information generated by the vehicle identification unit 61 and notified to the customer. The format of the identification information for the electric vehicle 10 is not particularly limited. An example of the identification information for the electric vehicle 10 is described in the embodiments described below.

[0033] The connection confirmation unit 62 of the charge and discharge management system 50 detects that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the identification information set in the vehicle specifying unit 61 is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30. The connection confirmation unit 62 detects that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the identification information is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30 by communicating with the charging and discharging device 22. At this time, the connection confirmation unit 62 also detects which charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30 the electric vehicle 10 is connected to.

[0034] The reporting unit 63 reports to the commercial facility 30 that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the identification information has been detected by the connection confirmation unit 62 as being connected to the charging and discharging device 22. Here, the reporting unit 63 reports the connection of the electric vehicle 10 to the charging and discharging device 22 to the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 via the reservation management system 70. The management system 35 of the commercial facility 30 transmits this information to the terminal 37 of the store 31 associated with the reservation. However, the path for reporting the connection of the electric vehicle 10 to the charging and discharging device 22 is not limited to the reservation management system 70. For example, the reporting unit 63 may directly report the connection of the electric vehicle 10 to the charging and discharging device 22 to the management system 35 of the commercial facility 30. The reporting unit 63 is further configured to report to the commercial facility 30 information identifying the charging and discharging device 22 to which the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the identification information is connected (which charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30 the electric vehicle 10 is connected). In other words, the reporting unit 63 notifies the commercial facility 30 of the customer's arrival at the commercial facility 30 and the parking location of the customer's electric vehicle 10.

[0035] When connection confirmation unit 62 detects that electric vehicle 10 corresponding to confirmation information is connected to charging / discharging device 22 at commercial facility 30, execution instruction unit 82 of reservation management system 70 instructs execution of a reservation accepted by reservation unit 41 (specifically, product reservation unit 81). In this embodiment, the connection of electric vehicle 10 to charging / discharging device 22 at commercial facility 30 (i.e., confirmation of a customer's arrival at commercial facility 30) serves as a trigger to initiate preparations for the reserved product or service.

[0036] The reservation unit 41 is configured to place an additional order for goods or services after detecting that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the specific information is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30. This additional order allows the customer to add goods to the order on the spot, taking advantage of the fact that the customer is at the commercial facility 30.

[0037] After detecting that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the confirmation information is connected to the charging / discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30, the information transmission unit 83 of the reservation management system 70 transmits the waiting time associated with the reserved product or service to the user of the electric vehicle 10. This information transmission takes into account the fact that the provided product or service may require time to prepare.

[0038] When an electric vehicle 10 that has been set up or contracted to allow automatic charging and discharging for adjusting the supply and demand of electricity is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30 (including permission granted for a limited time when the electric vehicle 10 is connected to the charging and discharging device 22), the charging and discharging management system 50 automatically charges and discharges the electric vehicle 10 as needed. The stored power acquisition unit 64 of the charging and discharging management system 50 is configured to acquire the stored power of the battery of the electric vehicle 10 connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30. The supply and demand information acquisition unit 65 acquires information on the supply and demand status of electricity. The charging and discharging instruction unit 66 issues an instruction to the charging and discharging device 22 to charge or discharge the electric vehicle 10 based on the stored power of the battery of the electric vehicle 10 acquired by the stored power acquisition unit 64 and the information acquired by the supply and demand information acquisition unit 65.

[0039] The incentive granting unit 67 grants an incentive to a user who connects the electric vehicle 10 to the charging / discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30 and performs charging / discharging. The incentive may be granted to the user who charges / discharges the electric vehicle 10 according to the specific information, or to all users who charge / discharge the electric vehicle 10 using the charging / discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30. A different incentive rate may be provided between the user who charges / discharges the electric vehicle 10 according to the specific information and other users who charge / discharge the electric vehicle 10 using the charging / discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30.

[0040] A reward is a reward provided to a user, which means that the user receives preferential treatment. The specific type of reward is not particularly limited. For example, a reward may be points, coupons, complementary tickets, acquisition of goods, discounts on electricity prices, etc. Here, points may also be points that can be used for payment when charging the electric vehicle 10. Points may also be points that can be used when paying at the commercial facility 30. Points may also be points that can be exchanged for goods such as specialty products. Coupons may be discount coupons for charging the electric vehicle 10, or coupons that subsidize the cost obtained when discharging the electric vehicle 10. In addition, coupons may also be coupons that can be deducted from the fees paid to the commercial facility 30. Coupons may be paper coupons or electronic coupons. A complementary ticket refers to a ticket that allows priority reservation for services or preferential treatment such as exemption from waiting in line when the store 31 of the commercial facility 30 provides services.

[0041] Hereinafter, a flow chart will be used to describe a process in which a product or the like is reserved in the reservation management system 70 and a user receives a special service in the commercial facility 30 . Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing the process from reserving a product in the reservation management system 70 to calculating the charging and discharging fees. Figure 4As shown in the flowchart of this example, in step S01, a reservation is made using the reservation management system 70 to purchase multiple products (including a case where payment is completed at that time and the products are picked up later). This reservation operation is performed using the user's terminal 15. Here, it is assumed that multiple products are sold in different stores 31 within a commercial facility 30. Furthermore, the pickup date and time are not specifically specified.

[0042] In the reservation management system 70 , the customer can choose to visit the commercial facility 30 and receive goods. Although not shown, if the customer chooses to visit the commercial facility 30 and receive goods in step S01 , the charge and discharge management system 50 inquires the customer whether to visit the commercial facility 30 using the electric vehicle 10 in step S02 .

[0043] In step S02, the customer selects whether to visit the commercial facility 30 using the electric vehicle 10. In the case where it is selected not to visit the commercial facility 30 using the electric vehicle 10 in step S02 (the result of step S02 is "No"), the description of the subsequent process is omitted. In the case where it is selected to visit the commercial facility 30 using the electric vehicle 10 in step S02 (the result of step S02 is "Yes"), the specific information of the electric vehicle 10 is set in step S03. In step S02, for example, when visiting the commercial facility 30 using the electric vehicle 10 and connecting the electric vehicle 10 to the charging and discharging device 22, a notification of the intention to enjoy a discount (for example, a notification that the waiting time can be reduced because the store 31 will be contacted when the charging and discharging device 22 is connected to the electric vehicle 10, or a notification that a reward is given by charging and discharging) may also be displayed on the screen of the user's terminal 15.

[0044] In step S03, for example, the charge-discharge management system 50 transmits a barcode to the user's terminal 15. When the electric vehicle 10 is connected to the charge-discharge device 22 at the commercial facility 30 and the barcode is read by the charge-discharge device 22, the service system 40 confirms that the customer who made the reservation has arrived at the commercial facility 30. However, as described above, identifying the electric vehicle 10 using the barcode is merely one example of a method for identifying the electric vehicle 10. For example, in step S03, the identification information of the electric vehicle 10 stored in the user's terminal 15 may also be transmitted to the charge-discharge management system 50.

[0045] In step S04, the customer (user of the electric vehicle 10) who has made a reservation arrives at the commercial facility 30 and connects the electric vehicle 10 to one of the charging and discharging devices 22. In step S04, the charge and discharge management system 50 is also configured to identify the electric vehicle 10 (here, the charging and discharging device 22 is configured to read the barcode). However, in order to improve convenience, prevent forgotten operations, or address the presence of a terminal 15 that cannot be carried or forgotten, it is preferable to automatically read the identification information stored in the electric vehicle 10 by connecting the electric vehicle 10 to the charging and discharging device 22, for example.

[0046] In step S05, the store 31 handling the product is notified that the electric vehicle 10 associated with the product reservation has been connected to the charging / discharging device 22. In this case, there are multiple stores 31. This notification allows each of the multiple stores 31 to begin preparations for product delivery, even without specifying a specific pickup date and time. In this embodiment, upon detecting that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the specific information is connected to the charging / discharging device 22 at the commercial facility 30, the reservation management system 70 instructs the reservation unit 41 to execute the reservation received.

[0047] In step S06, the charge and discharge management system 50 requests permission from the user for automatic charging and discharging for adjusting the supply and demand of electricity while the electric vehicle 10 is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30. At this time, the user may also be prompted with a charging unit price and a discharging unit price including incentives. When automatic charging and discharging is permitted in step S06 (when the result of step S06 is "yes"), the electric vehicle 10 is charged and discharged as needed in step S07. When automatic charging and discharging is not permitted in step S06 (when the result of step S06 is "no"), the user can select any operation of charging, discharging, or neither charging nor discharging, which is omitted in the figure.

[0048] In step S08, the user's terminal 15 is notified of the waiting time until the product is ready. The waiting time can be a pre-set preparation time for each product, or it can be a waiting time that the store 31 staff inputs into the store 31 terminal 37 after notifying the user of the user's arrival. For example, when purchasing food such as meat or fish, it may take time to cut and package it. This waiting time includes the time until the product is ready for delivery at the pickup area 32 (see Figure 2 The user of the electric vehicle 10 can, for example, do other shopping during the waiting time. The waiting time displayed on the user's terminal 15 can also be updated constantly.

[0049] In step S09, information useful to customers at the commercial facility 30 is sent to the user's terminal 15. Such information may include, for example, the availability of seats at a western-style restaurant. In this embodiment, in the reservation unit 41, after detecting that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the confirmed information is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30, additional orders for goods or services can be placed. Users can also take advantage of existing advantages at the commercial facility 30, such as making reservations for the nearest time slot at a western-style restaurant. In addition, when additional goods are ordered, the goods are transported to the pickup area 32. Users can take away the additionally ordered goods together with the goods reserved before visiting the commercial facility 30.

[0050] In step S10, the prepared goods are transported from the plurality of stores 31 to the pickup area 32 (refer to Figure 2 ). For example, the merchandise is transported by a salesperson at a store 31 or a commercial facility 30. Thus, the merchandise is gathered at one location. Customers can pick up merchandise without having to go around multiple stores 31. The pickup area 32 is preferably located in a location close to the charging and discharging location 20. Multiple pickup areas 32 may also be provided. The charging and discharging location 20 where the customer parks the electric vehicle 10 is known by the charging and discharging management system 50. Therefore, the pickup area 32 closest to the charging and discharging location 20 can be selected. The pickup area 32 may also be located on the way from the charging and discharging location 20 toward the exit, and the electric vehicle 10 may be used to reach the pickup area 32.

[0051] As an option in step S10, a salesperson at the store 31 or commercial facility 30 may also carry the merchandise to the customer's electric vehicle 10. This service is convenient when the merchandise is heavy or when it is difficult for the customer to carry the merchandise from the pickup area 32 to the charging / discharging location 20. The service system 40 may also include a function that allows for the addition of such an option.

[0052] In step S11, the user's terminal 15 is notified that the product has been prepared. The user's collection of the product is not shown. In step S12, the electric vehicle 10 is disconnected from the charging and discharging device 22, and the charging and discharging costs are calculated. The calculated charging and discharging costs can be paid or collected later. If the electric vehicle 10 is configured to be accessible to the pickup area 32, the product can also be collected after step S12.

[0053] Thus, the service system 40 according to this embodiment includes a reservation unit 41 that can set up reservations for goods or services at a commercial facility 30 and also set identification information for electric vehicles 10 visiting the commercial facility 30; a connection confirmation unit 62 that detects when an electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the identification information set in the reservation unit 41 is connected to the charging / discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30; and a reporting unit 63 that reports to the commercial facility 30 that the connection confirmation unit 62 has detected the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the identification information being connected to the charging / discharging device 22. According to the service system 40, the connection of an electric vehicle 10 associated with a reservation for goods or services to the charging / discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30 serves as a trigger for the commercial facility 30 to begin preparing goods or services. This allows goods or services to be provided promptly even at unrestricted times, improving customer convenience. As a result, the number of users of the commercial facility 30 is expected to increase. Notifying the store 31 of the commercial facility 30 of a customer's visit also provides the store 31, etc., with information on when to start preparing goods or services, making management easier. The manager of the charge and discharge management system 50 can expect to promote the connection of the electric vehicle 10 to the charge and discharge device 22 of the commercial facility 30. As a result, the chances of integrating the electric vehicle 10 into the power system can be increased. Figure 4 As described in the flowchart.

[0054] In this embodiment, the service system 40 includes a power acquisition unit 64 for acquiring the power level of the battery of the electric vehicle 10 connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30; a supply and demand information acquisition unit 65 for acquiring information regarding the power supply and demand situation; and a charge and discharge instruction unit 66 for issuing instructions to the charging and discharging device 22 to charge or discharge the electric vehicle 10 based on the power level of the battery of the electric vehicle 10 acquired by the power acquisition unit 64 and the information acquired by the supply and demand information acquisition unit 65. This service system 40 can determine whether charging or discharging to or from the electric vehicle 10 is permitted, as well as the amount of power that can be charged or discharged. Furthermore, by acquiring information regarding the power supply and demand situation from the service system 40, it can determine whether the electric vehicle 10 should be discharged or charged. Upon obtaining the user's permission, the service system 40 automatically charges or discharges the electric vehicle 10 based on the power level of the battery of the electric vehicle 10 and the information regarding the power supply and demand situation. This facilitates the adjustment of power supply and demand in the power system.

[0055] Notification unit 63 is configured to notify commercial facility 30 of information identifying the charging / discharging device 22 connected to electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the identification information. This configuration allows commercial facility 30 to identify the location of a customer's electric vehicle 10. This allows commercial facility 30 to provide services such as selecting a closer pickup location 32 or transporting products to electric vehicle 10.

[0056] The service system 40 involved in this embodiment has an execution instruction unit 82. When the connection confirmation unit 62 detects that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the confirmation information is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30, the execution instruction unit 82 instructs the execution of the reservation accepted by the reservation unit 41. As a result, the salesperson of the commercial facility 30 or the store 31 knows what to do and automatically starts the work to be performed automatically. Therefore, the goods or services are prepared without causing confusion or delay. In addition, the service system 40 can also use the execution instruction unit 82 to instruct the execution of the reservation as a condition for the execution of the reservation. However, this condition can also be lifted.

[0057] In this embodiment, the service system 40 includes an information transmission unit 83. After detecting that the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the specific information is connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30, the information transmission unit 83 transmits the waiting time associated with the reserved product or service to the user of the electric vehicle 10. This allows the user to be informed of the waiting time and to utilize the waiting time effectively.

[0058] In this embodiment, reservation unit 41 is configured to allow additional orders for goods or services after detecting that electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the specific information is connected to charging / discharging device 22 at commercial facility 30. This allows users to take home additional goods along with goods they reserved prior to visiting commercial facility 30, as described above. Furthermore, users can receive additional services on the spot.

[0059] The service system 40 may also include a pickup device 33, which is installed in the commercial facility 30. When the electric vehicle 10 corresponding to the confirmation information is detected to be connected to the charging and discharging device 22 of the commercial facility 30, the reserved goods are collected at the predetermined pickup location 32 (at the designated pickup location). Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 (shown in parentheses). Providing such a picking device 33 can reduce the manpower required to gather goods at the pickup area 32. The picking device 33 may also include, for example, an automated warehouse and a transport device such as a conveyor belt. However, the structure of the picking device 33 is not particularly limited.

[0060] The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention can also be implemented through other embodiments. For example, the service system can also be configured to be not only a commercial facility, but also to be able to order goods from the manufacturer or wholesale operator of the goods. In the above system, customers can also specify the place to pick up the goods as a commercial facility. The commercial facilities here are not limited to facilities that operate goods related to reservations, as long as they are facilities that have charging and discharging locations and are generally open. Commercial facilities may be able to obtain incidental benefits even if the user visits for purposes other than using the commercial facilities. The above service system can also be configured to guide customers to the loading platform for picking up goods by connecting the electric vehicle to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility. The supplier of goods can also add rewards to customers based on connecting the electric vehicle to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility.

[0061] Product reservations can also be automated. For example, AI (artificial intelligence) can predict the products a customer will need (e.g., food) and place orders through a service system. For example, in the case of automated food ordering, a camera connected to AI could be installed in the customer's refrigerator. Electric vehicles can also be self-driving. When a customer orders a product, a commercial facility can be automatically selected as the pickup location, and a self-driving electric vehicle can then deliver the customer there.

Claims

1. A service system comprising: a reservation unit capable of setting a reservation for goods or services in a commercial facility and also capable of setting identification information of an electric vehicle visiting the commercial facility; a connection confirmation unit that detects that the electric vehicle corresponding to the confirmation information set in the reservation unit is connected to the charging and discharging device installed in the commercial facility; a reporting unit that reports to the commercial facility that the electric vehicle corresponding to the determination information is connected to the charging and discharging device, as detected by the connection confirmation unit; a stored-power acquisition unit for acquiring a stored-power level of a battery of an electric vehicle connected to a charging and discharging device installed in the commercial facility; an information acquisition unit, which acquires information on the supply and demand status of electricity; as well as The charge and discharge instruction unit determines whether the electric vehicle should be discharged or charged based on the stored power of the battery of the electric vehicle obtained by the stored power acquisition unit and the information obtained by the information acquisition unit, thereby issuing an instruction to the charge and discharge device to enable the charge and discharge device to charge or discharge the electric vehicle.

2. A service system comprising: a reservation unit capable of setting a reservation for goods or services in a commercial facility and also capable of setting identification information of an electric vehicle visiting the commercial facility; a connection confirmation unit that detects that the electric vehicle corresponding to the confirmation information set in the reservation unit is connected to the charging and discharging device installed in the commercial facility; a reporting unit that reports to the commercial facility that the electric vehicle corresponding to the determination information is detected by the connection confirmation unit and connected to the charging and discharging device; as well as An execution instruction unit instructs execution of the reservation of the product or service accepted by the reservation unit when the connection confirmation unit detects that the electric vehicle corresponding to the identification information is connected to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility.

3. A service system comprising: a reservation unit capable of setting a reservation for goods or services in a commercial facility and also capable of setting identification information of an electric vehicle visiting the commercial facility; a connection confirmation unit that detects that the electric vehicle corresponding to the confirmation information set in the reservation unit is connected to the charging and discharging device installed in the commercial facility; and a reporting unit that reports to the commercial facility that the electric vehicle corresponding to the determination information is connected to the charging and discharging device as detected by the connection confirmation unit, The reservation unit is configured to enable an additional order for goods or services after detecting that the electric vehicle corresponding to the specific information is connected to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility.

4. A service system comprising: a reservation unit capable of setting a reservation for goods or services in a commercial facility and also capable of setting identification information of an electric vehicle visiting the commercial facility; a connection confirmation unit that detects that the electric vehicle corresponding to the confirmation information set in the reservation unit is connected to the charging and discharging device installed in the commercial facility; a reporting unit that reports to the commercial facility that the electric vehicle corresponding to the determination information is detected by the connection confirmation unit and connected to the charging and discharging device; as well as The picking device is installed in the commercial facility. When it is detected that the electric vehicle corresponding to the determination information is connected to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility, the picking device collects the reserved goods at a predetermined pickup location.

5. The service system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The reporting unit is configured to report information identifying a charging and discharging device to which an electric vehicle corresponding to the identification information is connected to the commercial facility.

6. The service system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The service system includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit a waiting time associated with the reserved product or service to a user of the electric vehicle after detecting that the electric vehicle corresponding to the specific information is connected to the charging and discharging device of the commercial facility.

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