Electric vehicle management device

Abstract

The present application relates to an electric vehicle management device and an electric vehicle management system, the server (electric vehicle management device) is equipped with the communication part (second communication part) that communicates with the mobile terminal (first communication part) of the user of electric vehicle. In addition, the server is equipped with the processor (control part) that controls the communication part. And, in the case where the power control in the EVSE (power station) set in the amusement park (entertainment facility) meets the prescribed condition, the processor controls the communication part in the way that makes the permission signal that allows to accept the preferential treatment in the amusement park to the mobile terminal of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electric vehicle management devices and electric vehicle management systems. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the charging system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-102025 includes a power supply device and a server. The power supply device can supply CO2-free electricity generated using renewable energy sources. The server issues coupons to users of electric vehicles undergoing CO2-free charging, which can be used at shops located near the power supply device. This promotes power supply in the vicinity of the shops. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-102025, as described above, by issuing coupons to users of electric vehicles undergoing CO2-free charging, which can be used in shops located near the power supply equipment, power supply in the surrounding power supply equipment is promoted. However, the charging processing system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-102025 does not consider promoting power control such as charging in power supply equipment installed in entertainment facilities. Therefore, a server (electric vehicle management device) that can promote power control such as charging for users in power supply equipment (power stations) installed in entertainment facilities is desired.

[0004] This disclosure provides an electric vehicle management device and an electric vehicle management system that facilitates power control such as charging for users in power stations installed in entertainment facilities.

[0005] The electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect of this disclosure manages an electric vehicle capable of power control including supplying power to a power system and charging from a power system, wherein the device comprises: The second communications unit communicates with the first communications unit of the electric vehicle user; and Control Department, Control Second Communications Department When the prescribed conditions are met regarding the power control in the power station installed in the entertainment facility, the control unit controls the second communication unit in such a way that it sends a permission signal to the user's first communication unit that allows the user to receive preferential treatment in the entertainment facility.

[0006] In the electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect described above, as mentioned above, when predetermined conditions are met regarding power control at the power station installed in the amusement facility, the control unit controls the second communication unit in such a way that it sends a permission signal allowing users to receive discounts at the amusement facility to the user's first communication unit. This increases the number of users who can control power at the amusement facility's power station with the aim of receiving discounts. In other words, it facilitates power control such as charging for users at the power station installed in the amusement facility.

[0007] In the electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, Entertainment facilities include amusement parks, The amusement park features multiple rides and attractions. The permitted signal includes at least one of a signal that allows free use of at least a portion of the multiple entertainment devices and a signal that allows preferential use of at least a portion of the multiple entertainment devices.

[0008] This configuration would increase the number of users who would use the power stations at amusement parks to access benefits from the rides. In other words, it would facilitate users' charging and other power-related activities at the power stations located within amusement parks.

[0009] In the electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, The amusement facility has a first entrance for entering the facility and a second entrance, which is different from the first entrance, for entering the facility. The permission signal includes a signal that allows the use of the second entry point.

[0010] If configured this way, users using the second entrance are allowed priority access to the entertainment facilities from the second entrance.

[0011] In the electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, The entertainment facilities include food and beverage shops. Permission signals include signals that allow priority reservations for food and beverage establishments.

[0012] If configured this way, users who are allowed to prioritize booking food service establishments can easily book the food service establishments they wish to eat at.

[0013] In this case, it is preferable that, Entertainment facilities include amusement parks, The Second Communications Department communicates with the terminals carried by the employees of the decorated amusement park. The control unit controls the second communications unit by sending instructions to employees' terminals to go to the reserved food service establishments based on the reservation times of users at the food service establishments.

[0014] If configured in this way, users who have made priority reservations at the food service establishments will be able to enjoy performances by costumed staff at those establishments.

[0015] In the electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, The control unit adjusts the preferential control measures permitted by the allowable signal based on the contribution of power control to the power supply and demand adjustment requirements from the power system.

[0016] If configured in this way, by appropriately adjusting the relationship between the contribution of power control and the permitted benefits, it is easy to increase the enthusiasm of users in recreational facilities for power control.

[0017] In the electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, The control unit controls the second communication unit by sending an enable signal to the first communication unit that can be carried by the user.

[0018] In this case, when sending a permission signal to a non-portable communication unit, the permission signal needs to be forwarded from the non-portable communication unit to a first portable communication unit. This increases the inconvenience for the user. On the other hand, when sending a permission signal to a first portable communication unit, the aforementioned forwarding inconvenience can be eliminated. That is, the inconvenience of using the first communication unit that receives the permission signal within the entertainment facility can be reduced.

[0019] In the electric vehicle management device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, The conditions specified above include that the user has responded to the power supply and demand adjustment requirements from the power system and that the electric vehicle has been electrically connected to the power station.

[0020] If configured in this way, it is possible to prevent users from obtaining permission signals without exercising power control. As a result, it is possible to prevent malicious users from obtaining permission signals.

[0021] The electric vehicle management system according to the second aspect of this disclosure has the following features: Power stations, located in recreational facilities; and An electric vehicle management device manages electric vehicles capable of power control, including power supply to a power system and charging from a power system. Electric vehicle management devices include: The second communications unit communicates with the first communications unit of the electric vehicle user; and Control Department, Control Second Communications Department When the prescribed conditions are met regarding power control in the power plant, the control unit controls the second communication unit in such a way that it sends a permission signal to the user's first communication unit that allows the user to receive preferential treatment in the entertainment facility.

[0022] In the electric vehicle management system according to the second aspect described above, as mentioned above, when the prescribed conditions are met regarding power control at the power station installed in the amusement facility, the control unit controls the second communication unit in such a way that it sends a permission signal allowing users to receive discounts at the amusement facility to the user's first communication unit. This increases the number of users who can perform power control at the amusement facility's power station with the aim of receiving discounts. In other words, it provides an electric vehicle management system that facilitates power control such as charging for users at the power station installed in the amusement facility.

[0023] According to this disclosure, it is possible to facilitate power control such as charging for users in power stations installed in entertainment facilities. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein: Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a management system and a system management server involved in one implementation of the management of a server; Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the detailed structure of a server and an electric vehicle according to one embodiment; Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an amusement park; Figure 4 This is an example of a terminal used by an amusement park employee; Figure 5 This is an example of a screen showing the options for discounts; Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the control of a server or the like according to one embodiment; Figure 7 This is an example of a message screen showing whether to request a discount. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below. It should be noted that in the figures, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a schematic structure of the management system 1, system management server 200, and power system PG that manage the server 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the server 100 and management system 1 are examples of the "electric vehicle management device" and "electric vehicle management system" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0027] Management system 1 is a system that manages (possesses) server 100, electric vehicle 10, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) 20. Server 100 is configured to communicate with system management server 200, electric vehicle 10, and mobile terminal 14 (described later). Figure 2 Each EVSE20 communicates with the others (wireless communication). Additionally, EVSE20 is installed in amusement park 300. Management system 1 manages multiple EVSE20s installed in amusement park 300. It should be noted that EVSE20 and amusement park 300 are examples of the "power station" and "entertainment facility" disclosed herein, respectively.

[0028] A power system PG is a power grid constructed from power plants and transmission and distribution equipment (not shown). In this embodiment, the power company acts as both the power generation operator and the transmission and distribution operator. The power company is equivalent to a general transmission and distribution operator. The power company maintains and manages the power system PG. The power company is equivalent to the manager of the power system PG.

[0029] System management server 200 manages the supply and demand of the power system PG (Power Grid). Furthermore, system management server 200 belongs to the power company. Based on the power generation and consumption of various power adjustment resources managed by system management server 200, system management server 200 sends requests (supply and demand adjustment requests) to server 100 to adjust the power demand of the power system PG. Specifically, if it is estimated that the power generation or consumption of the aforementioned power adjustment resources will be greater than usual (or greater than usual at the current point in time), system management server 200 sends requests to server 100 to increase or decrease the power demand compared to normal times.

[0030] Server 100 is a server managed by an aggregator. An aggregator is a power operator that provides energy management services by aggregating multiple power adjustment resources such as regions and designated facilities.

[0031] Server 100, as a means of increasing or decreasing the power demand of the power system PG, requests (requests) the electric vehicle 10 to perform control (hereinafter referred to as "power control") including supplying power to the power system PG (external power supply) and charging from the power system PG (external charging). Server 100 sends the request signal for performing the above-mentioned request to the electric vehicle 10 or the mobile terminal 14 owned by the user of the electric vehicle 10 (see reference). Figure 2 Send, etc.

[0032] Furthermore, server 100 is configured to manage information on the registered multiple electric vehicles 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), information on each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), and information on the registered EVSE 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "EVSE information"). User information, vehicle information, and EVSE information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in memory 102 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0033] The user ID is identification information used to identify a user. The user ID also serves as identification for the mobile terminal 14 carried by the user (see reference 14). Figure 2 The information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 14 functions as a server. The server 100 is configured to store information received from the mobile terminal 14 separately for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the mobile terminal 14 carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user.

[0034] The vehicle ID is identification information used to identify the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle ID can be a license plate number or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the operational plan for each electric vehicle 10.

[0035] EVSE-ID is identification information used to identify EVSE20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of each EVSE20 and the status of the electric vehicle 10 connected to each EVSE20. Additionally, the EVSE information also includes information representing the combination of interconnected electric vehicles 10 and EVSE20 (e.g., a combination of EVSE-ID and vehicle ID).

[0036] The electric vehicle 10 is configured to enable power control, including external power supply and external charging. This power control is performed between the electric vehicle 10 and the power system PG via EVSE 20. The electric vehicle 10 may include, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Additionally, the electric vehicle 10 may also include at least one of a personally owned vehicle (POV) and a vehicle managed by a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) operator (MaaS vehicle). It should be noted that the electric vehicle 10 may also be configured to only enable external power supply and external charging.

[0037] Electric vehicle 10 is equipped with a motor 11 for driving (see reference) Figure 2 ) and the storage battery 12 that supplies power to the driving electric motor 11 (see reference) Figure 2 The storage battery 12 includes a secondary battery that stores electricity for driving. The secondary battery is a battery pack consisting of multiple lithium-ion batteries or multiple nickel-metal hydride batteries. It should be noted that other energy storage devices such as double-layer capacitors can also be used as the storage battery 12 instead of the secondary battery.

[0038] In addition, the electric vehicle 10 may also include a data communication module (DCM) and a communication I / F that supports 5G mobile communication system.

[0039] EVSE20 refers to a vehicle power supply device. The electric vehicle 10 is configured to be electrically connected to the EVSE20. For example, via a charging cable 21 connected to the EVSE20 (see reference). Figure 2 The system connects to the interface of the electric vehicle 10, enabling power transfer between the EVSE20 and the electric vehicle 10. The number of EVSE20s managed by the management system 1 (located in the amusement park 300) is arbitrary. The number of EVSE20s managed by the management system 1 can be around 5, more than 10, or more than 100.

[0040] EVSE20 includes a DC-powered EVSE. Therefore, DC power is supplied from electric vehicle 10 to EVSE20, and DC / AC conversion is performed by a converter built into EVSE20. Charger / discharger 13 (see reference) Figure 2 The charger 13 adjusts the charging and discharging power of the battery 12 of the electric vehicle 10. The charger 13 is configured, for example, to adjust the charging and discharging power using a DC / DC converter. However, the EVSE 20 does not necessarily have to be DC-based. The EVSE 20 can also be AC-based.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, server 100 includes processor 101, memory 102, and communication unit 103. It should be noted that processor 101 and communication unit 103 are examples of the "control unit" and "second communication unit" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0042] In memory 102, in addition to the program executed by processor 101, information used by the program (e.g., mappings, mathematical expressions, and various parameters) is also stored. Communication unit 103 includes various communication I / Fs. Processor 101 controls communication unit 103. Specifically, processor 101 communicates with system management server 200 via communication unit 103. Furthermore, processor 101 communicates with mobile terminal 14 (e.g., smartphone or tablet) that can be carried by a user via communication unit 103. It should be noted that processor 101 communicates with the DCM (Digital Control Center) of electric vehicle 10 via communication unit 103.

[0043] Here, a power management system is known to provide users of electric vehicles 10 with power control, offering preferential services that can be used in shops located around EVSE20. However, this charging system does not consider promoting power control such as charging in EVSE20 installed in amusement facilities such as amusement park 300. Therefore, it is desirable to promote power control such as charging for users in EVSE20 installed in amusement facilities such as amusement park 300.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the prescribed conditions are met regarding the power control of the EVSE20 installed in the amusement park 300, the processor 101 controls the communication unit 103 to send an authorization signal allowing the user's mobile terminal 14 to receive the offer in the amusement park 300. That is, based on the control (instruction) of the processor 101, the communication unit 103 sends the aforementioned authorization signal to the mobile terminal 14.

[0045] It should be noted that the communication unit 103 can also send the aforementioned permission signal to the DCM or other devices of the electric vehicle 10. In this case, the user can also forward the permission signal sent to the electric vehicle 10 to the mobile terminal 14.

[0046] Furthermore, the aforementioned conditions include that the user responds to the power supply and demand adjustment request from the power system PG (indicating participation in power control) and that electric vehicle 10 is electrically connected to EVSE20 of the amusement park 300. That is, if the user responds to the power supply and demand adjustment request but does not electrically connect electric vehicle 10 to EVSE20, the user is not allowed to receive the discount. Conversely, if the user does not respond to the power supply and demand adjustment request, the user is not allowed to receive the discount even if electric vehicle 10 is electrically connected to EVSE20.

[0047] It should be noted that the aforementioned permission signal may also be sent to the user on the condition that power control has been performed for a specified period of time (e.g., 15 minutes or more) (or that the user has set the power control to be performed for a specified period of time or more). Alternatively, even if the user does not respond to the power supply and demand adjustment request, the aforementioned permission signal may be sent to the user when the electric vehicle 10 and EVSE20 are electrically connected.

[0048] Alternatively, if the user responds to a power supply and demand adjustment request, the aforementioned permission signal can be sent to the user before the electric vehicle 10 and EVSE20 are electrically connected. In this case, the sent permission signal can also be valid based on the fact that the electric vehicle 10 and EVSE20 have been electrically connected.

[0049] It should be noted that for users who fail to perform power control despite receiving a permission signal for the permitted benefit, a prescribed penalty may be imposed on the next power control in the EVSE20 of the amusement park 300 or the EVSE20 of other facilities. Specifically, control may be implemented by not providing the user with the prescribed reward (such as the permission signal or monetary reward) even if the aforementioned user performs power control.

[0050] Here, as Figure 3 As shown, the amusement park 300 is equipped with multiple amusement rides 310. For example, the amusement rides 310 include a Ferris wheel 311 and a roller coaster 312. Additionally, the amusement park 300 is equipped with multiple food and beverage establishments 320. For example, the food and beverage establishments 320 include a Western restaurant 321 and a Japanese restaurant 322. It should be noted that the structure of the amusement park 300 described above is merely one example and is not limited to this one. For example, the amusement park 300 may also have only one food and beverage establishment 320.

[0051] In this embodiment, the permission signal includes a signal that allows free use of at least a portion of the multiple entertainment devices 310. Additionally, the permission signal includes a signal that allows preferential use of at least a portion of the multiple entertainment devices 310. For example, a user who has obtained the permission signal may enter the entertainment devices 310 through a dedicated entrance separate from the entrance for regular users (users who have not obtained the permission signal). It should be noted that the permission signal may also include only one of the signal allowing free use of at least a portion of the multiple entertainment devices 310 and the signal allowing preferential use of at least a portion of the multiple entertainment devices 310.

[0052] Additionally, the aforementioned permissive signals may also include signals that allow discounts in at least a portion of the multiple food and beverage establishments 320. Discounts in the food and beverage establishments 320 may include discounts on food and beverage prices and free additional services.

[0053] In addition, the amusement park 300 is provided with a normal entrance 331 that allows entry into the amusement park 300 and a priority entrance 332 that allows entry into the amusement park 300 but is different from the normal entrance 331. It should be noted that the normal entrance 331 and the priority entrance 332 are examples of the "first entrance" and "second entrance" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0054] In this embodiment, the aforementioned permission signal includes a signal that allows the use of the priority entry 332. For example, the priority entry 332 may be set to an open state by placing the mobile terminal 14, which receives the aforementioned permission signal, against a sensor or the like disposed at the priority entry 332.

[0055] Furthermore, the aforementioned permission signal includes a signal that allows priority reservations to be made at the food and beverage provider 320. Specifically, by using the mobile terminal 14 that receives the aforementioned permission signal, it is possible to utilize reservation quotas that are normally inaccessible to users (users who have not obtained the permission signal). For example, the reservation quota can be utilized by entering the password contained in the aforementioned permission signal into the reservation URL of the food and beverage provider 320.

[0056] Additionally, the communication unit 103 of server 100 communicates with the terminal 341 (e.g., smartphone or tablet) carried by the employee 340 of the amusement park 300, who is dressed up. It should be noted that the employee 340 dresses up, for example, by wearing mascot costumes of characters from within the amusement park 300.

[0057] In this embodiment, the processor 101 of the server 100 controls the communication unit 103 to send an instruction to the employee 340's terminal 341 to go to the booked food service establishment 320 at the user's reservation time. As a result, the display screen 341a (see reference) on the employee 340's terminal 341... Figure 4 The processor 101 displays a message instructing employee 340 to go to the food service establishment 320 booked by the user. Alternatively, the reservation time can be displayed on display screen 341a along with the aforementioned message. It should be noted that the processor 101 can also be configured to send the aforementioned message to employee 340's terminal 341, for example, 5 minutes before the scheduled reservation time.

[0058] It should be noted that the processor 101 can also detect the location of each employee's terminal 341 using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or similar device installed on the terminal 341. Furthermore, the processor 101 can send the aforementioned message to the terminal 341 located closest to the food and beverage establishment 320 booked by the user based on the detection results from GPS or similar devices.

[0059] In this embodiment, the processor 101 adjusts the discounts allowed by the aforementioned permission signal based on the contribution of power control to the power supply and demand adjustment requirements from the power system PG. For example, the processor 101 can control the number of entertainment facilities 310 (food and beverage establishments 320) that can receive discounts when the contribution is high. Additionally, the processor 101 can also control the duration for which discounts can be received at entertainment facilities 310 (food and beverage establishments 320) when the contribution is high.

[0060] It should be noted that the processor 101 calculates the aforementioned contribution based, for example, on the content agreed upon between the electric vehicle 10 and the server 100 (charging / discharging time, charging / discharging amount). Alternatively, the processor 101 may calculate the aforementioned contribution based on the agreed-upon content and the content of the power control performed by the electric vehicle 10 (charging / discharging time, charging / discharging amount). Furthermore, the processor 101 may also calculate the aforementioned contribution based on the change in the SOC of the electric vehicle 10 caused by external charging (power supply) and the absolute amount of power exchanged.

[0061] The aforementioned permission signal is sent to the mobile terminal 14 during the period when power control based on electric vehicle 10 is being performed (during the period when electric vehicle 10 and EVSE20 are electrically connected). Alternatively, the aforementioned permission signal may also be sent to the mobile terminal 14 after the power control has ended.

[0062] Furthermore, the processor 101 controls the communication unit 103 to send an authorization signal to the mobile terminal 14, allowing the user to select (request) a particular offer. That is, the user can choose any offer from a pre-prepared pool of offers. The communication unit 103 then sends an authorization signal to the user's mobile terminal 14, granting permission for the user-selected offer.

[0063] Here, as Figure 5 As shown, the processor 101 can display a discount selection screen 14a on the user's mobile terminal 14. The selection screen 14a displays a list of discounts available in the amusement park 300. The discount selected by the user on the selection screen 14a can be used in the corresponding entertainment equipment 310 (food and beverage establishment 320). It should be noted that the types (number) of discounts that can be selected are determined based on the aforementioned contribution level. The selection screen 14a may also display the available usage period (or number of uses) corresponding to each discount, determined based on the aforementioned contribution level. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The selection screen 14a shown is one example, but is not limited to this.

[0064] Furthermore, the processor 101 randomly selects an offer that is permitted by the user when no user requests a specific offer. It should be noted that the type (number) of offers selected by the processor 101 and their usability period are determined based on the aforementioned contribution.

[0065] Electric Vehicle Management Methods

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 6 The sequence diagram is used to illustrate the management method of server 100 for electric vehicle 10.

[0067] First, in step S1, server 100 (communication unit 103) receives a power supply and demand adjustment request from system management server 200. As described above, system management server 200 sends the aforementioned supply and demand adjustment request to server 100 based on the power generation and consumption of each power adjustment resource managed by system management server 200.

[0068] Next, in step S2, server 100 (processor 101) requests power control (external charging or external power supply) from the user of electric vehicle 10 based on the supply and demand adjustment request received in step S1. It should be noted that server 100 can send the query signal requesting power control directly to electric vehicle 10, or it can send it to the user's mobile terminal 14.

[0069] Next, in step S3, assume that the user sends a message to server 100 indicating their agreement to the power control request in step S2 (the intention to participate in power control).

[0070] Next, in step S4, it is assumed that the electric vehicle 10 has started power control corresponding to the power control requirements in step S2 by being electrically connected to the EVSE20.

[0071] Next, in step S5, the server 100 (processor 101) calculates the user's contribution to power control. For example, the processor 101 calculates the contribution based on the content agreed upon between the electric vehicle 10 and the server 100 in steps S2 and S3 (charging / discharging time, charging / discharging amount). Alternatively, the contribution can be calculated based on the user's cumulative power control (the number of power controls up to this point and the cumulative charging (discharging) amount up to this point, etc.). It should be noted that the calculation of the contribution in step S5 can also be performed between steps S3 and S4.

[0072] Next, in step S6, server 100 (processor 101) confirms with the user whether they have selected to take advantage of the offer. For example, server 100 (processor 101) may display a message screen 14b (see reference) on the user's mobile terminal 14 (or electric vehicle 10) to confirm whether they have selected the offer. Figure 7 The communication unit 103 is controlled via a method that allows for selection of the desired discount. The message screen 14b displays a button 14c labeled "Yes" and a button 14d labeled "No". Selecting the "Yes" button 14c indicates a request for a discount and sends a message to the server 100. Selecting the "No" button 14d indicates a request not to receive a discount and sends a message to the server 100. Furthermore, step S6 can be performed before step S5.

[0073] Next, in step S7, it is assumed that the user responded to the confirmation in step S6. That is, it is assumed that either the button 14c labeled "Yes" or the button 14d labeled "No" on the message screen 14b was selected.

[0074] Next, in step S8, server 100 (processor 101) determines whether there is a user request for a discount. If the user requested a discount in step S7 (i.e., button 14c marked "Yes" was selected), server 100 (processor 101) determines that the request exists (yes in step S8) and proceeds to step S81. Conversely, if the user did not request a discount in step S7 (i.e., button 14d marked "No" was selected), server 100 (processor 101) determines that there is no request (no in step S8) and proceeds to step S83.

[0075] In step S81, server 100 (processor 101) displays the offer selection screen 14a (refer to...) Figure 5 The communication unit 103 controls the transmission of data to the user's mobile terminal 14. As a result, a selection screen 14a is displayed on the mobile terminal 14. At this time, the types (number) of offers that can be selected and the available period in the selection screen 14a are adjusted (limited) based on the contribution calculated in step S5.

[0076] Next, in step S82, the user selects at least one of the multiple offers displayed on the selection screen 14a. For example, this could be done when at least one of the offers displayed on the selection screen 14a has been selected, and the button 14e on the selection screen 14a labeled "Complete" (see reference)... Figure 5 If a user selects a discount, the discount information selected by the user will be sent to server 100.

[0077] On the other hand, in step S83, server 100 (processor 101) randomly selects at least one of a plurality of pre-prepared offers. At this time, server 100 (processor 101) adjusts the type (number) of the selected offer and its available period based on the aforementioned contribution. It should be noted that processor 101 may also select offers by referring to the user's past offer usage history.

[0078] Next, in step S9, server 100 (processor 101) controls communication unit 103 to send an allow signal for the offer selected in step S82 or S83 to user's mobile terminal 14. By receiving the allow signal, user can accept the various offers mentioned above.

[0079] It should be noted that the server 100 (processor 101) may also terminate the transmission of the above-mentioned permission signal based on the user's power control being terminated (the electrical connection between the electric vehicle 10 and EVSE20 being disconnected).

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, when predetermined conditions are met regarding power control in the EVSE20 installed in the amusement park 300, the processor 101 controls the communication unit 103 to send an authorization signal allowing the user to receive discounts in the amusement park 300 to the user's mobile terminal 14. Thus, by performing power control, discounts that can be utilized in the amusement park 300 are provided. Consequently, the number of users utilizing the amusement park 300 with discounts as a target can be increased.

[0081] Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate an example where the number (type) of permitted benefits is adjusted based on the contribution to power control. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The number (type) of permitted benefits may also be fixed (the same) regardless of the aforementioned contribution.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where server 100 sends an allow signal to the user granting the offer. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, a server independent of server 100 may receive instructions from server 100 and send the aforementioned allow signal to the user.

[0083] Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates an example of allowing discounts at amusement park 300. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The discounts described above can also be offered at entertainment (play) facilities other than amusement parks (e.g., aquariums, cinemas, shopping malls, resorts, ski resorts, and campgrounds).

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example is shown where the permission signal includes a signal that allows free use of at least a portion of the multiple amusement devices 310. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible that a user who has obtained the permission signal is allowed to enter the amusement park 300 at a discounted admission fee compared to the original price.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, examples of preferential treatment are shown, such as the ability to preferentially utilize entertainment facilities 310, food and beverage establishments 320, etc. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a product that allows one free access to an amusement park 300 could also be offered as a preferential treatment.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the server 100 (processor 101) confirms whether the user has selected a discount. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The server 100 (processor 101) may also be configured to perform either sending the user-selected discount to the mobile terminal 14 without performing the above confirmation, or sending a discount randomly selected by itself to the mobile terminal 14.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the permission signal includes a signal allowing priority reservation of food service establishment 320. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the permission signal may also include a signal allowing priority entry to food service establishment 320.

[0088] It should be noted that the various modifications described above can be combined arbitrarily to adapt to the structure of the above embodiments.

[0089] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is defined not by the description of the embodiments above but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle management device for managing an electric vehicle capable of power control including supplying power to a power system and charging from said power system, comprising: The second communication unit is capable of communicating with the first communication unit possessed by the user of the electric vehicle; and The control unit controls the second communication unit. When the prescribed conditions are met regarding the power control in the power station installed in the entertainment facility, the control unit controls the second communication unit in a manner that sends an authorization signal allowing preferential treatment in the entertainment facility to the user's first communication unit. The entertainment facilities include amusement parks. The amusement park is equipped with multiple amusement rides, and... The permission signal includes at least one of a signal that allows free use of at least a portion of the plurality of entertainment devices within the entertainment facility and a signal that allows priority use of at least a portion of the plurality of entertainment devices. The control unit adjusts the preferential control permitted by the permission signal based on the contribution of the power control to the power supply and demand adjustment requirements from the power system. The control unit controls the second communication unit in a manner that sends the permission signal to the first communication unit, which can be carried by the user. The specified conditions include that the user responded to the power supply and demand adjustment request from the power system and that the electric vehicle was electrically connected to the power station.

2. The electric vehicle management device according to claim 1, wherein, The entertainment facility is provided with a first entrance for entering the facility and a second entrance for entering the facility, which is different from the first entrance. The permission signal includes a signal that allows the use of the second entry point.

3. The electric vehicle management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The entertainment facility includes food and beverage outlets, and... The permission signal includes a signal that allows priority reservations for the food and beverage establishments.

4. The electric vehicle management device according to claim 3, wherein, The second communication unit communicates with terminals carried by employees of the amusement park who are dressed up, and, The control unit controls the second communication unit by sending an instruction to the employee's terminal to go to the booked food service establishment at the user's reservation time.

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