Parking management methods, storage media, and computer devices

Abstract

This disclosure provides a parking lot management method, a storage medium, and a computer device. The parking lot management method includes determining whether the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient. Furthermore, the parking lot management method also includes at least one of the following: if it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient, performing a process to urge at least one vehicle parked in the parking lot to leave; and if it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is not insufficient and predetermined conditions are met, requesting energy management from at least one vehicle electrically connected to a power supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to parking lot management methods, storage media, and computer devices. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was known to use power supply equipment installed in parking lots to charge the battery storage devices of vehicles parked in the parking lot. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-139008 disclosed an electric vehicle charging device that displays charging time as a charging completion prediction on a display device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In recent years, with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (such as electric cars), there has been an increase in facilities (shops, etc.) equipped with EVSE (Vehicle Electric Vehicle Equipment) in parking lots within land use areas. Moreover, in the parking lots of these facilities, it has become a problem for vehicles to continue to linger in the parking lot after the battery storage device attached to the vehicle has finished charging.

[0004] Generally, vehicles parking for extended periods in store parking lots lead to insufficient parking space and reduced customer turnover, thus becoming a disadvantage for store owners. Therefore, when staff discover such vehicles, they sometimes leave stickers on them and ask them to leave. However, by effectively utilizing parked vehicles for store operations, there is a possibility that both store owners and vehicle users could benefit. For example, it might be possible to use parked vehicles for energy management.

[0005] Previously, there was no idea of ​​effectively utilizing the vehicles parked in the facility's parking lot, and all vehicles that parked in the facility's parking lot for a long time were required to leave.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to alleviate the shortage of parking space in parking lots and to make effective use of vehicles parked in parking lots.

[0007] Based on the manner described in the first aspect of this disclosure, the following parking management method is provided.

[0008] (Item 1) The parking lot management method is a method of managing a parking lot, including: determining whether the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient; and, if it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient, taking action to urge at least one vehicle parked in the parking lot to leave.

[0009] According to the above method, when it is determined that the parking lot has insufficient parking space, a process is initiated to urge vehicles to leave. This suppresses the problem of insufficient parking space. On the other hand, when the parking lot does not have insufficient parking space, the process of urging vehicles to leave is not initiated, thus effectively utilizing parked vehicles.

[0010] The parking management method described in item 1 above can have the structure described in any one of items 2 to 7 below.

[0011] (Item 2) The parking lot management method described in Item 1 also has the following features: A power supply device configured to charge an electric storage device mounted on a vehicle is provided in the parking lot. The parking lot management method further includes: when it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is not insufficient, requesting energy management from at least one vehicle in the parking lot that is electrically connected to the power supply device.

[0012] According to the above method, if it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is not insufficient, a request for energy management is made to the parked vehicles. This reduces the likelihood of insufficient parking space and facilitates the use of parked vehicles for energy management.

[0013] In addition, vehicles can also be electric vehicles (xEVs) that use electricity as a power source, either entirely or partially. xEVs include BEVs (battery electric vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles), and FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles).

[0014] (Item 3) The parking lot management method described in Item 2 also has the following features. The parking lot management method further includes: performing a process of prompting vehicles that have agreed to the energy management request to remain in the parking lot; and performing charging and discharging control of the energy storage device installed on the vehicle that has agreed to the energy management request.

[0015] According to the above method, vehicles that have agreed to energy management requests are prompted to remain in the parking lot. This makes it easy to ensure the required number of vehicles for energy management. Furthermore, according to the above method, the charging and discharging of the vehicle's battery storage device is controlled for vehicles that have agreed to energy management requests. Energy management can be achieved through such charging and discharging control.

[0016] As an example of measures to encourage vehicles to remain in a parking lot, one could cite measures that improve the convenience for vehicle users within the parking lot. For instance, by allowing vehicle users to use the communication network provided by the parking lot, it is possible to encourage vehicles to remain in the parking lot.

[0017] (Item 4) The parking management method described in any one of items 1 to 3 also has the following characteristics. Determining whether the parking space is insufficient includes: predicting the number of users in the future; and using the current vacancy status of the parking lot and the predicted number of users to determine whether the parking space is insufficient.

[0018] Based on the above method, it is easy to properly determine whether the parking space of a parking lot is insufficient by considering the constantly changing vacancy rate (occupancy rate) and the number of users.

[0019] (Item 5) The parking management method described in any one of items 1 to 4 also has the following characteristics. The process of urging vehicles to leave includes: warning lights installed in the parking lot emitting a warning.

[0020] As mentioned above, by using warning lights installed in the parking lot, vehicles can be urged to leave the parking lot.

[0021] (Item 6) The parking management method described in any one of items 1 to 5 also has the following characteristics. The process of urging vehicles to leave includes: prohibiting the use of the communication network provided by the facility for the parking lot.

[0022] As mentioned above, by prohibiting vehicle users from using the communication network provided by the facility for the parking lot, vehicles can be urged to leave the parking lot.

[0023] (Item 7) The parking management method described in any one of items 1 to 6 further has the following features. The parking management method further includes: confirming whether a vehicle that has received a reminder to leave has left; and if a vehicle that has received a reminder to leave has not left, changing the content of the reminder to leave for that vehicle.

[0024] According to the above method, if a vehicle that has been urged to leave has not left, by changing the content of the urging to leave process for that vehicle, it is possible to urge the vehicle to leave more effectively.

[0025] Based on the manner described in the second aspect of this disclosure, the following parking management method is provided.

[0026] (Item 8) This parking lot management method is a method for managing a parking lot. The parking lot is equipped with a power supply device configured to charge an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle. The parking lot management method includes: determining whether the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient; and, if it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is not insufficient and predetermined conditions are met, requesting energy management from at least one vehicle electrically connected to the power supply device.

[0027] According to the above parking lot management method, when it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is not insufficient and the predetermined conditions are met, a process is executed to request energy management from the parked vehicles. This reduces the possibility of insufficient parking space and facilitates the use of parked vehicles for energy management.

[0028] According to other perspectives, a storage medium is provided that stores a program that causes a computer to execute the parking management method described in any one of items 1 to 8. In one embodiment, a computer device is provided that includes a storage device for storing the program and a processor for executing the program stored in the storage device. In other embodiments, a computer device for distributing the program is provided.

[0029] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the shortage of parking space in parking lots and effectively utilize vehicles parked in parking lots. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the outline of a parking management system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the control system and power equipment.

[0033] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the energy management of the store's EVSE.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a parking management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are given the same reference numerals without repeated descriptions.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an overview of the parking management system according to embodiments of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The parking management system involved in this embodiment manages the parking lot 200 of store 100. In this embodiment, store 100 is a convenience store. However, it is not limited to this, and the business format of store 100 is arbitrary. Store 100 can also be a department store, supermarket, or shopping mall store, for example.

[0037] User U is a customer of store 100. Portable terminal 50 is a terminal carried by user U. In this embodiment, portable terminal 50 is a smartphone with a touch panel display. The smartphone has a built-in computer. However, it is not limited to this; any portable terminal can be used as portable terminal 50. For example, laptops, tablets, portable game consoles, wearable devices (smartwatches, smart glasses, smart gloves, etc.), electronic keys, etc., can also be used as portable terminal 50.

[0038] The portable terminal 50 is equipped with application software (hereinafter referred to as the "Convenience Store APP") for utilizing the services provided by the store 100. Through the Convenience Store APP, the identification information (terminal ID) of the portable terminal 50 is registered with the control system 110 of the store 100 (more specifically, described later). Figure 2 (See server 111 shown). The portable terminal 50 can exchange information with the server 111 via a convenience store app. For example, the server 111 provides coupon information to the portable terminal 50 via the convenience store app. The server 111 uses terminal IDs to distinguish and manage information (user information, points information, etc.) related to multiple terminals.

[0039] Shop 100 includes a camera 11, a wireless LAN router (hereinafter referred to as "router") 12, an automatic door device 13, shelves 14a-14d, and a cash register 15. LAN means Local Area Network.

[0040] Camera 11 functions as a surveillance camera monitoring the store 100. Camera 11 is constantly active, acquiring and storing images of the store 100 sequentially. Router 12 provides a wireless LAN for the store. For example, a terminal with a convenience store app installed is permitted to use the wireless LAN provided by router 12. Automatic door device 13 includes a door, a sensor for detecting objects passing through, and a mechanism for automatically opening and closing the door. Automatic door device 13 automatically opens the door when it detects an approaching object (e.g., a person or object) and closes the door after confirming that the object has passed through.

[0041] Goods are displayed on shelves 14a-14d. Each shelf 14a-14d may also have at least one of a price display and a mechanism for replenishing goods. The price display may also have, according to the following description... Figure 2 The server 111 shown indicates a display device that changes the displayed content, automatically displaying the product price corresponding to the status. Shelves 14a to 14d can each be sliding display shelves.

[0042] Cashier 15 primarily handles transaction processing. For example, terminals with a convenience store app installed are permitted to use points (virtual currency) stored on the convenience store app for cashless transactions at cashier 15. Cashier 15 can also be a POS (Point of Sales) cashier equipped with a point-of-sale information management system. POS cashiers are configured to aggregate sales information.

[0043] Shop 100 receives electricity from the power system PG. The power system PG includes a power grid, power generation equipment, and transformer equipment. The power grid is constructed by transmission and distribution equipment. The power system PG supplies electricity to a predetermined area. Shop 100 is located within this predetermined area. A smart meter 180 is installed at the point of power reception of shop 100. The smart meter 180 measures the electrical power exchanged between the power system PG and shop 100.

[0044] Shop 100 also has a control system 110 and electrical equipment 120. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control system 110 and the power equipment 120.

[0045] and Figure 1 Refer to together Figure 2 The control system 110 includes a server 111 and an EMS (Energy Management System) 112. The power equipment 120 includes a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 121, a switchboard 122, a power generation device 123, and an energy storage device 124.

[0046] The power system PG, the power generation device 123, and the energy storage device 124 are each electrically connected to the PCS 121. The power system PG, for example, supplies AC power to the PCS 121. The power generation device 123 and the energy storage device 124 can each be installed indoors or outdoors. The power generation device 123 may also include at least one of a solar panel installed on the roof of the shop 100 and a solar-powered carport installed in the parking lot 200. Additionally, the power generation device 123 may include a wind power generation device. Furthermore, the power generation device 123 may also include a stationary FC (Fuel Cell) generator that generates electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The energy storage device 124 may also include a stationary ESS (Energy Storage System). The energy storage device 124 may also include lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, redox flow batteries, or NAS (sodium-sulfur) batteries.

[0047] PCS121 includes a control section comprising a circuit section and a control circuit section. The circuit section includes various circuits for power regulation-related processes (e.g., power conversion and input / output adjustment). The circuit section may also include AC / DC conversion circuitry, transformer circuitry (e.g., an isolation transformer or DC / DC converter), and PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuitry. PCS121 performs power conversion processing on the input power (e.g., at least one of AC / DC conversion, transformer operation, and frequency conversion) to supply power corresponding to the distribution board 122. Additionally, PCS121 performs power conversion processing on the input power to output power suitable for charging the energy storage device 124.

[0048] 122 pairs of distribution boards Figure 1 The various machines (camera 11, router 12, automatic door device 13, cash register 15, etc.) within the shop 100 shown are powered. The control system 110 (server 111 and EMS 112) also receives power from the power distribution board 122. Furthermore, the power distribution board 122... Figure 1 The various machines in the parking lot 200 shown (EVSE20a-20d, camera 210, router 220, vehicle detection sensor 230, etc.) are also supplied with power.

[0049] Server 111 is configured to communicate with various machines (camera 11, router 12, automatic door device 13, cash register 15, etc.) within store 100. In addition, server 111 is also configured to communicate with various machines (EVSE20a-20d, camera 210, router 220, vehicle detection sensor 230, etc.) in parking lot 200.

[0050] EMS112 receives information related to electrical equipment 120 from PCS121 and sends control commands to the control unit of PCS121. Additionally, EMS112 uses the electrical power detected by PCS121 to create an energy management plan. Specifically, PCS121 includes electricity meters that individually detect the electricity input to PCS121 from the power system PG, generation unit 123, and energy storage device 124. PCS121 also includes electricity meters that individually detect the electricity output from PCS121 to the distribution board 122 and energy storage device 124. EMS112 obtains energy income and expenditure information (e.g., generated electricity, demanded electricity, and stored electricity) for store 100 from the results detected by each electricity meter and records it over time. Based on the obtained energy income and expenditure information, electricity bill-related information, and the SOC (State of Charge) of the energy storage device 124, EMS112 creates an energy management plan (e.g., a plan related to generation, charging, discharging, and demand control). When shop 100 participates in the VPP (Virtual Power Plant) described later, EMS 112 also considers the energy income and expenditure related to the VPP to create an energy management plan. Additionally, in the case where power generation device 123 generates electricity using natural energy, EMS 112 can also predict the generated power output based on weather forecasts and consider the predicted power output to create an energy management plan. EMS 112 controls PCS 121 to execute energy management according to the created plan while simultaneously confirming the results of the measurements from each electricity meter included in PCS 121. Server 111 and EMS 112 communicate with each other and collaborate to perform energy management.

[0051] Refer again Figure 1 The parking lot 200 includes EVSE 20a-20d, camera 210, wireless LAN router (hereinafter referred to as "router") 220, and vehicle detection sensor 230. Furthermore, EVSE stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.

[0052] Camera 210 functions as a surveillance camera monitoring the entire parking lot 200. Camera 210 is constantly in operation, acquiring and saving images of the parking lot 200 sequentially. Figure 2 The server 111 shown can acquire images of the store 100 and the parking lot 200 from cameras 11 and 210, respectively. Router 220 provides a wireless LAN for the entire parking lot 200. For example, terminals with a convenience store app installed are permitted to use the wireless LAN provided by router 220. Figure 2The server 111 shown can control routers 12 and 220 by disabling wireless LAN access only for specific terminals specified by terminal ID.

[0053] Parking lot 200 has parking frames P1 to P8. EVSEs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are installed in parking frames P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. However, no EVSEs are installed in parking frames P5, P6, P7, and P8. Additionally, each of parking frames P1 to P8 is equipped with a vehicle detection sensor 230. The vehicle detection sensor 230 can be either a ground-embedded sensor (e.g., a loop sensor) or a non-embedded sensor (e.g., a zone sensor). The detection results from the vehicle detection sensors 230 in each of parking frames P1 to P8 are output to server 111. Figure 2 Server 111 can determine whether there is a parking space in each of the parking frames P1 to P8 based on these detection results. For example, in... Figure 1 In the shown state, vehicles 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e are parked in parking spaces P2, P4, P5, P7, and P8 respectively, while parking spaces P1, P3, and P6 are vacant. Alternatively, instead of vehicle detection sensors, a monitoring camera (camera 210) or a 3D-LiDAR parking management system can be used to detect the status (parked / vacant) of each parking space in the parking lot 200.

[0054] Each of the EVSEs 20a to 20d installed in the parking lot 200 is, for example, a charger with power supply function, configured to charge the energy storage device installed in the vehicle. Vehicles electrically connected to any of the EVSEs 20a to 20d can perform energy management.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the energy management of EVSE20a to 20d in store 100. In this embodiment, Figure 1 The EVSE20a to 20d shown have the same structure, so they will be referred to as "EVSE20" below without distinction. Additionally, Figure 3 The vehicle 30 shown is equivalent to an example of a vehicle configured to utilize EVSE20. Figure 1 Each of the vehicles 30a to 30e shown may also have the structure of vehicle 30 as described below. The user of vehicle 30 holds the aforementioned portable terminal 50.

[0056] and Figure 1 , Figure 2 Refer to together Figure 3Server 700 is equivalent to a computer belonging to the TSO (System Operator) of the power system PG. Server 500 is equivalent to a computer belonging to the integrator. Server 111 (Shop 100), Server 500, and Server 700 are configured to communicate with each other via a communication network NW. The communication network NW is, for example, a wide area network constructed through the Internet and wireless base stations. In addition, a wireless LAN provided by routers 12 and 220 is also connected to the communication network NW. Portable terminal 50 ( Figure 1 It can connect to the wireless LAN and communication network NW provided by router 12 or 220.

[0057] Each of the servers 111, 500, and 700 can be a computer equipped with a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage device. The storage device is an example of a storage medium. The processor, for example, can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device is configured to hold stored information. The storage device may also include rewritable non-volatile memory. In each computer, the processor executes programs stored in the storage device to perform various processes. However, these various processes are not limited to being executed by software, but can also be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0058] Server 500 is configured to implement a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) by leveraging high-performance energy management technology of IoT (Internet of Things) to bundle multiple distributed energy sources (hereinafter also referred to as "DERs"). A VPP is a structure that functions like a power plant through remote / integrated control of the DERs. For example, when server 500 requests energy management of a power system PG from server 700, server 500 requests the server managing the DERs to enable the DERs electrically connected to the power system PGs to participate in the VPP. For example, vehicle 30 electrically connected to EVSE20 can function as a DER for the VPP. Therefore, based on the request from server 700, server 500 requests server 111 to enable vehicle 30 electrically connected to EVSE20 to participate in the VPP.

[0059] Vehicle 30 includes a battery 31 and an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU (Electronic Control Unit)") 35. ECU 35 is, for example, a computer with a processor and storage devices. Vehicle 30 is configured to be an electric vehicle (xEV) capable of operating using the electricity stored in the battery 31. Vehicle 30 can be either a battery electric vehicle (BEV) without an internal combustion engine or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an internal combustion engine. The battery 31 can be a known vehicle-use energy storage device (e.g., a liquid secondary battery, a solid-state secondary battery, or a battery pack). Examples of vehicle-use secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0060] The EVSE20 has a built-in control unit 21 and a circuit unit 22. Additionally, the EVSE20 includes a charging cable 23 and warning lights 25. The control unit 21 includes a processor and a storage device, configured to control the circuit unit 22 according to instructions from the server 111 or 500. The circuit unit 22 includes circuitry for powering the vehicle 30 (e.g., charging the battery 31) and circuitry for powering the power system PG (reverse power flow). The charging cable 23 has a connector 24 (plug) at its end.

[0061] Vehicle 30 has a removable socket 32 ​​with connector 24. Socket 32 ​​functions as both a charging port and a discharging port. When vehicle 30 is parked, it is electrically connected to EVSE20 via connector 24 of charging cable 23 connected to the main body of EVSE20. (Hereinafter referred to as "plugged-in state"). On the other hand, vehicle 30 is not electrically connected to EVSE20, for example, while vehicle 30 is in motion. (Hereinafter referred to as "unplugged-out state"). EVSE20 has a connection detection circuit (not shown) that detects the state of connector 24 (plugged-in state / unplugged-out state). The connection detection circuit outputs the state of connector 24 to control unit 21. In addition, control unit 21 obtains information indicating the operating status of EVSE20 (e.g., input power from power system PG, output power to vehicle 30, input power from vehicle 30, and output power to power system PG) from sensors (not shown) included in circuit unit 22. In this embodiment, only users who have authenticated EVSE20 via portable terminal 50 (convenience store APP) are permitted to use EVSE20. Through authentication, the identification information (terminal ID) of portable terminal 50 is input to EVSE20. Furthermore, EVSE20 (control unit 21) sends the terminal ID along with the identification information of EVSE20 to server 111. Server 111 can determine the user using EVSE20 based on the terminal ID received from EVSE20. During the use of EVSE20, information related to EVSE20 is sequentially sent from EVSE20 to server 111.

[0062] From the power system PG via Figure 2 The PCS121 and power distribution board 122 shown supply power to the EVSE20. When the battery 31 is being charged while plugged in, the circuit section 22 of the EVSE20 converts the supplied power into power suitable for supplying power to the vehicle 30, and outputs the converted power to the connector 24 of the charging cable 23. In this case, the battery 31 is charged using the power input from the connector 24 to the socket 32. When the battery 31 is being discharged while plugged in, the circuit section 22 of the EVSE20 converts the power from the vehicle 30 (power discharged from the battery 31) into power corresponding to the power system PG, and outputs the converted power via... Figure 2 The switchboard 122 and PCS121 shown output to the power system PG. In this way, EVSE20 is configured to achieve reverse power flow to the power system PG.

[0063] In the plugged-in state, the control unit 21 of the EVSE20 and the ECU 35 of the vehicle 30 communicate via a communication line in the charging cable 23. In the EVSE20, the circuit unit 22 executes charging or discharging of the battery 31 according to instructions from the control unit 21. During charging or discharging of the battery 31, the control unit 21 receives the battery 31's status (e.g., temperature, current, voltage, and SOC) from the ECU 35 and controls the circuit unit 22 to bring the charging or discharging power close to a target value. Furthermore, SOC (State of Charge) indicates the remaining charge level, for example, expressed as 0-100% as the ratio of the current charge level to the charge level at full charge.

[0064] The warning light 25 is controlled by server 111. The warning light 25 is configured to toggle between having and not having a warning. When the server 111 instructs the warning light to issue a warning, the warning light 25 issues a warning; when the server 111 instructs the warning to stop, the warning light stops. The warning light 25 can also be off normally, and flicker on and off or be on during a warning. Additionally, the warning light 25 can be illuminated in the first color (e.g., green) normally, and in the second color (e.g., red) during a warning. The warning light 25 can also have a speaker function and can emit an audible sound during a warning.

[0065] When server 111 receives a request from server 500 to participate in VPP (Vehicle Power Provider) participation, it requests energy management from the plugged-in vehicle 30. For example, server 111 sends a signal requesting energy management to a portable terminal 50 corresponding to vehicle 30 (i.e., a portable terminal 50 carried by the user of vehicle 30), requesting either a consent or rejection response from the portable terminal 50. If server 111 receives a consent response from the portable terminal 50, it sends information related to the EVSE 20 electrically connected to vehicle 30 (e.g., location, communication address, and specifications) to server 500, authorizing remote control of the EVSE 20. While communicating with the control unit 21 of the EVSE 20, server 500 performs charge and discharge control of the battery 31. Through this charge and discharge control, server 500 enables vehicle 30 to perform energy management for VPP. In this embodiment, when the server 500 performs charge and discharge control of the battery 31, the server 111 performs a process to urge the vehicle 30 to stay in the parking lot 200 (hereinafter also referred to as "promoting stay process").

[0066] However, when vehicles are parked in parking lot 200 for extended periods, the parking space in parking lot 200 can easily become insufficient. On the other hand, by effectively utilizing the vehicles parked in parking lot 200 for shop operations, there is a possibility that both shop owners and vehicle users could benefit. Therefore, in the parking lot management method according to this embodiment, server 111 determines whether the parking space in parking lot 200 is insufficient. Furthermore, if it is determined that the parking space in parking lot 200 is insufficient, server 111 performs a process to urge at least one vehicle parked in parking lot 200 to leave. On the other hand, if it is determined that the parking space in parking lot 200 is not insufficient, server 111 requests energy management from at least one vehicle electrically connected to any of the EVSEs 20a to 20d.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the parking management method according to this embodiment. A series of processes shown in the flowchart are repeatedly executed by server 111. "S" in the flowchart represents a step.

[0068] and Figures 1-3 Refer to together Figure 4 In S11, server 111 obtains the current vacancy status of parking lot 200. Specifically, server 111 obtains information indicating whether there is a parking space in each parking space P1 to P8 from the vehicle detection sensors 230 installed in each parking space P1 to P8.

[0069] In S12, server 111 predicts the future number of customers (users) and uses the current vacancy status of parking lot 200 and the predicted number of customers to determine whether parking space in parking lot 200 is insufficient. Server 111 can also predict the number of customers from the current time to the elapsed time (e.g., 30 minutes). Server 111 can also predict the number of customers based on historical data representing the number of customers in each time period. Server 111 can also use a learned model obtained through machine learning using AI (artificial intelligence) to predict the number of customers. Specifically, server 111 can also use a learned model that has been learned to output the future number of customers when the current time is input to predict the future number of customers.

[0070] In this embodiment, when parking lot 200 is full (all parking spaces P1 to P8 are "occupied"), server 111 determines "yes" in S12. Furthermore, even when parking lot 200 is not full (any one of parking spaces P1 to P8 is "empty"), if the predicted future customer traffic indicates parking lot 200 will become full, server 111 determines "yes" in S12. On the other hand, when parking lot 200 is not full, if the predicted future customer traffic indicates parking lot 200 will not become full, server 111 determines "no" in S12. Moreover, when parking lot 200 is completely empty (all parking spaces P1 to P8 are "empty"), server 111 determines "no" in S12, but also determines "no" in S21 (described later), thus... Figure 4 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0071] If server 111 determines that parking space in parking lot 200 is insufficient ("Yes" in S12), server 111, in S13, determines whether there is a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "target vehicle") among the vehicles parked in parking lot 200 that meets predetermined necessary conditions. The predetermined necessary conditions can be arbitrarily set. In this embodiment, a vehicle that has been charged using any of EVSEs 20a to 20d and has had a predetermined time elapsed since the start of charging is considered a target vehicle. That is, the predetermined necessary conditions include being charged using any of EVSEs 20a to 20d and having had a predetermined time elapsed since the start of charging (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0072] If the aforementioned target vehicle exists among the vehicles parked in parking lot 200 ("Yes" in S13), the process proceeds to S14. If multiple target vehicles exist, server 111 performs the following processing steps (S14 to S18) for each target vehicle.

[0073] In S14, server 111 executes the first prompt departure process. The first prompt departure process is a process of urging the target vehicle to leave parking lot 200. In this embodiment, the first prompt departure process includes notification processing to the portable terminal 50 corresponding to the target vehicle (i.e., the portable terminal 50 carried by the user of the target vehicle), wireless LAN usage prohibition processing, and warning processing using the warning light 25 corresponding to the target vehicle (i.e., the warning light 25 of the EVSE 20 connected to the target vehicle). Specifically, server 111 notifies the portable terminal 50 to urge departure. When the portable terminal 50 receives the notification from server 111, it displays screen Sc1, for example. Screen Sc1 includes a message urging the user of the target vehicle to leave. In addition, server 111 controls routers 12 and 220 to prohibit the use of wireless LAN (specifically, the communication network provided by store 100 within the premises of store 100 via routers 12 and 220) through portable terminal 50. As a result, the convenience for users of the target vehicles within the premises of store 100 (including parking lot 200) is reduced. Additionally, server 111 controls the warning lights 25 to issue a warning urging the target vehicles to leave.

[0074] In the following S15, server 111 determines whether the target vehicle has left according to the first departure promotion process. For example, server 111 may also determine whether the target vehicle has left based on the signal from the vehicle detection sensor 230 corresponding to the target vehicle.

[0075] If the target vehicle has not left (No in S15), server 111 determines in S16 whether a predetermined margin period has elapsed. The predetermined margin period is, for example, the period from the start of the first prompt departure process to the elapsed time (e.g., 10 minutes).

[0076] If the target vehicle has not left and the aforementioned margin period has not elapsed (if "No" in both S15 and S16), S14 to S16 are repeated. Thus, the first process to facilitate vehicle departure continues. Furthermore, if the target vehicle has not left and the aforementioned margin period has elapsed as before (if "Yes" in S16), the process proceeds to S17.

[0077] In S17, server 111 executes a second prompt departure process. This second prompt departure process is a process that urges the target vehicle to leave parking lot 200 through a process different from the first prompt departure process. The second prompt departure process can also be a process that urges departure more strongly than the first prompt departure process. In this embodiment, the second prompt departure process includes all the processes included in the first prompt departure process, plus a forced discharge process. Specifically, server 111 controls the EVSE20 corresponding to the target vehicle to discharge from the battery 31 installed in the target vehicle to the power distribution board 122. The discharged power can also be stored in the battery 124. Furthermore, the second prompt departure process can also include, in addition to the forced discharge process or alternatively, a process that confiscates points earned by the user of the target vehicle on the convenience store app.

[0078] In the following S18, server 111 determines whether the target vehicle has left according to the second prompt departure process. Server 111 may, for example, determine whether the target vehicle has left based on a signal from the vehicle detection sensor 230 corresponding to the target vehicle. During the period when the target vehicle has not left (in S18, "No"), S17 and S18 are repeated. Thus, the second prompt departure process continues to be executed. Furthermore, after the target vehicle leaves according to the second prompt departure process (in S18, "Yes"), Figure 4 The series of processes shown ends, and the process returns to the initial step (S11).

[0079] If server 111 determines that parking space in parking lot 200 is not insufficient ("No" in S12), the processes S13 to S18 are not executed, and the process proceeds to S21. In S21, server 111 determines whether the predetermined VPP conditions are met.

[0080] In this embodiment, the VPP condition is met if both the server 111 receives a request from the server 500 to participate in the VPP (first VPP necessary condition) and there is a vehicle in the parking lot 200 that can satisfy the request from the server 500 (second VPP necessary condition). If neither necessary condition is met, the VPP condition is not met.

[0081] For example, if no vehicle is parked in a plugged-in state in any of the parking spaces P1 to P4, server 111 determines that the second VPP necessary condition is not met. On the other hand, if a vehicle is plugged in, server 111 determines whether the vehicle can fulfill the request from server 500 based on the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery installed in the vehicle. For example, if server 500 requests charging of remaining power, a vehicle with a sufficiently low SOC can fulfill the request, but a vehicle with a high SOC (e.g., fully charged) cannot. Similarly, if server 500 requests power supply (discharge), a vehicle with a sufficiently high SOC can fulfill the request, but a vehicle with a low SOC (e.g., fully discharged) cannot.

[0082] If the VPP condition is not met (No in S21), Figure 4 The series of processes shown ends, and the process returns to the initial step (S11). On the other hand, if the VPP condition is met ("Yes" in S21), the process proceeds to S22. Hereinafter, the vehicle that is determined in S21 to be able to satisfy the request from server 500 will be referred to as a "VPP vehicle". In the case of multiple VPP vehicles, server 111 performs the processes described below in S22 to S26 for each VPP vehicle.

[0083] In S22, server 111 requests energy management from the VPP vehicle. Specifically, server 111 sends a request signal to portable terminal 50 corresponding to the VPP vehicle, requesting either a yes or no response from portable terminal 50. Upon receiving the request signal, portable terminal 50 displays the energy management period (hereinafter also referred to as the "VPP period") along with the energy management request message, and then requests either a yes or no response from the user.

[0084] In the following step S23, server 111 determines whether to continue energy management. If server 111 receives a rejection reply from the user of the VPP vehicle that requested energy management, or if no reply is received after a predetermined time from the request, it determines that energy management has not started for that VPP vehicle ("No" in S23), and proceeds to S26. In this case, in S26, server 111 sends a message to the portable terminal 50 corresponding to the VPP vehicle, conveying that the VPP vehicle does not participate in VPP. This message is displayed on the portable terminal 50.

[0085] Upon receiving a confirmation reply from the user of the VPP vehicle who requested energy management, server 111 determines "yes" in step S23 and proceeds to step S24. Thus, energy management begins for that VPP vehicle. During the execution of energy management, steps S23 to S25 are repeatedly executed, with a determination made in step S23 regarding whether to continue energy management.

[0086] In S24, server 111 performs a stay-promoting process. The stay-promoting process is the process of urging the VPP vehicle to remain in parking lot 200. In this embodiment, the stay-promoting process includes notification processing to the portable terminal 50 corresponding to the VPP vehicle (i.e., the portable terminal 50 carried by the user of the VPP vehicle). Specifically, server 111 notifies the portable terminal 50 to remain in parking lot 200. When the portable terminal 50 receives the notification from server 111, it displays screen Sc2, for example. Screen Sc2 includes a message urging the user of the VPP vehicle to remain in parking lot 200. Additionally, during energy management via the VPP vehicle, server 111 grants the user of the VPP vehicle permission to use parking lot 200 and the wireless LAN (specifically, the wireless LAN provided by routers 12 and 220). Server 111 can also restrict other users from using the wireless LAN by giving priority to the user of the VPP vehicle.

[0087] The content of the retention promotion process performed in S24 can also vary depending on the elapsed time since the start of energy management. For example, at a predetermined time during the VPP period, server 111 can also perform the process of issuing coupons to VPP vehicle users via the convenience store APP as a retention promotion process. In addition, server 111 can also independently award VPP vehicle users points on the convenience store APP corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of energy management, along with rewards corresponding to the performance of energy management described later.

[0088] In S25, server 111 sends information related to EVSE20, which is electrically connected to the VPP vehicle (e.g., information required for charge / discharge control), to server 500, authorizing server 500 to remotely control EVSE20. Server 500 performs charge / discharge control of battery 31 via EVSE20. Through such charge / discharge control, server 500 enables the VPP vehicle to perform energy management for the VPP (e.g., energy management of the power system PG).

[0089] In S23 after energy management begins, server 111 determines whether the predetermined conditions for VPP to continue execution are met.

[0090] In this embodiment, the VPP continuation condition is met if any of the following termination conditions are not met: the VPP vehicle is in an unplugged state (first termination condition); the State of Charge (SOC) of the VPP vehicle's energy storage device used in energy management is above a predetermined upper limit (second termination condition); the SOC of the VPP vehicle's energy storage device used in energy management is below a predetermined lower limit (third termination condition); a termination request is sent from the portable terminal 50 corresponding to the VPP vehicle to the server 111 (fourth termination condition); and energy management is completed (fifth termination condition). If any termination condition is met, the VPP continuation condition is not met. Furthermore, the upper limit of SOC (second termination condition) can be arbitrarily set, for example, it can be an SOC value selected from the range of 90% to 100%. The lower limit of SOC (third termination condition) can also be arbitrarily set, for example, it can be an SOC value selected from the range of 0% to 50%. During energy management execution, the server 111 can also send the SOC of the VPP vehicle sequentially to the portable terminal 50 corresponding to the VPP vehicle. Users can also observe the current SOC displayed on the portable terminal 50 to determine whether to continue energy management. The fourth necessary condition for termination is met when the user sends a termination request to the server 111 via the portable terminal 50 (convenience store app). This allows users of VPP vehicles to stop energy management en route. For example, the fifth necessary condition for termination is met when the end time of the VPP period arrives.

[0091] If any of the above necessary termination conditions are met ("No" in S23), energy management ends. In this case, in S26, server 111 sends a message to the portable terminal 50 corresponding to the VPP vehicle, transmitting the termination of energy management along with its reason. This message is displayed on the portable terminal 50. After executing the processing in S26, Figure 4 The series of processes shown ends, and the process returns to the initial step (S11). Furthermore, during periods when energy management is not performed, remote control of EVSE20a to 20d via server 500 is prohibited.

[0092] After the energy management for VPP is completed, server 111, via the convenience store app, awards rewards (e.g., points) to the users of the VPP vehicles corresponding to their energy management performance. For example, as consideration for VPP participation, a portion of the rewards paid by the integrator to the store owner of store 100 will be returned to the users of the VPP vehicles. The message sent in S26 may also include information about the rewards received by the user (e.g., the number of points awarded). Points can be treated like virtual currency or exchanged for cash. Alternatively, points can be exchanged for goods or rights (e.g., the right to receive services commensurate with the number of points).

[0093] As explained above, the parking management method involved in this implementation includes... Figure 4 The following is a series of processes. In S12, server 111 determines whether the parking space in parking lot 200 is insufficient. If the parking space in parking lot 200 is insufficient (yes in S12), server 111 executes a drive-out urging control (S13-S18). This drive-out urging control includes executing a process to urge at least one vehicle parked in parking lot 200 to leave (S14, S17). On the other hand, if the parking space in parking lot 200 is not insufficient (no in S12), server 111 executes a stay urging control (S21-S26). This stay urging control includes requesting energy management from at least one vehicle electrically connected to EVSE 20 in parking lot 200 (S22).

[0094] According to the above method, when it is determined that the parking space in parking lot 200 is insufficient, a process is initiated to urge vehicles to leave the parking area. This suppresses the problem of insufficient parking space in parking lot 200 of shop 100. On the other hand, when the parking space in parking lot 200 is not insufficient, the process of urging vehicles to leave the parking area is not initiated. Furthermore, when a predetermined condition (S21) is met, energy management is requested for vehicles in parking lots. This achieves efficient utilization of vehicles in parking lots.

[0095] Furthermore, the aforementioned departure urging control also includes confirming whether a vehicle that has received a departure urging process (S14) has departed (S15) and modifying the content of the departure urging process for that vehicle if it has not departed (S17). According to this control, if a vehicle that has received a departure urging process (first departure urging process) has not departed, by modifying the content of the departure urging process for that vehicle, it is possible to urge the vehicle to depart through a more effective process (second departure urging process).

[0096] The first and second procedures for facilitating departure are not limited to the aforementioned procedures and can be appropriately modified. For example, they can also be implemented in... Figure 4 In S14, as the first facilitated departure process, only the wireless LAN usage prohibition process is executed. Figure 4 In S17, as the second process to facilitate departure, only a warning is executed.

[0097] The necessary conditions for the target vehicle are not limited to those mentioned above and can be appropriately changed. The target vehicle is not limited to vehicles parked in parking spaces P1 to P4. All vehicles parked in parking lot 200 can also be considered target vehicles, regardless of the parking spaces. The decision to expedite departure can also be made based on the target vehicle.

[0098] The power system's PG (external power source) is not limited to large-scale AC grids; it can also be a microgrid or a DC (direct current) grid. Furthermore, the structure of the energy management system is not limited to... Figure 3 The structure shown. For example, the functionality of server 500 can also be installed on server 111, omitting server 500.

[0099] In the above embodiment, if it is determined that the parking space in parking lot 200 is not insufficient, server 111 requests energy management from the parked vehicle. However, the effective utilization method of the parked vehicle is not limited to energy management. If it is determined that the parking space in parking lot 200 is not insufficient, server 111 may also request services other than energy management from the parked vehicle. Specifically, server 111 may also request the vehicle to utilize its equipment to provide services (e.g., providing the vehicle for power supply, computing, communication, or luggage services).

[0100] In the above embodiments, server 111 has the capability to enable the computer to perform... Figure 4 The program for the parking management method shown is provided. Server 111 includes a storage device for storing such a program and a processor for executing the program. However, Figure 4 The processing shown can be modified appropriately. For example, Figure 4 The parking management method shown includes two aspects: urging at least one vehicle parked in the parking lot to leave when it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient (S13-S18), and requesting energy management for at least one vehicle electrically connected to the power supply equipment when it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is not insufficient and the predetermined conditions are met (S21-S26). However, it can also be modified to include only one aspect.

[0101] In the above implementation, a locally deployed server ( Figure 2 The server 111 shown executes parking management methods. However, it is not limited to this; the functions of server 111 (especially those related to parking management) can also be installed on the cloud via cloud computing.

[0102] The various variations described above can be combined and implemented in any way.

[0103] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, including all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A parking lot management method, comprising managing a parking lot, wherein the parking lot is equipped with a power supply device configured to charge an electric storage device mounted on a vehicle, the parking lot management method comprising: Determine whether the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient; If it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is not insufficient, energy management is requested for at least one vehicle in the parking lot that is electrically connected to the power supply equipment; The vehicle that has been urged to agree to the energy management request will remain in the parking lot. Perform charging and discharging control of the energy storage device installed in the vehicle that has agreed to the energy management request; If it is determined that the parking space in the parking lot is insufficient, it is determined whether there is a vehicle in the parking lot that meets the predetermined necessary conditions. The predetermined necessary conditions are that the battery storage device installed in the vehicle is being charged and a first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of charging. If it is determined that the target vehicle is among the vehicles parked in the parking lot, the first prompt departure process is executed to urge the target vehicle parked in the parking lot to leave. Determine whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the first facilitating departure process; If it is determined that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the first prompt departure process and the target vehicle has not left, then the second prompt departure process is executed. In the second process of facilitating departure, control is performed by discharging electricity from the energy storage device installed in the target vehicle to the power distribution board.

2. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining whether the parking space is insufficient includes: Predicting future user numbers; and Using the current vacancy status of the parking lot and the predicted number of users, it is determined whether the parking space of the parking lot is insufficient.

3. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, wherein, The first process to facilitate departure includes: Warning lights installed in the parking lot emitted a warning signal.

4. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, wherein, The first process to facilitate departure includes: The use of the communication network provided by the facility for the parking lot is prohibited.

5. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, wherein, The parking lot management method also includes: Confirm whether the vehicle that received the first prompt departure processing has actually left; and If a vehicle that has received the first prompt to leave has not left, the content of the prompt to leave for that vehicle is changed.

6. A storage medium storing a program, The program enables the computer to execute the parking management method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A computer device comprising: Storage device for storing a program stored in the storage medium of claim 6; and The processor executes the program.

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