Parking lot management method, storage medium, computer device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a parking lot management method, a storage medium, and a computer device. A parking lot management method for managing a parking lot includes requesting energy management to a vehicle that is stopping in a parking frame and displaying a remaining time until a parking time limit for the vehicle. The displaying of the remaining time includes that the remaining time in a case where the vehicle performs the energy management is longer than the remaining time in a case where the vehicle does not perform the energy management.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Previously, there were known technologies for charging the battery storage devices of vehicles parked in parking lots using power supply equipment. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-139008 disclosed an electric vehicle charging device that displays charging time as charging completion prediction information on a display device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In recent years, with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (e.g., electric cars), facilities (shops, etc.) equipped with EVSE (Vehicle Electric Vehicle Equipment) in parking lots have been increasing. However, a problem has arisen where vehicles continue to remain in parking lots even after their charging devices have finished charging.

[0004] It's generally believed that vehicles parked for extended periods in shop parking lots reduce customer turnover, which is a disadvantage for shop owners. Therefore, when staff discover such vehicles, they sometimes leave notes asking them to leave. However, by making better use of vehicles parked in shop parking lots for the sake of shop operations, it's possible to benefit both the shop owner and the vehicle users. For example, it might be possible to use parked vehicles for energy management.

[0005] In the past, there was no idea of ​​making flexible use of vehicles parked in the parking lot; vehicles that had been parked in the parking lot for a long time were required to leave.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, with the aim of seeking flexible utilization of vehicles parked in parking lots and suppressing undesirable long-term parking.

[0007] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, a parking management method is provided as shown below.

[0008] (Item 1) This parking lot management method is a method for managing a parking lot. The parking lot includes parking frames and power supply equipment configured to charge an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle parked in the parking frame. The parking lot management method includes: requesting energy management from a vehicle parked in the parking frame; and displaying the remaining time until the vehicle's parking time limit. Displaying the remaining time includes: the remaining time when the vehicle performs energy management is longer than the remaining time when the vehicle does not perform energy management.

[0009] According to the method described above, for a vehicle parked in a parking space, the remaining time before the parking time limit is displayed (i.e., the permitted parking time). By showing the remaining time to those around, the visual influence of onlookers deters prolonged parking beyond the time limit (i.e., unfavorable prolonged parking). Furthermore, by making the remaining time when the vehicle is exercising energy management longer than the remaining time when it is not, the vehicle is encouraged to participate in energy management. This allows for more flexible and efficient use of vehicles parked in the parking lot.

[0010] It should be noted that vehicles can also be electric vehicles (xEVs) that use electricity as a power source, either wholly or partially. xEVs include BEVs (battery electric vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles), and FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles).

[0011] The parking management method described in item 1 above can have the structure shown in any one of items 2 to 6 below.

[0012] (Item 2) The parking management method described in Item 1 also has the following features. Displaying the remaining time includes: determining the remaining time based on the user's response to a request for energy management from the vehicle user, whether it is an agreement or a refusal; and displaying the determined remaining time on a display device.

[0013] According to the method described above, for example, the remaining time until the parking time limit is determined such that the remaining time when the vehicle user agrees to the energy management request is longer than the remaining time when the vehicle user refuses the energy management request. Then, the display device displays this determined remaining time. Thus, when the vehicle is performing energy management, a longer remaining time can be displayed than when the vehicle is not performing energy management.

[0014] (Item 3) The parking management method described in Item 1 also has the following features. Displaying the remaining time includes: counting down and displaying the remaining time when the vehicle is not performing energy management; and displaying the remaining time without counting down when the vehicle is performing energy management.

[0015] According to the above method, when the vehicle is not performing energy management, a countdown timer is run, displaying the remaining time as it counts down. Conversely, when the vehicle is performing energy management, the remaining time is not counted down, and a static remaining time is displayed. Therefore, when the vehicle is performing energy management, a longer remaining time can be displayed than when the vehicle is not performing energy management.

[0016] It should be noted that displaying the remaining time while simultaneously counting down means that the displayed remaining time decreases as time elapses. Conversely, displaying the remaining time without a countdown means that the countdown for the displayed remaining time has stopped (i.e., the displayed remaining time does not decrease as time elapses).

[0017] (Item 4) The parking management method described in any one of items 1 to 3 also has the following features. Displaying the remaining time further includes ensuring that the remaining time when a vehicle user has used the facility is longer than the remaining time when a vehicle user has not used the facility.

[0018] As described above, by ensuring that the remaining time when vehicle users utilize the facility is longer than the remaining time when they do not, vehicle users are encouraged to use the facility. Increasing the number of customers using the facility is beneficial to the facility. By adjusting the remaining time based on whether the facility is used, as described above, long-term parking, which is detrimental to the facility, can be reliably suppressed.

[0019] (Item 5) The parking management method described in any one of items 1 to 4 further comprises the following feature: when the parking time limit is exceeded, performing a process to prompt the vehicle to leave the parking space.

[0020] As described above, by implementing a process that prompts the vehicle to leave the parking space when the parking time limit has been exceeded, it is possible to suppress undesirable long-term parking.

[0021] (Item 6) The parking management method described in Item 5 also has the following characteristics. The process of prompting departure includes at least one of the following: issuing a warning with a warning light installed for the parking frame; charging the user of the vehicle a parking fee; and discharging the battery installed in the vehicle.

[0022] The above-mentioned procedures are particularly effective in prompting vehicles to leave the parking lot.

[0023] According to another perspective, a storage medium storing a program is provided, which causes a computer to execute the parking management method described in any one of claims 1 to 6. In one embodiment, a computer apparatus is provided, comprising a storage device storing the aforementioned program and a processor executing the program stored in the storage device. In another embodiment, a computer apparatus for distributing the aforementioned program is provided.

[0024] According to this disclosure, it is possible to make flexible use of vehicles parked in parking lots and to suppress undesirable long-term parking. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram used to illustrate an overview of a parking management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the control system and power equipment.

[0028] Figure 3 It is used for utilization Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the energy management of the EVSE in the store.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the energy management processes involved in the parking management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes involved in display control in a parking management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The flowchart shown details the display control process.

[0032] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 The flowchart shows a variation of the processing. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an outline of a parking management system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The parking management system of this embodiment manages the parking lot 200 of store 100. In this embodiment, store 100 is a convenience store (hereinafter also simply referred to as "convenience store"). However, it is not limited to this, and the business type of store 100 is arbitrary. Store 100 may also be a department store, supermarket, or shopping mall store, for example.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The portable terminal 50 is equipped with application software (hereinafter referred to as the "convenience store application") for utilizing the services provided by the store 100. Through the convenience store application, the identification information (terminal ID) of the portable terminal 50 is registered in the control system 110 of the store 100 (more specifically, described later). Figure 2 In the server 111 shown, the portable terminal 50 can exchange information with the server 111 through a convenience store application. For example, the server 111 provides coupon information to the portable terminal 50 through the convenience store application. The server 111 uses the terminal ID to distinguish and manage information (user information, points information, etc.) related to multiple terminals.

[0037] 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 (hereinafter referred to as "cashier") 15. LAN refers to Local Area Network.

[0038] Camera 11 functions as a surveillance camera monitoring the store 100. Camera 11 is always operational, acquiring and saving images of the store 100 sequentially. Router 12 provides a wireless LAN to the store. For example, terminals with a convenience store app installed can utilize the wireless LAN provided by router 12. Automatic door device 13 includes a door, a sensor for detecting passing objects, and a mechanism for automatically opening and closing the door. Automatic door device 13 automatically opens the door when it detects the approach of a passing object (e.g., a person or object) and closes the door after confirming that the passing object has passed. Automatic door device 13 may also include a security door that opens upon successful authentication of the passing object (e.g., authentication via a convenience store app).

[0039] Goods are displayed on each of the shelves 14a-14d. Each of the shelves 14a-14d may also have at least one of a price display and a mechanism for replenishing goods. The price display may also have a mechanism according to the following description. Figure 2The display device, which changes the displayed content according to the instructions of the server 111 shown, automatically displays the commodity price corresponding to the status. Shelves 14a-14d can each be either sliding display shelves or intelligent shelves that utilize RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for automatic inventory counting.

[0040] Cash register 15 primarily performs expense calculations. For example, in terminals with a convenience store app installed, cashless transactions can be made using points (virtual currency) accumulated on the app. Cash register 15 can also be a POS (Point of Sales) cash register equipped with a point-of-sale information management system. POS cash registers collect sales information. Cash register 15 can also be an RFID-enabled self-service cash register.

[0041] Shop 100 receives electricity from a power system PG. The power system PG includes a power grid, power generation equipment, and transformer equipment. The power grid is constructed using 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 force exchanged between the power system PG and shop 100.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 as well as 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.

[0044] The power system PG, generator 123, and energy storage device 124 are electrically connected to PCS 121. The power system PG, for example, supplies AC power to PCS 121. Generator 123 and energy storage device 124 can each be installed indoors or outdoors. Generator 123 may also include at least one of a solar panel installed on the roof of shop 100 and a solar-powered carport installed in parking lot 200. Additionally, generator 123 may include a wind power generation device. Furthermore, generator 123 may include a stationary FC (Fuel Cell) generator that generates electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Energy storage device 124 may also include a stationary ESS (Energy Storage System). 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.

[0045] 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 panel 122. Additionally, PCS121 performs power conversion processing on the input power to output power suitable for charging the energy storage device 124.

[0046] 122-way distribution panel Figure 1 The various devices within the shop 100 shown (camera 11, router 12, automatic door device 13, cash register 15, etc.) are powered. The control system 110 (server 111 and EMS 112) also receives power from the power distribution panel 122. Furthermore, the power distribution panel 122 also supplies power to… Figure 1 The parking lot 200 shown is powered by various devices (EVSE20a-20d, camera 210, router 220, vehicle detection sensor 230, etc.).

[0047] Server 111 is configured to communicate with various devices within store 100 (camera 11, router 12, automatic door device 13, cash register 15, etc.). Additionally, server 111 is also configured to communicate with various devices in parking lot 200 (EVSE20a-20d, camera 210, router 220, vehicle detection sensor 230, etc.).

[0048] EMS112 receives information related to the power 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 fuel gauges that independently detect the power input to PCS121 from the power system PG, the power generation device 123, and the energy storage device 124, respectively. Furthermore, PCS121 also includes fuel gauges that independently detect the power output from PCS121 to the distribution panel 122 and the energy storage device 124, respectively. Based on the detection results from each fuel gauge, EMS112 acquires and records the energy income and expenditure information (e.g., generated electricity, demanded electricity, and stored electricity) in store 100 over time. Based on the acquired 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 power generation, charging, discharging, and demand constraints). In the case of shop 100 participating 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 of power generation device 123 using natural energy for power generation, EMS 112 can also predict the generated power based on weather forecast information and consider the predicted generated power to create an energy management plan. EMS 112 confirms the detection results obtained by each power meter included in PCS 121 and controls PCS 121 to execute energy management according to the created plan. Server 111 and EMS 112 cooperate to perform energy management while communicating with each other.

[0049] Refer again Figure 1 The parking lot 200 includes EVSE20a-20d, camera 210, wireless LAN router (hereinafter referred to as "router") 220, and vehicle detection sensor 230. It should be noted that EVSE refers to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.

[0050] Camera 210 functions as a surveillance camera monitoring the entire parking lot 200. Camera 210 is always operational, 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 application installed can utilize the wireless LAN provided by router 220. Figure 2The server 111 shown can control routers 12 and 220 to prevent only specific terminals specified by terminal ID from using the wireless LAN.

[0051] Parking lot 200 has parking frames P1 to P8. EVSEs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are installed at parking frames P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. However, no EVSEs are installed at parking frames P5, P6, P7, and P8. Additionally, parking frames P1 to P8 are each equipped with a vehicle detection sensor 230. The vehicle detection sensor 230 can be either a ground-buried sensor (e.g., a loop coil) or a non-grounded sensor (e.g., a zone sensor). The detection results obtained by the vehicle detection sensors 230 at each of parking frames P1 to P8 are output to server 111. Figure 2 Based on these detection results, server 111 can determine whether there are any vehicles parked in parking frames P1 to P8. For example, in... Figure 1 In the shown state, vehicles 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e are parked in parking frames P2, P4, P5, P7, and P8 respectively, while parking frames P1, P3, and P6 are idle. It should be noted that the status (parked / idle) of each parking frame in the parking lot 200 can also be detected by a monitoring camera (camera 210) or a 3D-LiDAR parking management system, instead of vehicle detection sensors.

[0052] The EVSE20a to 20d installed in parking lot 200 are, for example, chargers with power supply functions, configured to charge the energy storage devices installed in the vehicles. Vehicles electrically connected to any of the EVSE20a to 20d can perform energy management.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating energy management using 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. In addition, parking frames P1 to P4 equipped with EVSE20 will also be referred to as "parking frames P" without distinction. Figure 3 The vehicle 30 shown is 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.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as 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 from 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 communication network NW via the wireless LAN provided by router 12 or 220.

[0055] Each of the servers in servers 111, 500, and 700 can be a computer equipped with a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage devices. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. Storage devices are examples of storage media. Storage devices are configured to hold stored information. Storage devices may also include rewritable non-volatile memory. In each computer, various processes are performed by the processor executing programs stored in the storage devices. However, these processes are not limited to being performed by software; they can also be performed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry).

[0056] Server 500 is configured to implement a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) by utilizing advanced energy management technologies of IoT (Internet of Things) to constrain multiple distributed energy resources (hereinafter also referred to as "DERs"). A VPP functions like a power plant through remote / integrated control of the DERs. For example, when server 700 requests energy management from the power system PG, server 500 requests the server managing the DER to enable the DER electrically connected to the power system PG 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.

[0057] Vehicle 30 includes a battery 31 and an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU (Electronic Control Unit)") 35. The 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 energy storage device (e.g., a liquid secondary battery, a solid-state secondary battery, or a battery pack). Examples of vehicle secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0058] The EVSE20 is positioned near the parking bay P and is configured to charge the battery 31 of the vehicle 30, which is parked in the parking bay P. The EVSE20's main body houses a control unit 21 and a circuit unit 22. Additionally, the EVSE20 includes a charging cable 23, a warning light 26, and a display device 27. 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 supplying power to the vehicle 30 (e.g., charging the battery 31) and circuitry for supplying power (reverse current) to the electrical system PG. The charging cable 23 has a connector 24 (plug) at its front end.

[0059] Vehicle 30 has an access port 32 for attaching and detaching connector 24. Access port 32 functions as both a charging port and a discharging port. When the connector 24 of the charging cable 23, which is connected to the main body of EVSE 20, is connected to access port 32 of vehicle 30 in a parked state, vehicle 30 is electrically connected to EVSE 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "inserted state"). On the other hand, for example, when vehicle 30 is in motion, vehicle 30 is not electrically connected to EVSE 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "unplugged state").

[0060] The EVSE20 includes a connection detection circuit (not shown) that detects the state (insertion / removal) of the connector 24. The connection detection circuit outputs the state of the connector 24 to the control unit 21. Additionally, the control unit 21 obtains information indicating the operating status of the EVSE20 (e.g., input power from the power system PG, output power to the vehicle 30, input power from the vehicle 30, and output power to the power system PG) from sensors (not shown) included in the circuit unit 22. In this embodiment, only users who have authenticated the EVSE20 via the portable terminal 50 (convenience store application) are allowed to use the EVSE20. Through this authentication, the identification information (terminal ID) of the portable terminal 50 is input to the EVSE20. Then, the EVSE20 (control unit 21) sends the terminal ID along with the EVSE20's identification information to the server 111. The server 111 can determine the user using the EVSE20 based on the terminal ID received from the EVSE20. During the use of the EVSE20, information related to the EVSE20 is sent sequentially from the EVSE20 to the server 111.

[0061] From the power system PG via Figure 2 The PCS121 and power distribution panel 122 shown supply power to the EVSE20. When the battery 31 is being charged while inserted, 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 inlet 32. When the battery 31 is being discharged while inserted, 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. Thus, EVSE20 is configured to provide a reverse power flow to the power system PG.

[0062] In the inserted state, the control unit 21 of the EVSE20 communicates with the ECU 35 of the vehicle 30 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 state of the battery 31 (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 the target value. It should be noted that SOC (State of Charge) represents the remaining charge capacity, for example, expressed as 0-100% as the ratio of the current charge capacity to the charge capacity in a fully charged state.

[0063] Warning light 26 is controlled by server 111. Warning light 26 is configured to switch between having a warning on and off. If server 111 instructs the warning light 26 to issue a warning, the warning is issued; if server 111 instructs the warning to stop, the warning is stopped. Warning light 26 can also be off normally, and flash or illuminate during a warning. Additionally, warning light 26 can be illuminated in a first color (e.g., green) normally, and in a second color (e.g., red) during a warning. Warning light 26 can also function as a speaker and emit sound during a warning.

[0064] Display device 27 displays the remaining time until the parking time limit for vehicle 30, which is currently parked in parking frame P. Figure 3 In the indicated state, display device 27 shows "30 minutes" as the remaining time. Details will be described later, but the remaining time until the parking time limit is equivalent to the store's permitted parking time limit.

[0065] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes involved in energy management in the parking lot management method of this embodiment. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are executed by server 111 for vehicles 30 in an inserted state within parking frames P of parking lot 200 when server 111 receives a request from server 500 for VPP participation. When there are vehicles 30 in an inserted state in each of the multiple parking frames P, server 111 executes a series of processes S11 to S16 as described below for each inserted vehicle 30. In the flowchart, "S" refers to a step.

[0066] Reference Figures 1-3 as well as Figure 4 In S11, server 111 requests energy management from vehicle 30. Specifically, server 111 sends a request signal to portable terminal 50 corresponding to vehicle 30 (i.e., portable terminal 50 carried by the user of vehicle 30), requesting either a consent or rejection response from portable terminal 50. Upon receiving the request signal, portable terminal 50 displays screen Sc1, for example. Screen Sc1 displays information related to the energy management period (hereinafter also referred to as the "VPP period") and rewards, along with the energy management request message. Furthermore, screen Sc1 displays operation unit B1 for accepting consent input and operation unit B2 for accepting rejection input. When the user operates operation unit B1, portable terminal 50 responds to server 111 with consent. When the user operates operation unit B2, portable terminal 50 responds to server 111 with rejection.

[0067] In the following S12, server 111 determines whether it agrees to the energy management request. If server 111 receives a rejection response from the user of vehicle 30 who requested energy management, or if no response is received within a predetermined time after the request, it determines that the energy management request was not agreed to (in S12, this is "No"). Figure 4 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0068] If the server 111 receives a response of consent from the user of the vehicle 30 that requested energy management, it determines "yes" in S12 and proceeds to S13. In S13, the server 111 requests user conditions (i.e., conditions set by the user) related to the charge and discharge control of the battery 31 from the portable terminal 50. Specifically, the portable terminal 50 requests the user to input conditions related to the charge and discharge control of the battery 31 based on the request from the server 111. In this embodiment, the portable terminal 50 requires the user to input the SOC range of the battery 31 that allows control to be performed by an external device (e.g., the server 500). The portable terminal 50 displays, for example, screen Sc2. Screen Sc2 displays input sections R1 and R2 for accepting input of the SOC range (lower limit and upper limit) and a decision button B3. When the user specifies the SOC range through input sections R1 and R2 and operates the decision button B3, the user-specified conditions (SOC range) are sent from the portable terminal 50 to the server 111. It should be noted that the content displayed on screen Sc2 can be changed appropriately. For example, screen Sc2 may only require input of the lower limit of SOC. Alternatively, screen Sc2 may replace the SOC range or, based on the SOC range, require the user to input other conditions (such as the scheduled departure time). Server 111 may also change the VPP period of vehicle 30 according to the scheduled departure time specified by the user.

[0069] Next, in S14, server 111 sends information related to the EVSE20 electrically connected to vehicle 30 (e.g., information required for charge / discharge control) to server 500, allowing server 500 to remotely control the EVSE20. In this embodiment, server 111 sends the conditions specified by the user in S13 to server 500. Furthermore, server 111 may also send information related to the EVSE20 electrically connected to vehicle 30 (e.g., location, communication address, and specifications) to server 500.

[0070] Upon receiving permission for remote control from server 111, server 500 communicates with control unit 21 of EVSE 20 and performs charge / discharge control of battery 31. Through this charge / discharge control, server 500 enables vehicle 30 to perform energy management for VPP (e.g., energy management of power system PG). At this time, server 500 performs charge / discharge control of battery 31 according to user-specified conditions. In this embodiment, server 500 performs charge / discharge control of battery 31 within the user-specified SOC range. If the SOC of battery 31 is lower than the user-specified lower limit, server 500 charges battery 31 until its SOC reaches or exceeds the lower limit, and then performs charge / discharge control of battery 31 for energy management within the user-specified SOC range. Therefore, during energy management, the SOC of battery 31 will not fall below the user-specified lower limit. Thus, even if vehicle 30 is disconnected from energy management at any time, the required electrical power (SOC) for the next trip can be easily ensured in battery 31.

[0071] Through the processing in S14 described above, energy management based on vehicle 30 begins. Next, server 111 determines in S15 whether to continue energy management. Specifically, server 111 determines whether predetermined VPP continuation conditions are met. In this embodiment, the VPP continuation condition is met if any of the following end conditions are not met: vehicle 30 is in an unplugged state (first end condition), an end request is sent from portable terminal 50 corresponding to vehicle 30 to server 111 (second end condition), or energy management is completed (third end condition). If any of the end conditions are met, the VPP continuation condition is not met.

[0072] During energy management, server 111 can also send the State of Charge (SOC) of vehicle 30 sequentially to portable terminal 50 corresponding to vehicle 30. The user can also observe the current SOC displayed on portable terminal 50 to determine whether to continue energy management. When the user sends a termination request to server 111 via portable terminal 50 (convenience store application), the second termination condition is met. Thus, the user of vehicle 30 can stop energy management midway. For example, the third termination condition is met when the end time of the VPP period arrives.

[0073] During energy management execution (S15 is "Yes"), processes S14 and S15 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if any of the aforementioned termination conditions are met (S15 is "No"), energy management ends. In this case, server 111 sends a message in S16 to the portable terminal 50 corresponding to the vehicle 30, simultaneously conveying the termination of energy management and the reason for it. This message is displayed on the portable terminal 50. When processing S16 is executed, Figure 4The series of processes shown has ended. It should be noted that during periods when energy management is not being performed, remote control of EVSE20a-20d by server 500 is prohibited.

[0074] If the energy management for VPP ends, server 111 rewards the user of vehicle 30 with a reward (e.g., points) corresponding to the energy management performance via the convenience store application. For example, a portion of the reward paid from the integrator to the store owner of store 100 as a return for participating in VPP is returned to the user of vehicle 30. Server 111 may also determine the reward based on the conditions specified in S13. For example, the wider the SOC range specified in S13, the more expensive the reward the user receives. The message sent in S16 may also include information about the reward received by the user (e.g., the number of points awarded). Points can be treated like virtual currency or can be redeemed. Alternatively, points can be converted into goods or rights (e.g., the right to receive services commensurate with the number of points).

[0075] Incidentally, vehicles parked in parking lot 200 for extended periods tend to reduce customer turnover at shop 100. On the other hand, utilizing vehicles currently parked in parking lot 200 for shop operations could benefit both the shop owner and the vehicle users. Therefore, the server 111 in this embodiment seeks to utilize vehicles 30 currently parked in parking lot 200 flexibly and suppress prolonged parking that is detrimental to the shop by performing the display control described below.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes involved in display control in the parking lot management method of this embodiment. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed by server 111. For a vehicle 30 in an inserted state in a parking frame P of the parking lot 200, server 111 executes the processes S21 to S23 described below. When there is a vehicle 30 in an inserted state in each of the multiple parking frames P, server 111 executes the series of processes S21 to S23 described below for each inserted vehicle 30.

[0077] Reference Figures 1-3 as well as Figure 5 In S21, server 111 determines whether the countdown start time (hereinafter referred to as "CDST") set for vehicle 30 has arrived. In this embodiment, the timer for starting the charging of battery 31 of vehicle 30 using EVSE20 is set as CDST.

[0078] It should be noted that CDST is not limited to the above and can be changed appropriately. For example, the time when vehicle 30 begins to park in parking space P can also be set as CDST. Additionally, the time when a user of vehicle 30 completes checkout using cash register 15 can also be set as CDST. Furthermore, the CDST can be set arbitrarily by the store clerk in server 111. In addition, server 111 can also change CDST according to time periods. Server 111 can also set different CDSTs for each user (each vehicle 30). Server 111 can also set the time when a user who has become a paid member completes checkout using cash register 15 as CDST, and for other users, set the time when they begin charging using EVSE 20 as CDST.

[0079] Next, in S22, server 111 determines the remaining time until the parking time limit for vehicle 30 currently parked in parking space P. This remaining time can be a fixed value (e.g., 10 minutes) or it can vary depending on the situation. For example, the more empty parking spaces there are in parking lot 200, the longer the remaining time (the time limit for parking allowed in the store) can be.

[0080] Next, server 111 performs the following instructions in S23. Figure 6 The display controls are shown below. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the details of S23.

[0081] Reference Figures 1-3 as well as Figure 6 In S31, server 111 determines whether the predetermined addition conditions are met. In this embodiment, server 111 responds to energy management requests ( Figure 4 The above-mentioned additional condition is met if, in case S11, a response of consent is received from the user of vehicle 30. It should be noted that if server 111 receives a request for VPP participation from server 500 when vehicle 30 is in the inserted state in parking frame P, then... Figure 5 The series of processes shown are executed in parallel. Figure 4 The series of processes shown. In server 111, a request for energy management ( Figure 4 If, in the case of S11, a rejection response is received from the user of vehicle 30, the above-mentioned additional condition is not met.

[0082] Furthermore, the aforementioned additional conditions also apply when a user in vehicle 30 enters store 100. Furthermore, the aforementioned additional conditions also apply when a user who enters the store makes a purchase within store 100. The cash register 15 can also identify the shopper via the terminal ID. The portable terminal 50 can send the terminal ID to the cash register 15 via a convenience store application. It should be noted that the additional conditions are not limited to the above and can be set arbitrarily. Alternatively, the additional conditions can be set arbitrarily by the store clerk in server 111.

[0083] If the condition for increasing the time is met ("Yes" in S31), the process proceeds from S32 to S33. In S32, server 111 increases the remaining time until the parking time limit for vehicle 30 (see reference). Figure 5 (S22). For example, if the condition is met because the user of vehicle 30 agrees to energy management (participating in VPP), server 111 adds a predetermined time to the remaining time (e.g., the time corresponding to the VPP period). Thus, the remaining time when vehicle 30 performs energy management is longer than the remaining time when vehicle 30 does not perform energy management. Server 111 can also set the remaining time (and thus, parking time limit) according to the VPP period, so that vehicle 30 continues to be parked in parking frame P during the VPP period. Furthermore, if the condition is met because the user of vehicle 30 enters store 100, server 111 adds a predetermined time to the remaining time (e.g., 30 minutes). Thus, the remaining time when the user of vehicle 30 enters store 100 is longer than the remaining time when the user of vehicle 30 does not enter store 100. Then, if the user who entered the store makes purchases in store 100, server 111 further adds a predetermined time to the remaining time (e.g., 30 minutes). Server 111 can also change the added time based on the items purchased by the user. For example, the higher the price of the item a user purchases, the longer the remaining time on the server (111) is set. This can increase the user's willingness to purchase expensive items. Alternatively, the closer the expiration date of the item a user purchases, the longer the remaining time on the server (111) is set. This aims to reduce food waste.

[0084] On the other hand, if the condition for increasing the time is not met ("No" in S31), the process proceeds to S33 without going through S32. In this case, the aforementioned increase in the remaining time (S32) is not performed.

[0085] In S33, server 111 determines whether vehicle 30 has left. Server 111 may also determine whether vehicle 30 has left based on a signal from vehicle detection sensor 230 corresponding to the parking frame P where vehicle 30 is parked. If vehicle 30 has left parking frame P (yes in S33), server 111 stops displaying the remaining time on display device 27 in S39 (see S36 described later). Thus, display device 27 becomes a non-display state. Through the processing in S39, Figure 5 S23 and Figure 6 The series of processes shown here conclude together. Therefore, Figure 5 The series of processes shown also ends. A judgment of "yes" in S33 means that vehicle 30 leaves parking frame P before the parking time limit.

[0086] On the other hand, if vehicle 30 remains in parking frame P ("No" in S33), server 111 executes the remaining time in S34 (in Figure 5 The countdown timer (either the remaining time determined in S22 or the remaining time added in S32) is used. In the initial processing routine, server 111 begins the countdown timer, and in subsequent processing routines, server 111 continues the countdown. Through this countdown, the remaining time decreases as time passes.

[0087] In S35, server 111 determines whether the parking time limit for vehicle 30 has been exceeded. The parking time limit is equivalent to the elapsed remaining time from the current moment. If the remaining time in the countdown in S34 is not 0, it means that the parking time limit for vehicle 30 has not been exceeded. Conversely, if the countdown in S34 shows a remaining time of 0, it means that vehicle 30 has exceeded the parking time limit.

[0088] If the parking time limit for vehicle 30 has not been exceeded (No in S35), in S36, server 111 controls display device 27 to display the current remaining time. Afterwards, the process returns to S31. During the period when vehicle 30 has not left parking frame P and the parking time limit for vehicle 30 has not been exceeded (No in both S33 and S35), processes S31 to S36 are repeated. During this period, server 111 counts down the remaining time while display device 27 displays the remaining time (S34 to S36). However, if the condition for incrementing is met, the remaining time is incremented through the process in S32.

[0089] When the parking time limit of vehicle 30 is exceeded ("Yes" in S35), server 111 performs a departure prompting process in S37. The departure prompting process is the process that prompts vehicle 30 to leave parking frame P. In this embodiment, the departure prompting process includes: notification processing and wireless LAN usage prohibition processing for the portable terminal 50 corresponding to vehicle 30 (i.e., the portable terminal 50 carried by the user of vehicle 30); charging processing for the user of vehicle 30; and warning processing based on the warning light 26 corresponding to vehicle 30 (i.e., the warning light 26 of EVSE 20 connected to vehicle 30). Specifically, server 111 notifies the portable terminal 50 to leave. When the portable terminal 50 receives the notification from server 111, it displays screen Sc3, for example. Screen Sc3 contains a message prompting the user of vehicle 30 to leave. Additionally, server 111 controls routers 12 and 220 to prevent portable terminal 50 from using the wireless LAN (specifically, the communication network provided by store 100 to the premises of store 100 via routers 12 and 220). This reduces the convenience for users of vehicle 30 within store 100's premises (including parking lot 200). Furthermore, server 111 controls warning lights 26, causing the warning lights 26 installed at parking bay P to issue a warning to vehicle 30, prompting it to leave parking bay P. Moreover, server 111 charges parking fees to users of vehicle 30. Server 111 charges vehicle 30 a predetermined parking fee every unit of time (e.g., 1 minute) via portable terminal 50 (convenience store application). Users can also use points (virtual currency) accumulated on the convenience store application to pay the parking fees.

[0090] It should be noted that the departure promotion process is not limited to the processes described above and can be arbitrarily set. For example, in addition to the processes described above (notification processing, wireless LAN usage prohibition processing, charge processing, and warning processing), or replacing at least one of the processes described above, the departure promotion process may also include the discharge processing (forced discharge processing) of the battery 31 mounted on the vehicle 30. Specifically, the server 111 may also control the EVSE20 corresponding to the vehicle 30 in S37 to discharge from the battery 31 mounted on the vehicle 30 to the power distribution panel 122. The discharged power may also be stored in the energy storage device 124.

[0091] In the next step, S38, server 111 determines whether vehicle 30 has left according to the departure facilitation process. Server 111 may, for example, determine whether vehicle 30 has left based on a signal from the vehicle detection sensor 230 corresponding to vehicle 30. During the period when vehicle 30 has not left (in S38, "No"), S37 and S38 are repeated. Thus, the departure facilitation process is continuously executed. Then, when vehicle 30 leaves according to the departure facilitation process (in S38, "Yes"), Figure 5 S23 and Figure 6 The series of processes shown here conclude together. Therefore, Figure 5 The series of processes shown has also come to an end.

[0092] As described above, the parking management method of this embodiment includes Figures 4-6 The series of processes shown. Figure 4 The series of processes shown includes requesting energy management from the vehicle 30 that is parked in the parking frame P (S11). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The series of processes shown includes displaying the remaining time until the parking time limit of vehicle 30 (S22, S31-S36). Displaying the remaining time includes a remaining time longer if the vehicle performs energy management than if the vehicle does not perform energy management (S31, S32). More specifically, displaying the remaining time includes: determining the remaining time based on the response of the user of vehicle 30 to a request for energy management (S31, S32); and having the display device 27 display the determined remaining time (S36).

[0093] According to the above method, for vehicle 30 parked in parking frame P, the remaining time before the parking time limit (i.e., the limited parking time allowed by the store) is displayed. By showing the remaining time to those around, the presence of onlookers acts as a deterrent, discouraging long-term parking beyond the parking time limit (i.e., long-term parking that is detrimental to the store). Furthermore, by making the remaining time when vehicle 30 is performing energy management longer than the remaining time when vehicle 30 is not performing energy management, vehicle 30 is encouraged to participate in energy management. Thus, vehicle 30 parked in parking lot 200 of store 100 can be easily and flexibly utilized by the store. By having vehicle 30 participate in energy management, the store owner can receive incentives from the integrator. On the other hand, users of vehicle 30 are allowed to park vehicle 30 in parking lot 200 for extended periods. Therefore, users of vehicle 30 can stay in parking lot 200 for extended periods to rest. Alternatively, users of vehicle 30 can leave vehicle 30 in parking lot 200 and complete work nearby.

[0094] Server 111 can also be used as a substitute. Figure 6 The following instructions describe the process as shown. Figure 7 The processing is shown. Figure 7 It means Figure 6 The flowchart shows a variation of the processing. Figure 7 The series of processes shown includes Figure 6 S33 to S39 shown do not include Figure 6 S31 and S32 are shown. Figure 7 The series of processes shown, in addition to Figure 4In addition to S11 to S16 shown, new steps (S31A, S12A, S14A) are also included. It should be noted that in the variations described below, these steps are not performed. Figure 4 The processing is shown. Figure 7 The series of processes shown in Figure 5 Executed in S23.

[0095] Reference Figures 1-3 as well as Figure 7 In this variant, server 111 first determines in S31A whether it is a timed request for energy management. When server 111 receives a request for VPP participation from server 500, it determines "yes" in S31A; if it does not receive a request for VPP participation from server 500, it determines "no" in S31A.

[0096] If the condition in S31A is "No", the process proceeds to S33. Then, when the process in S36 is executed, the process returns to S31A. During the period when vehicle 30 has not left the parking frame P and the parking time limit of vehicle 30 has not been exceeded (if "No" is true in both S33 and S35), the processes in S31A and S33 to S36 are repeated.

[0097] On the other hand, if the condition in S31A is "yes", server 111 executes processes S11 and S12. When the user of vehicle 30 agrees to the energy management request ("yes" in S12), server 111 stops the countdown of remaining time in S12A and then executes process S13. Next, server 111 controls display device 27 in S14A to display the current remaining time. Next, server 111 executes processes S14 and S15. During the execution of energy management ("yes" in S15), processes S14A, S14, and S15 are repeatedly executed. During the execution of energy management, the countdown of remaining time also remains stopped, and the remaining time displayed in S14A remains unchanged. Display device 27 continues to display the same time. Then, when energy management ends ("no" in S15), server 111 executes process S16.

[0098] If the energy management request is rejected ("No" in S12), or if the process in S16 has been performed, the process proceeds to S33. Therefore, while the vehicle 30 is parked in the parking frame P and energy management is not being performed, S33 to S36 are repeated. As a result, the remaining time is counted down, and the remaining time counted down is displayed on the display device 27.

[0099] The parking management methods described in the above variations include: Figure 7 The series of processes shown. Figure 7The series of processes shown includes: counting down and displaying the remaining time when vehicle 30 is not performing energy management (S34-S36); and displaying the remaining time without counting down when vehicle 30 is performing energy management (S12A, S14A, S14, S15). This method also allows for the flexible use of vehicle 30 parked in parking lot 200 of shop 100 and suppresses long-term parking that is detrimental to the shop.

[0100] The power system PG (external power source) is not limited to large-scale AC power grids; it can be either 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 is as follows. For example, the functionality of server 500 can also be installed on server 111, and server 500 can be omitted.

[0101] In the above embodiments and variations, server 111 has the capability to enable the computer to execute... Figures 4-7 The program for the parking management method shown is described. Server 111 includes a storage device for storing such a program and a processor for executing the program. That is, in the above embodiment, a locally deployed server ( Figure 2 The server 111 shown executes the parking management method. However, it is not limited to this; the functions of server 111 (especially those involving parking management) can also be installed on the cloud via cloud computing.

[0102] The various variations described above can also be combined arbitrarily to implement them.

[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 embodiments above, but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to and within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A parking lot management method for managing parking lots, wherein, The parking lot includes parking frames and power supply equipment configured to charge an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle parked in the parking frame. The parking lot management method includes: The system requests energy management from a vehicle parked in the parking bay. In this energy management, the charging and discharging of the energy storage device is controlled within the user-specified State of Charge (SOC) range of the vehicle. The electricity released by the energy storage device is output to a power system connected to the power supply equipment. Displays the remaining time until the parking time limit for vehicles currently parked in the parking bay to the surrounding area. The remaining time is displayed as follows: The remaining time when the vehicle performs the energy management is longer than the remaining time when the vehicle does not perform the energy management. Specifically, when the vehicle is not performing the energy management, the remaining time is counted down and displayed; when the vehicle is performing the energy management, the remaining time is displayed unchanged without counting down.

2. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, wherein, The remaining time is displayed as follows: The remaining time is determined based on the user's response to the energy management request from the vehicle's user; and The determined remaining time is displayed on the display device.

3. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, wherein, The remaining time also includes: The remaining time is longer when the user of the vehicle uses the facility than when the user of the vehicle does not use the facility.

4. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, wherein, The parking lot management method also includes: If the parking time limit is exceeded, a process is executed to cause the vehicle to leave the parking frame.

5. The parking lot management method according to claim 4, wherein, The process that prompts the departure includes at least one of the following processes: A warning light is emitted by a warning light positioned over the parking frame; Charging parking fees to users of the vehicle; and Discharge of the energy storage device mounted on the vehicle is performed.

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

7. A computer apparatus, wherein, The computer device includes a storage medium storing a program as described in claim 6 and a processor executing the program.

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