Information processing method, information processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

The server acquires a deterioration degree, a charging rate, and an initial full charge capacity of the battery pack mounted on the electric moving body at a lease start time, calculates an amount of power of the battery pack at the lease start time on the basis of the deterioration degree, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity, and determines a lease state of the battery pack on the basis of the amount of power. The rental fee of the electric moving body or the rental fee of the battery pack with the electric power less than the current full charge capacity is calculated, and the rental fee is output by calculating the rental fee of the electric moving body with the built-in battery pack with the electric power less than the current full charge capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for calculating a rental fee of a battery mounted on an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, small electric vehicles have appeared, and research is being conducted on technologies that allow batteries that can be disassembled and assembled in electric vehicles to be loaned to users.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a server that collects the full charge capacity of a battery mounted on the vehicle for traveling from a vehicle and determines a lending fee to be paid by a user for lending the battery according to the collected full charge capacity.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned existing technologies, the batteries that can be rented may be insufficient, and further improvement is needed.

[0005] Prior Art Literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-177652 Summary of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can prevent a shortage of batteries that can be rented.

[0009] The information processing method involved in the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer, which obtains the degradation degree, charging rate and initial full charge capacity of the battery installed in the electric mobile body at the start time of leasing, calculates the power of the battery at the start time of leasing based on the degradation degree, the charging rate and the initial full charge capacity, calculates the rental fee of the electric mobile body with the battery whose power is less than the current full charge capacity or the rental fee of the battery whose power is less than the current full charge capacity based on the power, and outputs the rental fee.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent batteries that can be rented from being insufficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery pack lending system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining lending and returning of a battery pack in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining the battery pack lending process of the server in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining the rental fee calculation process performed by the rental fee calculation unit in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a scheduled rental fee presentation image displayed on a user terminal in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a confirmed rental fee presentation image displayed on the user terminal in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a server in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining the rental fee calculation processing of the rental fee calculation unit in the second embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a scheduled rental fee presentation image displayed on a user terminal in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] (Insights that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0022] In the prior art, the lending fee paid by the user for lending the battery is determined according to the fully charged capacity of the battery. Usually, fully charged batteries are lent to users. However, in the case of lending only fully charged batteries, the battery cannot be lent until it is fully charged, and there may be a shortage of batteries that can be rented. In addition, in order to cope with the shortage of batteries, the service operator that lends batteries needs to prepare extra batteries, which may increase the service operation cost.

[0023] In order to solve the above problems, the following technology is disclosed.

[0024] (1) An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method in a computer, the method comprising obtaining a degree of degradation, a charging rate, and an initial full charge capacity of a battery mounted on an electric mobile body at a time when rental of the battery starts, calculating the amount of electric power of the battery at the time when rental starts based on the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity, calculating a rental fee for the electric mobile body having a battery with an amount of electric power less than the current full charge capacity or a rental fee for the battery with an amount of electric power less than the current full charge capacity based on the amount of electric power, and outputting the rental fee.

[0025] According to this configuration, the power of the battery at the rental start time is calculated based on the degree of degradation of the battery, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity of the battery mounted on the electric mobile body at the rental start time. Then, based on the calculated power, the rental fee of the electric mobile body with a built-in battery with a power level less than the current full charge capacity or the rental fee of the battery with a power level less than the current full charge capacity is calculated, and the calculated rental fee is output.

[0026] Therefore, not only fully charged batteries but also rental fees of batteries that are less than fully charged can be indicated, and since the number of batteries that can be rented increases, it is possible to prevent the number of batteries that can be rented from being insufficient.

[0027] Furthermore, not only electric vehicles with fully charged batteries but also rental prices of electric vehicles with batteries less than fully charged can be displayed, and since the number of electric vehicles that can be rented increases, it is possible to prevent shortage of electric vehicles that can be rented.

[0028] (2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, in calculating the rental fee, the rental fee may be calculated by multiplying the amount of electricity at the rental start time by a given constant.

[0029] According to this configuration, the rental fee can be calculated using the amount of electricity at the rental start time.

[0030] (3) In the information processing method described in (1) above, in the calculation of the rental fee, the degree of deterioration and the charging rate of the battery at the scheduled time of rental end of the battery are estimated, the amount of electricity at the scheduled time of rental end is calculated based on the degree of deterioration of the battery at the scheduled time of rental end, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity, and the rental fee is calculated by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the amount of electricity at the scheduled time of rental end from the amount of electricity at the rental start time by a given constant.

[0031] According to this configuration, the rental fee is calculated by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the amount of electricity at the scheduled rental end time from the amount of electricity at the rental start time by a given constant.

[0032] Therefore, the rental fee can be calculated using the amount of electricity at the rental start time and the amount of electricity at the scheduled rental end time, and a more accurate rental fee can be calculated according to the amount of electricity consumed by the battery.

[0033] (4) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (3) above, it is also possible that, in calculating the rental fee, the past operating rate of the battery site where the battery is placed is calculated, a first coefficient set for the battery site is calculated based on the calculated operating rate, and the calculated first coefficient is multiplied by the rental fee.

[0034] According to this configuration, the first coefficient set for the battery site is calculated based on the past operation rate of the battery site where the battery is placed, and the calculated first coefficient is multiplied by the rental fee.

[0035] Therefore, if the past operation rate of the battery station is high, the rental fee of the battery placed at the battery station can be increased by increasing the value of the first coefficient, and if the past operation rate of the battery station is low, the rental fee of the battery placed at the battery station can be reduced by reducing the value of the first coefficient. Therefore, it is possible to prevent users from concentrating on one battery station.

[0036] (5) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (4) above, in the calculation of the rental fee, the lending ratio of multiple batteries that have been rented in the past is calculated for each of a plurality of given charging rate ranges, and based on the calculated lending ratio for each of the plurality of given charging rate ranges, a second coefficient set for each of the plurality of given charging rate ranges is calculated, and the rental fee is multiplied by the second coefficient set for the range within which the charging rate of the battery in the plurality of given charging rate ranges falls.

[0037] According to this configuration, the lending ratio of the plurality of batteries that have been rented in the past is calculated for each of the plurality of given charging rate ranges. The second coefficient set for each of the plurality of given charging rate ranges is calculated based on the calculated lending ratio for each of the plurality of given charging rate ranges. The second coefficient set for the range that the charging rate of the battery in the plurality of given charging rate ranges falls within is multiplied by the rental fee.

[0038] Therefore, by increasing the value of the second coefficient, the rental fee of the battery whose charging rate at the start of rental is within the charging rate range with a high lending ratio can be increased, and by decreasing the value of the second coefficient, the rental fee of the battery whose charging rate at the start of rental is within the charging rate range with a low lending ratio can be reduced. Therefore, the rental of batteries whose charging rate at the start of rental is low, that is, batteries with low power and not fully charged, can be promoted, and the shortage of batteries that can be rented can be prevented.

[0039] (6) In the information processing method described in (5) above, when the second coefficient set for the first charging rate range is larger than the second coefficient set for the second charging rate range that is larger than the first charging rate range, the second coefficient set for the second charging rate range may be replaced by the second coefficient set for the first charging rate range.

[0040] According to this configuration, the second coefficient can be increased as the charging rate range becomes higher, and the rental price of the battery at the first charging rate can be made lower than the rental price of the battery at the second charging rate higher than the first charging rate.

[0041] (7) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (6) above, in the calculation of the rental fee, the moving distance of each previous rental by the user who rents the battery may be converted into power consumption, and when the scheduled power consumption of the battery this time is less than a value obtained by subtracting a threshold value from the converted power consumption, the rental fee may be multiplied by a third coefficient, and when the scheduled power consumption is within the range between a value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption and a value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the rental fee may be multiplied by a fourth coefficient higher than the third coefficient, and when the scheduled power consumption is greater than a value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the rental fee may be multiplied by a fifth coefficient higher than the fourth coefficient.

[0042] According to this structure, the moving distance of each rental of the user who rents the battery in the past is converted into the power consumption. When the scheduled power consumption of the battery this time is less than the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption, the third coefficient is multiplied by the rental fee. In addition, when the scheduled power consumption is within the range between the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption and the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the fourth coefficient higher than the third coefficient is multiplied by the rental fee. In addition, when the scheduled power consumption is greater than the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the fifth coefficient higher than the fourth coefficient is multiplied by the rental fee.

[0043] Therefore, if the power consumption this time becomes smaller than the power consumption during the previous rental, the rental fee also becomes cheaper, so it is possible to encourage the user to use a battery with less power consumption.

[0044] (8) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (7) above, it is also possible to further obtain the departure point and destination point of the electric mobile body equipped with the battery, further convert the moving distance from the departure point to the destination point into the power consumption, further select a loanable battery whose power amount of the battery at the start time of the rental is greater than the converted power consumption, and in calculating the rental fee, calculate the rental fee of the selected loanable battery.

[0045] According to this configuration, a loanable battery having a battery power at the rental start time greater than the power consumption amount calculated from the travel distance from the departure point to the destination point is selected, and the rental fee of the selected loanable battery is calculated.

[0046] Therefore, batteries that cannot reach the destination from the departure point can be excluded, and only the rental fees of batteries that can reach the destination from the departure point can be presented.

[0047] (9) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (8) above, it is also possible to further obtain the degree of deterioration, charging rate and initial full charge capacity of the battery at the time when the rental of the battery ends, further calculate the amount of electricity at the time when the rental ends based on the degree of deterioration, the charging rate and the initial full charge capacity, further calculate the final rental fee of the battery based on the electricity, and further output the final rental fee.

[0048] According to this configuration, the final rental fee of the battery is calculated based on the amount of electricity at the rental end time, and the calculated final rental fee is output, so the final rental fee can be presented to the user.

[0049] In addition, the present disclosure can be implemented not only as an information processing method that performs the above-mentioned characteristic processing, but also as an information processing device having a characteristic structure corresponding to the characteristic processing performed by the information processing method. In addition, it can also be implemented as a computer program that enables a computer to perform the characteristic processing included in such an information processing method. Therefore, the following other methods can also achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned information processing method.

[0050] (10) Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring a degree of degradation, a charging rate, and an initial full charge capacity of a battery mounted on an electric mobile body at the time when leasing starts; an electric power calculation unit for calculating the electric power of the battery at the time when leasing starts based on the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity; a rental fee calculation unit for calculating, based on the electric power, a rental fee for the electric mobile body having a built-in battery whose electric power is less than the current full charge capacity or a rental fee for the battery whose electric power is less than the current full charge capacity; and an output unit for outputting the rental fee.

[0051] (11) The information processing program involved in other aspects of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following functions: obtain the degree of deterioration, charging rate and initial full charge capacity of the battery mounted on the electric mobile body at the time when the rental starts, calculate the power of the battery at the time when the rental starts based on the degree of deterioration, the charging rate and the initial full charge capacity, calculate the rental fee of the electric mobile body with the battery whose power is less than the current full charge capacity or the rental fee of the battery whose power is less than the current full charge capacity based on the power, and output the rental fee.

[0052] (12) A computer-readable recording medium for recording an information processing program according to another embodiment of the present disclosure enables a computer to perform the following functions: obtain the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity of the battery mounted on the electric mobile body at the time when the rental starts, calculate the amount of electric power of the battery at the time when the rental starts based on the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity, calculate the rental fee of the electric mobile body having the battery with the amount of electric power less than the current full charge capacity or the rental fee of the battery with the amount of electric power less than the current full charge capacity based on the amount of electric power, and output the rental fee.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below all represent a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, constituent elements, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and the main purpose is not to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not recorded in the independent claims representing the highest concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements. In addition, in all embodiments, the various contents can also be combined.

[0054] (Implementation method 1)

[0055] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a battery pack lending system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1 The battery pack lending system shown includes a server 1 , a user terminal 2 , a battery pack site terminal 3 , and a battery pack 4 .

[0057] The user terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer, and is used by a user who rents the battery pack 4. The user terminal 2 receives input of a departure point and a destination point from the user. The departure point indicates a point where the electric vehicle carrying the battery pack 4 starts moving and starts using the battery pack 4. The destination point indicates a point where the electric vehicle carrying the battery pack 4 ends moving and ends using the battery pack 4.

[0058] For example, the user terminal 2 displays a map and can accept the user's input of an arbitrary departure point and an arbitrary destination point on the displayed map. In addition, the user terminal 2 can accept the user's input of the name of the residence or facility of the arbitrary departure point and the arbitrary destination point.

[0059] In addition, there is sometimes a relay point between the departure point and the target point where the user stops by. In this case, the user terminal 2 can accept input of the relay point in addition to the user's input of the departure point and the target point. The user moves from the departure point to the target point via the relay point. The user terminal 2 can accept input of not only one relay point but also multiple relay points. In addition, the departure point and the target point can be different places. That is, the electric mobile body can start moving at the departure point and end moving at the target point located in a place different from the departure point. In addition, the departure point and the target point can also be the same place. That is, the electric mobile body can also start moving at the departure point and end moving at the target point located in the same place as the departure point via the relay point.

[0060] The user terminal 2 transmits rental request information including information for identifying the user, the departure point, and the destination point to the server 1. The information for identifying the user may be a user ID for identifying the user or a terminal ID for identifying the user terminal 2.

[0061] Furthermore, when a user rents a battery pack 4, the user terminal 2 receives information indicating the rental fees of a plurality of battery packs 4 located within a given distance range from the departure point, which is transmitted from the server 1. The user terminal 2 displays the rental fees of the received plurality of battery packs 4. At this time, the user terminal 2 displays the rental fees in correspondence with the numbers of the lockers storing the plurality of battery packs 4 for each battery pack station. Thus, the user terminal 2 presents the rental fees of a plurality of battery packs 4 located within a given distance range from the departure point to the user who wishes to rent a battery pack 4. The user moves to a battery pack station where there is a locker storing the battery pack 4 that he wishes to rent among the plurality of battery packs 4 displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0062] Furthermore, when the user returns the battery pack 4, the user terminal 2 receives information indicating the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 rented by the user, which is transmitted from the server 1. The user terminal 2 displays the received final rental fee of the battery pack 4. Thus, the user terminal 2 presents the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 to the user who rented the battery pack 4. The user pays the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0063] Furthermore, when the user rents the battery pack 4, the user terminal 2 can receive information sent by the server 1 indicating the locker of the battery pack site to which the battery pack 4 should be returned within a given distance range from the target location. The user terminal 2 can display the number of the locker of the battery pack site to which the battery pack 4 should be returned. Furthermore, when the user arrives at the target location, the user terminal 2 can accept the search of the user of the battery pack site located in the vicinity of the target location, and prompt the user with the locker of the battery pack site to which the battery pack 4 should be returned. For example, the battery pack site closest to the target location and having an empty locker is prompted.

[0064] The battery pack 4 includes a plurality of secondary batteries, and stores electric power by charging, and supplies electric power by discharging. The secondary batteries are, for example, lead storage batteries or lithium ion batteries. The battery pack 4 is an example of a battery.

[0065] The battery pack station terminal 3 is provided at a battery pack station where a plurality of battery packs 4 are placed. When the rental of the battery pack 4 starts, the battery pack station terminal 3 accepts input of a user ID for identifying a user using the battery pack 4, and accepts input of a battery pack ID for identifying the battery pack 4 used by the user. The user ID may be input manually by the user, or may be input by reading a bar code or a QR code displayed on a smartphone or the like. The battery pack ID may be input manually by the user, or may be input by reading a bar code or a QR code attached to the surface of the battery pack 4.

[0066] Furthermore, when returning the battery pack 4 , the battery pack site terminal 3 accepts input of a user ID for identifying the user who used the battery pack 4 , and also accepts input of a battery pack ID for identifying the battery pack 4 used by the user.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining lending and returning of a battery pack in the first embodiment.

[0068] A plurality of battery packs 4 are placed at the battery pack stations 31A to 31H. A plurality of lockers are provided at the battery pack stations 31A to 31H, and each locker stores the battery pack 4. For example, the battery pack station 31B among the battery pack stations 31A to 31D located within a given distance range from the departure point lends the battery pack 4 to the user. The given distance range is, for example, a circle with a radius of 2 km centered on the departure point. Figure 2 The dotted circle represents a given distance range. The user takes out the battery pack 4 from the locker and installs the taken-out battery pack 4 on the electric moving body used by the user. The electric moving body is, for example, an electric bicycle. The user rides the electric moving body from the departure point to the destination point. The electric moving body moves by supplying the power charged in the battery pack 4 to the electric motor.

[0069] When the user arrives at the target location, the battery pack 4 is removed from the electric mobile body and placed in a locker. For example, the battery pack 4 is returned from the user at the battery pack station 31F among the battery pack stations 31E to 31H within a given distance range from the target location. The given distance range is, for example, a circle with a radius of 2 km centered on the target location. Charging devices are provided at the battery pack stations 31A to 31H. Cables for charging and data communication are provided in the locker. When the user places the battery pack 4 in the locker, the battery pack 4 is connected to the cable. As a result, the battery pack 4 is charged by the charging device, and the information of the battery pack 4 is output to the battery pack station terminal 3. In addition, the charging of the battery pack 4 and the communication with the battery pack 4 can also be performed wirelessly. In addition, the battery pack 4 that is not fully charged and placed in the locker is also subject to rental.

[0070] In addition, the battery station may not have a charging device. In this case, the battery pack 4 with a reduced remaining capacity is transported from the battery station to a location with a charging device. In addition, the fully charged battery pack 4 is transported from a location with a charging device to the battery station.

[0071] The battery pack station terminal 3 sends battery information including a station ID for identifying a battery pack station where a battery pack 4 exists, a locker ID for identifying a locker storing the battery pack 4, a battery pack ID for identifying the battery pack 4, the SOH (State Of Health) and SOC (State of Charge) of the battery pack 4, and the initial (factory) FCC (full charge capacity) to the server 1. SOH is an indicator representing the degree of deterioration of the battery pack 4, and SOC is an indicator representing the charging rate of the battery pack 4. SOH is represented by (current (deteriorated) full charge capacity [Ah] / initial full charge capacity [Ah])*100. SOC is represented by (current power (remaining capacity) [Ah] / current (deteriorated) full charge capacity [Ah])*100.

[0072] The battery pack 4 calculates SOH and SOC. The battery pack 4 stores the initial FCC in advance. The battery pack 4 periodically outputs the battery pack ID, SOH, SOC, and the initial FCC to the battery pack station terminal 3. For example, the battery pack 4 outputs the battery pack ID, SOH, SOC, and the initial FCC to the battery pack station terminal 3 every 1 minute. In addition, since the calculation method of SOH and SOC is a conventional technology, the description is omitted.

[0073] When returning the battery pack 4 to the battery pack station, the battery pack 4 outputs the battery pack ID, SOH, SOC, initial FCC, and the travel distance from the departure point to the destination point to the battery pack station terminal 3. The battery pack 4 measures the travel distance from the departure point to the destination point.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the battery pack 4 calculates SOH and SOC, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto, and the battery pack station terminal 3 may calculate SOH and SOC of the battery pack 4. Alternatively, the server 1 may calculate SOH and SOC of the battery pack 4.

[0075] The battery station terminal 3 periodically sends battery information including the station ID, locker ID, battery pack ID of the battery pack 4, SOH, SOC, and initial FCC to the server 1. For example, the battery station terminal 3 sends the battery information to the server 1 every 1 minute. In addition, when the battery pack 4 is lent to the user, the battery station terminal 3 sends the lending information including the user ID for identifying the user to whom the battery pack 4 is lent and the battery information to the server 1. Furthermore, when the battery pack 4 is returned to the battery station, the battery station terminal 3 sends the return information including the user ID for identifying the user returning the battery pack 4, the travel distance from the departure point to the destination point, and the battery information to the server 1.

[0076] In addition, the departure point and the battery pack station can be the same location or different locations. In addition, the destination point and the battery pack station can be the same location or different locations.

[0077] The server 1 calculates the rental fee of the battery pack 4. When the user rents a battery pack 4, the server 1 calculates the rental fee of multiple battery packs 4 located within a given distance range from the departure point. In addition, when the user returns the battery pack 4, the server 1 calculates the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 rented by the user.

[0078] The server 1 is connected to the user terminal 2 and the battery station terminal 3 so as to be communicable via a network 5. The network 5 is, for example, the Internet.

[0079] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the server 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0080] The server 1 includes a communication unit 11 , a memory 12 , and a processor 13 .

[0081] The communication unit 11 receives the battery information periodically transmitted by the battery station terminal 3. The battery information includes the station ID, locker ID, battery ID, SOH, SOC, and initial FCC. In addition, the communication unit 11 receives the lending information transmitted by the battery station terminal 3. The lending information includes the user ID of the user who lent the battery 4 and the battery information. In addition, the communication unit 11 receives the return information transmitted by the battery station terminal 3. The return information includes the user ID of the user who returned the battery 4, the travel distance from the departure point to the destination point, and the battery information.

[0082] In addition, the communication unit 11 receives rental entrustment information transmitted by the user terminal 2. The rental entrustment information includes the user ID, the departure point, and the destination point of the user who wishes to rent the battery pack 4. Furthermore, the communication unit 11 transmits information indicating the rental fee of the battery pack 4 to the user terminal 2. When the battery pack 4 is lent to the user, the communication unit 11 transmits information indicating the rental fee of a plurality of battery packs 4 located within a given distance range from the departure point to the user terminal 2. Furthermore, when the battery pack 4 is returned from the user, the communication unit 11 transmits information indicating the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 rented by the user to the user terminal 2.

[0083] The memory 12 is a storage device capable of storing various information such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The memory 12 implements a map information storage unit 121, a battery information storage unit 122, a usage history information storage unit 123, and a user information storage unit 124.

[0084] The processor 13 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and implements a request information acquisition unit 131 , a battery information acquisition unit 132 , a power consumption conversion unit 133 , a power calculation unit 134 , a loanable battery selection unit 135 , a rental fee calculation unit 136 , and an output unit 137 .

[0085] The request information acquisition unit 131 to the output unit 137 and the map information storage unit 121 to the user information storage unit 124 may be configured by dedicated hardware circuits or distributed in multiple devices.

[0086] The map information storage unit 121 stores map information indicating a map in advance.

[0087] The battery information storage unit 122 stores the battery information of each of the plurality of battery packs 4. The battery information includes the battery pack ID, the site ID, the locker ID, the SOH, the SOC, and the initial FCC. The communication unit 11 stores the received battery information in the battery information storage unit 122. Since the battery information is received periodically, the battery information stored in the battery information storage unit 122 is updated periodically.

[0088] The usage history information storage unit 123 stores usage history information indicating the usage history of each battery pack 4. The usage history information includes the battery pack ID of the lent battery pack, the rental start date and time of the battery pack 4, the site ID and locker ID of the battery pack site where the battery pack 4 is lent, the SOH, SOC and initial FCC of the battery pack 4 at the rental start time, the rental end date and time of the battery pack 4, the site ID and locker ID of the battery pack site where the battery pack 4 is returned, and the SOH, SOC and initial FCC of the battery pack 4 at the rental end time. In addition, the usage history information stored in the usage history information storage unit 123 is not limited to the above.

[0089] The user information storage unit 124 stores user information in which a user ID for identifying a user, a battery pack ID of a battery pack 4 rented by the user, a rental start date and time of the battery pack 4 , a rental end date and time of the battery pack 4 , and a travel distance are associated with each other.

[0090] The request information acquisition unit 131 acquires the departure point and the destination point of the electric mobile body equipped with the battery pack 4. The request information acquisition unit 131 acquires the departure point and the destination point included in the rental request information received by the communication unit 11.

[0091] The battery information acquisition unit 132 acquires the SOH (degree of deterioration), SOC (rate of charge), and initial FCC (full charge capacity) of the replaceable battery pack 4 mounted on the electric vehicle at the rental start time.

[0092] The power consumption conversion unit 133 converts the moving distance from the departure point to the target point obtained by the request information acquisition unit 131 into the power consumption. At this time, the power consumption conversion unit 133 refers to the map information stored in the map information storage unit 121 to estimate the moving path from the departure point to the target point. The moving path from the departure point to the target point is calculated using a path search algorithm of the prior art. In the path search algorithm, a moving path with the shortest moving distance or a moving path with the shortest moving time is calculated. The power consumption conversion unit 133 estimates the moving distance based on the estimated moving path. The power consumption conversion unit 133 converts the estimated moving distance into the power consumption. The power consumption conversion unit 133 has a function for converting the moving distance into the power consumption, and calculates the power consumption by substituting the estimated moving distance into the function. In addition, the power consumption conversion unit 133 may have a plurality of functions that are different for each type of electric mobile body, or may have a function corresponding to the type of electric mobile body used by the user. Furthermore, the power consumption conversion unit 133 may include one function common to all types of electric vehicles.

[0093] The power calculation unit 134 calculates the power of the battery pack 4 at the rental start time based on the SOH (degree of degradation), SOC (rate of charge), and initial FCC (full charge capacity) acquired by the battery information acquisition unit 132. The power calculation unit 134 calculates the power ep0 of the battery pack 4 at the rental start time t0 based on the following equation (1).

[0094] ep0 = SOH * SOC * initial FCC… (1)

[0095] The loanable battery group selection unit 135 selects a loanable battery group 4 whose power amount of the battery group 4 at the rental start time calculated by the power amount calculation unit 134 is greater than the power consumption amount converted by the power consumption conversion unit 133. The loanable battery group selection unit 135 extracts a plurality of battery groups 4 existing in battery group sites within a given distance range from the departure point, and extracts a loanable battery group 4 from the extracted plurality of battery groups 4.

[0096] The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the rental fee of the battery pack 4 whose power is less than the current full charge capacity based on the power calculated by the power calculation unit 134. The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the rental fee of the loanable battery pack 4 selected by the loanable battery pack selection unit 135.

[0097] The rental fee calculation unit 136 can also calculate the rental fee of an electric vehicle having a built-in battery pack 4 whose power level is less than the current full charge capacity based on the power level calculated by the power level calculation unit 134. The rental fee calculation unit 136 can calculate the rental fee of an electric vehicle having a built-in battery pack 4 selected by the loanable battery pack selection unit 135.

[0098] The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the rental fee by multiplying the amount of electric power ep0 at the rental start time t0 by a given constant. The given constant is determined by the operator.

[0099] In addition, the rental fee calculation unit 136 can estimate the SOH (degradation) and SOC (charge rate) of the battery pack 4 at the scheduled rental end time t1 of the battery pack 4. The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the travel time by dividing the travel distance from the departure point to the destination point by the speed of the electric vehicle, and estimates the scheduled rental end time t1 by adding the travel time to the rental start time t0. The rental fee calculation unit 136 can calculate the electric power ep1 at the scheduled rental end time t1 based on the SOH (degradation) and SOC (charge rate) of the battery pack 4 at the scheduled rental end time t1 and the initial FCC (full charge capacity). The rental fee calculation unit 136 can also calculate the rental fee by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the electric power ep1 at the scheduled rental end time t1 from the electric power ep0 at the rental start time t0 by a given constant.

[0100] Alternatively, the rental fee calculation unit 136 may calculate the power amount ep1 at the scheduled rental end time t1 by multiplying the power consumption amount converted by the power consumption conversion unit 133 by a given constant.

[0101] Alternatively, the rental fee calculation unit 136 may calculate the rental fee by multiplying the travel time from the rental start time t0 to the rental scheduled end time t1 by a given constant. The given constant is determined by the operator. The travel time is estimated based on the travel path from the departure point to the destination point.

[0102] The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the past operation rate os_rate of the battery station where the battery 4 is placed, calculates the first coefficient ds_rate set for the battery station based on the calculated operation rate os_rate, and multiplies the calculated first coefficient ds_rate by the rental fee. The calculation of the first coefficient ds_rate will be described later.

[0103] In addition, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the loan ratio op_rate of the plurality of battery packs 4 rented in the past for each of the plurality of given SOC (charging rate) ranges, calculates the second coefficient dp_rate set for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges based on the calculated loan ratio op_rate for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges, and multiplies the rental fee by the second coefficient dp_rate set for the range that the SOC (charging rate) of the battery pack 4 falls within among the plurality of given SOC ranges. The calculation of the second coefficient dp_rate will be described later.

[0104] Furthermore, when the second coefficient dp_rate set for the first SOC (rate of charge) range is greater than the second coefficient dp_rate set for the second SOC range greater than the first SOC range, the rental price calculation unit 136 replaces the second coefficient dp_rate set for the second SOC range with the second coefficient dp_rate set for the first SOC range. The replacement of the second coefficient dp_rate will be described later.

[0105] The output unit 137 outputs the rental fee calculated by the rental fee calculation unit 136. The output unit 137 outputs the rental fee at the rental start time.

[0106] Furthermore, the battery information acquisition unit 132 acquires the SOH (degree of deterioration), SOC (rate of charge), and initial FCC (full charge capacity) of the battery pack 4 at the rental end time of the battery pack 4 .

[0107] Furthermore, the power calculation unit 134 calculates the power of the battery pack 4 at the rental end time based on the SOH (degree of degradation), SOC (rate of charge) and initial FCC (full charge capacity) acquired by the battery information acquisition unit 132 at the rental end time.

[0108] Furthermore, the rental price calculation unit 136 calculates the final rental price of the battery pack 4 based on the amount of electric power at the rental end time calculated by the electric power calculation unit 134 .

[0109] Furthermore, the output unit 137 outputs the final rental fee calculated by the rental fee calculation unit 136. The output unit 137 outputs the final rental fee at the rental end time.

[0110] Next, the battery pack lending process of the server 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0111] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining the battery pack lending process of the server 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] First, in step S1 , the communication unit 11 receives rental entrustment information transmitted from the user terminal 2 .

[0113] Next, in step S2, the request information acquisition unit 131 acquires the departure point and the destination point of the electric mobile body carrying the rented battery pack 4. The request information acquisition unit 131 acquires the departure point and the destination point included in the rental request information.

[0114] Next, in step S3, the power consumption conversion unit 133 estimates the travel distance from the departure point to the destination point. The power consumption conversion unit 133 refers to the map information stored in the map information storage unit 121, estimates the travel path from the departure point to the destination point, and estimates the travel distance based on the estimated travel path.

[0115] Next, in step S4 , the power consumption conversion unit 133 converts the estimated movement distance into power consumption.

[0116] Next, in step S5, the battery information acquisition unit 132 acquires the SOH, SOC, and initial FCC of each of the multiple battery packs 4 located within a given distance range from the departure point at the rental start time. The map information includes the location of the battery pack station. The battery information acquisition unit 132 refers to the map information, determines the battery pack station located within a given distance range from the departure point, and acquires the SOH, SOC, and initial FCC of the multiple battery packs 4 existing in the determined battery pack station from the battery information storage unit 122.

[0117] Next, in step S6, the power calculation unit 134 calculates the power of each of the plurality of battery packs 4 at the rental start time based on the SOH, SOC, and initial FCC of each of the plurality of battery packs 4 acquired by the battery information acquisition unit 132. The power calculation unit 134 calculates the power ep0 of each of the plurality of battery packs 4 using the above-mentioned formula (1). The power ep0 corresponds to the remaining capacity of the battery pack 4.

[0118] Next, in step S7, the loanable battery unit selection unit 135 selects a plurality of loanable battery units 4 located within a given distance range from the departure point, wherein the amount of power ep0 of the battery unit 4 at the rental start time calculated by the power amount calculation unit 134 is greater than the amount of power consumption converted by the power consumption conversion unit 133. At this time, the loanable battery unit selection unit 135 selects not only fully charged loanable battery units 4 but also loanable battery units 4 that are not fully charged.

[0119] Next, in step S8, the rental fee calculation unit 136 performs a rental fee calculation process for calculating the rental fee of each of the plurality of loanable battery packs 4 based on the power amount of each of the plurality of loanable battery packs 4. At this time, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates not only the rental fee of a fully charged loanable battery pack but also the rental fee of a loanable battery pack that is not fully charged.

[0120] Here, the rental fee calculation process of the rental fee calculation unit 136 in step S8 will be described in further detail.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining the rental fee calculation processing of the rental fee calculation unit 136 in the first embodiment.

[0122] First, in step S21, the rental fee calculation unit 136 refers to the usage history information stored in the usage history information storage unit 123 to calculate the past operation rate os_rate of the plurality of battery pack sites where the plurality of battery packs 4 can be borrowed are placed. The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the operation rate os_rate of each battery pack site for each given time period on each day of the week of the previous month based on the following formula (2). The given time period is, for example, 2 hours.

[0123] os_rate = (total loan time of each battery pack / total operation time of each battery pack) * 100… (2)

[0124] For example, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the operating rate os_rate of each battery station between 8:00 and 10:00 on Monday of the previous month. For example, there were 10 battery packs that could be borrowed at a certain battery station between 8:00 and 10:00 on Monday of the previous month, and 5 of the battery packs that could be borrowed were borrowed between 8:00 and 10:00. In this case, the operating rate os_rate of the certain battery station between 8:00 and 10:00 on Monday becomes 50% (= (5*2 hours / 10*2 hours)*100). In addition, the average of the operating rate os_rate between 8:00 and 10:00 on all Mondays of the previous month can be calculated, and the operating rate os_rate between 8:00 and 10:00 on Monday of a certain week of the previous month can also be calculated.

[0125] Next, in step S22, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the first coefficient ds_rate set for each of the plurality of battery stations based on the calculated operation rate os_rate of each of the plurality of battery stations. The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the first coefficient ds_rate of each battery station for each given time period on each day of the week of the previous month based on the following equation (3). The given time period is, for example, 2 hours.

[0126] ds_rate={(os_rate-os_min) / (os_max-os_min)}*(ds_max-ds_min)+ds_min…(3)

[0127] In the above formula (3), os_rate is the operating rate of a given battery station in a given time period on a given day of the week of the previous month, os_min is the minimum value of the operating rates of multiple battery stations in a given time period on a given day of the week of the previous month, os_max is the maximum value of the operating rates of multiple battery stations in a given time period on a given day of the week of the previous month, ds_max is the maximum value of the first coefficient of a given battery station in a given time period on a given day of the week of the previous month, and ds_min is the minimum value of the first coefficient of a given battery station in a given time period on a given day of the week of the previous month. In addition, ds_max and ds_min are predetermined by the operator and stored in the memory 12. For example, ds_max is 1.5, and ds_min is 0.5.

[0128] In the first embodiment, the operation rate os_rate and the first coefficient ds_rate are calculated based on the usage history information for the previous month, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto, and the operation rate os_rate and the first coefficient ds_rate may be calculated based on the usage history information for a year.

[0129] Furthermore, the rental price calculation unit 136 may calculate the first coefficient ds_rate for each battery station on the same day of the week and time period as the rental start date and time.

[0130] Next, in step S23, the rental fee calculation unit 136 refers to the usage history information stored in the usage history information storage unit 123, and calculates the rental ratio op_rate of the multiple loanable battery packs 4 rented in the previous month for each of the multiple given SOC ranges. The given SOC range is, for example, a range of every 10%, such as 1 to 10%, 11 to 20%, 21 to 30%, ..., 91 to 100%. The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the rental ratio op_rate of the previous month for each of the SOC ranges based on the following formula (4).

[0131] op_rate = (the total number of times that the battery packs that can be lent out in a given SOC range were lent out last month / the total number of times that all battery packs that can be lent out were lent out last month) * 100… (4)

[0132] For example, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the lending ratio op_rate indicating the ratio of the number of times the battery packs 4 that can be lent out in the range of SOC of 1 to 10% were lent out last month to the number of times all the battery packs that can be lent out last month were lent out last month. For example, if the number of times all the battery packs that can be lent out last month were 100 times and the number of times the battery packs 4 that can be lent out in the range of SOC of 1 to 10% were lent out last month was 5 times, the lending ratio op_rate in the SOC range of 1 to 10% becomes 5% (= (5 times / 100 times)*100).

[0133] Next, in step S24, the rental price calculation unit 136 calculates the second coefficient dp_rate set for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges based on the calculated lending ratio op_rate for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges. The rental price calculation unit 136 calculates the second coefficient dp_rate for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges based on the following equation (5).

[0134] dp_rate={(op_rate-op_min) / (op_max-op_min)}*(dp_max-dp_min)+dp_min…(5)

[0135] In the above formula (5), op_rate is the lending ratio of multiple battery packs 4 that can be lent out in a given SOC range, op_min is the minimum value of the lending ratio of multiple battery packs 4 that can be lent out in a given SOC range, op_max is the maximum value of the lending ratio of multiple battery packs 4 that can be lent out in a given SOC range, dp_max is the maximum value of the second coefficient in a given SOC range, and dp_min is the minimum value of the second coefficient in a given SOC range. In addition, dp_max and dp_min are predetermined by the operator and stored in the memory 12. For example, dp_max is 1.1, and dp_min is 0.5.

[0136] In the first embodiment, the lending ratio op_rate and the second coefficient dp_rate are calculated based on the usage history information of the previous month, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto, and the lending ratio op_rate and the second coefficient dp_rate may be calculated based on the usage history information of one year.

[0137] Next, in step S25, when the second coefficient dp_rate set for the first SOC range is greater than the second coefficient dp_rate set for the second SOC range greater than the first SOC range, the rental fee calculation unit 136 replaces the second coefficient dp_rate set for the second SOC range with the second coefficient dp_rate set for the first SOC range. For example, when the second coefficient dp_rate for the SOC range of 1 to 10% is 0.3 and the second coefficient dp_rate for the SOC range of 11 to 20% is 0.2, the second coefficient dp_rate for the SOC range of 11 to 20% is replaced from 0.2 to 0.3.

[0138] Furthermore, when the second coefficient dp_rate set for the first SOC range is less than or equal to the second coefficient dp_rate set for the second SOC range, the rental price calculation unit 136 replaces the second coefficient dp_rate set for the second SOC range with the second coefficient dp_rate set for the first SOC range.

[0139] In this way, the rental fee calculation unit 136 compares the second coefficient dp_rate of two adjacent SOC ranges, and when the second coefficient dp_rate of the lower SOC range is greater than the second coefficient dp_rate of the higher SOC range, the second coefficient dp_rate of the higher SOC range is replaced with the second coefficient dp_rate of the lower SOC range. The rental fee calculation unit 136 repeats the comparison and replacement of the second coefficient dp_rate of two adjacent SOC ranges from the lowest SOC range to the highest SOC range.

[0140] Next, in step S26, the rental fee calculation unit 136 selects the amount of electric power ep0, the first coefficient ds_rate, and the second coefficient dp_rate corresponding to the battery pack that is the object of rental fee calculation. For example, when the rental start time is 9 o'clock on Monday and the battery pack that is the object of calculation, which is the loanable battery pack, is placed at the battery pack station 31B, the rental fee calculation unit 136 selects the first coefficient ds_rate of the battery pack station 31B from 8 o'clock to 11 o'clock on Monday. In addition, for example, when the SOC of the battery pack that is the object of calculation, which is the loanable battery pack, is 35%, the rental fee calculation unit 136 selects the second coefficient dp_rate in the SOC range of 31 to 40%.

[0141] Next, in step S27, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the basic rental fee d1 by multiplying the electric energy ep0 by a given constant.

[0142] Next, in step S28, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the rental fee d2 by multiplying the basic rental fee d1 calculated in step S27 by the selected first coefficient ds_rate and second coefficient dp_rate. The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the rental fee d2 based on the following equation (6).

[0143] d2=d1*ds_rate*dp_rate…(6)

[0144] Next, in step S29, the rental fee calculation unit 136 determines whether the rental fees d2 of all the battery packs that can be lent out have been calculated. Here, if it is determined that the rental fees d2 of all the battery packs that can be lent out have not been calculated (step S29: No), the process returns to step S26, and the rental fee calculation unit 136 selects the electric energy ep0, the first coefficient ds_rate, and the second coefficient dp_rate corresponding to the battery packs that can be lent out for which the rental fee d2 has not been calculated.

[0145] On the other hand, if it is determined that the rental fee d2 of all the battery packs that can be borrowed has been calculated (step S29: Yes), the process proceeds to Figure 4 Step S9.

[0146] Back to Figure 4 Next, in step S9, the output unit 137 outputs the rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out calculated by the rental fee calculation unit 136. The communication unit 11 transmits the information indicating the rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out output by the output unit 137 to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 receives the information indicating the rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out transmitted by the server 1. Then, the user terminal 2 displays the rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out.

[0147] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a scheduled rental fee presentation image displayed on the user terminal 2 in the first embodiment. The display unit of the user terminal 2 displays Figure 6 The scheduled rental fee reminder image 101 is shown.

[0148] Figure 6 The scheduled rental fee prompt image 101 shown includes the scheduled rental fees of multiple battery packs 4 that can be lent out. The scheduled rental fee prompt image 101 includes the site ID of the battery pack site, the number of the locker set at the battery pack site, and the scheduled rental fee of the battery pack stored in each locker. The rental fee is prompted for each battery pack site. By confirming the scheduled rental fee prompt image 101 displayed on the user terminal 2, the user can know the rental fees of multiple battery packs 4 that can be lent out and can decide which battery pack 4 to rent.

[0149] In addition, in the scheduled rental fee presentation image 101, the rental fee is not displayed for the battery pack that is already being loaned out.

[0150] In addition, the rental fee per hour or the rental fee per kilometer can also be displayed.

[0151] Back to Figure 4 Next, in step S10, the communication unit 11 determines whether the lending information sent by the battery station terminal 3 is received. When the battery station lends the battery pack 4 to the user, the battery station terminal 3 sends the lending information including the user ID and the battery information to the server 1. After the battery pack 4 is lent to the user, the user rides the electric vehicle equipped with the battery pack 4 and moves from the departure point to the destination point.

[0152] Here, when it is determined that the lending information has not been received (step S10: No), the process ends. Alternatively, when the lending information has not been received even after a predetermined time has passed, the process may end.

[0153] On the other hand, when it is determined that the lending information has been received (step S10 "Yes"), in step S11, the communication unit 11 determines whether the return information transmitted by the battery station terminal 3 has been received. When the battery 4 is returned from the user at a battery station located near the target location, the battery station terminal 3 transmits the return information including the user ID, the travel distance, and the battery information to the server 1.

[0154] Here, when it is determined that the return information has not been received (No in step S11 ), the process of step S11 is repeated until the return information is received.

[0155] On the other hand, when it is determined that the return information has been received (step S11 "Yes"), in step S12, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the power amount ep1 of the battery pack 4 at the rental end time based on the SOH, SOC and initial FCC of the battery pack 4 at the rental end time included in the return information.

[0156] Next, in step S13, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 based on the power amount ep1 at the rental end time calculated by the power amount calculation unit 134. At this time, the rental fee calculation unit 136 selects the power amount ep0 at the rental start time corresponding to the battery pack to be rented, the first coefficient ds_rate, and the second coefficient dp_rate. The rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the basic rental fee d1 by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the power amount ep1 at the rental end time from the power amount ep0 at the rental start time by a given constant. Then, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates the final rental fee d3 by multiplying the calculated basic rental fee d1 by the selected first coefficient ds_rate and second coefficient dp_rate.

[0157] Next, in step S14, the output unit 137 outputs the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 calculated by the rental fee calculation unit 136. The communication unit 11 transmits the information indicating the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 output by the output unit 137 to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 receives the information indicating the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 transmitted by the server 1. Then, the user terminal 2 displays the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 loaned to the user.

[0158] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a confirmed rental fee presentation image displayed on the user terminal 2 in the first embodiment. The display unit of the user terminal 2 displays Figure 7 Determine rental cost prompt image 102 is shown.

[0159] Figure 7 The determined rental price presentation image 102 shown includes the final rental price of the battery pack 4 loaned to the user. The user can know the final rental price of the battery pack 4 rented by the user by confirming the determined rental price presentation image 102 displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0160] In the first embodiment, the final rental fee at the end of the rental is calculated and presented to the user, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the final rental fee at the end of the rental may not be calculated. Figure 4 The rental fee calculated in step S8.

[0161] In addition, in the present embodiment 1, the battery pack 4 is rented, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and an electric mobile body equipped with a battery pack 4 can also be rented. In this case, at the battery pack site, there can be a parking facility for parking multiple electric mobile bodies. The user rents a desired electric mobile body from multiple electric mobile bodies. The electric mobile body can be charged at the battery pack site or at a location other than the battery pack site. In the case of charging at a location other than the battery pack site, the operator will recover the electric mobile body placed at the battery pack site, charge it at the charging base, and transport the charged electric mobile body to the battery pack site. The electric mobile body can send information about the battery pack to the server 1.

[0162] In the first embodiment, the rental fee calculation unit 136 multiplies the first coefficient ds_rate and the second coefficient dp_rate by the basic rental fee d1, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto, and either the first coefficient ds_rate or the second coefficient dp_rate may be multiplied by the basic rental fee d1.

[0163] In addition, when the usage history information is small, the rental fee calculation unit 136 may not be able to calculate the first coefficient ds_rate and the second coefficient dp_rate. Therefore, when sufficient usage history information for calculating the first coefficient ds_rate is not accumulated, the rental fee calculation unit 136 may set the first coefficient ds_rate to 1.0. In addition, when sufficient usage history information for calculating the second coefficient dp_rate is not accumulated, the rental fee calculation unit 136 may set the second coefficient dp_rate to 1.0.

[0164] As described above, the electric power of the battery pack 4 at the rental start time is calculated based on the degree of degradation of the battery pack 4 at the rental start time, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity of the battery pack 4 mounted on the electric mobile body. Then, based on the calculated electric power, the rental fee of the battery pack 4 whose electric power is less than the current full charge capacity is calculated, and the calculated rental fee is output.

[0165] Therefore, not only fully charged battery packs 4 but also rental fees of battery packs 4 that are less than fully charged can be indicated, and since the number of battery packs 4 that can be rented increases, it is possible to prevent shortage of battery packs 4 that can be rented.

[0166] In addition, in the first embodiment, the rental fee of the battery pack 4 that is not fully charged is calculated and output. If the amount of power required for the electric vehicle to move from the departure point to the destination point remains in the battery pack 4, even a battery pack 4 that is not fully charged will become a rental object. In particular, if the SOC at the start time of rental is low, the rental fee becomes cheaper, so the battery pack 4 that is not fully charged is lent to more users. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the battery pack 4 that can be rented from being insufficient.

[0167] (Implementation method 2)

[0168] In the first embodiment, the first coefficient ds_rate set for each of the multiple battery pack sites and the second coefficient dp_rate set for each of the multiple given SOC ranges are calculated, but in the second embodiment, the third coefficient, the fourth coefficient, and the fifth coefficient set based on the relationship between the moving distance of each past rental of the user who rents the battery pack and the planned power consumption this time are further calculated.

[0169] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server 1A in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0170] The server 1A includes a communication unit 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13A. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0171] The request information acquisition unit 131 , the battery information acquisition unit 132 , the power consumption conversion unit 133 , the power calculation unit 134 , the loanable battery unit selection unit 135 , the rental fee calculation unit 136A, and the output unit 137 are implemented by the processor 13A.

[0172] The rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the rental fee of the battery pack 4 whose power is less than the current full charge capacity based on the power calculated by the power calculation unit 134. The rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the rental fee of the loanable battery pack 4 selected by the loanable battery pack selection unit 135.

[0173] Similar to the first embodiment, the rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the past operation rate os_rate of the battery pack site where the battery pack 4 is placed, and calculates the first coefficient ds_rate set for the battery pack site based on the calculated operation rate os_rate. In addition, similar to the first embodiment, the rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the loan ratio op_rate of the plurality of battery packs 4 rented in the past for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges, and calculates the second coefficient dp_rate set for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges based on the calculated loan ratio op_rate for each of the plurality of given SOC ranges.

[0174] Furthermore, the rental fee calculation unit 136A converts the moving distance per rental of the user who rents the battery pack 4 in the past into the power consumption. When the scheduled power consumption of the battery pack 4 this time is less than the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption, the rental fee calculation unit 136A multiplies the rental fee by the third coefficient du1_rate. The threshold value is, for example, 20% of the converted power consumption. In addition, when the scheduled power consumption is within the range between the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption and the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the rental fee calculation unit 136A multiplies the rental fee by the fourth coefficient du2_rate that is higher than the third coefficient du1_rate. In addition, when the scheduled power consumption is greater than the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the rental fee calculation unit 136A multiplies the rental fee by the fifth coefficient du3_rate that is higher than the fourth coefficient du2_rate.

[0175] Next, a battery pack lending process of the server 1A in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0176] The battery pack lending process of the server 1A in the second embodiment of the present disclosure is Figure 4 The battery pack lending process of the server 1 in the first embodiment shown is the same. The second embodiment and the first embodiment differ in the rental fee calculation process in step S8.

[0177] Here, the rental fee calculation process of the rental fee calculation unit 136A in the present second embodiment will be described in further detail.

[0178] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining the rental fee calculation processing of the rental fee calculation unit 136A in the second embodiment.

[0179] The processing of steps S41 to S45 is due to Figure 5 The processes of step S21 to step S25 shown are the same, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0180] Next, in step S46, the rental fee calculation unit 136A converts the moving distance of each past rental of the user who rents the loanable battery pack 4 into the power consumption. The rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the average moving distance of the user who rents the loanable battery pack 4 on the same day of the week as today of the previous month, and converts the average moving distance on the same day of the week as today of the previous month into the power consumption. The rental fee calculation unit 136A converts the moving distance into the power consumption in the same manner as the power consumption conversion unit 133.

[0181] For example, if today is Monday, rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the average of travel distances on all Mondays of the previous month, and converts the calculated average of travel distances into power consumption.

[0182] In the second embodiment, the average movement distance is calculated based on the user information of the previous month, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the average movement distance may be calculated based on the user information of a year. In addition, the movement distance per time of the previous month may be calculated regardless of the day of the week.

[0183] Next, in step S47, the rental fee calculation unit 136A determines the third coefficient du1_rate, the fourth coefficient du2_rate, and the fifth coefficient du3_rate according to the current scheduled power consumption of the battery pack 4 and the converted power consumption.

[0184] The rental fee calculation unit 136A determines the third coefficient du1_rate to be set when the scheduled power consumption of the battery pack 4 is less than the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption. The threshold value is, for example, 20% of the converted power consumption. The third coefficient du1_rate is predetermined by the operator, for example, 0.8. In addition, the rental fee calculation unit 136A determines a fourth coefficient du2_rate higher than the third coefficient du1_rate set when the scheduled power consumption is within the range between the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption and the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption. The fourth coefficient du2_rate is predetermined by the operator, for example, 1.0. In addition, the rental fee calculation unit 136A determines a fifth coefficient du3_rate higher than the fourth coefficient du2_rate set when the scheduled power consumption is greater than the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption. The fifth coefficient du3_rate is predetermined by the operator, for example, 1.1.

[0185] The processing of step S48 and step S49 is due to Figure 5 The processes of step S26 and step S27 are the same, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0186] Next, in step S50, the rental fee calculation unit 136 calculates first to third rental fees d21 to d23 by multiplying the basic rental fee d1 calculated in step S49 by any one of the selected first coefficient ds_rate, the selected second coefficient dp_rate, and the determined third to fifth coefficients du1_rate to du3_rate.

[0187] The rental cost calculation unit 136 calculates the first rental cost d21 by multiplying the basic rental cost d1 calculated in step S49 by the selected first coefficient ds_rate, the selected second coefficient dp_rate, and the determined third coefficient du1_rate. Furthermore, the rental cost calculation unit 136 calculates the second rental cost d22 by multiplying the basic rental cost d1 calculated in step S49 by the selected first coefficient ds_rate, the selected second coefficient dp_rate, and the determined fourth coefficient du2_rate. Furthermore, the rental cost calculation unit 136 calculates the third rental cost d23 by multiplying the basic rental cost d1 calculated in step S49 by the selected first coefficient ds_rate, the selected second coefficient dp_rate, and the determined fifth coefficient du3_rate.

[0188] The first rental fee d21 is a rental fee requested when the scheduled power consumption of the battery pack 4 is less than the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption. In addition, the second rental fee d22 is a rental fee requested when the scheduled power consumption of the battery pack 4 is within a range between the value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption and the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption. In addition, the third rental fee d23 is a rental fee requested when the scheduled power consumption of the battery pack 4 is greater than the value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption.

[0189] The processing of step S51 is due to Figure 5 The processing of step S29 shown is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0190] exist Figure 4 In step S9, the output unit 137 outputs the first to third rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out calculated by the rental fee calculation unit 136A. The communication unit 11 transmits the information indicating the first to third rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out output by the output unit 137 to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 receives the information indicating the first to third rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out transmitted by the server 1. Then, the user terminal 2 displays the first to third rental fees of the plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out.

[0191] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a scheduled rental fee presentation image displayed on the user terminal 2 in the second embodiment. The display unit of the user terminal 2 displays Fig.10 The scheduled rental fee reminder image 103 is shown.

[0192] Fig.10The scheduled rental fee presentation image 103 shown includes a plurality of scheduled rental fees for a plurality of battery packs 4 that can be lent out. The scheduled rental fee presentation image 103 includes the site ID of the battery pack site, the number of the locker installed at the battery pack site, and the first to third scheduled rental fees for the battery packs stored in each locker. The first to third rental fees are presented for each battery pack site.

[0193] The scheduled rental fee prompt image 103 includes a first rental fee when the scheduled power consumption is less than a value obtained by subtracting a threshold value from the converted power consumption (e.g., X1kWh), a second rental fee when the scheduled power consumption is within a range between a value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption (e.g., X1kWh) and a value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption (e.g., X2kWh), and a third rental fee when the scheduled power consumption is greater than a value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption (e.g., X2kWh).

[0194] The first to third rental fees corresponding to the scheduled power consumption are presented to each of the plurality of loanable battery packs 4. The user can learn the rental fees of the plurality of loanable battery packs 4 corresponding to the scheduled power consumption of the user by confirming the scheduled rental fee presentation image 103 displayed on the user terminal 2, and can decide which battery pack 4 to rent. In addition, if the power consumption this time is less than the power consumption during the previous rental, the rental fee becomes cheaper, which can encourage the user to use the battery pack 4 with a reduced power consumption.

[0195] In addition, the rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the final rental fee of the battery pack 4 based on the power amount ep1 at the rental end time calculated by the power amount calculation unit 134. At this time, the rental fee calculation unit 136A selects the power amount ep0 at the rental start time corresponding to the battery pack to be rented, the first coefficient ds_rate, and the second coefficient dp_rate. The rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates the basic rental fee d1 by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the power amount ep1 at the rental end time from the power amount ep0 at the rental start time by a given constant. The rental fee calculation unit 136A determines any one of the third coefficient du1_rate, the fourth coefficient du2_rate, and the fifth coefficient du3_rate according to the value obtained by subtracting the power amount ep1 at the rental end time from the power amount ep0 at the rental start time, that is, the power consumption. Then, the rental fee calculation unit 136A calculates a final rental fee d3 by multiplying the calculated basic rental fee d1 by the selected first coefficient ds_rate, the selected second coefficient dp_rate, and any one of the determined third to fifth coefficients du1_rate to du3_rate.

[0196] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, each component is composed of dedicated hardware, or can also be implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component can be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. In addition, the program can also be recorded on a recording medium and transferred, or the program can be transferred via a network, and the program can be implemented by another independent computer system.

[0197] Part or all of the functions of the device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure are typically implemented as an integrated circuit, i.e., LSI (Large Scale Integration). These can be individually single-chip, or part or all of them can be single-chip. In addition, integrated circuitization is not limited to LSI, and can also be implemented by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and settings of the circuit unit inside the LSI.

[0198] Furthermore, a part or all of the functions of the apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized by executing a program by a processor such as a CPU.

[0199] In addition, all the numbers used in the above description are exemplifications for specifically describing the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplified numbers.

[0200] In addition, the order of executing each step shown in the above flowchart is an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the order other than the above may be used within the scope of obtaining the same effect. In addition, part of the above steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0201] Industrial Applicability

[0202] The technology according to the present disclosure can prevent a shortage of batteries that can be rented, and is therefore useful as a technology for calculating a rental fee for a battery mounted on an electric vehicle.

Claims

1. An information processing method is an information processing method in a computer. obtaining the degree of deterioration, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity of the battery mounted on the electric vehicle at the time of rental start of the battery, calculating the amount of power of the battery at the rental start time based on the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity, Based on the electric power amount, a rental fee for the electric vehicle having the battery with the electric power amount less than the current full charge capacity or a rental fee for the battery with the electric power amount less than the current full charge capacity is calculated; The rental fee is output.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein: In calculating the rental fee, the rental fee is calculated by multiplying the amount of electricity at the rental start time by a given constant.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein: In calculating the rental fee, the degree of deterioration and the charging rate of the battery at the scheduled time of rental end of the battery are estimated, the amount of electric power at the scheduled time of rental end is calculated based on the degree of deterioration of the battery at the scheduled time of rental end, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity, and the rental fee is calculated by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the amount of electric power at the scheduled time of rental end from the amount of electric power at the rental start time by a given constant.

4. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In calculating the rental fee, a past operation rate of the battery site where the battery is placed is calculated, a first coefficient set for the battery site is calculated based on the calculated operation rate, and the rental fee is multiplied by the calculated first coefficient.

5. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In the calculation of the rental fee, the loan ratio of multiple batteries that have been rented in the past is calculated for each of a plurality of given charging rate ranges, and based on the calculated loan ratio of each of the plurality of given charging rate ranges, the second coefficient set for each of the plurality of given charging rate ranges is calculated, and the rental fee is multiplied by the second coefficient set for the range within which the charging rate of the battery in the plurality of given charging rate ranges falls.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein: When the second coefficient set for the first charging rate range is larger than the second coefficient set for the second charging rate range larger than the first charging rate range, the second coefficient set for the second charging rate range is replaced with the second coefficient set for the first charging rate range.

7. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In calculating the rental fee, the moving distance of each past rental by the user who rented the battery is converted into power consumption, and when the scheduled power consumption of the battery this time is less than a value obtained by subtracting a threshold value from the converted power consumption, the rental fee is multiplied by a third coefficient, and when the scheduled power consumption is within a range between a value obtained by subtracting the threshold value from the converted power consumption and a value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the rental fee is multiplied by a fourth coefficient higher than the third coefficient, and when the scheduled power consumption is greater than a value obtained by adding the threshold value to the converted power consumption, the rental fee is multiplied by a fifth coefficient higher than the fourth coefficient.

8. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Furthermore, the starting point and the destination point of the electric vehicle carrying the battery are obtained, Furthermore, the moving distance from the starting point to the target point is converted into the amount of power consumption. Furthermore, a battery that can be lent out is selected, the amount of power of the battery at the rental start time being greater than the converted amount of power consumption, In the calculation of the rental fee, the rental fee of the selected lendable battery is calculated.

9. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Furthermore, the degradation degree, charging rate and initial full charge capacity of the battery at the end of the rental of the battery are obtained. Furthermore, the amount of electricity at the end of the rental is calculated based on the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity. Further, a final rental fee of the battery is calculated based on the amount of electricity. Furthermore, the final rental fee is output.

10. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a degree of degradation, a charging rate, and an initial full charge capacity of a battery mounted on the electric vehicle at a rental start time of the battery; an electric energy calculation unit that calculates the electric energy of the battery at the rental start time based on the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity; a rental fee calculation unit that calculates, based on the electric power amount, a rental fee for the electric vehicle having the battery with the electric power amount less than the current full charge capacity or a rental fee for the battery with the electric power amount less than the current full charge capacity; and An output unit outputs the rental fee.

11. An information processing program that enables a computer to: obtaining the degree of deterioration, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity of the battery mounted on the electric vehicle at the time of rental start of the battery, calculating the amount of power of the battery at the rental start time based on the degree of degradation, the charging rate, and the initial full charge capacity, Based on the electric power amount, a rental fee for the electric vehicle having the battery with the electric power amount less than the current full charge capacity or a rental fee for the battery with the electric power amount less than the current full charge capacity is calculated; The rental fee is output.

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