Server device, system, and method for operating system

Abstract

The invention relates to a server device, a system, and an operation method of the system. The server device is provided with one or more communication interfaces and one or more processors that communicate through the one or more communication interfaces, and the one or more processors communicate with each other on the basis of information on the remaining amount of a battery of a vehicle to be supplied with power and information on a movement path. And transmits, to the vehicle to which power is to be supplied, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility in the vicinity of the movement path and second information indicating a convergence point at which the vehicle to which power is to be supplied can converge with the power supply vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a system, and an operating method of the system. Background Art

[0002] Battery-driven electric vehicles (EVs) and the like may sometimes run out of power while moving. Various technologies have been proposed to avoid this situation. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-060418 discloses a technology for searching for power supply facilities along a moving path of an electric vehicle when searching for a moving path. Summary of the invention

[0003] When a user of an electric vehicle moves on a desired movement path, there is room for improving the convenience of power supply.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a server device and the like capable of improving the convenience of power supply.

[0005] A server device in one embodiment of the present invention has one or more communication interfaces and one or more processors that communicate through the one or more communication interfaces, and the one or more processors send to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of the battery of the powered vehicle and information about the moving path, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

[0006] In the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more processors may determine the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from a current position using the remaining amount.

[0007] In the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more processors may send the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

[0008] In the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more processors may prioritize the plurality of power supply facilities in order of waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle from shortest to longest.

[0009] In the server device of one aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more processors may prioritize the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supplied vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

[0010] In the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more processors may transmit an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

[0011] In the server device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more processors may transmit the instruction to the power supplying vehicle on condition that information agreeing to supply power at the meeting point is received from the power supply receiving vehicle.

[0012] A system in one embodiment of the present invention includes a server device and a powered vehicle communicating with the server device, wherein the server device sends to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of a battery of the powered vehicle and information about a moving path, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

[0013] In the system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the server device may determine the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from a current position using the remaining amount.

[0014] In the system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the server device may send the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

[0015] In the system of one aspect of the present disclosure, the server device may prioritize the plurality of power supply facilities in order of waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle from shortest to longest.

[0016] In the system of one aspect of the present disclosure, the server device may prioritize the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supply vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

[0017] In the system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the server device may transmit an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

[0018] In the system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the server device may transmit the instruction to the power supplying vehicle on condition that the power supply receiving vehicle receives information that agrees to supply power at the meeting point.

[0019] A system operation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system operation method having a server device and a powered vehicle communicating with the server device, wherein the server device sends to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of a battery of the powered vehicle and information about a moving path, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

[0020] The system operation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include: determining, by the server device, the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from a current position using the remaining amount.

[0021] The system operation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include: the server device sending the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

[0022] The system operation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include: the server device prioritizing the plurality of power supply facilities in order of waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle from shortest to longest.

[0023] In the operating method of the system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it may further include: the server device prioritizes the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the powered vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

[0024] The system operation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include: the server device transmitting an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

[0025] According to the server device and the like in the present disclosure, the convenience of power supply can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the operation process of the server device and the power supply vehicle.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation process of the server device.

[0030] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the movable range of the powered vehicle.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a display image of a power supply proposal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system in one embodiment. An information processing system 1 includes one or more server devices 10 , a powered vehicle 12 , and a power supply vehicle 13 , which are connected to each other via a network 11 so as to be able to perform information communication.

[0034] The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing systems and functions as a server on which various functions are installed.

[0035] The powered vehicle 12 is a passenger car or commercial vehicle equipped with an onboard device 14 having a communication function and an information processing function, and is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication network. The powered vehicle 12 is driven by the power of the mounted battery 15, such as an electric vehicle (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc. In the present embodiment, when the battery 15 needs to be charged, the powered vehicle 12 receives power from a power supply facility such as a charging station, or receives power from the power supply vehicle 13. The powered vehicle 12 can be driven by a driver, or the driving can be automated at any level.

[0036] The power supply vehicle 13 is a passenger car or commercial vehicle equipped with communication functions and information processing functions, and is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication network. The power supply vehicle 13 has an onboard device 14 and a battery 15 that are equivalent to the powered vehicle 12, but the battery 15 in the power supply vehicle 13 includes a battery for storing power for supplying power to the powered vehicle 12. The power supply vehicle 13 is a BEV, HEV, PHEV, etc. driven by the power of the mounted battery 15, but it may also be a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV; Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) or a gasoline vehicle.

[0037] The network 11 is, for example, the Internet, but includes an ad hoc network, a LAN, a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or other networks, or any combination thereof.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the information processing system 1 is a system for assisting the power supply to the powered vehicle 12 when the powered vehicle 12 is in a power shortage. The power supply to the powered vehicle 12 is performed at a power supply facility such as a charging station, or by charging the powered vehicle 12 on the roadside by the power supply vehicle 13. Insufficient power includes a state where the remaining battery power is reduced to a level that the powered vehicle 12 cannot perform one or more functions including driving, or a state where the remaining battery power is lower than an arbitrary remaining power, but it may also be a state where the user of the powered vehicle 12 arbitrarily determines that power supply is required. Roadside charging is a method of powering the powered vehicle 13 by moving the powered vehicle 13 to the position of the powered vehicle 12 and charging the battery 15 of the powered vehicle 12 from the battery 15 of the powered vehicle 13. In the information processing system 1, the server device 10 sends a movement instruction to the powered vehicle 13 in order to respectively power one or more powered vehicles 12, thereby performing roadside charging.

[0039] The server device 10 includes a communication unit 101 and a control unit 103 that communicates through the communication unit 101. The control unit 103 transmits to the powered vehicle 12 one or both of first information indicating power supply facilities near the moving path (hereinafter referred to as facility information) and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle 12 can meet the power supply vehicle 13 (hereinafter referred to as meeting information) based on the information on the remaining amount of the battery 15 of the powered vehicle 12 and the information on the moving path. According to the above operation of the server device 10, the powered vehicle 12 can obtain one or both of the location of the power supply facilities near the moving path and the information on the meeting point where the power supply vehicle 13 can receive roadside charging, so the user of the powered vehicle 12 can include a plan for power supply in the movement plan. Even when the user of the powered vehicle 12 moves in an area where power supply facilities are sparse, it is possible to include a power supply plan based on roadside charging at the meeting point. Therefore, the convenience of power supply can be improved.

[0040] Next, a configuration example of the server device 10 , the power-supply-received vehicle 12 , and the power-supplying vehicle 13 will be described.

[0041] The server device 10 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103. The server device 10 may be a single computer, or may be composed of two or more computers that are connected to each other for information communication and operate in coordination. Figure 1 The structure shown is suitably configured in two or more computers.

[0042] The communication unit 101 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 101 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control unit 103. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 through the communication unit 101, and performs information communication with the powered vehicle 12 and the power supply vehicle 13 via the network 11.

[0043] The storage unit 102 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of them that function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is, for example, an SRAM (Static RAM) or a DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The storage unit 102 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 103.

[0044] The control unit 103 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) dedicated to specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 103 controls each part of the server device 10 while performing information processing related to the operation of the server device 10.

[0045] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program by a processor included in the control unit 103. The control program is a program for causing a computer to realize a function corresponding to the processing of the step by causing the computer to execute the processing of the step included in the operation of the server device 10. That is, the control program is a program for causing a computer to function as the server device 10. In addition, a part or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 103. In addition, the control program may be stored in a non-temporary recording / storage medium readable by the server device 10, and read from the medium by the server device 10.

[0046] The powered vehicle 12 has an onboard device 14 and a battery 15. The onboard device 14 has a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, a positioning unit 124, an input unit 125, an output unit 126, and a detection unit 127. One or more of the above-mentioned parts can constitute a control device, or can be composed of terminal devices such as smart phones and tablet terminals, navigation devices, etc. Alternatively, the various parts can also be connected to enable information communication via an in-vehicle network that complies with standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network). The battery 15 is, for example, one or more lithium-ion batteries that charge and discharge the electricity used to drive the powered vehicle 12.

[0047] The communication unit 121 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 121 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 123 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123. The control unit 123 is connected to the network 11 via a base station of mobile communication through the communication unit 121, and performs information communication with the server device 10 and the like via the network 11.

[0048] The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of them. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 122 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 122 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 123 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0049] The control unit 123 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor dedicated to a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 123 controls each part of the vehicle-mounted device 14 while performing information processing related to the operation of the powered vehicle 12.

[0050] The positioning unit 124 includes one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. GNSS includes, for example, at least one of GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The positioning unit 124 sends the positioning result to the control unit 123, and the control unit 123 obtains the position information of the powered vehicle 12.

[0051] The input unit 125 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, an electrostatic capacitance key, a pointing device, a touch panel integrally provided with a display, or a microphone for receiving voice input. The input interface may also include a camera or an IC card reader for taking in a captured image or an image code. The input unit 125 receives an operation of inputting information used in the operation of the control unit 123, and sends the input information to the control unit 123.

[0052] The output unit 126 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 126 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0053] The detection unit 127 has an interface with one or more sensors that detect the status of each part of the powered vehicle 12, or one or more sensors. The sensors include, for example, a sensor that detects the remaining battery level of the battery 15, a sensor that detects the motion status (speed, front-to-back acceleration, left-to-right acceleration, deceleration, etc.) of the powered vehicle 12, etc. The detection unit 127 sends information indicating each status detected by the sensor to the control unit 123.

[0054] The functions of the control unit 123 are realized by executing a control program by a processor included in the control unit 123. The control program is a program for causing a computer to realize a function corresponding to the processing of the step by causing the computer to execute the processing of the step included in the operation of the control unit 123. That is, the control program is a program for causing a computer to function as the control unit 123. In addition, a part or all of the functions of the control unit 123 may also be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 123.

[0055] The power supply vehicle 13 has an onboard device 14 equivalent to that of the powered vehicle 12, and the description of the onboard device 14 of the powered vehicle 12 is applicable. The battery 15 of the power supply vehicle 13 includes a battery for charging and discharging electric power supplied to the powered vehicle 12.

[0056] Figure 2 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process of cooperative operation of the server device 10, the vehicle to be powered 12, and the vehicle to power the vehicle 13. Figure 2 The steps related to various information processing of the server device 10, the powered vehicle 12, and the power supply vehicle 13 are executed by the respective control units 103, 123, and 123. In addition, the steps related to the transmission and reception of various information of the server device 10, the powered vehicle 12, and the power supply vehicle 13 are executed by the respective control units 103, 123, and 123 transmitting and receiving information to each other via the communication units 101, 121, and 121, respectively. In the server device 10, the powered vehicle 12, and the power supply vehicle 13, the control units 103, 123, and 123 store the information processed and transmitted and received by each of them in the storage units 102, 122, and 122, respectively.

[0057] Figure 2 The process is an example of a process in which the server device 10 provides information for power supply assistance to the powered vehicle 12. Figure 2 The process is executed when the power-supply-received vehicle 12 searches for a movement route to a destination and moves along the movement route.

[0058] In S201, the powered vehicle 12 sends identification information, movement information, location information, and battery information to the server device 10. When the remaining battery level is lower than an arbitrary standard and power shortage is predicted, or when the user determines that power supply is required and inputs an instruction to send a power supply request to the vehicle-mounted device 14, the powered vehicle 12 sends each information to the server device 10. The judgment standard for predicting power shortage is, for example, an arbitrary SOC (State of Charge) value (30% to 40%) or less. The identification information is information that specifies the powered vehicle 12. The movement information includes the destination of the powered vehicle 12, the movement path from the current location to the destination, the expected arrival time, etc. The movement path is retrieved from the navigation system of the powered vehicle 12. When the destination and current location information are sent from the powered vehicle 12 to the server device 10 and the server device 10 retrieves the movement path, the server device 10 may also retain the movement path information. The battery information includes information such as the capacity, remaining level, and temperature of the battery 15. S201 is performed for each of more than one powered vehicle 12.

[0059] In S202, the server device 10 obtains location information and battery information from one or more power supply vehicles 13. The server device 10 requests each information of each power supply vehicle 13 from one or more power supply vehicles 13, and obtains information sent from each power supply vehicle 13 according to the request. The battery information includes information on the capacity and remaining amount of the battery 15.

[0060] In S203, the server device 10 generates a power supply proposal. The power supply proposal includes either or both of facility information indicating power supply facilities near the moving path of the powered vehicle 12 and meeting information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle 12 can meet the power supply vehicle. The detailed process of S203 is as follows. Figure 3 shown.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation process of the server device 10 related to the preparation of the power supply proposal. Figure 3 The process is an information processing process executed by the control unit 103 of the server device 10.

[0062] In S301, the control unit 103 derives a movable range. The movable range is a range of distances that the powered vehicle 12 can move using the remaining amount of the battery 15 near the moving path of the powered vehicle 12. The control unit 103 derives the movable range by an arbitrary algorithm based on the identification information, position information, and battery information obtained from the powered vehicle 12. For example, the control unit 103 derives the travel distance of the powered vehicle 12 that can be traveled using the remaining amount of the battery 15 based on the identification information of the powered vehicle 12. In the storage unit 102, vehicle specification information including the travel distance per unit of electric energy is stored in correspondence with the identification information of the powered vehicle 12. The control unit 103 uses the travel distance per unit of electric energy to derive the range of the distance that can be traveled using the remaining amount of the battery 15 at that time, with the current position of the powered vehicle 12 as the center. The control unit 103 similarly derives the range of the travelable distance for an arbitrary amount of time (for example, from the current time to several tens of minutes to several hours later). Then, the control unit 103 derives the union of the derived travelable distance ranges as time passes as the movable range.

[0063] Figure 4 1 shows an example of the movable range of the powered vehicle 12. Figure 4 , positions 41-1, 41-2, 41-3, ... of the powered vehicle 12 that change with time along the moving path 40 and travelable distance ranges 42-1, 42-2, 42-3, ... corresponding to the respective positions are shown. The travelable distance ranges 42-1, 42-2, 42-3 are circles with the positions 41-1, 41-2, 41-3, ... as the center and with an arbitrary distance as the radius that is less than the distance that can be traveled using the remaining amount of the battery 15 at that time. As the powered vehicle 12 moves and its position changes to the positions 41-1, 41-2, 41-3, the remaining amount of the battery 15 decreases, and therefore the travelable distance ranges 42-1, 42-2, 42-3, ... become smaller in sequence. Here, for example, by connecting the travelable distance ranges 42-1, 42-2, 42-3, ... at arbitrary time intervals, the movable range 43 is derived.

[0064] Return to Figure 3 In S302, the control unit 103 searches for power supply facilities within the movable range of the powered vehicle 12. The control unit 103 searches for the power supply facilities using the map information stored in the storage unit 102. Then, if the number of power supply facilities found is greater than an arbitrary reference value (Yes in S303), the control unit 103 proceeds to S304, and if the number of power supply facilities found is less than the reference value (No in S303), the control unit 103 proceeds to S306. The arbitrary reference is, for example, 3 to 5.

[0065] In S304, the control unit 103 prioritizes the power supply facilities. The control unit 103 prioritizes the power supply facilities in order of the waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle 12 to the time when the power supply facility can be used, from short to long. The control unit 103 obtains the information of the power supply reservation in each power supply facility from the server that manages / controls each power supply facility, for example. In addition, the control unit 103 uses the location information of each power supply facility to derive the scheduled arrival time when the powered vehicle 12 can reach each power supply facility from the current location. Then, the control unit 103 derives the waiting time from the scheduled arrival time of the powered vehicle 12 to the time when the reservation of the power supply facility is free for each power supply facility, and prioritizes the power supply facilities in order of the waiting time from short to long.

[0066] In S305, the control unit 103 generates information for displaying power supply facilities. The control unit 103 superimposes the position, destination, and movement route of the powered vehicle 12, the position, and priority of the power supply facilities on a map to generate an image for display.

[0067] In S306, the control unit 103 derives a meeting point within the movable range of the powered vehicle 12. The meeting point is a parking lot that can ensure space for the powered vehicle 12 and the power supply vehicle 13 to park adjacent to each other. The control unit 103 retrieves a parking lot within the movable range of the powered vehicle 12 as the meeting point from the map information.

[0068] In S308, the control unit 103 prioritizes the meeting points. The control unit 103 prioritizes the meeting points in the order of the waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle 12 to the arrival of the power supply vehicle 13 from the shortest to the longest. For example, the control unit 103 uses the position information of each power supply vehicle 13 to determine the nearest power supply vehicle 13 at each meeting point. At this time, the control unit 103 may also use the remaining amount of the battery 15 of the power supply vehicle 13 to be an arbitrary reference value (for example, as an SOC value of 50%) or more as a condition for selecting the nearest power supply vehicle 13. Furthermore, the control unit 103 derives the estimated arrival time when the nearest power supply vehicle 13 can arrive at each meeting point. Then, the control unit 103 derives the waiting time from the estimated arrival time of the powered vehicle 12 to the estimated arrival time of the power supply vehicle 13 for each meeting point, and prioritizes the meeting points in the order of the waiting time from the shortest to the longest.

[0069] In S309, the control unit 103 generates information for displaying the meeting point. The control unit 103 superimposes the position of the powered vehicle 12, the destination, the movement route, the position of the meeting point, and the priority order on the map to generate an image for display.

[0070] In S310, the control unit 103 generates power supply proposal information. The control unit 103 generates an image for displaying power supply facilities, or an image combining the image for displaying power supply facilities and the image for displaying the meeting point, as an image for power supply proposal. That is, for the image for power supply proposal, an image is generated in which the position, destination, and movement path of the powered vehicle 12, the position and priority of the power supply facility are superimposed on the map, or an image in which the position and priority of the meeting point are superimposed on the image.

[0071] Return to Figure 2 In S204, the server device 10 sends information about the power supply proposal to the powered vehicle 12. The powered vehicle 12 outputs the information, for example, by displaying the information. Figure 5 The power supply proposal image shown here urges the user to confirm. Figure 5 As shown, the image 50 for power supply proposal includes the current position 51 of the powered vehicle 12, the destination 52, and the moving path 53. The image 50 for power supply proposal also includes the power supply equipment 54 and the priority 54' near the moving path 53, as well as the meeting point 55 and the priority 55'. The priorities 54' and 55' are respectively represented by the number of asterisk icons. That is, the more icons there are, the higher the priority. As a modified example, in addition to the priorities 54' and 55', for example, the scheduled arrival time or delay time to reach the destination 52 via the location can also be displayed.

[0072] Return to Figure 2 In S205, the powered vehicle 12 sends the power supply proposal consent information to the server device 10. The power supply proposal consent includes the information of the power supply facility or the meeting point specified by the user. The user selects the power supply facility or the meeting point by, for example, clicking on the desired power supply facility or the meeting point in the image for the power supply proposal. When the user makes a selection input, the powered vehicle 12 responds to it and sends the power supply proposal consent information to the server device 10.

[0073] When the meeting point is selected, in S206, the server device 10 sends a movement instruction to the power supply vehicle 13. The movement instruction is sent to the power supply vehicle 13 closest to the selected meeting point. The movement instruction includes information on the movement path to the meeting point and the movement start time when the movement should start. The movement path is derived based on the meeting point and the position of the power supply vehicle 13. In addition, the movement start time is derived based on the movement path.

[0074] In S209, the power supply vehicle 13 is dispatched according to the movement instruction. When the movement start time is reached, the power supply vehicle 13 starts to move according to the movement path by automatic driving. Alternatively, the power supply vehicle 13 displays the movement path to the passengers and starts to move according to the passengers' operation.

[0075] In S208, the server device 10 sends information on the moving path to the powered vehicle 12. When a meeting point is selected in the power supply proposal agreement of S205, the server device 10 derives the moving path from the current position of the powered vehicle 12 to the selected meeting point. Alternatively, when a power supply facility is selected in the power supply proposal agreement of S205, the server device 10 derives the moving path from the current position of the powered vehicle 12 to the selected power supply facility. It should be noted that, in this case, S206 and S209 are omitted. In the powered vehicle 12, the moving path to the meeting point or the power supply facility is displayed, and the user confirms the displayed moving path.

[0076] In S210 , the powered vehicle 12 starts moving along the moving path.

[0077] In S211 , the powered vehicle 12 arrives at the meeting point to meet the power supply vehicle 13 and receives power supply from the power supply vehicle 13 , or arrives at the power supply facility and receives power supply from the power supply facility.

[0078] As described above, the powered vehicle 12 can obtain information on either or both of the location of the power supply facilities near the moving path and the meeting point where the roadside charging from the power supply vehicle 13 can be received, so the user of the powered vehicle 12 can include a plan for power supply in the mobile plan. Even when the user of the powered vehicle 12 moves in an area where the power supply facilities are sparse, it is possible to include a power supply plan based on roadside charging at the meeting point. In addition, by adding information on the priority of each meeting point or each power supply facility, the user can make a choice to shorten the waiting time. And, according to a modified example, the user can grasp the scheduled arrival time or delay time at the destination. Therefore, the convenience of power supply can be improved.

[0079] In the above, the implementation modes are described based on the drawings and embodiments, but it should be noted that it is easy for those skilled in the art to make various deformations and modifications based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these deformations and modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component, each step, etc. can be reconfigured in a logically non-contradictory manner, and multiple components, steps, etc. can be combined into one, or divided.

[0080] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified below, but it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0081] [Note 1]

[0082] A server device comprising:

[0083] Department of Communications; and

[0084] A control unit that communicates via the communication unit,

[0085] The control unit transmits to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of the battery of the powered vehicle and information about the moving path, one or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

[0086] [Note 2]

[0087] In the server device of Supplementary Note 1,

[0088] The control unit determines the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the power-supply-received vehicle can move from a current position using the remaining power.

[0089] [Note 3]

[0090] In the server device of Appendix 2,

[0091] The control unit transmits the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

[0092] [Note 4]

[0093] In the server device of Appendix 2 or 3,

[0094] The control unit prioritizes the plurality of power supply facilities in order of waiting time from the arrival of the power-supply-received vehicle from shortest to longest.

[0095] [Note 5]

[0096] In the server device of any one of Appendixes 2 to 4,

[0097] The control unit prioritizes the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supply vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

[0098] [Note 6]

[0099] In the server device of Supplementary Note 5,

[0100] The control unit sends an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

[0101] [Note 7]

[0102] In the server device of Supplementary Note 6,

[0103] The control unit transmits the instruction to the power supplying vehicle on condition that information agreeing to supply power at the meeting point is received from the power supply receiving vehicle.

[0104] [Note 8]

[0105] A system comprising a server device and a powered vehicle communicating with the server device, wherein:

[0106] The server device sends to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of the battery of the powered vehicle and information about the moving path, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

[0107] [Note 9]

[0108] In the system of Appendix 8,

[0109] The server device determines the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from the current position using the remaining power.

[0110] [Note 10]

[0111] In the system of Appendix 9,

[0112] The server device sends the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

[0113] [Note 11]

[0114] In the system of Note 9 or 10,

[0115] The server device prioritizes the plurality of power supply facilities in order of shortest to longest waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle.

[0116] [Note 12]

[0117] In the system of any one of Notes 9 to 11,

[0118] The server device prioritizes the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supply vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

[0119] [Note 13]

[0120] In the system of Appendix 12,

[0121] The server device transmits an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

[0122] [Note 14]

[0123] In the system of Appendix 13,

[0124] The server device transmits the instruction to the power supplying vehicle on condition that the server device receives information agreeing to supply power at the meeting point from the power supply receiving vehicle.

[0125] [Note 15]

[0126] A system operation method is a system operation method including a server device and a powered vehicle communicating with the server device, wherein:

[0127] The server device sends to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of the battery of the powered vehicle and information about the moving path, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

[0128] [Note 16]

[0129] In the action method of Appendix 15,

[0130] The server device determines the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from the current position using the remaining power.

[0131] [Note 17]

[0132] In the action method of Appendix 16,

[0133] The server device sends the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

[0134] [Note 18]

[0135] In the action method of Appendix 16 or 17,

[0136] The server device prioritizes the plurality of power supply facilities in order of shortest to longest waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle.

[0137] [Note 19]

[0138] In any of the methods of operation in Appendix 16 to 18,

[0139] The server device prioritizes the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supply vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

[0140] [Note 20]

[0141] In the action method of Appendix 19,

[0142] The server device transmits an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

Claims

1. A server device, characterized in that: The server device comprises: One or more interfaces for communication; and one or more processors communicating via the one or more communication interfaces, In which, the one or more processors send to the powered vehicle, based on the information on the remaining battery level of the powered vehicle and the information on the moving path, either or both of first information indicating the power supply facilities near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors determine the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from the current position using the remaining amount.

3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more processors send the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

4. The server device according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more processors prioritize the plurality of power supply facilities in order of shortest to longest waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle.

5. The server device according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more processors prioritize the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supply vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more processors send an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

7. The server device according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more processors transmit the instruction to the power supplying vehicle on condition that information agreeing to supply power at the meeting point is received from the power supply receiving vehicle.

8. A system, characterized in that: The system comprises: server device; and a powered vehicle communicating with the server device, The server device sends to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of the battery of the powered vehicle and information about the moving path, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that The server device determines the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from the current position using the remaining power.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The server device sends the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

11. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The server device prioritizes the plurality of power supply facilities in order of shortest to longest waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle.

12. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The server device prioritizes the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supply vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein: The server device transmits an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein: The server device transmits the instruction to the power supplying vehicle on condition that the server device receives information agreeing to supply power at the meeting point from the power supply receiving vehicle.

15. A method for operating a system, the system comprising a server device and a powered vehicle communicating with the server device, the method for operating the system comprising: The server device sends to the powered vehicle, based on information about the remaining amount of the battery of the powered vehicle and information about the moving path, either or both of first information indicating a power supply facility near the moving path and second information indicating a meeting point where the powered vehicle can meet the power supply vehicle.

16. The method of operating the system according to claim 15, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: the server device determining the power supply facility or the meeting point within a range in which the powered vehicle can move from a current position using the remaining power.

17. The method of operating the system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: the server device sending the second information on the condition that the number of the power supply facilities within the range is a predetermined number.

18. The method of operating the system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: the server device prioritizing the plurality of power supply facilities in order of waiting time from the arrival of the powered vehicle from shortest to longest.

19. The method of operating the system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: the server device prioritizing the plurality of meeting points in ascending order of difference between the arrival time of the power supply vehicle and the arrival time of the power supply vehicle.

20. The method of operating the system according to claim 19, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: the server device sending an instruction to the power supply vehicle to move to the meeting point.

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