Server device

Abstract

The invention provides a server device. A server device is provided with: one or more processors; and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors, the program including one or more commands. The command causes the one or more processors to execute: a registration process of registering information about a provider who provides a charger of a home and information about a user who wants to use a charger of another home; a reservation setting process in which, in accordance with a use request transmitted from a certain user terminal, a provider matching the use request is extracted from the registration information, information on the extracted provider is presented to the user terminal, and a reservation is set in accordance with reservation determination information from the user terminal; and a checkout process in which the user charges the vehicle using the charger of the provider on the basis of the set reservation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device and to a technology for providing a charging point for users of electric vehicles and the like. Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below relate to charging of electric vehicles and disclose technologies for realizing the use of charging piles for home use.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: WO2011 / 115113 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-221014 Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues In recent years, electric vehicles have been widely used, but when the remaining charge level is low, there may be a situation where there is no place to charge (charging point). For example, there are few stores that can be used as charging stations in mountainous areas far from urban areas.

[0005] On the other hand, in households that have charging points (chargers) installed at home, the chargers are not used when the vehicle is out, and the charger operation rate is reduced. In addition, if the charger at home is used by others, the parking lot will be occupied, and there is a possibility that the lender will not be able to park if the lender returns before charging is completed. It can be seen from this that it is difficult to adjust the use of a personal residence when it becomes a charging point.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a technology that makes effective use of a charger at a personal home and facilitates adjustment.

[0007] Technical Solution A server device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or more processors; and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors, the program including one or more commands, the commands being executed by the one or more processors: a registration process for registering information about a provider of a charger installed in a parking lot 52 used by the user, and information about a user seeking to use a charger installed in a parking lot 52 used by others; a reservation setting process for extracting a provider matching the use request from the registration information based on a use request sent from a certain user terminal, prompting the user terminal with information about the extracted provider, and setting a reservation based on the information from the user terminal; and a checkout process for a situation in which the user charges the vehicle using the provider's charger based on the set reservation.

[0008] Technical Effects According to the present invention, ordinary households can be used as charging points, and the shortage of charging points for electric vehicles can be eliminated. In addition, the server device can eliminate the risk of inconvenience to the provider by matching the use area and date and time of the provider and the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of the system configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an information processing device such as a server device according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the vehicle structure of the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the sequence of the charger rental service according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the functional structure of the server device according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of the functional structure of the user terminal according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of the functional structure of the provider terminal according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the registration process according to the embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of the reservation process according to the embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram of a display example at the time of reservation according to the embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11 It is an explanatory diagram of a display example at the time of reservation according to the embodiment.

[0020] Fig.12 This is a flowchart of the processing after charging is executed according to the embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of symbols 1 System management server device (server device) 1a Registration Processing Department 1b Reservation Setting Processing Department 1c Charging / Checkout Management Department 2 Vehicles 3 residential 21 User Terminal 30 Information processing device 51 Provider Terminal 52 Parking lot 53 Charger 54 Guns 55 Panel 61 Control device 68 Ministry of Communications 70 map images 71 Provider Information 72 Regional Framework DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] <System Structure> Figure 1 The system structure for a charger rental service according to one embodiment is shown. The system is a system capable of achieving coordination between a charger provider and a user who wants to borrow a charger. In the system, a system management server device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "server device 1"), a user terminal 21, and a provider terminal 51 are configured to communicate via a network 100.

[0023] The user is a person who is registered as a user in the charger rental service provided by the server device 1. A person who wants to use the charger rental service can use another person's charger 53 for a fee, for example, by registering as a user.

[0024] The provider is a person who thinks that the charger 53 installed in the parking lot 52 used by the person can be lent to others and registers as a provider in the charger rental service provided by the server device 1. By becoming a registered provider, the provider can receive a reward equivalent to the use of the charger 53 by others.

[0025] The user terminal 21 is an information processing device used by the user, and is a terminal device capable of communicating with at least the server device 1 via the network 100. For example, the information processing device in the vehicle 2 may be used as the user terminal 21, or an information processing device such as a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet device carried by the user may be used as the user terminal 21.

[0026] The users using these user terminals 21 can enjoy the services provided by the present system by, for example, browsing a web page provided by the server device 1 or activating an application program through the user terminals 21 .

[0027] The provider terminal 51 is an information processing device used by the provider, and is a terminal device capable of communicating with at least the server device 1 via the network 100. For example, it may be a personal computer in the provider's residence 3 or the like, or it may be an information processing device built into the charger 53. Furthermore, a smartphone, tablet device, etc. carried by the provider may be used as the provider terminal 51. In addition, an information processing device in a vehicle (not shown) used by the provider may be used as the provider terminal 51.

[0028] It is also possible to synchronize the information processing device built into the house 3 or the charger 53 , and the smartphone, tablet device, etc. carried by the provider and use them together as the provider terminal 51 .

[0029] Furthermore, a smartphone, tablet device, or the like carried by the provider may be used as a user interface device for the provider of the provider terminal 51 built into the house 3 or the charger 53 .

[0030] The provider terminal 51 performs processing such as sending provided information to the server device 1 according to the provider's situation, sending information about the rental operation of the charger 53 to the server device 1, etc. Therefore, the provider terminal 51 can be any information processing device as long as it can perform these processes, regardless of the specific form. In addition, for example, a smartphone can also cooperate with the information processing device in the charger 53 to function as the provider terminal 51.

[0031] The server device 1 is a server device of a company operating a charger rental service, etc., and is composed of one or more information processing devices. In addition, the server device 1 can access a storage device 5. The storage device 5 has a provider registration database 6 for registered providers and a user registration database 7 for registered users.

[0032] The server device 1 communicates with the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51, and adjusts between the user and the provider, and provides a matching service in which charging is performed at the place, date and time desired by the user. As a result, the user can charge the vehicle 2 even in areas where charging piles are insufficient. In addition, the provider is given a reward corresponding to the rental of the charger. Therefore, a simple business opportunity is also provided to the provider.

[0033] A charger 53 is installed in a parking lot 52 of the provider's residence 3. Usually, charging is performed by the charger 53 while the provider's own vehicle is parked in the parking lot 52. In the charger rental service of this embodiment, when the provider is out in the vehicle and the parking lot 52 and the charger 53 are not in use, charging by the user is possible.

[0034] The charger 53 is provided with a panel 55 as a display or an operation panel, which can be used for example to operate the user during charging or to perform navigation. The user connects the gun 54 to the connector 67 (see FIG. 1 ) as the charging port of the vehicle 2. Figure 3 ) to charge.

[0035] The charger 53 is internally provided with a measurement circuit for measuring the charge amount, and measures the charge amount during charging. The provider terminal 51 can acquire the measurement information of the charge amount based on the measurement circuit.

[0036] In addition, in this example, a camera 59 is installed in the parking lot 52. The camera 59 can capture, for example, the number plate, body, and charging status of the user's vehicle 2. The provider terminal 51 can obtain information on the vehicle 2, such as the vehicle number and model, based on the image captured by the camera 59. Alternatively, the provider terminal 51 can send the image data itself to the server device 1, so that the server device 1 can detect the vehicle number, model, and the like.

[0037] It should be noted that although the charger 53 is assumed to be installed in the parking lot 52 in the residence 3 in the figure, the residence 3 can be a single-family house, a multi-family house, etc. In addition, the parking lot 52 can be a place different from the residence 3, or it can be a parking lot where the provider usually parks.

[0038] In this embodiment, the charger 53 that is the subject of the charger rental service is a charger installed in a parking lot 52 used by the provider himself, such as a parking lot within the land of the residence 3 that is his own residence, or a charger installed in a parking lot that is far from the home but owned or rented by the provider.

[0039] Note that the charger 53 is generally a charger used by the provider or his / her family, and is owned or leased by the provider.

[0040] The above is an example of a case where the provider is an individual. It is also possible to assume that a company, a group, etc., is a provider in this embodiment, and a parking lot or charger of a company, etc., can also be used as a provider. Figure 1 The situation of parking lot 52 and charger 55.

[0041] <Structure of information processing device> Figure 2 The following is a configuration example of an information processing device 30 that can be used as the server device 1 , the user terminal 21 , or the provider terminal 51 .

[0042] The information processing device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 , a bus 34 , an input / output interface 35 , an input unit 36 ​​, an output unit 37 , a storage unit 38 , a communication unit 39 , a media drive 40 , and the like.

[0043] The CPU 31 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 32 or the program loaded from the storage unit 38 to the RAM 33. The RAM 33 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 31 to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0044] The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 are connected to each other via a bus 34. In addition, the bus 34 is also connected to an input / output interface 35.

[0045] The input unit 36 ​​, the output unit 37 , the storage unit 38 , the communication unit 39 , and the media drive 40 are connected to the input / output interface 35 .

[0046] The input unit 36 ​​is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, and the like.

[0047] The output unit 37 is composed of a display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and a speaker.

[0048] The storage unit 38 is composed of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory device, etc. When the information processing device 30 having this configuration is applied as the server device 1 , the storage unit 38 may constitute a database storing registration information and the like.

[0049] The communication unit 39 performs communication processing and inter-device communication via a communication network.

[0050] A removable medium 41 such as a semiconductor memory card is installed in the media drive 40 , and information is written to and read from the removable medium 41 .

[0051] In the information processing device 30, data and programs are uploaded and downloaded by communication using the communication unit 39. In addition, data and programs can be transferred via the removable medium 41.

[0052] The CPU 31 performs processing operations based on various programs, thereby executing information processing and communication required as the server device 1, the user terminal 21, or the provider terminal 51.

[0053] <Vehicle structure> However, the system in the vehicle can also be used as the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51. Figure 3 2 shows a configuration related to charging of the vehicle 2 and also shows a configuration example for functioning as the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51.

[0054] The vehicle 2 includes a control device 61 , an on-vehicle battery 62 , a PCU (Power Control Unit) 63 , a motor 64 , an operation unit 65 , a display unit 66 , a connector unit 67 , and a communication unit 68 .

[0055] It should be explained that Figure 3 Only a part of the configuration of the vehicle 2 is shown, and the vehicle 2 is equipped with map positioning, various sensors used for driving, communication equipment, etc., which are not shown.

[0056] The control device 61 is configured to include a CPU, a memory, etc., and performs overall control of the vehicle 2. The control device 61 may be provided as a single unit, or may be configured by a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units). The plurality of ECUs may include, for example, a battery control ECU that performs charging control of the vehicle battery 62, a display control ECU that performs display control of a display device (including instruments, etc.) provided in the vehicle 2, an airbag control ECU, an air conditioning control ECU, and various other ECUs.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, although it is assumed that the vehicle 2 is a car that travels in an automatic driving mode, it is also equipped with an information processing device necessary for automatic driving. For example, the control device 61 may also include an automatic driving ECU that performs control corresponding to the driving path determination and / or the external environment, a driving control ECU that controls the driving and / or stopping caused by the motor according to the instruction of the automatic driving ECU, and a steering control ECU that performs steering control according to the instruction of the automatic driving ECU.

[0058] Although not shown in the figure, the vehicle 2 is also equipped with devices such as cameras and sensors for sensing the surroundings, and devices for detecting map information, road information, current position information, etc. for automatic driving control.

[0059] The control device 61 realizes various functions by executing various programs stored in a memory or the like.

[0060] Therefore, the control device 61 can adopt Figure 2 The structure is the same as the structure.

[0061] The vehicle-mounted battery 62 is a high-voltage battery used for traveling the vehicle 2. The vehicle-mounted battery 62 supplies electric power for driving wheels, electric power for operating air conditioners of the vehicle 2, and electric power for operating other devices. Figure 3 The power supply from the vehicle-mounted battery 62 for driving the wheels and the power supply to the display unit 66 are shown, but the power supply for the operation of other units is omitted.

[0062] The vehicle-mounted battery 62 is charged by the current supplied from the PCU 63 .

[0063] The vehicle-mounted battery 62 supplies a power supply voltage for driving the motor 64 to the PCU 63 .

[0064] The PCU 63 is configured to include an inverter, a DC / DC converter, and the like for driving the motor 64 .

[0065] The PCU 63 generates an AC current for driving the motor 64 based on the supplied power supply voltage, and supplies the AC current to the motor 64. The PCU 63 controls the torque of the motor 64 by controlling the AC current. The PCU 63 may also have a function of optimizing the energy efficiency of the regenerative energy by having a regenerative braking function.

[0066] The motor 64 is configured as a motor generator having a power generation function, and the motor 64 drives the wheels based on the supplied alternating current.

[0067] The operation unit 65 includes, for example, various buttons, levers, and other operation elements disposed in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 2. Alternatively, the operation unit 65 may include an MFD (Multi Function Display) having a touch panel function, a display unit of a navigation device, and the like.

[0068] The display unit 66 collectively represents, for example, the MFD provided in front of the driver and other display devices for providing information to the driver. The display unit 66 displays detection signals detected by various sensors provided in the vehicle 2. The display unit 66 appropriately displays various information such as the total travel distance of the vehicle and / or the outside temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, etc. In addition, the display unit 66 can display map information, extracted route information, etc.

[0069] The display unit 66 can also display a screen of the charger rental service according to the present embodiment.

[0070] The connector unit 67 has a structure that can be inserted into a charging plug (gun 54) provided in a charging device such as a charger 53. The connector unit 67 outputs the supplied AC voltage to the PCU 63 via the inserted charging plug. The PCU 63 has an AC / DC converter, and thus charges the vehicle-mounted battery 62 by supplying the converted DC voltage to the vehicle-mounted battery 62.

[0071] The communication unit 68 is constituted by a wireless communication device, and is used as a device for communicating with the server device 1 or the like via the network 100 , for example.

[0072] <Overview of the charger rental service> A general flow of the charger rental service provided by the server device 1 will be described.

[0073] The service also includes the actions of users and providers, as follows Figure 4 The steps (ST1) to (ST11) are carried out in the order shown.

[0074] (ST1) A user who wants to become a provider registers a rentable charger 53 in the server device 1 using the provider terminal 51. Specifically, the provider's personal information, information for payment, location information of the parking lot 52, and information such as the model and specifications of the charger 53 are registered.

[0075] (ST2) A user who wishes to become a user registers user information (vehicle information, personal information, etc.) in the server device 1 using the user terminal 21 .

[0076] (ST3) The provider transmits provision information including the date and time information when the charger 53 can be rented to the server device 1 at any time using the provider terminal 51. The provision information is information that the provider notifies the server device 1 that the parking lot 52 can be provided to others between a certain date and time and a certain date and time.

[0077] (ST4) The user sends a request to use the charger 53 to the server device using the user terminal 21 at any time. The request to use includes information such as the region and date and time of the desired use. The server device 1 selects a provider whose region and date and time match the provider whose information is received according to the user's request, and provides the user with a list of chargers 53 that can be rented. The user selects the charger 53 that he wants to use on the server device 1 and performs a decision operation to reserve the use. The server device 1 performs reservation settings according to the decision operation.

[0078] (ST5) The user's vehicle 2 moves to the parking lot 52 where the charger 53 is installed at the reserved date and time.

[0079] (ST6) When the charger 53 is used, the user terminal 21 or the provider terminal 51 or both are used to authenticate the user. The authentication result is also shared with the server device 1.

[0080] (ST7) Charging is performed. At this time, the charge amount is also measured by the provider terminal 51.

[0081] ( ST8 ) After charging is completed, a fee settlement process is performed between the user terminal 21 and the server device 1 .

[0082] (ST9) The user transmits the evaluation information of the provider through the user terminal 21 (or a device such as a smartphone functioning as a user interface device of the user terminal 21).

[0083] ( ST10 ) The provider transmits the user's evaluation to the server device 1 via the provider terminal 51 .

[0084] (ST11) The server device 1 provides compensation to the provider.

[0085] It should be noted that the order of (ST8), (ST9), (ST10), and (ST11) may be different from the above. In addition, (ST1), (ST2), (ST3), and (ST4) are performed successively between an unspecified plurality of users and the server device 1.

[0086] The functional configuration of the server device 1 for executing the charger rental service described above will be described. Figure 2 The server device 1 having the structure of the information processing device 30 realizes various functions by executing programs by the CPU 31 .

[0087] Figure 5 This is an example of the function of the CPU 31 in the charger rental service according to the present embodiment.

[0088] The registration processing unit 1a is a function for processing the registration of users and providers. The server device 1 provides a charger rental service to users registered as users. In addition, the server device 1 provides information on chargers 53 of users who meet the conditions among the users registered as providers.

[0089] The reservation setting processing unit 1b is a function for performing reservation setting processing for charger rental between a user and a provider. To this end, the reservation setting processing unit 1b processes the provided information from the provider. The provided information includes the date and time information when the provider can provide the charger 53 and the parking lot 52 to others. For example, the date and time information is information including the rental start date and time and the rental end date and time. In addition, the reservation setting processing unit 1b also receives reservation requests from users and introduces qualified providers.

[0090] The charging / payment management unit 1c is a function for performing management processing such as management of the user's use of the charger 53, payment of the user's money, and payment of rewards to the provider.

[0091] The server device 1 performs the following functions through the functions of the registration processing unit 1a, the reservation setting processing unit 1b, and the charging / payment management unit 1c. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.12 processing.

[0092] Next, the functional structure of the user terminal 21 is described. Figure 2 The user terminal 21 of the information processing device 30 or the Figure 3 The user terminal 21 implemented by the control device 61 realizes various functions by executing programs by the CPU 31. Figure 6 This is an example of the function that the CPU 31 of the user terminal 21 has regarding the charger rental service of the present embodiment.

[0093] The registration processing unit 21 a is a function that performs processing such as sending a user interface for a user to perform user registration and / or registration information to the server device 1 .

[0094] The reservation request processing unit 21 b is a function for communicating with a user interface for the user to make a use request and / or the server device 1 .

[0095] The charging execution processing unit 21 c is a function for performing necessary processing when the user charges the battery using the charger 53 , such as authentication processing and communication with the server device 1 .

[0096] The user terminal 21 uses the functions of the registration processing unit 21a, the reservation request processing unit 21b, and the charging execution processing unit 21c to perform the following Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.12 Processing shown.

[0097] Next, the functional structure of the provider terminal 51 is described. Figure 2 The provider terminal 51 of the information processing device 30 or the Figure 3 For the provider terminal 51 implemented by the control device 61, various functions are realized by the CPU 31 executing the program. Figure 7 This is an example of the function that the CPU 31 of the provider terminal 51 has regarding the charger rental service of the present embodiment.

[0098] The registration processing unit 51a is a function for performing processing such as an interface for a provider to perform provider registration and / or sending registration information to the server device 1.

[0099] The provision information processing unit 51 b is a function for communicating with the user interface for transmitting provision information indicating a date and time when rental is suitable to the server device 1 .

[0100] The charging correspondence management unit 51c performs necessary processing corresponding to the situation where the user uses the charger 53 for charging, such as authentication processing, measurement of the charged amount and power amount, billing processing, and the communication with the server device 1 associated with these.

[0101] The provider terminal 51 uses the functions of the registration processing unit 51a, the provided information processing unit 51b, and the charging correspondence management unit 51c to perform the following Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.12 Processing shown.

[0102] Hereinafter, an example of processing performed by the server device 1, the user terminal 21, and the provider terminal 51 having the above functions will be described.

[0103] Figure 8 This is an example of a process related to the registration performed in advance as the above-mentioned (ST1) and (ST2). This process is a process based on the functions of the registration processing unit 1a of 1, the registration processing unit 21a of the user terminal 21, and the registration processing unit 51a of the provider terminal 51.

[0104] In step S101 , the provider terminal 51 transmits registration information P11 to the server device 1 .

[0105] For example, a user who wants to become a provider operates the provider terminal 51, inputs necessary registration information, and performs a transmission operation. In response, the provider terminal 51 transmits the registration information P11.

[0106] The provider's registration information P11 includes, for example, personal information such as name, address, e-mail address, and a payment account, information on the parking lot 52 , and information on the charger 53 .

[0107] As information on the parking lot 52, there are assumed to be the size of the parking lot 52, the entrance and exit passages of the parking lot 52, the image of the parking lot 52, the type of the parking lot 52, the presence or absence of the ground or roof, and the like.

[0108] As the information on the charger 53, the type, product name, model, charging capacity, various specifications of the charger 53, the type and length of the gun 54, an image of the charger 53, and the like are assumed.

[0109] When the server device 1 receives the registration information P11 including part or all of these contents, it performs a registration process with respect to the provider registration database 6 in the storage device 5 in step S201. Thus, the user who performed the registration operation is registered as a provider of the charger rental service.

[0110] It should be noted that the registration information P11 may not be entirely input by the provider. For example, information on a charger may be inputted only by inputting the product name and model of the charger, so that the server device 1 determines its specifications and registers it in the registration information P11.

[0111] In step S301 , the user terminal 21 sends registration information Q11 to the server device 1 .

[0112] For example, a user who wants to become a user operates the user terminal 21, inputs necessary registration information, and performs a transmission operation. In response, the user terminal 21 transmits the registration information Q11.

[0113] The user registration information Q11 includes, for example, name, address, e-mail address, personal information such as a credit card number for payment, and information about the vehicle.

[0114] As the information on the vehicle, there are assumed to be a model, a year, a vehicle number, a color of the vehicle, and the like.

[0115] Note that the type, product name, model number, etc. of the connectable charger may be included in the registration information Q11. Alternatively, the connectable charger may be determined by the server device 1 based on the vehicle model information.

[0116] When the server device 1 receives the registration information Q11 including part or all of these contents, it performs registration processing with respect to the user registration database 7 in the storage device 5 in step S202. Thus, the user who performed the registration operation is registered as a user.

[0117] In this way, the provider registration database 6 and the user registration database 7 are updated sequentially. It should be noted that the providers in the provider registration database 6 and the users in the user registration database 7 input evaluation information about each other at the time of rental. The input evaluation information is also added and updated sequentially to the provider registration database 6 and the user registration database 7 by the server device 1.

[0118] Next, according to Fig. 9 The processing of (ST3) and (ST4), that is, the processing until the reservation of use, will be described. This processing is based on the functions of the reservation setting processing unit 1b of the server device 1, the reservation request processing unit 21b of the user terminal 21, and the provision information processing unit 51b of the provider terminal 51.

[0119] In step S120, the provider terminal 51 transmits the provided information P21 to the server device 1. For example, the provider inputs the provided information into the provider terminal 51 at any time, such as when deciding to go out or when going out, and the provided information P21 is transmitted to the server device 1.

[0120] The provided information P21 includes information on the date and time when the provider can provide the charger 53 and the parking lot 52 to others and the provider identification information. The date and time information is information that can at least know the rental start date and the rental end date.

[0121] When the server device 1 receives the provision information P21 including the date and time information and the provider identification information, it performs processing of registering the provider of the transmission source as a valid provider within the period indicated by the date and time information included in the provision information in step S220.

[0122] It should be noted that the unspecified plurality of providers transmits the provided information P21 including arbitrary date and time information to the server device 1 at arbitrary timings. The server device 1 responds to each of these requests by performing the process of step S220.

[0123] In step S320, the user terminal 21 sends a use request Q21 to the server device 1. The user who wants to rent the charger 53 uses the user terminal 21 to operate and input predetermined data for the use request. For example, the region where the charger 53 is to be rented, the rental start date and time, the charging time (the time to perform charging), the target charging rate or charging power, the current charging rate (SOC: State Of Charge), etc.

[0124] It should be noted that when the control device 61 of the vehicle 2 functions as the user terminal 21, the control device 61 only needs to detect the current charging rate of the vehicle battery 62. When a smartphone or the like is used as the user terminal 21, the smartphone or the like can also communicate with the vehicle 2 to obtain the current charging rate. Alternatively, the user can observe the display of the display unit 66 of the vehicle 2 and roughly input "50%" or "30%" as the current charging rate.

[0125] The target charging rate may be roughly designated by the user as “80%” or “100%”. Alternatively, the user may arbitrarily input charging power (W).

[0126] If the above usage request Q21 including part or all of the information such as the desired region, rental start date and time, charging time, target charging rate or charging power, current charging rate, and user identification information is sent from the user terminal 21, then in step S221, the server device 1 performs candidate extraction for the usage request Q21.

[0127] For example, the server device 1 first accesses the user registration database 7 based on the user's identification information to obtain vehicle information such as the model and year of the user's vehicle 2. In addition, if there is information on a compatible charger, that information is also obtained. Furthermore, evaluation information about the user is also obtained.

[0128] The server device 1 first extracts providers that match the region specified by the use request Q21 from among the providers that have entered the provided information. Furthermore, the server device 1 refers to the date and time information from among the providers that match the region and extracts providers that include a time period that can correspond to the rental start date and time and the charging time in the use request Q21.

[0129] It should be noted that the server device 1 can calculate the charging time using, for example, the target charging rate in the use request Q21, the current charging rate, and the charging capacity of each charger 53 registered as reservable. Therefore, it is also possible to extract a provider who can rent a charger at the calculated charging time.

[0130] In addition, if the server device 1 includes a provider of a charger 53 that cannot correspond to the vehicle type using request Q21, or a provider of a parking lot 52 that cannot enter the vehicle type using request Q21 due to vehicle width, vehicle height, etc., among the providers recorded as available for reservation, the server device 1 removes the provider from the extraction objects.

[0131] Furthermore, when the entrance and exit passage of the parking lot 52 cannot allow the vehicle type of the use request Q21 to pass due to narrow road width or the like, the provider is also removed from the extraction target.

[0132] According to these processes, the server device 1 can extract the rental provider (parking lot 52 and charger 53) corresponding to the use request Q21. In this case, rental means that the charger 53 and parking lot 52 can be used at the desired date and time (time period), and the charger 53, parking lot 52, and entrance and exit passage can correspond to the user's vehicle 2.

[0133] If the server device 1 extracts one or more providers that can be rented, it sets a prompt area in step S222. Fig.10 As shown, when a certain area of ​​the parking lot 52 of the provider that can be rented is displayed in the area frame 72 on the map, the range of the area frame 72 is set.

[0134] Here, in Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 7 , for example, in the map image 70, only the location of the provider's parking lot 52 is roughly shown by the area frame 72, and the specific location is not shown by a pin image or the like. This is because it is impossible to specifically identify the provider's residence 3 and parking lot 52 that can be reserved. That is, because the date and time that can be reserved is the date and time when the provider is not at home, the location of the provider's residence 3 and parking lot 52 is not easily disclosed from the perspective of security.

[0135] To this end, the server device 1 sets the position and size of the area frame 72 based on the extracted address of one or more providers.

[0136] For example, when multiple providers are extracted, the position and size of the area frame 72 are set within a range that includes all of these providers. However, instead of setting a minimum range that includes the addresses of each provider, the area frame 72 may be set to a wider range.

[0137] Furthermore, when only one provider is extracted, the position and size of the area frame 72 may be set so that the area frame 72 is not centered on the address of the provider (that is, so that the address is not estimated from the area frame 72 ).

[0138] It should be noted that the area frame 72 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a square or an irregular shape, or may be a frame along administrative divisions such as a town or village.

[0139] It only enables users to confirm the region and does not enable users to know the exact address of each provider.

[0140] Then, in step S223, the server device 1 transmits information including the area set in the area frame 72 and information on the provider candidates to the user terminal 21, and the user terminal 21 performs Fig.10 Such a display.

[0141] exist Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 1 , an area for provider information 71 of each provider that makes the charger 53 available for rent is provided to present necessary information. In order to display the provider information 71 , the server device 1 also transmits information on candidate providers to the user terminal 21 .

[0142] Information about each provider is displayed in each provider information 71. Alternatively, a detailed information screen of the provider may be opened by operating the provider information 71 to display more detailed information. The following assumes the display contents in these cases.

[0143] Provider evaluation information The model name, charging capacity, estimated charging time, etc. of the charger 53 provided by the provider Type of parking lot52 provided by the provider (paved, gravel, covered, etc.) Image of Charger 53 Image of Parking Lot 52 The road conditions of the entrance and exit passages of parking lot 52 (road width, presence of pavement, etc.) For example, by presenting these information prompts, it is possible to provide the user with information necessary for selection while keeping the personal information of each provider candidate hidden.

[0144] In particular, the image of parking lot 52 is useful for indicating the state of the parking lot as a charging point.

[0145] In addition, the image of the charger 53 is useful for clarifying the type of the charger.

[0146] In order to understand the type of charger 53, the shape of the gun 54 and the image of the connector may be presented. In addition, if a conversion cable is provided, it is also preferable to present the image of the cable.

[0147] In addition, when presenting an image, it is desirable to perform mosaic processing or the like in a manner other than that of the target object, thereby ensuring the safety of the provider while allowing the user to refer to the selection of the charging point.

[0148] Here, the evaluation information of the user who sent the use request Q21 may be reflected in the setting of the presentation area in step S222 by the server device 1 .

[0149] For example, usually Fig.10 Such display is for users with high ratings, such as Fig.11 As shown, the area frame 72 is reduced and displayed. For example, the position and size of the area frame 72 are set so as to be the minimum range including the addresses of the plurality of provider candidates. Thus, users with high evaluation can select providers within a clearer range.

[0150] In addition, based on the user's evaluation, the content displayed in the provider information 71 can be made more detailed. For example, although the images of the charger 53 and the parking lot 52 are not usually displayed, if the user becomes a high-rated user, these will be displayed.

[0151] In step S321, the user terminal 21 displays a Fig.10 or Fig.11 For example, the user terminal 21 performs a process of displaying detailed information of a provider according to the user's operation, or performs a process of accepting a decision operation of deciding a provider.

[0152] It should be noted that, although not shown, there are cases where the user performs a use request operation again in a different region and at a different date and time, in which case the process returns to step S320. In addition, there are cases where the user performs an operation to cancel the use request, in which case the user terminal 21 also issues a cancellation notification to the server device 1.

[0153] When the user performs an operation to determine a provider, in step S322 , determination operation information Q22 is transmitted from the provider terminal 51 to the server device 1 .

[0154] In response to this, the server device 1 performs reservation setting processing in step S224. That is, for this user, the provider is determined based on the determination operation information Q22, and reservation setting information specifying the date and time is generated.

[0155] Then, the server device 1 transmits reservation decision notifications R22 and R23 to the provider terminal 51 and the user terminal 21 in step S225 .

[0156] The reservation decision notification R22 includes information on the date and time of the reservation and the user.

[0157] Based on this, the information confirming the reservation is presented to the provider terminal 51. For example, the provider terminal 51 presents the provider with the user name, date and time information including the charging start date and charging end date, vehicle information, etc. In addition, the provider terminal 51 stores the information about the reservation.

[0158] In addition, the reservation decision notification R23 includes information about the date and time of the reservation, the location information of the provider's parking lot 52, the information of the entrance and exit channels, and the information of the charger 53. Based on this, the user terminal 21 is prompted with information to confirm the reservation. For example, the user terminal 21 prompts the user with location information about the parking lot 52, access information, date and time information including the charging start date and time and the charging end date and time, and information about the parking lot. In this way, the user can know the location of the provider's parking lot 52.

[0159] It should be noted that the user terminal 21 may automatically set the location information of the parking lot 52 provided by the provider as the destination in the navigation system or the automatic driving control system.

[0160] Next, according to Fig.12 The processing from (ST5) to (ST11) described above, that is, the processing after the user's vehicle 2 arrives at the reserved parking lot 52, will be described. This processing is based on the functions of the charging / checkout management unit 1c of the server device 1, the charging execution processing unit 21c of the user terminal 21, and the charging corresponding management unit 51c of the provider terminal 51.

[0161] Using the above Fig. 9 The vehicle 2 of the user who has made a reservation enters the parking lot 52 of the provider at the reserved date and time.

[0162] At this time, an authentication process is performed. The authentication process may be performed by the provider terminal 51 as step S130 , by the user terminal 21 as step S330 , or by both the provider terminal 51 and the user terminal 21 .

[0163] In the case of the provider terminal 51, for example, the camera 59 captures the vehicle 2 entering the parking lot 52, and the captured image is analyzed for the vehicle number, model, body color, etc. If these match the vehicle number, model, body color, etc. known in the reservation decision notification R22, authentication can be established.

[0164] The authentication result is transmitted from the provider terminal 51 to the server device 1 according to step S131.

[0165] Alternatively, for example, the reservation decision notifications R22 and R23 may include information such as a reservation code, and when the user operates the panel 55 of the charger 53 and accurately inputs the reservation code, the provider terminal 51 may determine that authentication is successful.

[0166] As shown in the above example, when the provider terminal 51 performs the authentication process, the authentication result is transmitted from the provider terminal 51 to the server device 1 in step S131 .

[0167] As a case where the user terminal 21 performs authentication processing, a method is considered in which, for example, the user uses the user terminal 21 to read the two-dimensional code displayed on the charger 53 and sends it to the server device 1. In this case, the authentication is determined to be successful by the server device 1, and when the authentication is successful, the server device 1 sends a message that the authentication is successful to the user terminal 21 and the provider terminal 51. In this case, for example, the user terminal 21 performs the two-dimensional code reading process in step S330, and in step S331, communicates with the server device 1 and receives the result of whether the authentication is successful.

[0168] In addition, there is also a method in which the provider terminal 51 and the user terminal 21 communicate with each other through wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) to perform authentication. For example, the reservation decision notifications R22 and R23 include each other's authentication codes. Then, the provider terminal 51 and the user terminal 21 confirm each other's authentication codes through wireless communication to perform authentication.

[0169] In response to the authentication being established through these authentication processes, the server device 1 starts charging start management in step S230. That is, it is confirmed that the user has arrived at the parking lot 52 of the provider and is ready for charging.

[0170] In the parking lot 52 , the user can attach the gun 54 of the charger 53 to the connector portion 67 of the vehicle 2 to start charging.

[0171] If authentication fails, the charger 53 may be controlled so that the provider terminal 51 does not supply charging current even if the gun 54 is connected. Alternatively, a keyed cover may be attached to the storage portion of the gun 54 so that it cannot be opened unless authentication fails.

[0172] During charging, the provider terminal 51 performs a charging process in step S132 . For example, the charging amount is measured. For example, the value of a wattmeter installed in the charger 53 is monitored and stored.

[0173] In addition, the user terminal 21 performs charging processing in step S332. For example, while counting the charging time, the user terminal 21 waits for the user to complete the charging operation. In addition, the user terminal 21 may communicate with the server device 1 one by one to send the charging status.

[0174] When charging is completed, the user performs an operation to complete charging on the user terminal 21. For example, a button to be operated when charging is completed is prepared on the screen of the user terminal 21.

[0175] When the user inputs the end of charging on the user terminal 21 , the user terminal 21 transmits an end notification Q32 to the server device 1 in step S333 .

[0176] The provider terminal 51 determines that charging is completed by confirming that the gun 54 of the charger 53 is disconnected or stored. In this case, the provider terminal 51 transmits a completion notification P32 to the server device 1 in step S133. The completion notification P32 also includes information on the charge amount.

[0177] If the server device 1 receives the end notification P32, Q32, it confirms the end of charging under the current rental of the charger 53 in step S231, and manages the historical information of this charger rental, etc. For example, the server device 1 manages the user's identification information, the provider's identification information, the date and time information of the start and end of charging, the charging amount, etc. as historical information.

[0178] Thereafter, the server device 1 performs a billing process in step S240, and the user terminal 21 performs a billing process in step S340. For example, the server device 1 determines the fee corresponding to the current charging amount, and generates billing data based on the payment method corresponding to the payment information registered about the user. Then, a billing notification R33 based on this is sent to the user terminal 21.

[0179] The user terminal 21 performs display processing based on the payment notification R33 to present the user with the current charging fee and the like.

[0180] In addition, the server device 1 performs a settlement process in step S250, and the provider terminal 51 performs a settlement process in step S140. For example, the server device 1 determines the fee to be returned to the provider based on the current charging amount, and generates settlement data for depositing money into the provider's bank account, etc. Then, a settlement notification R34 based on this is sent to the provider terminal.

[0181] The provider terminal 51 performs display processing based on the payment notification R34, and shows the provider the remittance amount, remittance date and time, etc. according to the current charging.

[0182] After that, users and providers can send evaluation information at any time.

[0183] For example, in step S350 , the user terminal 21 transmits the provider's evaluation information Q33 to the server device 1 according to the user's operation.

[0184] As the evaluation information contents for the provider, for example, there are the state of the parking lot 52 , the surrounding environment, the state of the entrance and exit passage, the state of the charger 53 , and the like.

[0185] It should be noted that the user may transmit the evaluation information of the provider to the server device 1 , for example, while charging the battery.

[0186] In step S260, the server device 1 registers or updates the evaluation information Q33 sent from the user terminal 21. That is, the server device 1 registers new evaluation information, adds or updates the registration of evaluation information, etc., for the provider of the received evaluation information Q33 in the provider registration database 6.

[0187] Furthermore, in step S150 , the provider terminal 51 transmits the user's evaluation information R35 to the server device 1 according to the provider's operation.

[0188] As the evaluation information contents for the user, since it is the evaluation made by the provider after the user leaves and returns, it is assumed that there are the state of the parking lot 52 and the evaluation of the handling of the charger 53, etc.

[0189] In step S261, the server device 1 registers or updates the evaluation information R35 sent from the provider terminal 51. That is, the server device 1 registers new evaluation information, adds or updates the registration of evaluation information, etc., in the user registration database 7 for the user of the received evaluation information R35.

[0190] Thereafter, such evaluation information of the provider or user is presented to the user when the user selects a provider, or the display format of the information when selecting a provider is changed according to the user's use or the user's own evaluation.

[0191] <Effects of implementation> According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0192] The server device 1 of the embodiment performs a registration process for registering information about a provider of a charger 53 installed in a parking lot 52 used by the user and information about a user who wishes to use a charger 53 installed in a parking lot 52 used by others (see Figure 8 ).

[0193] In addition, the server device 1 performs a reservation setting process, which extracts a provider that matches the content of the use request Q21 from the registration information based on the use request Q21 sent from a certain user terminal 21, displays information about the extracted provider on the user terminal 21, and sets a reservation based on the reservation determination information from the user terminal 21 (refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0194] In addition, the server device 1 performs a billing process corresponding to a case where the user charges the vehicle 2 using the charger 53 of the provider based on the set reservation (see Fig.12 ).

[0195] The server device 1 performs the above-mentioned processes to execute the charger rental service, thereby enabling ordinary households to be used as charging points, thereby eliminating the shortage of charging points for electric vehicles. In addition, the provider can easily realize the business of making the charger 53 available to others. Therefore, it becomes a system that aligns the interests of users and providers.

[0196] In particular, the server device 1 matches the provider's provided information, such as the available date and time, with the regional date and time that the user wishes to use, thereby eliminating the risk of causing inconvenience to the provider.

[0197] In addition, the server device 1 causes the user terminal 21 to present information about the provider corresponding to the use request Q21 in a form that does not allow the provider's home to be identified (see Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 ).

[0198] Since the home of a provider cannot be identified when the user selects a provider, information about the home of a provider who is not at home during that time period can be prevented from being published, thereby ensuring the safety of the provider.

[0199] In addition, the server device 1 executes a process of updating the evaluation information about the user based on the evaluation information about the user received from the provider terminal 51 ( Fig.12 and the information about the provider that matches the use request Q21 is prompted at the user terminal 21, and the prompt form is different according to the user's evaluation information ( Fig. 9 Steps S222, S223).

[0200] For example, it is common to Fig.10 Such display, for users with high evaluation Fig.11The display shown in the figure is changed according to the evaluation. Thus, for example, the higher the evaluation, the more detailed information can be viewed, and the provider can be selected. For example, by narrowing the area frame 72, it is easy to select a desired place. In addition, by changing the viewing content according to the evaluation, it is also possible to promote the improvement of the user's usage etiquette.

[0201] It should be noted that, for example, in addition to the size of the region frame 72 , the presence or absence of an image display, the difference in the level of detail of the information of the charger 53 , etc. may be set based on the evaluation information.

[0202] In addition, the server device 1 receives the provision information P21 including the date and time when provision can be made from the provider terminal 51, and thereby performs processing to set the provider related to the received provision information P21 as a search target for the use request ( Fig. 9 Step S220).

[0203] When the provider lends the charger 53, the provider terminal 51 sends the provision information P21 including the date and time information indicating the lending time period (rental start date and time to rent end date and time) to the server device 1. As a result, the user becomes the search target when making a use request. That is, the provider only needs to specify the date and time they want to provide, and no time and effort are required. As a result, more providers can be expected to provide charging points.

[0204] In addition, the server device 1 executes a process of updating the evaluation information about the provider based on the evaluation information about the provider received from the user terminal 21 ( Fig.12 and the information about the provider that matches the use request Q21 is prompted by the user terminal 21, the evaluation information of the provider is included in the prompt content processing ( Fig. 9 Step S223).

[0205] For example, by displaying evaluation information of each provider in the provider information 71, it is possible to facilitate the user's selection of a provider.

Claims

1. A server device, characterized in that: have: one or more processors; and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors, The program contains one or more commands, The instructions cause the one or more processors to execute: Registration processing for registering information on a provider who provides a charger installed in a parking lot used by the user and information on a user who seeks to use a charger installed in a parking lot used by others; Reservation setting processing, based on a use request sent from a certain user terminal, extracting a provider that matches the use request from the registration information, causing information about the extracted provider to be displayed on the user terminal, and setting a reservation based on the information from the user terminal; as well as The checkout process corresponds to a case where the user charges the vehicle using the charger provided by the provider based on the set reservation.

2. The server device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The command causes the one or more processors to execute a process for presenting information on a provider matching the use request in a form that does not allow identification of the provider's home when presenting information on the provider matching the use request in the user terminal.

3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The instructions cause the one or more processors to execute: A process for updating the evaluation information about the user based on the evaluation information about the user received from the provider terminal; as well as When information on a provider matching a use request is presented on a user terminal, the presentation format is changed to a different format depending on the user's evaluation information.

4. The server device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The command causes the one or more processors to execute a process of receiving provision information including a date and time when provision is available from a provider terminal, and thereby setting a provider associated with the received provision information as a search target for a use request.

5. The server device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The instructions cause the one or more processors to execute: A process for updating evaluation information about a provider based on receiving evaluation information about the provider from a user terminal; as well as When information on a provider corresponding to a use request is presented on a user terminal, evaluation information on the provider is included in the presented content.

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