Battery holder, moving body providing system, and moving body providing method

Abstract

The moving body providing system for providing at least one of a plurality of moving bodies to a user provides a battery holder, a moving body providing system, and a moving body providing method in which a user can easily recognize a position of a moving body at a station on which the moving body is mounted. A battery holder for placing a battery in a moving body includes a notification device that transmits a notification to the outside when a corresponding wireless signal is transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery holder, a mobility supply system, and a mobility supply method for providing an electric mobility object such as a bicycle to be rented or shared to a user who wishes to use it. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology that enables a user to identify the location of an unattended rental vehicle. In Patent document 1, the rental vehicle is provided with a transmitter that transmits a unique signal. The user who has rented the vehicle carries a terminal that can receive the unique signal transmitted from the transmitter. The user identifies the location of the rental vehicle based on whether the terminal carried by the user can effectively receive the unique signal by using a short-range communication scheme.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a sharing system having a plurality of electric mobile vehicles, each of which is provided with one or more batteries for supplying power to the vehicle. When a user requests to use an electric mobile vehicle, the system acquires the remaining battery power or the maximum output power of the battery that the user can use. Then, based on the acquired remaining battery power or the maximum output power, the system extracts information about the electric mobile vehicle available to the user, and provides the user with the information about the extracted electric mobile vehicle.

[0004] Prior art documents

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP2019-074930A

[0007] Patent Document 2: JP2022-083260A Summary of the invention

[0008] The task to be accomplished by the present invention

[0009] As taught in Patent Documents 1 and 2, rental and sharing services in which a service provider accepts a request from a user and rents a moving object to the user have been widely available to the public. Such rental and sharing services have attracted attention as part of an effort to provide a sustainable transportation system that also takes into account the needs of vulnerable groups among transportation users.

[0010] The user of this service needs to go to a station where multiple mobile objects are placed and find a mobile vehicle to be rented to the user among multiple mobile vehicles. However, when the mobile vehicle at the station cannot be easily seen, such as at night, it is not easy for the user to identify the location of the mobile vehicle to be used by the user.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a battery holder, a mobile supply system and a mobile supply method for providing a user with at least one of the mobile objects placed at a station, which allows the user to easily identify the location of the mobile object to be provided to the user.

[0012] Solutions for completing tasks

[0013] As a technical solution to the above-mentioned task to be accomplished, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery holder 36 for attaching a battery 7 to a mobile object 2, the battery holder comprising: a notification device 39, the notification device being configured such that, when a wireless signal corresponding to the notification device is sent, the notification device provides a notification signal to the outside of the battery holder.

[0014] In this configuration, when a wireless signal corresponding to the notification device is transmitted, the notification device in the mobile object provides a notification signal to the outside, which allows the user to easily recognize the position of the mobile object to be provided.

[0015] The battery holder may also be configured to enable the battery to transmit the wireless signal.

[0016] This configuration allows the user to carry a battery and have it send a wireless signal, thereby identifying a moving object to be provided. This configuration also allows the user to use the power from the battery to move the moving object.

[0017] The above-mentioned battery holder can also be configured so that the battery holder also includes a control device, which is configured to receive the wireless signal, cause the notification device to operate based on the received wireless signal, and store the ID number of the mobile object, and wherein the control device compares the stored ID number with the received ID number contained in the received wireless signal, and when the stored ID number corresponds to the received ID number, the control device causes the notification device to operate.

[0018] This configuration enables the user to carry a battery and cause it to transmit a wireless signal, thereby causing the notification device in the corresponding mobile object to provide a notification signal to the outside, which allows the user to recognize the position of the corresponding mobile object.

[0019] As a technical solution to the above-mentioned task to be accomplished, another aspect of the present invention provides a mobile supply system 1 for providing a user with at least one of the mobile objects 2 placed at a station 5, the mobile supply system comprising: a notification device 39, 43, the notification device being arranged in each of the mobile objects and being capable of providing a notification signal to the outside of the mobile object where the notification device is arranged; a terminal 7, 8, the terminal being held by the user and being capable of sending a wireless signal; and a control device 38, the control device being arranged in the mobile object where the notification device is arranged and being configured so that when the wireless signal is received, the control device causes the notification device in the same mobile object to provide the notification signal to the outside.

[0020] In this configuration, when a terminal held by a user transmits a wireless signal, a notification device in the mobile object to be used provides a notification signal to the user, and the notification signal allows the user to easily grasp the position of the mobile object to be used. Therefore, this configuration provides a mobile supply system that allows the user to identify the position of the mobile object to be used.

[0021] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the terminal sends a wireless signal including ID information for identifying one of the mobile objects, and wherein, when the wireless signal is received, the control device determines whether the ID information in the received wireless signal corresponds to the mobile object on which the control device is provided, and wherein, when it is determined that the ID information corresponds to the mobile object, the control device causes the notification device in the same mobile object to provide the notification signal to the outside.

[0022] In this configuration, using a wireless signal including ID information allows a user to identify the location of a corresponding mobile object.

[0023] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the mobile supply system also includes a management server 10, which is configured to obtain reservation confirmation information identifying a selected mobile object selected by the user from the mobile objects and send the reservation confirmation information to the terminal, wherein the terminal sends the wireless signal including the reservation confirmation information, wherein when the wireless signal is received from the terminal, the control device determines whether the mobile object equipped with the control device is the selected mobile object, and wherein, when it is determined that the mobile object equipped with the control device is the selected mobile object, the control device enables the notification device in the selected mobile object to provide the notification signal to the outside.

[0024] In this configuration, when the terminal held by the user transmits a wireless signal, the notification device in the mobile object selected by the user provides a notification signal. As a result, the user can easily grasp the position of the mobile object selected by the user in the station where multiple mobile objects are placed.

[0025] Preferably, the supply system may be further configured such that the notification device includes a light emitting device 39 capable of emitting light to the outside of the moving object, and wherein the notification device causes the light emitting device to emit light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside.

[0026] In this configuration, the notification means for providing the notification signal to the user can be made simple.

[0027] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system may be further configured so that the notification device includes a speaker capable of emitting sound to the outside of the mobile object, and wherein the notification device causes the speaker to emit sound, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside.

[0028] In this configuration, the notification means for providing the notification signal to the user can be made simple.

[0029] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the mobile object includes a main body 12, a driving source 15 and a main battery 14, the driving source causes the movement of the main body or assists the movement of the main body, the main battery supplies power to the driving source, and wherein, when the wireless signal is received from the terminal, the control device obtains the remaining battery power of the main battery and enables the notification device to provide the notification signal to the outside according to the remaining battery power of the main battery.

[0030] In this configuration, a user is notified according to the remaining battery charge of the main battery, which improves the usability of the mobile supply system.

[0031] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the notification device includes a plurality of light-emitting devices 39 capable of emitting light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside of the mobile object, and wherein the control device causes the notification device to change the number of light-emitting devices included in the plurality of light-emitting devices and emitting light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside according to the remaining battery power of the main battery.

[0032] This configuration allows the user to grasp the remaining battery power of the main battery based on the number of light-emitting lighting devices that emit light, which improves the usability of the mobile supply system.

[0033] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the notification device includes a light-emitting device 39, which is capable of emitting light to the outside of the moving object and changing the color of the emitted light, and wherein the control device causes the notification device to change the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting device, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside according to the remaining battery power of the main battery.

[0034] This configuration allows the user to grasp the remaining battery charge of the main battery based on the color of the light emitted by the light emitting device, which improves the usability of the mobile supply system.

[0035] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the mobile object includes a main body 12, a driving source 15 and a main battery 14, the driving source causes the movement of the main body or assists the movement of the main body, and the main battery supplies power to the driving source, wherein the terminal includes a sub-battery 7 capable of supplying power to the driving source, and wherein, when the wireless signal is received from the terminal, the control device obtains the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery, and enables the notification device to provide the notification signal to the outside based on the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery.

[0036] In this configuration, notification is given to the user based on the sum of the remaining battery levels of the main battery and the sub-batteries, allowing the user to easily grasp the amount of power that can be supplied to the drive source, which improves the usability of the mobile supply system.

[0037] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the notification device includes a plurality of light-emitting devices 39 capable of emitting light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside of the mobile object, and wherein the control device causes the notification device to change the number of light-emitting devices included in the plurality of light-emitting devices and emitting light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside based on the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery.

[0038] This configuration allows the user to grasp the amount of power that can be supplied to the driving source based on the number of light emitting devices that emit light.

[0039] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the notification device includes a light-emitting device 39, which is capable of emitting light to the outside of the moving object and changing the color of the emitted light, and wherein the control device causes the notification device to change the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting device, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside according to the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery.

[0040] This configuration allows the user to grasp the amount of power that can be supplied to the driving source based on the color of light emitted by the light emitting device.

[0041] Preferably, the above-mentioned supply system can also be configured so that the mobile supply system also includes a management server 10, which is configured to obtain a planned driving distance, which is the distance that the mobile object is to travel and planned by the user, wherein the management server obtains the minimum battery power required for the movement of the planned driving distance or the electric power assistance in the movement of the mobile object based on the planned driving distance, and notifies the control device of the minimum battery power, and wherein, when the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery is greater than or equal to the obtained minimum battery power, the control device causes the notification device to provide the notification signal to the outside.

[0042] This configuration allows the user to determine whether the sum of the remaining battery charge of the main battery and the remaining battery charge of the sub-battery is sufficient for power assistance in movement for a planned driving distance or movement of a mobile object based on a notification from the notification device, which improves the availability of the mobile supply system.

[0043] As a technical solution to the above-mentioned task to be accomplished, another aspect of the present invention provides a mobile supply method for providing a user with at least one of the mobile objects 2 placed at a station 5, wherein a notification device is provided in each of the mobile objects, and the notification device is capable of providing a notification signal to the outside of the mobile object where the notification device is provided, and the method includes the following steps: when receiving a wireless signal sent from a terminal held by the user, the notification device is operated to provide the notification signal to notify the user of the location of the mobile object to be provided to the user.

[0044] In this configuration, when a terminal held by a user transmits a wireless signal, a notification device in the mobile object to be used provides a notification signal to the user, and the notification signal allows the user to easily grasp the position of the mobile object to be used. Therefore, this configuration provides a mobile supply method that allows the user to identify the position of the mobile object to be used.

[0045] Effects of the Invention

[0046] According to the above configuration, a battery holder, a mobile supply system, and a mobile supply method for providing a user with at least one of mobile objects placed at a station can be provided, which allow the user to easily recognize the position of the mobile object to be provided to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] [ Figure 1] is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a sharing system provided with a mobile supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] [ Figure 2 ] is a side view of an electric bicycle as an example of an electric moving object;

[0049] [ Figure 3 ] is a block diagram of the sharing system;

[0050] [ Figure 4 ] is a side view of a sub-battery and a sub-battery holder for accommodating the sub-battery;

[0051] [ Figure 5 ] (A) shows an example of a user database, and (B) shows an example of a moving object database;

[0052] [ Figure 6 ] (A) shows an example of a master battery database, and (B) shows an example of a station database;

[0053] [ Figure 7 ] shows an example of a reservation start screen displayed on a terminal;

[0054] [ Figure 8 ] shows an example of a user registration screen displayed on a terminal;

[0055] [ Fig. 9 ] shows an example of a reservation information input screen displayed on a terminal;

[0056] [ Fig.10 ] is a flow chart of mobile provisioning operations;

[0057] [ Fig.11 ] shows an example of an extraction information screen displayed on a terminal;

[0058] [ Fig.12 ] (A) shows an example of a detailed information screen displayed on a terminal carried by a user with a sub-battery, (B) shows an example of a detailed information screen displayed on a terminal carried by a user without a sub-battery, and (C) shows an example of a detailed information screen displayed when a pop-up notification is made to a user without a sub-battery;

[0059] [ Fig.13 ] shows an example of a reservation confirmation screen displayed on a terminal;

[0060] [ Fig.14 ] shows an example of an alarm screen displayed on a terminal;

[0061] [ Fig.15] is an example of a reservation start screen displayed on a terminal in a mobile provisioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] [ Fig.16 ] is an example of a search screen displayed on a terminal;

[0063] [ Fig.17 ] is an example of a usage details screen displayed on the terminal;

[0064] [ Fig.18 ] (A) shows an example of a reservation information input screen in which an entry field is formed with a pull-down menu providing a list of options for use time, and (B) shows an example of a warning screen displayed when a time outside the available time period is entered in the entry field; and

[0065] [ Fig.19 ] is a flow chart of the setting operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Embodiments of a battery holder, a mobile supply system, and a mobile supply method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] <<First Embodiment>>

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the mobility provision system 1 is used to provide an electric mobile object 2 to be rented and / or shared by multiple users to users who wish to use it. The following description explains an example in which the mobility provision system 1 is used in a sharing system 3 (shared vehicle system) for sharing an electric mobile object 2.

[0069] The electric mobile object 2 is placed at one or more stations 5 set by the business operator operating the sharing system 3. Through the mobile supply system 1, the user can make a request and rent the electric mobile object 2 located at any one of the stations 5. After use, the user returns the rented electric mobile object 2 to the station 5.

[0070] The sharing system 3 includes a plurality of electric mobile objects 2, sub-batteries 7 each distributed to a user who wishes to use it, terminals 8 each owned by the user, station servers 9 each located at a corresponding station 5, and a management server 10. The terminals 8, station servers 9, and management servers 10 can communicate with each other via a public network 11 such as the Internet. Each of the electric mobile objects 2 has a mobile object ID, which is a unique ID number (i.e., identification information) assigned thereto.

[0071] The following description illustrates an example in which the electric mobile object 2 is an electric bicycle. However, the electric mobile object 2 is not limited to the electric bicycle. The electric mobile object 2 may be any mobile object that moves by power supplied from a battery provided therein or is assisted in movement by power as well as an electric bicycle. Examples of the electric mobile object 2 include an electric kickboard, an electric wheelchair, an electric cart, and a robot.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the electric mobile object 2 includes a vehicle body 12, wheels 13 mounted on the vehicle body 12, a main battery 14 arranged in the vehicle body 12, a driving source 15 that can be operated by power from the main battery 14, and a driving control device 16 for controlling the operation of the driving source 15.

[0073] The vehicle body 12 serves as the main body of the electric moving object 2. The vehicle body 12 includes a frame 18 and a steering wheel 19 for steering the wheels 13. A plate 20 indicating a moving object ID is provided at the rear of the frame 18 so that a user who has requested to use the system can identify the electric moving object 2 to be provided to the user.

[0074] The frame 18 has a crankshaft 22 extending in the left-right direction. A pair of pedals 23 are attached to the ends of the crankshaft 22 on the left and right sides. When the user turns the pedals 23, the crankshaft 22 rotates.

[0075] The vehicle frame 18 is equipped with a main holder 25 for mounting the main battery 14. The main holder 25 has a main battery sensor 26 for calculating the remaining battery power of the main battery 14.

[0076] The drive source 15 is mainly composed of a motor. The drive source 15 is arranged near the crankshaft 22 and provides a rotational drive force that is combined with the rotational force of the crankshaft 22 through a force combiner and the combined force is transmitted to the wheel 13 (rear wheel) through a chain.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive control device 16 includes: a junction box 27, which is connected to the main battery 14 via a wiring harness; a PCU 28 (power control unit), which is configured to convert direct current supplied to the junction box 27 into alternating current and supply the alternating current to the drive source 15; and a main ECU 29 (electronic control unit), which is used to control the PCU 28.

[0078] The main ECU 29 includes a microcomputer provided with a processor 30 such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 31 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a storage device 32 such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0079] The main ECU 29 is connected to the main battery 14 and operates by power from the main battery 14. The main ECU 29 includes an antenna and can communicate with the station server 9 via wireless communication. The storage device 32 (or memory 31) of the main ECU 29 stores the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 to be provided.

[0080] The main ECU 29 controls the PCU 28, thereby controlling the supply of power from the main battery 14 to the drive source 15. When power is supplied to the drive source 15, the drive source 15 operates to generate a driving force, which is transmitted to the wheel 13 (rear wheel), which means that the user's stepping on the pedal 23 is electrically assisted by the driving force of the drive source 15, thereby allowing the user to ride the electric moving object 2 comfortably.

[0081] When the electric moving object 2 is an electric kickboard, the pedal 23 is not provided, and the electric moving object 2 is driven by the battery-powered driving source 15. The electric moving object 2 moves by the power of the driving source 15 obtained from the battery.

[0082] The main ECU 29 is connected to the main battery sensor 26 so as to acquire the remaining battery level of the main battery 14 at predetermined time intervals.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body 12 also includes a mobile object management device 35. Figure 3 As shown, the mobile object management device 35 includes a sub-holder 36 coupled to the vehicle frame 18. The sub-holder 36 is a battery holder for attaching the sub-battery 7 to the electric mobile object 2. The sub-holder 36 includes a voltage converter 37, a sub-ECU 38, and one or more light emitting devices 39.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the sub-holder 36 is coupled to the vehicle frame 18. The sub-holder 36 has a recess 36A for accommodating the sub-battery 7. When accommodated in the recess 36A, the sub-battery 7 is supported by the electric vehicle 2. In the present embodiment, the sub-battery 7 is configured to be removably disposed in the recess 36A. This means that the sub-battery 7 can be removed from the electric vehicle 2.

[0085] Voltage converter 37 includes a DC / DC converter 37A that boosts input voltage and outputs the boosted voltage. An input line of DC / DC converter 37A is connected to sub-battery 7 accommodated in recess 36A, and an output line of DC / DC converter 37A is connected to junction box 27.

[0086] According to a signal from the main ECU 29, the junction box 27 switches between the power lines from the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7 connected to the drive source 15, or adjusts the distribution of the power supplied to the drive source 15. This allows the drive source 15 to operate with power from both the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7. In other words, the electric mobile object 2 moves or is assisted in movement by power supplied from the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7. The sub-battery 7 is used to supply auxiliary power to the drive source 15 instead of the main battery 14.

[0087] The sub-ECU 38 is mainly composed of a microcomputer including a processor 40 such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 41 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a storage device 42 such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0088] The sub-ECU 38 is connected to the main battery 14, and preferably operates with power from the main battery 14. The sub-ECU 38 is equipped with a receiving antenna 38A (receiver) for receiving various radio signals (wireless signals) (including short-range radio signals). The receiving antenna 38A receives the radio signal and outputs the received signal to the processor 40. The sub-ECU 38 may also be equipped with a transmitting antenna for transmitting the wireless signal.

[0089] The sub-ECU 38 and the main ECU 29 can communicate with each other through wired or wireless communication. As a result, the sub-ECU 38 is allowed to communicate with the main ECU 29 to acquire information (e.g., mobile object ID) about the electric mobile object 2 provided with the sub-ECU 38, and then store the acquired information in the memory 41.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the sub-ECU 38 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sub-ECU 38 may also be configured with various drivers for controlling one or more light emitting devices 39. In addition, the sub-ECU 38 may also be configured to operate by power from the sub-battery 7 in addition to the power of the main battery 14.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, one or more light emitting devices 39 are provided on the sub holder 36 and emit light to the outside of the object or the vehicle, thereby serving as a notification device for providing a notification signal to the user. In the present embodiment, a plurality of light emitting devices 39 are provided on the sub holder 36. The sub ECU 38 controls the light emitting devices 39 by changing the number of the light emitting devices 39 that emit light and the color of the light emitted from the light emitting devices 39. In other words, the sub ECU 38 serves as a control device for the light emitting devices 39, and the light emitting devices 39 serve as notification devices.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the electric mobile object 2 is provided with a light emitting device 39 used as a notification device. However, the configuration of the notification device may not be limited thereto. For example, the notification device may include a speaker 43 for generating sound. The sub-ECU 38 controls the sound and volume emitted from the speaker 43. In other words, the sub-ECU 38 serves as a control device for the speaker 43, and the speaker 43 serves as a notification device. In this way, the use of the light emitting device 39 and / or the speaker 43 enables the notification device to be simple, but appropriately provides a notification signal to the user.

[0093] The sub-battery 7 includes a plurality of battery cells 45. Each of the battery cells 45 is rechargeable and may be, for example, a lithium-ion cell. Figure 1 As shown, the sub-battery 7 is configured to be rechargeable. The sub-battery 7 is preferably portable, i.e., can be carried by a user. The sub-battery 7 can also be used as a battery capable of powering various devices (also referred to as a user battery or a mobile battery).

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the battery cell 45, the sub-battery 7 also includes a sub-battery sensor 46 and a battery control device 47 for obtaining the remaining battery power of the battery cell 45. The battery control device 47 is mainly composed of a microcomputer including a processor 40 such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory 50 such as a RAM (random access memory) and a ROM (read-only memory). In other cases, the battery control device 47 may be equipped with a storage device 50A (not shown), such as an SSD (solid state drive) or an HDD (hard disk drive). The battery control device 47 (i.e., the processor 49 in this case) is configured to obtain the remaining battery power of the battery cell 45 through the sub-battery sensor 46. The battery control device 47 and the terminal 8 can communicate with each other through short-range wireless communication. The battery control device 47 can also be configured to record and maintain the history of the remaining battery power of each of the battery cells 45 in the memory 50 or the storage device 50A. In other cases, the battery control device 47 can be configured to be connectable to the network 11, and thus communicatively connected to various servers such as the station server 9 and the management server 10.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the battery control device 47 is configured with a microcomputer, but is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the battery control device 47 may be configured with various drivers for acquiring the remaining battery power of the battery unit 45. In some cases, the sub-battery 7 may also be provided with various notification devices, such as a light emitting device 51 and a speaker.

[0096] The battery control device 47 is also capable of acquiring information about the electric mobile object 2 to be provided to the user from the user's terminal 8 and storing the acquired information therein. The information about the electric mobile object 2 includes the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 to be provided to the user. The battery control device 47 is also configured to communicate with the main ECU 29 and / or the sub-ECU 38. Specifically, for example, the battery control device 47 (i.e., the sub-battery 7) is capable of transmitting a wireless signal including the mobile object ID to the sub-ECU 38.

[0097] The terminal 8 communicates with the sub-battery 7 (more specifically, the battery control device 47) to acquire the remaining battery power of the sub-battery 7. In other cases, the terminal 8 may be configured to communicate with the battery control device 47 to acquire sub-battery information, such as the charging history of the sub-battery 7.

[0098] The terminal 8 is composed of, for example, a smart phone including a processor 52 such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 53, a storage device 54, and a touch panel 55. The terminal 8 receives information about a request input by a user who wishes to rent and / or share the electric mobile object 2, and transmits the information to the management server 10. The terminal 8 is configured to generate a screen indicating information to the user and display the screen on the touch panel 55, which is configured to receive the user's input. The terminal 8 and the sub-ECU 38 can communicate with each other through wireless signals using a short-range wireless communication standard. The distance (communication distance) over which communication can be performed between the terminal 8 and the sub-ECU 38 is limited to within a few meters to tens of meters.

[0099] Each of the station servers 9 includes a computer provided with a processor 56 such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 57 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a storage device 58 such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0100] Each of the station servers 9 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the main ECU 29 of the electric mobile object 2 located at the corresponding station 5. The station server 9 acquires, for example, the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 detected by the main battery sensor 26 from each of the main ECUs 29. The station server 9 transmits the remaining battery charge of each of the main batteries 14 to the management server 10 via the network 11.

[0101] The management server 10 is used by an administrator of the sharing system 3. The management server 10 causes the terminal 8 to receive a user request to use the system and present candidates of the electric mobile object 2 to be used. The management server 10 causes the terminal 8 to obtain a user input for selecting the electric mobile object 2. In addition, the management server 10 causes the terminal 8 to present information about the selected electric mobile object 2 and perform an operation for providing the selected electric mobile object 2 to the user.

[0102] The management server 10 includes a computer provided with a processor 60 such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 61 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a storage device 62 such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0103] The management server 10 also includes an input device 63 for receiving input from an administrator, and a display device 64 for displaying and presenting information to the administrator. Examples of the input device 63 include a keyboard and a mouse, and examples of the display device 64 include a monitor.

[0104] The storage device 62 of the management server 10 stores a user database (hereinafter referred to as "user DB"), a mobile object database (hereinafter referred to as "mobile object DB"), a main battery database (hereinafter referred to as "main battery DB"), and a station database (hereinafter referred to as "station DB") ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0105] The user DB contains information about users of the rental and / or sharing service of the electric mobile object 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"). For each user, the user information includes the user's ID (hereinafter also referred to as "user ID"), the user's name, and the sub-battery ownership status (whether the user has a sub-battery). The user information may also include, for example, the user's encrypted password, address, contact information, email address, and reward points that the user has been given.

[0106] The terminal 8 acquires the user information when receiving an input from the user who starts using the mobile provisioning system 1. When acquiring the user information, the terminal 8 transmits the user information to the management server 10, and the processor 60 of the management server 10 stores the received user information in a user DB (also referred to as a registrant DB) for user registration.

[0107] The mobile object DB contains information about the electric mobile objects 2 (hereinafter referred to as "mobile object information"). For each electric mobile object 2, the mobile object information includes a mobile object ID, an ID of the main battery 14 of the electric mobile object 2 attached to the mobile object ID ("main battery ID"), an ID of the station 5 where the electric mobile object 2 is located (hereinafter referred to as "station ID"), and an operating state (such as a standby state, a reservation state). The mobile object information may also include the type, model, and maintenance history of each of the electric mobile objects 2, which may include an electric bicycle and an electric kickboard.

[0108] The mobile object ID, main battery ID, and station ID included in the mobile object information of each mobile object may each be input by the administrator via the input device 63. The operation status included in the mobile object information is updated by the processor 60 of the management server 10 from time to time.

[0109] The main battery DB contains information about the main battery 14 (hereinafter referred to as "main battery information"). The main battery information includes, for each main battery 14, a main battery ID and information associated with the remaining battery power (remaining battery power information). The main battery information may also include information about the capacity, model, and degree of deterioration of the main battery 14, maintenance history (charging history of the operator), and other information.

[0110] The processor 60 of the management server 10 is connected to each of the station servers 9 via the network 11. The management server 10 acquires the mobile object ID and the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 of the electric mobile object 2 from the station server 9 at predetermined times. For each electric mobile object 2, the processor 60 of the management server 10 refers to the mobile object DB, extracts the corresponding main battery ID, and updates the remaining battery power information associated with the main battery ID using the acquired remaining battery power.

[0111] The station DB contains information (hereinafter referred to as "station information") about each of the stations 5. For each station 5, the station information includes a station ID, a station name, and a location (address, residence).

[0112] Next, a process from when the user makes a reservation to when the user starts using the electric movable object 2 will be described.

[0113] The user who wishes to use the electric moving object 2 installs the predetermined application on the user's terminal 8 and opens the application. Once the application is opened, a reservation start screen 74 is displayed on the terminal 8, such as Figure 7 The reservation start screen 74 includes a user ID input field 71, a password input field 72, and a reservation start button 73. The reservation start screen 74 may include a member registration button 75 for a user who has not registered yet and other buttons.

[0114] When the user touches the member registration button 75, the terminal 8 displays the following Figure 8 The registration screen 77 is shown. The registration screen includes an input field 78 for inputting user information such as name, address, contact information, email address, phone number and password, and a completion button 79. The registration screen 77 may include a sub-battery delivery Y / N check box 80 to input whether the user wishes to receive (use) the sub-battery 7.

[0115] When the user touches the completion button 79, the terminal 8 transmits registration information including the input address, contact information, email address, phone number, and password to the management server 10. When the management server 10 receives the registration information, the processor 60 of the management server 10 associates the user ID with the registration information and stores the received information to the user DB, thereby performing member registration.

[0116] The administrator can check the delivery Y / N check box 80 as necessary to deliver the sub-battery 7 to the user carrying the terminal 8 to which the registration information has been transmitted.

[0117] When the user enters the user ID, e-mail address and other information, and then touches the reservation start button 73 in the reservation start screen 74, the terminal 8 displays the following information: Fig. 9 The reservation information input screen 82 is shown. The reservation information input screen 82 includes a search button 84 and an input field 83 for inputting a use location, a use date, a use time, and a use distance.

[0118] When the user inputs a place, date, time, and distance of use and then touches the search button 84, the terminal 8 transmits reservation information including the place, date, time, and distance of use together with the user ID to the management server 10.

[0119] When the management server 10 receives the reservation information, the processor 60 of the management server 10 executes a prescribed computer program (hereinafter referred to as a "mobile object providing program"), thereby performing a mobile provision operation for providing a mobile object, wherein the mobile provision operation involves extracting a mobile object suitable for the user based on a user's request, presenting the extracted mobile object, and providing the mobile object to be provided. More specifically, in the mobile provision operation, the processor 60 performs the following operations: based on the user request (i.e., reservation information), referring to the user DB, the mobile object DB, and the main battery DB to set extraction conditions, extracting the electric mobile object 2 suitable for the user's request, and presenting the extracted mobile object to the user.

[0120] Next, we will refer to Fig.10The details of the mobile provisioning operation are described. In the mobile provisioning operation, the processor 60 of the management server 10 first obtains the user's ID (ie, user ID) from the user's subscription information. Then, the processor 60 of the management server 10 refers to the user DB to determine the user's possession status of the sub-battery 7 (ST1).

[0121] Next, the processor 60 of the management server 10 acquires information about the use place from the reservation information. Then, the processor 60 of the management server 10 refers to the station DB to acquire the station 5 near the use place from the existing stations 5 (ST2).

[0122] The processor 60 of the management server 10 then obtains the station ID of each of the acquired stations 5, and then refers to its mobile object DB to find one or more electric mobile objects 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "available mobile objects") that are available at the station 5 within the requested usage time, and obtains the mobile object ID of the available mobile object (ST3).

[0123] Next, by using the mobile object ID of the available mobile object, the processor 60 of the management server 10 refers to the mobile object DB, obtains the main battery ID associated with each of the available mobile objects, and then obtains the remaining battery power of the corresponding main battery 14 installed therein by referring to the main battery DB (ST4).

[0124] Next, the processor 60 of the management server 10 extracts, from among the available mobile objects, available mobile objects in which the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value as first available mobile objects, and also extracts available mobile objects in which the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value as second available mobile objects (ST5). In other words, the two conditions that the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the remaining battery charge is equal to or greater than the second threshold value correspond to the extraction conditions.

[0125] Then, the processor 60 of the management server 10 sends the extracted information to the terminal 8, the extracted information including the determination result about whether the user requesting to use the system has the sub-battery 7, information about each of the first available mobile objects (i.e., the mobile object ID, the station ID of the station 5 where the first available mobile object is placed, and the remaining battery power), and information about each of the second available mobile objects (i.e., the mobile object ID, the station ID of the station 5 where the second available mobile object is placed, and the remaining battery power) (ST6).

[0126] In this operation, the management server 10 refers to the station DB to obtain the station ID of each of the stations 5 (hereinafter referred to as "available stations") where the first available mobile object or the second available mobile object is placed, and sends the obtained station ID of the available station together with the corresponding location information to the terminal 8.

[0127] When receiving the extracted information, the terminal 8 generates and displays the following information using the extracted information: Fig.11 The extraction information screen 85 is shown.

[0128] Specifically, processor 52 in terminal 8 first acquires a determination result as to whether the user who requests to use the system has sub-battery 7 from the extracted information.

[0129] When the user has the sub-battery 7, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 acquires the positions of the available stations where one or more second available mobile objects are placed and the number of those second available mobile objects based on the information about the second available mobile objects and the information about the available stations. Then, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 generates an extraction information screen 85 including icons 87 overlaid on a map 86, each of which indicates the position of the corresponding station 5 where one or more second available mobile objects are available, and the number of second available mobile objects there.

[0130] When the user does not have the sub-battery 7, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 acquires the positions of the available stations where one or more first available mobile objects are placed and the number of one or more first available mobile objects based on the information about the first available mobile objects and the information about the available stations. Then, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 generates an extraction information screen 85 including icons 87 overlaid on a map 86, each of the icons 87 indicating the position of the corresponding station 5 where one or more first available mobile objects are available, and the number of those first available mobile objects there.

[0131] When the user touches one of the icons 87 on the extraction information screen 85, the processor 52 in the terminal 8 generates a detailed information screen 89 and displays the generated screen on the touch panel 55, such as Fig.12 (A) and Fig.12 As shown in (B).

[0132] The detailed information screen 89 shows a list 92 (table) indicating information about the station 5 corresponding to the touched icon 87, in which the mobile object IDs of the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object located there are listed, and corresponding selection buttons 91 are shown in the form of a table, each selection button 91 having a text 90 indicating the type of available mobile object (first and / or second). The detailed information screen 89 includes an OK button 93 as well as the list 92.

[0133] Furthermore, when the user who requests to use the system does not have the sub-battery 7, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 generates a detailed information screen 89, such as Fig.12 As shown in (A), it allows the use of the selection button 91A of the first available mobile object, but does not allow the use of any selection button 91B of the second available mobile object. Therefore, the detailed information screen 89 allows the user to select only the first available mobile object. In other words, the user without the sub-battery 7 is not allowed to select any electric mobile object 2 that is not included in the first available mobile object and is included only in the second available mobile object in the list.

[0134] In this case, the detailed information screen 89 preferably displays the selection buttons 91B of the second available mobile object in an unselectable state. This enables the user without the sub-battery 7 to be notified that the user with the sub-battery 7 can have a wider range of selectable electric mobile objects 2. When the user with the sub-battery 7 selects one of the selection buttons 91B of the second available mobile object, the terminal 8 can also display a notification to check the remaining battery power of the sub-battery 7.

[0135] Preferably, if Fig.12 (A) and Fig.12 As shown in (B), the detailed information screen 89 includes an icon 90A and / or a numerical value indicating the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 of the corresponding available mobile object. The terminal 8 can also be configured to communicate with the battery control device 47 of the sub-battery 7 to obtain the remaining battery power of its sub-battery 7, and display the detailed information screen 89 including an icon and / or a numerical value indicating the remaining battery power of the sub-battery 7.

[0136] When the user who requests to use the system has the sub-battery 7, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 generates a detailed information screen 89, such as Fig.12 As shown in (B), it allows the use of both the selection buttons 91A and 91B of the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object. Therefore, the detailed information screen 89 allows the user to select both the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object. In other words, the user with the sub-battery 7 is allowed to select any second available mobile object in the list. Since the first threshold is greater than the second threshold, a group of first available mobile objects is included in a group of second available mobile objects.

[0137] When the user selects the electric movable object 2 that the user wishes to use and touches the OK button on the detailed information screen 89, the terminal 8 displays the following information: Fig.13 The reservation confirmation screen 94 is shown.

[0138] The reservation confirmation screen 94 shows the reservation date and time, the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 that the user wants to use, the name of the station where the selected electric mobile object 2 is located and the corresponding station ID, and a reservation button 96. In this embodiment, the reservation confirmation screen 94 has a back button 97 for modifying the reservation.

[0139] When the reservation button 96 on the reservation confirmation screen 94 is touched, the terminal 8 sends the reservation confirmation information to the management server 10, and the reservation confirmation information includes the reservation date and time, the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 that the user wishes to use, the name of the station where the selected electric mobile object 2 is located, and the corresponding station ID.

[0140] Upon receiving the reservation confirmation information, the management server 10 acquires the station ID from the reservation confirmation information, and transmits the reservation confirmation information to the station server 9 provided at the station 5 having the station ID.

[0141] Upon receiving the reservation confirmation information, the station server 9 transmits the reservation confirmation information to the main ECU 29 of the selected mobile object. The main ECU 29 transmits the reservation confirmation information to the sub-ECU 38 upon receiving the reservation confirmation information.

[0142] The management server 10 sends an alarm signal including reservation confirmation information to the terminal 8 that made the corresponding reservation at a predetermined time before the use date and time. When the terminal 8 receives the alarm signal, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 displays an alarm screen 98 on the touch panel 55, such as Fig.14 The alert screen 98 includes a reservation confirmation information section 99 showing reservation confirmation information and a search button 100.

[0143] When the user moves to the station 5 where the reserved electric mobile object 2 is located based on the information displayed on the alarm screen 98 and touches the search button 100, the terminal 8 transmits a search signal including the mobile object ID (i.e., ID information identifying the electric mobile object 2) to the outside. The search signal is a wireless signal using a short-range wireless communication standard, and is used for communication between the terminal 8 and the sub-ECU 38. The range of the search signal is limited to several tens of meters from the terminal 8.

[0144] When receiving the search signal, the sub-ECU 38 acquires the mobile object ID from the search signal. Then, the sub-ECU 38 communicates with the main ECU 29 to acquire the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 on which the main ECU is installed. Then, the sub-ECU 38 determines whether the mobile object ID included in the search signal matches the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 on which the main ECU and the sub-ECU 38 are provided. When it is determined that a match is achieved, that is, when the mobile object ID in the ID information included in the search signal identifies the electric mobile object, the sub-ECU 38 (processor 40) flashes the light emitting device 39 on the electric mobile object 2 on which the sub-ECU 38 is installed.

[0145] In other cases, the battery control device 47 may use the mobile object ID of the mobile object provided to the user to generate and transmit a search signal containing the mobile object ID. In this case, the sub-ECU 38 compares the mobile object ID of the search signal transmitted by the battery control device 47 with the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 provided with the sub-ECU. When the two mobile object IDs correspond to each other (in the present embodiment, when a match is achieved), the sub-ECU 38 causes the light emitting device 39 to flash.

[0146] When a plurality of light emitting devices 39 are provided, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 may be configured to acquire the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 from the main ECU 29 and to flash a certain number of light emitting devices included in the plurality of light emitting devices, the number of which flashes changing according to the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14. In other embodiments, when the color of light emitted by the light emitting device 39 can be changed, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 may change the color of light emitted by the light emitting device 39 (the light emission color of the light emitting device 39) according to the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14. In this case, when the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is sufficient, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 sets the light emission color of the light emitting device 39 to green, and when the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is insufficient, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 may set the light emitting device 39 to emit red light or yellow light. This configuration allows the user to easily grasp the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 based on the number of flashing light emitting devices 39 or based on the color of light emitted by the light emitting device, which improves the usability of the mobile supply system 1.

[0147] In other embodiments, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 may be configured to obtain the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 from the battery control device 47, and flash a certain number of light-emitting devices, the number of which flashes changing according to the sum of the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7. In other embodiments, when the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting device 39 can be changed, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 can change the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting device 39 (the light emission color of the light-emitting device 39) according to the sum of the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7. This configuration allows the user to grasp the sum of the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7 that can supply (i.e., provide) power to the drive source 15 based on the number and color of the light-emitting devices 39 that emit light.

[0148] Furthermore, when the planned travel distance of the user (which is the distance that the mobile object is to travel and is planned by the user) is included in the reservation confirmation information, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 calculates the minimum battery charge required for movement of the planned travel distance or electric power assistance in movement of the electric mobile object 2 based on the planned travel distance, and then changes the number of light-emitting devices that emit light or the color of light emitted from the light-emitting devices based on the difference between the sum of the remaining battery charges of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7 and the calculated minimum battery charge. This configuration allows the user to grasp whether the sum of the remaining battery charges of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7 is sufficient for movement of the planned travel distance of the user or electric power assistance in movement of the electric mobile object 2 based on the number of light-emitting devices that emit light or the color of light emitted from the light-emitting devices.

[0149] The electric mobile object 2 may be provided with a speaker 43 as a notification device. In this case, when the mobile object ID included in the search signal matches the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 provided with the sub-ECU 38, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 may generate a sound from the speaker 43 to provide a notification signal to the user. In other embodiments, the main holder 25 holding the main battery 14 may also be provided with a light emitting device 25A. In this case, when the search signal is received, the main ECU 29 may cause the light emitting device 25A provided in the main holder 25 ( Figure 2 ) The light emitting device 25A in the main ECU 29 may set the characteristics or manner of light emission, such as the light emission color of the light emitting device, based on the remaining battery power of the main battery 14.

[0150] In this way, the notification system 101 for providing a notification signal to a user of a reserved electric movable object 2 is configured with a sub-ECU 38 and a notification device (e.g., a light-emitting device 39 in a sub-holder 36, a light-emitting device 25A in a main holder 25, a speaker 43), which is disposed in the electric movable object 2 and is capable of providing a notification signal to the outside thereof.

[0151] When the reserved electric mobile object 2 is found, the user starts using it appropriately. When the use of the rental mobile object is finished, the user returns the electric mobile object 2 to the station 5 and operates the terminal 8 to notify the management server 10 that the user has finished using it. When the notification is received from the terminal 8, the management server 10 charges the user a service fee and calculates the bonus points corresponding to the use time. The management server 10 stores the data of the calculated bonus points to the user DB, thereby granting the bonus points to the user. The user can use the granted bonus points to pay for another use of the electric mobile object 2, pay for purchases, or other purposes.

[0152] Next, main effects achieved by the thus configured mobile supply system 1 will be described.

[0153] The management server 10 obtains a request from a user and extracts a station 5 close to the use location. Among the mobile objects located at the station 5 closest to the extracted use location, the management server 10 selects a mobile object whose remaining battery power is equal to or greater than a first threshold as a first available mobile object, and also selects a mobile object whose remaining battery power is equal to or greater than a second threshold as a second available mobile object. Then, as Fig.12 (A) and Fig.12 As shown in (B) of FIG. 8 , the terminal 8 presents the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object selected by the management server 10 to the user.

[0154] like Figure 5 As shown in (A), the management server 10 stores information about each user's possession status of the sub-battery 7 in the user DB. For each user having the sub-battery 7, the user's terminal 8 displays a selection button 91A corresponding to the first available mobile object and a selection button 91B corresponding to the second available mobile object on the detailed information screen 89.

[0155] For each user who does not have a sub-battery 7, the user's terminal 8 generates a detailed information screen 89, such as Fig.12 As shown in (A), it allows the selection button 91A of the first available mobile object to be used, but does not allow any selection button 91B of the second available mobile object to be used.

[0156] This configuration can be considered as each of the user's terminals 8 displaying an electric mobile object 2 selectable by the user, that is, an electric mobile object 2 whose remaining battery charge of its main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the remaining battery charge set as a lower limit of a threshold charge, wherein for a user without a sub-battery 7, the threshold charge is determined as a first threshold, and for a user with its sub-battery 7, the threshold charge is determined as a second threshold that is less than the first threshold.

[0157] like Fig.12 As shown in (A) of FIG. 8 , the detailed information screen 89 allows a user without a sub-battery 7 to select an electric mobile object 2 whose remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. However, Fig.12 As shown in (B) of FIG. 8 , the detailed information screen 89 allows the user who has the sub-battery 7 to select the electric mobile object 2 whose remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. Since the first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value, the user without the sub-battery 7 has a limited number of selectable electric mobile objects 2 compared to the user with the sub-battery 7. In this way, the detailed information screen 89 is presented using this configuration of different threshold values, which enables the user without the sub-battery 7 to know that the user with the sub-battery 7 can have a wider range of selectable electric mobile objects 2 than the user without the sub-battery 7. This allows the user without the sub-battery 7 to be motivated to have its sub-battery 7. This configuration can also provide incentives (also called rewards, privileges, or advantages) to the user with its sub-battery 7.

[0158] The detailed information screen 89 presented to the user who does not have the sub-battery 7 may include a notification (such as an advertisement or introduction) to guide the user to own the sub-battery 7. Fig.12 As shown in (C), the detailed information screen 89 presented to the user without the sub-battery 7 includes a dimmed selection button 91B for the second available mobile object. In some cases, when any of these selection buttons 91B is touched, a pop-up window 89A may be displayed to inform the user that more electric mobile objects 2 will become available for selection when the user requests to use the sub-battery 7.

[0159] As described above, the number of selectable electric mobile objects 2 available to users with their sub-batteries 7 is equal to or greater than the number of selectable electric mobile objects 2 available to users without their sub-batteries 7. This allows users without their sub-batteries 7 to be motivated to have their sub-batteries 7, and can provide incentives (rewards, privileges, or advantages) to users with their sub-batteries 7, resulting in an increase in the number of users with sub-batteries 7 and a decrease in the number of main batteries 14 whose remaining battery charge is below a threshold charge. The remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is less likely to drop, which can reduce the cost of recharging the main battery 14 and other maintenance costs of the main battery 14. In addition, the fact that the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 is less likely to drop leads to a decrease in the number of electric mobile objects 2 left at the station 5; that is, the use of the electric mobile object 2 is encouraged.

[0160] When a search signal as a wireless signal is transmitted from the terminal 8 carried by the user, the light emitting device 39 provided in the electric mobile object 2 to be used reserved emits light to provide a notification signal to the user. In other words, the present invention provides a mobile supply method for providing the electric mobile object 2 to the user, the method comprising: upon receiving a signal from the terminal 8 carried by the user, causing a notification device (such as the light emitting device 39 or the speaker 43) provided in each of the mobile objects to provide a notification signal, which notifies the user of the position of the electric mobile object 2 to be provided to the user. The notification signal allows the user to easily identify the position of the electric mobile object 2 reserved by the user.

[0161] In the present embodiment, the sub-battery 7 is also capable of transmitting a search signal. Therefore, when the user requests to use the sub-battery 7 and carries the sub-battery 7, this configuration allows the light-emitting device 39 in the electric mobile object 2 reserved for use to emit light, thereby providing a notification signal to the user. The notification signal allows the user to easily identify the location of the electric mobile object 2 reserved by the user. Therefore, in addition to supplying power to the electric mobile object 2, the sub-battery 7 can also be used to transmit a wireless signal so that the notification device provides a notification signal that notifies the user of the location of the reserved electric mobile object 2. Since this configuration encourages the use of the sub-battery 7, the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is less likely to decrease, thereby reducing the cost required to maintain the electric mobile object 2.

[0162] <<Second Embodiment>>

[0163] The mobile supply system 1 according to the second embodiment has the same physical configuration as the mobile supply system 1 of the first embodiment. The mobile supply system 1 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the operations performed by the main ECU 29, the sub-ECU 38, the processor 52 of the terminal 8, the processor 60 of the management server 10, and the processor 56 of the station server 9.

[0164] Specifically, the mobility provision system 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that only users who have made reservations are allowed to use the electric moving object 2. However, the mobility provision system 1 of the second embodiment is configured so that users who have not made reservations are also allowed to rent the electric moving object 2 at the station 5.

[0165] In a second embodiment, if Fig.15 As shown, the reservation start screen 74 includes a no reservation button 110 for a user who wishes to use the service without making a reservation, as well as a user ID input field 71 , a password input field 72 , a reservation start button 73 , and a member registration button 75 .

[0166] When the no-reservation button 110 is touched, Fig.16As shown, the terminal 8 displays a search screen 120 , which includes an input field 112 for inputting a planned driving distance, a search button 114 , and a detail input button 116 .

[0167] At the station 5 where the user wants to rent the electric mobile object 2, when the user touches the search button 114 on the search screen 120 without inputting in the input field 112 for inputting the planned travel distance, the terminal 8 transmits a search signal that does not include the mobile object ID or the planned travel distance. When the user inputs the planned travel distance in the input field 112 and touches the search button 114 on the search screen 120, the terminal 8 transmits a search signal that does not include the mobile object ID but only includes the input planned travel distance.

[0168] When the sub-ECU 38 receives the search signal, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 determines whether the search signal includes the mobile object ID. When the search signal includes the mobile object ID, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 determines whether the mobile object ID included in the search signal matches the mobile object ID of the electric mobile object 2 in which the main ECU and the sub-ECU 38 are provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When it is determined that the match is achieved, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 flashes the light emitting device 39 on the electric mobile object 2 in which the sub-ECU 38 is mounted.

[0169] When the search signal does not include the mobile object ID, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 determines whether the search signal includes the planned travel distance. When it is determined that the search signal does not include the planned travel distance, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 acquires the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 from the main ECU 29. When the remaining battery power is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the sub-ECU 38 flashes the light emitting device 39 on the electric mobile object 2 on which the sub-ECU 38 is mounted.

[0170] When the search signal includes the mobile object ID, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 calculates the minimum battery power required for the movement of the planned travel distance or the electric power assistance in the movement of the electric mobile object 2 based on the planned travel distance. Then, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 acquires the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 from the main ECU 29, and when the remaining battery power is higher than the calculated minimum battery power, the sub-ECU 38 flashes the light emitting device 39 on the electric mobile object 2 on which the sub-ECU 38 is mounted.

[0171] Then, after determining the electric mobile object 2 to be used, the user touches the detail input button 116. When the user's touch on the detail input button 116 is detected, the terminal 8 displays the use detail screen 130, such as Fig.17As shown. The usage details screen 130 may include an input field 132 for inputting a mobile object ID used by the user, an input field 134 for inputting a planned time until the end of use, and a payment information input button 136. In some cases, the input field 132 for inputting a mobile object ID may be configured so that when the user images the plate 20 (or the code on the plate) on the vehicle body 12, the mobile object ID in the image is automatically input. After completing the input of the mobile object ID and the planned end time of use, the user touches the payment information input button 136. Then, the terminal 8 displays an input screen (not shown) for inputting payment information, and once the user enters the user's payment information, the electric mobile object 2 can be used.

[0172] Next, the effects achieved by the thus configured mobile supply system 1 will be described. In the second embodiment, the mobile supply system 1 allows the user to use the electric mobile object 2 by going to the station 5 and completing the necessary procedures even when the user has not made a reservation for use, which improves the usability of the mobile supply system 1 compared to the system of the first embodiment.

[0173] In the present embodiment, when the search signal includes a planned driving distance, the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 calculates the minimum battery charge required for movement of the planned driving distance or electric power assistance in movement of the electric mobile object 2, and when the sum of the remaining battery charges of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7 is higher than the calculated minimum battery charge, the light emitting device 39 flashes.

[0174] Based on the flashing of the light emitting device 39, the user can see whether the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7 is sufficient for movement for the user's planned travel distance or power assistance in the movement of the electric mobile object 2. This configuration allows the user to select the electric mobile object 2 that can supply the drive source 15 with the amount of power required for movement for the planned travel distance, thereby improving the usability of the mobility supply system 1.

[0175] <<Third Embodiment>>

[0176] The mobile provisioning system 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the system of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the operations of step ST5 and step ST6 in the mobile provisioning operation performed by the management server 10 and the operations of generating the extraction information screen 85 and the detailed information screen 89 performed by the terminal 8. Therefore, the description of the same features as the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0177] In step ST5 of the mobile provisioning operation, the processor 60 of the management server 10 extracts all electric mobile objects 2 ("available mobile objects") that will be available at the station 5 near the use location within the requested use time. When the extraction is completed, the processor 60 of the management server 10 sends the extracted information to the terminal 8, the extracted information including the mobile object ID of the extracted electric mobile object 2, the station ID of the station 5, and the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 of the extracted electric mobile object 2. In the present embodiment, the management server 10 sends the extracted information to the terminal 8 together with the input planned driving distance.

[0178] Upon receiving the extracted information, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 communicates with the battery control device 47 of the sub-battery 7 to obtain the remaining battery power of the sub-battery 7. The processor 52 of the terminal 8 determines and sets the first threshold value and the second threshold value. As in the first embodiment, the first threshold value is set to a predetermined value. However, the second threshold value is determined based on the remaining battery power of the sub-battery 7.

[0179] Specifically, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 determines the second threshold value so that the second threshold value is equal to or less than the first threshold value and is set to a smaller value as the remaining battery charge of the sub-battery 7 increases. In the present embodiment, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 calculates the amount of electric power required for electric assistance in movement of the planned driving distance or the movement of the electric mobile object 2 based on the planned driving distance, and subtracts the remaining battery charge of the sub-battery 7 from the calculated amount of electric power, thereby determining the second threshold value.

[0180] Next, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 obtains the electric mobile object 2 in which the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the first threshold as the first available mobile object from the extracted information. In addition, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 obtains the electric mobile object 2 in which the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the second threshold as the second available mobile object from the extracted information.

[0181] Then, as in the first embodiment, when the user has the sub-battery 7, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 generates an extraction information screen 85 including icons 87 overlaid on the map 86, each of the icons 87 indicating the position of the corresponding station 5 where one or more second available mobile objects are available, and the number of second available mobile objects there. When the user does not have the sub-battery 7, as in the first embodiment, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 generates an extraction information screen 85 including icons 87 overlaid on the map 86, each of the icons 87 indicating the position of the corresponding station 5 where one or more first available mobile objects are available, and the number of first available mobile objects there.

[0182] Next, the effects achieved by the thus configured mobile supply system 1 will be described. In the system of the second embodiment, the second threshold is determined based on the remaining battery charge of the sub-battery 7. Specifically, the second threshold is determined by subtracting the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 from the amount of electric power required for electric power assistance in movement for the planned travel distance or the movement of the electric mobile object 2.

[0183] The system configured so that the first threshold value and the second threshold value are determined as described above allows selection of the electric mobile object 2 reserved for the user having the sub-battery 7 from the second available mobile objects, in each of which the sum of the remaining battery charges of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7 is greater than the amount of electric power required for movement for the planned travel distance or electric power assistance in movement of the electric mobile object 2. Therefore, in this configuration, for the electric mobile object 2 reserved for the user having the sub-battery 7, the total battery charge of the batteries in the electric mobile object 2 is prevented from being depleted during movement for the planned travel distance or electric power assistance in movement of the electric mobile object 2.

[0184] <<Fourth Embodiment>>

[0185] The mobile provisioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that in the system of the present embodiment, the terminal 8 sets a time period during which the user is allowed to request to use the service based on the user's possession status of the sub-battery 7. Therefore, the description of the same features as the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0186] The terminal 8 displays a reservation start screen 74 ( Figure 7 ), when the requesting user (i.e., the user who has made a reservation to use the service) touches the reservation start button 73, the terminal 8 transmits the ID information of the requesting user including the user ID and password of the requesting user to the management server 10. Then, the management server 10 refers to the user DB, and transmits the information on the status of whether the requesting user owns the sub-battery 7 (also referred to as battery ownership information) to the terminal 8.

[0187] Based on the received battery possession information, the terminal 8 determines a time period (hereinafter also referred to as an "available time period") during which the user is allowed to input the usage time in the input field 83 in the reservation information input screen 82, so that the available time period is limited to a time period from the start time when the reservation information input screen 82 is opened (or when input is made) to a time a predetermined time period before the start time. Thus, the terminal 8 imposes a restriction on the input in the input field 83 for input of the usage time, thereby allowing the user to input a request to use the service within a time period from the input time to a time a predetermined time period before the input time.

[0188] like Fig.18As shown in (A), the terminal 8 (processor 52) can form an input field 83 with a drop-down menu 83A, which provides a list of options for usage time, all of which fall within the available time period (the time period from the time of receiving the ID information of the requesting user to a time of a certain time slot length before the reception time), thereby achieving a limitation on the time period in which the user can enter a request to use the service. Fig.18 (A) shows an example in which the start time at which the reservation information input screen 82 is opened is 12:00, and the time slot length is three (3) hours from the start time.

[0189] In other embodiments, the terminal 8 may form an input field 83 that allows direct input of an input element such as a number representing the usage time. In this case, when the number or other element input in the input field 83 represents a time period outside the available time period, the terminal 8 may generate and display a warning screen 82A with a pop-up window 83C indicating that the input usage time represented by the number or other element is outside the available time period on the touch panel 55, such as Fig.18 As shown in (B).

[0190] However, the terminal 8 sets a longer time slot length for the user with its sub-battery 7 than the time slot length for the user without the sub-battery 7. In other words, the terminal 8 sets a longer available time period for the user with its sub-battery 7 than the available time period for the user without the sub-battery 7.

[0191] For example, the terminal 8 may determine the available time period so that the user with its sub-battery 7 has the available time period from seven days before to the usage time to be input, while the user without the sub-battery 7 has the available time period from three days before to the usage time to be input. This means that the user without the sub-battery 7 is allowed to reserve the use of the electric moving object 2 three days before the usage time to be booked, while the user with its sub-battery 7 is allowed to reserve the use of the electric moving object 2 seven days before the usage time to be booked.

[0192] In other cases, the terminal 8 may determine the available time period so that the user with its sub-battery 7 has an available time period from seven hours before to the usage time to be input, while the user without the sub-battery 7 has an available time period from three hours before to the usage time to be input. This means that the user without the sub-battery 7 is allowed to reserve the use of the electric moving object 2 three hours before the usage time to be booked, while the user with its sub-battery 7 is allowed to reserve the use of the electric moving object 2 seven hours before the usage time to be booked.

[0193] In this way, the terminal 8 determines an available time period during which the user can reserve a use service so that the available time period starts earlier by the difference in the time slot length depending on whether the user has the sub-battery 7. When the available time period is set to a time period from the input time at which the use time to be reserved is input to seven hours before the input time, the user is allowed to reserve the use service seven hours before the use time to be reserved, and the time length of seven hours corresponds to the time slot length.

[0194] The system may be configured such that the terminal 8 sets the time slot length for each of the electric mobile objects 2. As the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 decreases, the terminal 8 may shorten the time slot length. The terminal 8 may also set the time slot length to be shorter when the percentage of the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 calculated by dividing the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 by the fully charged battery charge becomes smaller. Specifically, the terminal 8 may set the time slot length to satisfy the following equation:

[0195] Y=(100-A)×α

[0196] where Y is the time slot length, A is the percentage of remaining battery charge, and α is an arbitrary positive constant.

[0197] Therefore, when the terminal 8 sets the time slot length according to the remaining battery power of the main battery 14, the terminal 8 can obtain information about the available mobile object and generate the extraction information screen 85 and the detailed information screen 89 based on the remaining battery power of the main battery 14 of the available mobile object in the same manner as the third embodiment. For example, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 can set the time slot length based on the remaining battery power of the main battery 14, and then determine whether each of the selection buttons 91 in the detailed information screen 89 is selectable based on the use date and use time input in the reservation information input screen 82 and the time when the reservation information input screen 82 is opened.

[0198] Next, the effects achieved by the thus configured mobile provisioning system 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the terminal 8 determines the available time period of the user based on whether the user has the sub-battery 7. Specifically, the terminal 8 sets a longer available time period for the user having its sub-battery 7 than for the user without the sub-battery 7. This configuration allows the user having its sub-battery 7 to reserve the use of the electric mobile object 2 earlier than the user without the sub-battery 7, thereby providing an incentive for the user having its sub-battery 7. Providing an incentive to the owner of the sub-battery 7 encourages the use of the sub-battery 7, resulting in a reduction in the number of electric mobile objects 2 staying at the station 5.

[0199] <<Fifth Embodiment>>

[0200] The mobile provisioning system 1 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the system of the present embodiment includes two or more types of mobile objects, and step ST5 in the mobile provisioning operation is performed by the management server 10. Therefore, the description of the same features as the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0201] In this embodiment, the mobile supply system 1 includes two types of electric mobile objects 2. One type of electric mobile object 2 ("Type A") is lighter and easier to accelerate than another type of electric mobile object 2 ("Type B"). For example, Type A may be an off-road model bicycle, and Type B may be a city model bicycle. Type A may also be a mobile object other than a bicycle (for example, an electric mobile object 2 other than a bicycle, such as an electric wheelchair).

[0202] In step ST5 of the mobile provision operation, the processor 60 of the management server 10 extracts only the electric mobile object 2 of type B as the first available mobile object from the available mobile objects, and extracts both the electric mobile object 2 of type A and the electric mobile object 2 of type B as the second available mobile object.

[0203] Next, effects achieved by the thus configured mobile supply system 1 will be described.

[0204] When the requesting user does not have the sub-battery 7, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 makes only the first available mobile object available for selection in the detailed information screen 89. This allows the user without the sub-battery 7 to reserve only the electric mobile object 2 of type B. When the requesting user has the sub-battery 7, the processor 52 of the terminal 8 makes both the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object available for selection in the detailed information screen 89. This allows the user with its sub-battery 7 to reserve both the electric mobile object 2 of type A and the electric mobile object 2 of type B.

[0205] As a result, the range of selectable electric mobile objects 2 is set to be wider for the user with its sub-battery 7 than for the user without the sub-battery 7. Therefore, this configuration encourages the user with its sub-battery 7 to use the electric mobile object 2.

[0206] <<Sixth Embodiment>>

[0207] The mobile supply system 1 according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that in the system of this embodiment, the battery control device 47 is configured to acquire the usage history of the sub-battery 7, and the management server 10 gives reward points to the user based on the user's usage history. Therefore, the description of the same features as the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0208] The battery control device 47 of the sub-battery 7 acquires the use status of the sub-battery 7 based on the reduction rate of the remaining battery level of the sub-battery 7. For example, when the remaining battery level of the sub-battery 7 is higher than a predetermined threshold, the battery control device 47 determines that the sub-battery 7 is being used and counts the use time.

[0209] The battery control device 47 is configured to connect to the mobile object management device 35 when the sub-battery 7 is attached to the sub-holder 36. When the connection to the mobile object management device 35 is detected, the battery control device 47 determines that the sub-battery 7 is being used for power assistance in the movement of the mobile or electric mobile object 2, and does not count the usage time.

[0210] Whenever the date changes, the battery control device 47 transmits a use report signal including the use time to the terminal 8 via wireless communication. Upon receiving the use report signal, the terminal 8 transmits it to the management server 10. When receiving the use report signal, whenever the date changes, the management server 10 gives bonus points to the user of the sub-battery 7 based on the use time. In other cases, the management server 10 may make the user's reserved available time start earlier based on the use history of the sub-battery 7 instead of giving bonus points.

[0211] Next, the effects achieved by the thus configured mobile supply system 1 will be described. This configuration gives bonus points to users based on the user's history of use of the sub-battery 7, which allows the user to be motivated and rewarded to own his sub-battery 7. In this specific embodiment, the system gives bonus points to users who have used the sub-battery 7 for purposes other than the movement of the mobile object, which encourages the use of the sub-battery 7 for purposes other than electric vehicles, thereby expanding the scope of use of the sub-battery 7 by the user.

[0212] <<Seventh Embodiment>>

[0213] The mobile supply system 1 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that in the system of this embodiment, the battery control device 47 is configured to acquire the usage history of the sub-battery 7, and the management server 10 gives reward points to the user based on the user's usage history. Therefore, the description of the same features as the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0214] The battery control device 47 is configured to connect to the mobile object management device 35 when the sub-battery 7 is attached to the sub-holder 36. When the connection to the mobile object management device 35 is detected, the battery control device 47 determines that the sub-battery 7 is being used for movement or power assistance in movement of the electric mobile object 2, and counts the connection time.

[0215] Whenever the connection with the mobile object management device 35 is disconnected, the battery control device 47 transmits a use report signal including the connection time to the terminal 8 via wireless communication. Upon receiving the use report signal, the terminal 8 transmits it to the management server 10. When receiving the use report signal, the management server 10 gives bonus points to the corresponding user of the sub-battery 7 whenever the management server receives the use report signal. In other cases, the management server 10 may make the user's reserved available time start earlier according to the use time of the movement of the electric mobile object or the power assistance in the movement, instead of giving bonus points.

[0216] Next, the effects achieved by the thus configured mobile supply system 1 will be described. This configuration gives bonus points to users who have used the sub-battery 7 for the purpose of movement of a mobile object, which encourages the use of the sub-battery 7.

[0217] <<Eighth Implementation Method>>

[0218] The mobile provisioning system 1 according to the eighth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment except that the management server 10 determines the available time period instead of the terminal 8, and in the fourth embodiment, the available time period is set in the reservation information input screen 82. Therefore, the description of the same features as the fourth embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0219] The terminal 8 displays a reservation start screen 74 ( Figure 7 ), when the requesting user (i.e., the user who has made a reservation to use the service) touches the reservation start button 73, the terminal 8 transmits the ID information of the requesting user including the user ID and password of the requesting user to the management server 10. Upon receiving the user ID of the requesting user, the management server 10 performs a setting operation to set an available time period for reserving the use of the electric movable object 2. Fig.19 Describes the details of the setting operation.

[0220] In the first step ST11 of the setting operation, the management server 10 acquires the user ID from the ID information of the requesting user. Then, the management server 10 refers to the user DB to acquire information about the possession status of the sub-battery 7 by the requesting user (i.e., whether the requesting user has the sub-battery 7) (also referred to as "battery possession information"). When the requesting user has the sub-battery 7, the management server 10 executes step ST12, otherwise executes step ST13.

[0221] In step ST12, the management server 10 sets the available time period to a time period from the time of receiving the ID information of the requesting user to a time period that is a predetermined time ("time slot length") before the receiving time. In this step, the management server 10 sets the time slot length to a first time slot length (e.g., 7 hours). Upon completion of the setting of the available time period, the management server 10 transmits a signal including the available time period to the terminal 8.

[0222] In step ST13, the management server 10 sets the available time period to a time period from the time of receiving the ID information of the requesting user to the time of the time slot length before the receiving time. In this step, the management server 10 sets the time slot length to a second time slot length (e.g., 3 hours). The second time slot length is shorter than the first time slot length. When the setting of the available time period is completed, the management server 10 sends a signal including the available time period to the terminal 8.

[0223] When receiving a signal including an available time period, the terminal 8 Fig. 9 The input in the input field 83 shown imposes restrictions, so that the user is only allowed to input a request to use the service (booking use) within the available time period. Specifically, as in the fourth embodiment, the terminal 8 can form an input field 83 with a drop-down menu 83A, and the drop-down menu 83A provides a list of options for use time, all of which fall within the range of Fig.18 The terminal 8 may generate and display a warning screen 82A on the touch panel 55 using a pop-up window 83C indicating that the input usage time is outside the available time period, such as within the available time period shown in (A) of FIG. 5 (a time period from the time when the ID of the requesting user is received to the time of a certain time slot length before the reception time), or when a usage time outside the available time period is input, the terminal 8 may generate and display a warning screen 82A using a pop-up window 83C on the touch panel 55, the pop-up window 83C indicating that the input usage time is outside the available time period, such as Fig.18 As shown in (B).

[0224] Next, the effects achieved by the thus configured mobility provision system 1 (particularly the management server 10) will be described. In this configuration, based on the battery possession information, the management server 10 sets an available time period for allowing the user to input a request for use of the electric mobile object 2, and transmits a signal including the available time period to the terminal 8. The terminal 8 allows the user to input a request for use of the service only within the available time period.

[0225] As a result, the user with his sub-battery 7 is allowed to make a reservation longer before the time to make the reservation than the user without the sub-battery 7. In other words, the user with his sub-battery 7 is allowed to make a reservation to use the electric mobile object 2 earlier than the user without the sub-battery 7.

[0226] In this way, for a user with its sub-battery 7, the available time period during which the user is allowed to request to use the service may be different from the available time period for a user without the sub-battery 7. Therefore, this configuration may give an advantage to a user with its sub-battery 7 relative to a user without the sub-battery 7, thereby encouraging the use of the sub-battery 7.

[0227] The management server 10 may determine the time slot length (the first time slot length or the second time slot length) based on whether the user has the sub-battery 7, and transmit only the determined time slot length to the terminal 8. In this case, upon receiving the time slot length, the terminal 8 may determine whether to allow the user to use the sub-battery 7 based on the current time and the time slot length. Fig. 9 An input field 83 is shown in which a requested availability time period for use of the service is entered.

[0228] <<Ninth Implementation Method>>

[0229] The mobile supply system 1 according to the ninth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the operation (step ST5) of extracting available mobile objects (first available mobile object and second available mobile object) performed by the management server 10. Therefore, the description of the same features as the first embodiment will not be repeated here, and only the operation of step ST5 of the ninth embodiment will be described.

[0230] In step ST5, the processor 60 of the management server 10 first transmits a charging rate request signal requesting information about the charging rate of the sub-battery 7 to the terminal 8. Upon receiving the charging rate request signal, the terminal 8 acquires the charging rate from the sub-battery 7 owned (carried) by the corresponding user (or calculates the charging rate based on the charge amount of the sub-battery 7). Then, the terminal 8 transmits information including the charging rate of the sub-battery 7 (hereinafter referred to as "battery charging rate information") to the management server 10.

[0231] When acquiring the battery charging rate information, the processor 60 of the management server 10 extracts the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object based on the charging rate of the sub-battery 7 .

[0232] As in the first embodiment, the processor 60 of the management server 10 extracts, from the available mobile objects, available mobile objects whose remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the first threshold as the first available mobile object, and also extracts, as the second available mobile object, available mobile objects whose remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (ST5). In this embodiment, the management server 10 sets the first threshold and the second threshold based on the charging rate of the sub-battery 7, respectively.

[0233] In this case, the processor 60 of the management server 10 preferably determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value so that the first threshold value and the second threshold value decrease as the charging rate of the sub-battery 7 increases. In addition, the processor 60 of the management server 10 preferably determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value so that at the same charging rate of the sub-battery 7, the second threshold value is lower than the first threshold value.

[0234] When the extraction is completed, the management server 10 sends the extracted information to the terminal 8 in the same manner as the first embodiment, and the extracted information includes the determination result of whether the requesting user has the sub-battery 7, information about each of the first available mobile objects (i.e., the mobile object ID, the station ID of the station 5 where the first available mobile object is placed, and the remaining battery power), and information about each of the second available mobile objects (i.e., the mobile object ID, the station ID of the station 5 where the second available mobile object is placed, and the remaining battery power) (ST6).

[0235] Next, the effects achieved by the mobile supply system 1 (particularly the management server 10) thus configured will be described. In this configuration, the processor 60 of the management server 10 acquires the charging rate of the sub-battery 7 owned by the user and can supply power to the electric mobile object 2, and then extracts the electric mobile object 2 (the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object) based on the acquired charging rate. The terminal 8 then presents the extracted electric mobile object 2 to the user, and receives the user's selection of the electric mobile object 2 ( Fig.12 (A) to Fig.12 (C)).

[0236] In this way, the system extracts the electric mobile objects 2 based on the charging rate of the sub-battery 7, and presents the extracted electric mobile objects 2 to the user. This means that the range of electric mobile objects 2 to be presented to the user with the sub-battery 7 having a higher charging rate can be different from the range of electric mobile objects 2 to be presented to the user with the sub-battery 7 having a lower charging rate. This configuration also allows the extraction to be set in such a way that more electric mobile objects 2 are presented as the charging rate increases, thereby encouraging the user to recharge his sub-battery 7.

[0237] <<Tenth Implementation Method>>

[0238] The mobile supply system 1 according to the tenth embodiment is the same as the ninth embodiment, except that in the system of this embodiment, the processor 60 of the management server 10 acquires information including the charge amount of the sub-battery 7 from the terminal 8 instead of acquiring information including the charge rate of the sub-battery 7, and extracts the electric mobile object 2 based on the acquired charge amount of the sub-battery 7. Therefore, the description of the same features as the ninth embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0239] As in the ninth embodiment, the processor 60 of the management server 10 sets the first threshold value and the second threshold value based on the charge amount of the sub-battery 7. The processor 60 of the management server 10 preferably determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value so that the first threshold value and the second threshold value decrease as the charge amount of the sub-battery 7 increases. In addition, the processor 60 of the management server 10 preferably determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value so that the second threshold value is lower than the first threshold value at the same charge amount of the sub-battery 7. As used herein, the term "charge amount" corresponds to the amount of electric power that the sub-battery 7 can supply to the electric mobile object 2.

[0240] Next, the effects achieved by the mobile supply system 1 (particularly the management server 10) thus configured will be described. In this configuration, the processor 60 of the management server 10 acquires the charge amount of the sub-battery 7 owned by the user and can supply power to the electric mobile object 2, and then extracts the electric mobile object 2 (the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object) based on the acquired charge amount. The terminal 8 then presents the extracted electric mobile object 2 to the user, and receives the user's selection of the electric mobile object 2 ( Fig.12 (A) to Fig.12 (C)).

[0241] In this way, the system extracts the electric mobile objects 2 based on the charge levels of the sub-batteries 7, and presents the extracted electric mobile objects 2 to the user. This means that the range of electric mobile objects 2 to be presented to the user with the sub-batteries 7 having higher charge levels can be different from the range of electric mobile objects 2 to be presented to the user with the sub-batteries 7 having lower charge levels. This configuration also allows the extraction to be set in such a way that more electric mobile objects 2 are presented as the charge levels increase, thereby encouraging the user to recharge their sub-batteries 7.

[0242] <<Eleventh Embodiment>>

[0243] The mobile supply system 1 according to the eleventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that (i) the operation of extracting the available mobile objects (the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object) performed by the management server 10 (step ST5) is different from the first embodiment; and (ii) the battery control device 47 is configured to detect that it is connected to the mobile object management device 35 as in the seventh embodiment, and obtain the use history data of the sub-battery 7 for supplying power from the battery unit 45 to the electric mobile object 2 (hereinafter referred to as "power supply history data"), and the sub-battery 7 is configured to record and store the obtained power supply history data in the memory 50. Therefore, the description of the same features as the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0244] In step ST5, the processor 60 of the management server 10 first sends a supply power amount request signal to the terminal 8 requesting information about the amount of supplied power from the sub-battery 7. Upon receiving the supply power amount request signal, the terminal 8 acquires power supply history data from the sub-battery 7 owned (carried) by the corresponding user. Based on the power supply history data, the terminal 8 calculates the amount of power that the sub-battery 7 has supplied to the electric mobile object 2 so far (hereinafter referred to as "supplied power amount"). Then, the terminal 8 sends information including the amount of supplied power from the sub-battery 7 (hereinafter referred to as "supplied power amount information") to the management server 10.

[0245] When acquiring the supplied power amount information, the processor 60 of the management server 10 extracts the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object based on the supplied power amount of the sub-battery 7 .

[0246] As in the first embodiment, the processor 60 of the management server 10 extracts, from the available mobile objects, available mobile objects whose remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the first threshold as the first available mobile object, and also extracts, as the second available mobile object, available mobile objects whose remaining battery power of the main battery 14 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (ST5). In this embodiment, the management server 10 sets the first threshold and the second threshold based on the amount of power supplied by the sub-battery 7, respectively.

[0247] In this case, the processor 60 of the management server 10 preferably determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value so that the first threshold value and the second threshold value decrease as the amount of supplied power of the sub-battery 7 increases. In addition, the processor 60 of the management server 10 preferably sets the first threshold value and the second threshold value so that at the same amount of supplied power of the sub-battery 7, the second threshold value is lower than the first threshold value.

[0248] When the extraction is completed, the management server 10 sends the extracted information to the terminal 8 in the same manner as the first embodiment, and the extracted information includes the determination result as to whether the requesting user has the sub-battery 7, information about each of the first available mobile objects (i.e., the mobile object ID, the station ID of the station 5 where the first available mobile object is placed, and the remaining battery power), and information about each of the second available mobile objects (i.e., the mobile object ID, the station ID of the station 5 where the second available mobile object is placed, and the remaining battery power (ST6).

[0249] Next, the effects achieved by the mobile supply system 1 (particularly the management server 10) thus configured will be described. In this configuration, the processor 60 of the management server 10 acquires the supply power amount of the sub-battery 7 owned by the user, and can supply power to the electric mobile object 2, and then extracts the electric mobile object 2 (the first available mobile object and the second available mobile object) based on the acquired supply power amount. The terminal 8 then presents the extracted electric mobile object 2 to the user, and receives the user's selection of the electric mobile object 2 ( Fig.12 (A) to Fig.12 (C)).

[0250] In this way, the system extracts the electric mobile objects 2 based on the amount of supplied power of the sub-battery 7, and presents the extracted electric mobile objects 2 to the user. This means that the range of electric mobile objects 2 to be presented to the user with the sub-battery 7 having a higher amount of supplied power can be different from the range of electric mobile objects 2 to be presented to the user with the sub-battery 7 having a lower amount of supplied power. This configuration also allows the manner in which the extraction is set so that more electric mobile objects 2 are presented as the amount of supplied power increases, thereby encouraging the user to recharge his sub-battery 7.

[0251] For the purpose of illustration, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein. However, the present invention is not limited to those specific embodiments, and various modifications may be made to the embodiments.

[0252] In the above-described embodiment, the system is configured so that the user inputs the planned driving distance. However, in other embodiments, the system may be configured so that the management server 10 is configured to estimate the planned driving distance based on the user's usage status and other information.

[0253] In the above embodiment, the system is configured so that the sub-battery 7 and the terminal 8 are separate elements. However, in other embodiments, the sub-battery 7 and the terminal 8 may be configured as one unit, or the sub-battery 7 may be configured to function substantially as the terminal 8.

[0254] In the sixth and seventh embodiments, the system is configured to give bonus points to the subject user, thereby allowing the user to be motivated to own his sub-battery 7. However, the way of providing incentives to users is not limited to giving bonus points. The system can be configured to provide incentives to users who have used the sub-battery 7 for purposes other than the movement of the electric mobile object 2, or to users who have used the sub-battery 7 for the purpose of the movement of the electric mobile object 2, for example, by lowering the second threshold to expand the range of selectable electric mobile objects 2. In some cases, the system can be configured to provide incentives to the subject user by changing the available time period to start earlier, as in the fourth embodiment. In other cases, the system can be configured to provide incentives to the subject user by expanding the range of selectable electric mobile objects 2, as in the fifth embodiment. In addition, the terminal 8 or the management server 10 can provide incentives, or both the terminal 8 and the management server 10 can operate collaboratively to provide incentives.

[0255] In the above-described embodiment, since the communication distance between the terminal 8 and the sub-ECU 38 is limited to a range from several meters to several tens of meters, the system is configured to cause the light emitting device 39 of the electric mobile object 2 located within the distance range from the terminal 8 to emit light. However, the system may be configured to cause the light emitting device 39 of the electric mobile object 2 within several tens of meters of the terminal 8 to emit light by adopting other configurations without limiting the communication distance. For example, the system may be configured such that both the terminal 8 and the sub-ECU 38 are configured to be positioned by GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), thereby allowing the sub-ECU 38 to acquire the position of the terminal 8 in order to determine whether the distance to the terminal 8 is within a predetermined communication distance, and when it is determined that the distance to the terminal 8 is within the predetermined communication distance, the sub-ECU 38 allows the light emitting device 39 to emit light.

[0256] In the above-described embodiment, the system is configured so that the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 sets and changes the characteristics or manner of light emission from the light emitting device 39 based on the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 or the sum of the remaining battery charges of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7. However, in other embodiments, the system may be configured so that the processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 calculates the possible travel distance of the electric mobile object 2 according to the remaining battery charge of the main battery 14 or the sum of the remaining battery charges of the main battery 14 and the sub-battery 7, and then sets and changes the characteristics or manner of light emission from the light emitting device 39 based on the possible travel distance. The processor 40 of the sub-ECU 38 can obtain the possible travel distance by multiplying the remaining battery charge (or the sum of the remaining battery charges) by a coefficient set for each electric mobile object 2 (hereinafter referred to as a "conversion coefficient"), and can determine the conversion factor based on the type of the electric mobile object 2 or the degree of deterioration of the electric mobile object 2. In addition, the conversion factor may be included in the mobile object DB. When the conversion factor is based on the degree of deterioration of the electric mobile object 2, the conversion factor may be set by the administrator when maintaining the electric mobile object 2.

[0257] In the above embodiment, the system is configured so that the station server 9 is provided at each station 5. However, the station server 9 may not be provided at each station 5. For example, the main ECU 29 or the sub-ECU 38 in the electric mobile object 2 may be configured to communicate directly with the management server 10 via the network 11.

[0258] In the above-described embodiment, the system is configured so that, in response to a wireless signal transmitted from the terminal 8, the light emitting device 39 on the electric mobile object 2 emits light to notify the user of the location of the reserved electric mobile object 2. However, the emission of light may not be caused by receiving a wireless signal. In other embodiments, the system may be configured so that a notification device such as the light emitting device 51 is provided in the sub-battery 7 carried by the user, and when the distance between the electric mobile object 2 (particularly the main ECU 29 or the sub-ECU 38) and the sub-battery 7 is lower than a predetermined distance, the notification device in the sub-battery 7 provides a notification signal (more specifically, the light emitting device 51 of the sub-battery 7 emits light).

[0259] In the above-described embodiment, the system is configured to allow a user without a sub-battery 7 to select any electric mobile object 2 whose main battery 14 has a remaining battery charge higher than a first threshold, while allowing a user with a sub-battery to select any electric mobile object 2 whose main battery 14 has a remaining battery charge higher than a second threshold. However, the basis for determining the different ranges of selectable electric mobile objects 2 is not limited to different thresholds. For example, the system may be configured so that when the management server 10 (or the terminal 8) receives a request to use a service from a user with a sub-battery 7, the system presents selectable electric mobile objects including electric mobile objects whose main batteries 14 have a lower remaining battery charge than the selectable electric mobile objects presented to the requesting user without the sub-battery 7.

[0260] In the sixth and seventh embodiments, the system is configured to use the usage time as the user's usage history. However, the available usage history is not limited to the usage time. For example, the system can be configured to provide incentives to the user based on the amount of power that the user's sub-battery 7 has supplied (i.e., the amount of supplied power). Examples of ways to provide incentives to the user include giving bonus points, and changing the available time period to start earlier, and other methods.

[0261] In the above-described embodiment, a smartphone of a user is used as the terminal 8. However, a device that can be used as the terminal 8 is not limited to a smartphone. The terminal 8 may be a device rented by an operator (or service provider) of the mobile provisioning system 1.

[0262] Reference numerals list

[0263] 1. Mobile supply system

[0264] 2. Electric moving objects (moving objects)

[0265] 5. Station

[0266] 7. Sub-battery

[0267] 8. Terminal

[0268] 10. Manage Servers

[0269] 14. Main battery

[0270] 15. Driving source

[0271] 36. Sub-holder (battery holder)

[0272] 38. Sub-ECU (control device)

[0273] 39. Light-emitting device (example of notification device)

[0274] 43. Speaker (another example of a notification device)

Claims

1. A battery holder for attaching a battery to a mobile object, the battery holder comprising: A notification device is configured such that, when a wireless signal corresponding to the notification device is transmitted, the notification device provides a notification signal to the outside of the battery holder.

2. The battery holder according to claim 1, wherein: The battery is capable of transmitting the wireless signal.

3. The battery holder according to claim 2, further comprising a control device configured to receive the wireless signal, cause the notification device to operate based on the received wireless signal, and store the ID number of the mobile object, and in, The control means compares the stored ID number with the received ID number contained in the received wireless signal, and when the stored ID number corresponds to the received ID number, the control means causes the notification means to operate.

4. A mobile supply system for providing at least one of the mobile objects placed at a station to a user, the mobile supply system comprising: a notification device provided in each of the mobile objects and capable of providing a notification signal to the outside of the mobile object in which the notification device is provided; a terminal, which is held by the user and is capable of sending wireless signals; as well as A control device is arranged in the mobile object provided with the notification device and is configured such that, when receiving the wireless signal, the control device causes the notification device in the same mobile object to provide the notification signal to the outside.

5. The mobile supply system according to claim 4, wherein: The terminal transmits a wireless signal including ID information for identifying one of the mobile objects, and wherein, when receiving the wireless signal, the control device determines whether the ID information in the received wireless signal corresponds to the mobile object on which the control device is provided, and When it is determined that the ID information corresponds to the mobile object, the control device causes the notification device in the same mobile object to provide the notification signal to the outside.

6. The mobile provisioning system according to claim 4, further comprising a management server configured to obtain reservation confirmation information identifying a selected mobile object selected by the user from among the mobile objects and to transmit the reservation confirmation information to the terminal, in, The terminal sends the wireless signal including the reservation confirmation information, wherein, when receiving the wireless signal from the terminal, the control device determines whether the mobile object provided with the control device is the selected mobile object, and When it is determined that the mobile object provided with the control device is the selected mobile object, the control device causes the notification device in the selected mobile object to provide the notification signal to the outside.

7. The mobile supply system according to claim 4, wherein: The notification device includes a light emitting device capable of emitting light toward the outside of the moving object, and The notification device causes the light emitting device to emit light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside.

8. The mobile supply system according to claim 4, wherein: The notification device includes a speaker capable of emitting sound to the outside of the moving object, and The notification device causes the speaker to emit a sound, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside.

9. The mobile supply system according to claim 4, wherein: The mobile object includes a main body, a driving source that causes movement of the main body or assists movement of the main body, and a main battery that supplies power to the driving source, and When the wireless signal is received from the terminal, the control device acquires the remaining battery power of the main battery and enables the notification device to provide the notification signal to the outside according to the remaining battery power of the main battery.

10. The mobile supply system according to claim 9, wherein: The notification device includes a plurality of light emitting devices capable of emitting light so as to provide the notification signal to the outside of the moving object, and wherein the control means causes the notification means to change the number of light emitting means included in the plurality of light emitting means and emitting light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside according to the remaining battery power of the main battery.

11. The mobile supply system according to claim 9, wherein: The notification device includes a light emitting device capable of emitting light toward the outside of the moving object and changing the color of the emitted light, and wherein the control means causes the notification means to change the color of the light emitted by the light emitting means, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside according to the remaining battery power of the main battery.

12. The mobile supply system according to claim 4, wherein: The moving object includes a main body, a driving source and a main battery, wherein the driving source causes the movement of the main body or assists the movement of the main body, and the main battery supplies power to the driving source. Wherein, the terminal includes a sub-battery capable of supplying power to the driving source, and When the wireless signal is received from the terminal, the control device obtains the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery, and enables the notification device to provide the notification signal to the outside according to the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery.

13. The mobile supply system according to claim 12, wherein: The notification device includes a plurality of light emitting devices capable of emitting light so as to provide the notification signal to the outside of the moving object, and The control device causes the notification device to change the number of light emitting devices included in the plurality of light emitting devices and emitting light, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside according to the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery.

14. The mobile supply system according to claim 12, wherein: The notification device includes a light emitting device capable of emitting light toward the outside of the moving object and changing the color of the emitted light, and The control means causes the notification means to change the color of the light emitted by the light emitting means, thereby providing the notification signal to the outside according to the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery.

15. The mobile supply system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a management server, the management server being configured to obtain a planned travel distance, the planned travel distance being a distance that the mobile object is to travel and that is planned by the user, in, The management server acquires a minimum battery charge required for electric power assistance in movement of the planned travel distance or the movement of the mobile object based on the planned travel distance, and notifies the control device of the minimum battery charge, and When the sum of the remaining battery power of the main battery and the remaining battery power of the sub-battery is greater than or equal to the acquired minimum battery power, the control device causes the notification device to provide the notification signal to the outside.

16. A mobile provision method for providing a user with at least one of the mobile objects placed at a station, wherein: A notification device is provided in each of the mobile objects, and the notification device is capable of providing a notification signal to the outside of the mobile object where the notification device is provided, and the method comprises the following steps: Upon receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a terminal held by the user, the notification device is caused to operate so as to provide the notification signal to notify the user of the position of the mobile object to be provided to the user.

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