Reservation management apparatus, reservation management method and computer program

Abstract

To provide a supply facility reservation change apparatus which can efficiently supply a power source to a vehicle for a user or the vehicle.SOLUTION: A reservation management apparatus includes: a reservation information acquisition unit for acquiring reservation information including the identifier of a supply facility for supplying a power source to a vehicle and the reservation time of the supply facility; an estimated arrival time calculation unit for calculating the estimated arrival time of the vehicle to the supply facility; a profile information acquisition unit for acquiring profile information including at least one of the characteristics of a user of the vehicle and the running conditions of the vehicle; and a reservation information change unit for changing the reservation information based on the reservation information, the estimated arrival time and the profile information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reservation management device, a reservation management method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for reserving a charging station for an electric vehicle. That is, Patent Document 1 discloses that when it is found that the vehicle cannot arrive at the reserved charging station at the reserved time, the reserved time is revised or the reservation is cancelled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-230615 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some electric vehicle users (e.g., drivers) have limited time available for charging and do not want to modify the reservation time or cancel the reservation. In such cases, the user must search for another charging station by himself / herself. However, searching for a charging station while operating a terminal device such as a smartphone while driving the vehicle is not permitted by law. For this reason, the user must stop the vehicle and then search for a charging station, which places an excessive burden on the user. Also, stopping the vehicle can lead to a delay in arriving at the destination.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a reservation management device, a reservation management method, and a computer program for a refueling facility that enable a user or a vehicle to efficiently refuel a vehicle with a power source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A reservation management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires reservation information including an identifier of a supply facility that supplies a power source to a vehicle and a reservation time for the supply facility, an estimated arrival time calculation unit that calculates an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the supply facility, a profile information acquisition unit that acquires profile information including at least one of characteristics of a user of the vehicle and a driving condition of the vehicle, and a reservation information change unit that changes the reservation information based on the reservation information, the estimated arrival time, and the profile information.

[0007] The present invention can be realized not only as a reservation management device equipped with such characteristic processing units, but also as a reservation management method having such characteristic processes as steps, or as a computer program for causing a computer to execute such steps, or as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the reservation management device, or as a reservation system that includes the reservation management device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible for a user or a vehicle to efficiently replenish a power source to a vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a reservation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the reservation server according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a route and an estimated arrival time calculated by the estimated arrival time calculation unit. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by a reservation information changing unit and a route to a destination via the charging stations. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a time priority list. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a route and an estimated arrival time calculated by an estimated arrival time calculation unit. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the distance priority list. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by the reservation information changing unit and a route to a destination via the charging stations. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the distance priority list. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a route and an estimated arrival time calculated by the estimated arrival time calculation unit. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the available reservation time list. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of a reservation change process performed by the reservation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the reservation change process (step S7 in FIG. 8). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the details of the reservation change process in case of delay (step S14 in FIG. 9). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the details of the reservation change process in case of early arrival (step S15 in FIG. 9). [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by a reservation information changing unit and a route to a destination via the charging stations. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of a time priority list. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by a reservation information changing unit and a route to a destination via the charging stations. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the distance priority list. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the details of the reservation change process in case of delay (step S14 in FIG. 9). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the reservation server according to the fourth modification. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Overview of the embodiment of the present disclosure] First, an overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) A reservation management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires reservation information including an identifier of a supply facility that supplies a power source to a vehicle and a reservation time for the supply facility; an estimated arrival time calculation unit that calculates an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the supply facility; a profile information acquisition unit that acquires profile information including at least one of characteristics of a user of the vehicle and a driving condition of the vehicle; and a reservation information change unit that changes the reservation information based on the reservation information, the estimated arrival time, and the profile information.

[0011] According to this configuration, the reservation information can be changed according to the characteristics of the user or the traveling conditions of the vehicle. For example, for a user who has a limited time to refuel with a power source, the reservation information can be changed to another refueling facility that can be reserved at the originally reserved time. In addition, when the vehicle is traveling and the user cannot operate the terminal device, the reservation information can be changed automatically. This allows the vehicle to be refueled with a power source efficiently for the user or the vehicle.

[0012] (2) In (1) above, the reservation information change unit may predict whether the vehicle will arrive at the refueling facility earlier or later than the reserved time based on the reservation information and the estimated arrival time, and if the vehicle is predicted to arrive earlier or later, change the reservation information based on the profile information.

[0013] According to this configuration, if the vehicle arrives early or late, the reservation information can be changed.

[0014] (3) In (2) above, the profile information includes a time priority whereby the user does not wish to change the reservation time, and the reservation information change unit may, when the profile information includes the time priority and the vehicle is expected to be delayed, change the reserved refueling facility to another refueling facility at which the vehicle can arrive at the reserved time.

[0015] According to this configuration, if the user does not wish to change the reservation time, the reservation information can be changed to another supply facility where the vehicle can arrive at the originally reserved time, which allows the user to efficiently supply the vehicle with power.

[0016] (4) In (2) above, the profile information includes a distance priority indicating that the user desires to arrive at the vehicle's destination in a short distance, and the reservation information change unit may, when the profile information includes the distance priority and the vehicle is expected to be delayed, change the reservation time to a time after the expected arrival time when the reserved refueling equipment can be reserved.

[0017] According to this configuration, if the user wishes to arrive at the vehicle's destination in a short distance, the reservation information can be changed by changing the reservation time at the refueling facility that was originally reserved, thereby enabling the user to efficiently refuel the vehicle's power source.

[0018] (5) In (4) above, if the reserved replenishment facility cannot be reserved after the estimated arrival time, the reservation information change unit may further change the reservation information to reservation information that designates another reservable replenishment facility in the vicinity of the route to the destination as the new replenishment facility.

[0019] According to this configuration, even in the case of distance priority, if the reservation time of the initially reserved supply facility cannot be changed, the reservation information can be changed to another nearby supply facility.

[0020] (6) In (2) above, if the vehicle is expected to arrive early, the reservation information change unit may change the reservation time to a time after the estimated arrival time at which the reserved refueling facility can be reserved.

[0021] According to this configuration, if the vehicle arrives at the supply facility earlier than originally scheduled, the reservation time can be brought forward at the same supply facility, thereby enabling efficient supply of the vehicle's power source.

[0022] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the profile information may include the user's tolerance regarding the remaining amount of the power source, and the reservation information change unit may change the reserved refueling facility to another refueling facility that can meet the tolerance when the vehicle arrives.

[0023] According to this configuration, the refueling facility to be reserved can be changed so as to maintain the tolerance, which allows the user to efficiently refuel the vehicle's power source.

[0024] (8) In any of (1) to (7) above, the profile information may include in-motion information indicating whether the vehicle is in motion, and the reservation information change unit may switch between whether or not to prompt the user for a change to the reservation information based on the in-motion information.

[0025] According to this configuration, for example, when the vehicle is running, the reservation can be changed without confirming the reservation with the user, which allows the user to efficiently replenish the power source of the vehicle.

[0026] (9) In any of (1) to (8) above, the profile information may include information about a road type on which the vehicle is traveling, and the reservation information change unit may switch between confirming or not confirming changes to the reservation information based on the road type information.

[0027] According to this configuration, for example, when the vehicle is traveling on a general road, since the vehicle may stop temporarily to wait at a traffic light, etc., it is possible to prompt the user to confirm whether or not to change the reservation information.

[0028] (10) In the above (9), when the road type information indicates an expressway or a motorway, the reservation information change unit may change the reservation information without confirming with the user.

[0029] According to this configuration, for example, when the vehicle is traveling on a highway, etc., the reservation information can be changed automatically. This makes it possible to change the reservation information without interfering with the user's driving.

[0030] (11) In any of (1) to (10) above, the profile information may include at least one of type information of the day to which the reservation time belongs and type information of the period to which the day belongs, and the reservation information change unit may switch between whether or not to prompt the user for a change to the reservation information based on at least one of the day type information and the period type information.

[0031] According to this configuration, for example, if the day to which the reservation time belongs is a Sunday, the user is likely to have time to spare, so it is possible to have the user confirm whether to change the reservation information. Also, if the period to which the day belongs is a consecutive holiday period, it is likely that there will be many users of the refueling facility, so by automatically changing the reservation information, it is possible to reliably refuel the power source.

[0032] (12) In any of (1) to (11) above, the profile information may include at least one of location information of the refueling facility, location information of the vehicle, and location information of a destination of the vehicle, which are included in the reservation information, and the reservation information change unit may switch between whether or not to confirm the change to the reservation information to the user based on at least one of the location information of the refueling facility, location information of the vehicle, and location information of the destination of the vehicle, which are included in the reservation information.

[0033] According to this configuration, for example, when the destination is a famous tourist spot, it is likely that there will be many users of the refueling facilities on the way to the destination, so by automatically changing the reservation information, it is possible to ensure that power sources are refueled.

[0034] (13) In any of (1) to (12) above, the reservation information change unit may perform a reservation adjustment process to change the reservation information of the user by canceling the reservation information of the advance reservation holder, and the reservation management device may further include an incentive provision unit that provides an incentive to the advance reservation holder when the reservation information change unit has performed the reservation adjustment process.

[0035] According to this configuration, it is possible to get those who made advance reservations to give up their reservations in exchange for providing an incentive.

[0036] (14) In the above (13), the profile information may include acceptance / rejection information indicating whether or not to accept cancellation of the reservation information based on the reservation adjustment process, and the reservation information change unit may switch between whether or not to inquire about whether or not to cancel the reservation information based on the acceptance / rejection information.

[0037] According to this configuration, if a user who has made an advance reservation registers in advance whether or not they will accept cancellation of the reservation information, the reservation information can be cancelled without receiving any inquiries.

[0038] (15) A reservation management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of acquiring reservation information including an identifier of a supply facility that supplies a power source to a vehicle and a reservation time at the supply facility, calculating an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the supply facility, acquiring profile information including at least one of characteristics of a user of the vehicle and a driving condition of the vehicle, and modifying the reservation information based on the reservation information, the estimated arrival time, and the profile information.

[0039] This configuration includes the characteristic processing steps of the above-mentioned reservation management device, and therefore can achieve the same effects and advantages as the above-mentioned reservation management device.

[0040] (16) A computer program according to another embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires reservation information including an identifier of a supply facility that replenishes a power source to a vehicle and a reservation time for the supply facility; an estimated arrival time calculation unit that calculates an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the supply facility; a profile information acquisition unit that acquires profile information including at least one of characteristics of a user of the vehicle and a driving condition of the vehicle; and a reservation information change unit that changes the reservation information based on the reservation information, the estimated arrival time, and the profile information.

[0041] According to this configuration, the computer can function as the above-mentioned reservation management device, and therefore, the same effects and advantages as those of the above-mentioned reservation management device can be achieved.

[0042] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection forms of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are components that can be added arbitrarily. In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated strictly.

[0043] In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and since their functions and names are also the same, their explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] <Embodiment 1> [Overall configuration of the reservation system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a reservation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The reservation system 1 is a system for making reservations for a supply facility that supplies a power source of the vehicle 2 to the vehicle 2. Specifically, the reservation system 1 is a system for making reservations for a charging station equipped with a charger 6 for charging the vehicle 2, which is an electric vehicle such as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) or a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle). The vehicle 2 runs using electricity charged by the charger 6 as the power source of the vehicle 2. Note that the vehicle 2 is not limited to a four-wheeled vehicle, and may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0045] In the following, an example will be described in which the vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle, the power source of the vehicle 2 is electricity, and a charging station is reserved. However, the present disclosure is not limited to reserving a charging station.

[0046] The reservation system 1 includes an in-vehicle system 20, a user terminal 30, a traffic information server 40, a reservation server 50, and a charger server 60.

[0047] The in-vehicle system 20 is mounted on the vehicle 2 and is a system for controlling the running of the vehicle 2 and communicating between the vehicle 2 and the outside. The in-vehicle system 20 includes a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and an in-vehicle network such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) that connects the ECUs. The in-vehicle system 20 also includes a GPS receiver that identifies the position of the vehicle 2 using satellite navigation. The GPS receiver identifies the position of the vehicle 2 based on radio waves received from a plurality of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The position of the vehicle 2 can be identified by, for example, latitude and longitude. The satellite navigation uses a satellite positioning system (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS, but the satellite positioning system is not limited to GPS.

[0048] The in-vehicle system 20 transmits the position information of the vehicle 2 identified by the GPS receiver to the reservation server 50 via the network 5. The network 5 is, for example, the Internet, and the in-vehicle system 20 is connected to the network 5 wirelessly.

[0049] The user terminal 30 is a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal carried by a user of the vehicle 2, such as a driver of the vehicle 2. The user terminal 30 may be provided in the vehicle 2. The user operates the user terminal 30 to input the destination of the vehicle 2, the ID (e.g., the name of the charging station) of a charging station as a stopover point, and the reservation time for the charging station.

[0050] The user terminal 30 transmits the input information on the destination, the charging station ID, and the reservation time, as well as information on the ID of the user who will use the user terminal 30, to the reservation server 50 via the network 5. The user terminal 30 is wirelessly connected to the network 5. The user ID may be stored in advance in the user terminal 30, or may be input by the user operating the user terminal 30. Also, a vehicle ID, which is an identifier of the vehicle 2, may be used instead of the user ID.

[0051] The traffic information server 40 provides traffic information to the reservation server 50 via the network 5. The traffic information includes, for example, congestion information, accident information, road surface condition information, road closure information, etc. The traffic information server 40 is connected to the network 5 wirelessly or by wire.

[0052] The reservation server 50 manages reservations for charging stations. The reservation server 50 receives reservation information including a user ID, a destination, a charging station ID, and a reserved time for the charging station from the user terminal 30 via the network 5. The reservation server 50 is connected to the network 5 wirelessly or by wire.

[0053] The reservation server 50 issues a reservation instruction to the charger server 60 to reserve a charging station at the reserved time based on the received reservation information. The reservation server 50 receives a reservation completion notice or a reservation rejection notice from the charger server 60 as a response to the reservation instruction. The reservation completion notice indicates that the reservation of the reservation instruction has been established, and the reservation rejection notice indicates that the reservation of the reservation instruction has not been established. The reservation server 50 transmits the reservation completion notice or reservation rejection notice received from the charger server 60 to the user terminal 30. When the user terminal 30 receives a reservation rejection notice, the user needs to re-set another charging station as a stopover point.

[0054] The reservation server 50 has a function of a navigation system that calculates a route to the stopover point (reserved charging station) and destination of the vehicle 2. That is, the reservation server 50 calculates an estimated arrival time of the vehicle 2 at the reserved charging station based on the position information of the vehicle 2 received from the in-vehicle system 20, the traffic information received from the traffic information server 40, and the map information stored in the reservation server 50.

[0055] The reservation server 50 compares the calculated estimated arrival time with the reservation time of the reserved charging station, and predicts whether the vehicle 2 can arrive at the charging station at the reserved time. For example, if the estimated arrival time is 15 minutes or more later than the start time of the reservation time, the reservation server 50 predicts that the vehicle 2 will be late (delayed) to the charging station. Also, if the estimated arrival time is 15 minutes or more earlier than the start time of the reservation time, the reservation server 50 predicts that the vehicle 2 will arrive early (early) to the charging station. Also, if the absolute value of the difference between the estimated arrival time and the start time of the reservation time is less than 15 minutes, the reservation server 50 predicts that the vehicle 2 will neither be late nor early to the charging station, that is, will arrive on time. However, the threshold value for prediction is not limited to 15 minutes.

[0056] When the reservation server 50 predicts a late or early arrival of the vehicle 2, it changes the reservation information of the charging station and issues a reservation instruction to the charger server 60 based on the changed reservation information. The reservation change process (reservation information change process) will be described later. The reservation server 50 transmits a reservation change notification to the user terminal 30 indicating that the reservation information has been changed.

[0057] The charger server 60 is a server that manages the usage and reservation status of multiple chargers 6 installed in a charging station. The charger server 60 may be provided for each charging station, or may be provided for each of multiple charging stations.

[0058] The charger server 60 periodically transmits usage status information indicating the usage status and reservation status of the charger 6 to the reservation server 50 via the network 5. The charger server 60 also transmits usage status information to the reservation server 50 when an inquiry is received from the reservation server 50. The reservation server 50 is connected to the network 5 wirelessly or by wire.

[0059] [Configuration of reservation server 50] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the reservation server 50 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The reservation server 50 includes a reservation information acquisition unit 51, an estimated arrival time calculation unit 52, a profile information acquisition unit 53, and a reservation information change unit 54. The reservation server 50 is configured, for example, by a computer equipped with a communication function. Each processing unit of the reservation server 50 is functionally realized by executing a computer program stored in the memory of the computer on a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0060] The reservation information acquisition unit 51 receives the above-mentioned reservation information from the user terminal 30. The reservation information acquisition unit 51 writes the received reservation information 101 into the memory of the reservation server 50. In addition, the reservation information acquisition unit 51 outputs the reservation information to the reservation information change unit .

[0061] The estimated arrival time calculation unit 52 calculates an estimated arrival time of the vehicle 2 at the charging station. That is, the estimated arrival time calculation unit 52 receives position information of the vehicle 2 from the in-vehicle system 20. The estimated arrival time calculation unit 52 also receives traffic information from the traffic information server 40. The estimated arrival time calculation unit 52 refers to the received position information and traffic information, and map information stored in the memory, to calculate a route from the current location of the vehicle 2 to the destination via the charging station indicated in the reservation information 101, and an estimated arrival time at the charging station. The estimated arrival time calculation unit 52 outputs information on the calculated estimated arrival time to the reservation information change unit 54.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a route and an estimated arrival time calculated by the estimated arrival time calculation unit 52. As shown in FIG. The route from the current location of the vehicle 2 to the destination includes a route 201 from the current location to the charging station ST1, and a route 202 from the charging station ST1 to the destination. Here, it is assumed that the charging station ID included in the reservation information is ST1.

[0063] The reservation time for charging station ST1 is 12:00-13:00, and the expected arrival time is 12:05.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 2, the profile information acquisition unit 53 acquires profile information including at least one of the characteristics of the user of the vehicle 2 and the driving conditions of the vehicle 2. For example, the profile information acquisition unit 53 acquires the profile information 102 by reading the profile information 102 stored in the memory of the reservation server 50. The profile information 102 includes, for example, information on either time priority, in which the user does not wish to change the reservation time of the charging station, or distance priority, in which the user wishes to arrive at the destination of the vehicle 2 in a short distance. The profile information acquisition unit 53 may acquire the profile information by accepting an input of the profile information from the user terminal 30. The profile information acquisition unit 53 outputs the acquired profile information to the reservation information change unit 54.

[0065] The reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation information based on the reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquisition unit 51, the estimated arrival time calculated by the estimated arrival time calculation unit 52, and the profile information acquired by the profile information acquisition unit 53.

[0066] That is, the reservation information change unit 54 predicts whether the vehicle 2 will arrive at the charging station earlier than the reserved time or whether the vehicle 2 will arrive at the charging station later than the reserved time, based on the reservation information and the expected arrival time. Examples of the prediction method are as described above.

[0067] (In case of delay and time priority) When the profile information includes a time priority and the vehicle 2 is expected to be delayed, the reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation information by changing the reserved charging station to another charging station at which the vehicle 2 can arrive at the reserved time.

[0068] That is, the reservation information change unit 54 inquires of the charger server 60 about charging stations that can be reserved at the reservation time indicated in the reservation information. The reservation information change unit 54 searches for charging stations that can be reached from the current location of the vehicle 2 by the reservation time, among the charging stations that can be reserved, using a navigation function.

[0069] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by the reservation information changing unit 54 and a route to the destination via the charging stations.

[0070] For example, it is assumed that the reservation information change unit 54 has searched for charging stations ST2 and ST3 that can be reserved for the reservation time of 12:00-13:00 of charging station ST1 indicated in the reservation information. The route from the current location of the vehicle 2 to the destination via charging station ST2 includes route 203 and route 204. The route from the current location of the vehicle 2 to the destination via charging station ST3 includes route 205 and route 206. The reservation information changing unit 54 creates a time priority list, which is a list of the found charging stations.

[0071] 4B is a diagram showing an example of the time priority list. The time priority list includes the IDs and reservation available times of the charging stations searched by the reservation information changing unit 54. For example, the reservation available time of the charging station ST2 is 12:00-13:00, and the reservation available time of the charging station ST3 is 12:00-13:00. In other words, the reservation available time of the charging stations ST2 and ST3 is the same as the reservation available time of the charging station ST1.

[0072] The reservation information change unit 54 transmits the created time priority list to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 presents the time priority list to the user by displaying or reading it out loud. It is preferable to also display route information as shown in FIG. 4A. The user operates the user terminal 30 with his / her finger or voice to select a combination of a charging station ID and a reservation available time that the user wishes to change from the time priority list. The user terminal 30 transmits information on the selected combination to the reservation server 50, and the reservation information change unit 54 receives the information from the user terminal 30.

[0073] The reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation information based on the information of the set selected by the user. For example, when the user selects a set of the charging station ID "ST2" and the reservation available time "12:00-13:00", the charging station ID in the reservation information is updated to ST2. In addition, the reservation information change unit 54 transmits a reservation instruction based on the reservation information to the charger server 60, and receives a reservation completion notification from the charger server 60. Note that, when the reservation information change unit 54 receives a reservation rejection notification from the charger server 60, it changes the reservation information again. The reservation information change unit 54 updates the reservation information 101 by writing the changed reservation information in the memory.

[0074] (In case of delay and distance priority) In addition, when the profile information includes distance priority and the vehicle 2 is expected to be delayed, the reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation time to a time after the expected arrival time when the reserved charging station can be reserved.

[0075] That is, the reservation information change unit 54 inquires of the charger server 60 that manages the charging station with the charging station ID indicated in the reservation information whether the charging station is available after the expected arrival time. As a result, the reservation information change unit 54 searches for a reservation available time for the charging station after the expected arrival time.

[0076] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a route and an estimated arrival time calculated by estimated arrival time calculation unit 52. As shown in FIG. The reservation time for the charging station ST1 is 12:00-13:00, and the expected arrival time at the charging station ST1 is 13:30. Therefore, the reservation information changing unit 54 searches for available reservation times for the charging station ST1 after 13:30. The reservation information changing unit 54 creates a distance-priority list, which is a list of the searched available reservation times.

[0077] 5B is a diagram showing an example of the distance priority list. The distance priority list includes charging station IDs and available reservation times. For example, the available reservation times for the charging station ST1 are 13:30-14:30 and 13:45-14:45.

[0078] The reservation information change unit 54 transmits the created distance priority list to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 presents the distance priority list to the user by displaying or reading it out loud. The user operates the user terminal 30 with his / her finger or voice to select a combination of a charging station ID and a reservation available time that the user wishes to change from the distance priority list. The user terminal 30 transmits information on the selected combination to the reservation server 50, and the reservation information change unit 54 receives the information from the user terminal 30.

[0079] The reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation information based on the information of the set selected by the user. For example, when the user selects a set of the charging station ID "ST1" and the reservation available time "13:30-14:30", the reservation time in the reservation information is updated to "13:30-14:30". In addition, the reservation information change unit 54 transmits a reservation instruction based on the reservation information to the charger server 60, and receives a reservation completion notification from the charger server 60. Note that, when the reservation information change unit 54 receives a reservation rejection notification from the charger server 60, it redoes the change of the reservation information. The reservation information change unit 54 updates the reservation information 101 by writing the changed reservation information in the memory.

[0080] In addition, when changing the reservation information based on distance priority, if the reserved charging station cannot be reserved after the estimated arrival time, the reservation information change unit 54 changes the reserved reservation information to reservation information that specifies another reservable charging station in the vicinity of the route to the destination as the new charging station. Here, the vicinity of the route indicates, for example, within a predetermined distance from the route.

[0081] That is, the reservation information change unit 54 uses the navigation function to calculate the estimated arrival time at the charging stations (hereinafter referred to as "nearby stations") located near the routes 201 and 202. The reservation information change unit 54 inquires of the charger server 60 that manages the nearby stations whether the nearby stations can be reserved at the estimated arrival time, and searches for reservable charging stations (nearby stations).

[0082] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by the reservation information changing unit 54 and a route to the destination via the charging stations.

[0083] For example, it is assumed that reservation information change unit 54 has searched for charging stations ST4 and ST5. Charging station ST4 is located on route 201, and the route from the current location of vehicle 2 to the destination via charging station ST4 includes route 201A, route 201B, and route 202. Charging station ST5 is located near route 201 and route 202, and the route from the current location of vehicle 2 to the destination via charging station ST5 includes route 207 and route 208.

[0084] The reservation information changing unit 54 creates a distance-priority list that is a list of the searched charging stations and reservation available times.

[0085] 6B is a diagram showing an example of the distance priority list. The distance priority list includes the IDs and reservation available times of the charging stations searched for by the reservation information changing unit 54. For example, the reservation available time of the charging station ST4 is 13:00-14:00, and the reservation available time of the charging station ST5 is 13:30-14:30.

[0086] The reservation information changing unit 54 changes the reservation information by carrying out the same process as that for the distance priority list shown in FIG. 5B. The reservation information change unit 54 updates the reservation information 101 by writing the changed reservation information in the memory.

[0087] (In case of early arrival) Furthermore, when the vehicle 2 is expected to arrive at the charging station earlier than the reserved time, the reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation time to a time after the expected arrival time during which the reserved charging station can be reserved.

[0088] That is, the reservation information changing unit 54 inquires of the charger server 60 that manages the charging station ID indicated in the reservation information whether there is any vacant charge after the estimated arrival time.

[0089] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a route and an estimated arrival time calculated by estimated arrival time calculation unit 52. As shown in FIG. The reservation time for the charging station ST1 is 12:00-13:00, and the expected arrival time at the charging station ST1 is 11:30. Therefore, the reservation information change unit 54 searches for a reservation available time for the charging station ST1 that is after 11:30 and before the start time of the reservation time, 12:00. The reservation information changing unit 54 creates a reservation available time list, which is a list of the searched reservation available times.

[0090] 7B is a diagram showing an example of the available reservation time list. The available reservation time list includes the charging station ID and the available reservation time. For example, the available reservation times for the charging station ST1 are 11:30-12:30 and 11:45-12:45.

[0091] The reservation information change unit 54 transmits the created available reservation time list to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 presents the available reservation time list to the user by displaying or reading it out loud. The user operates the user terminal 30 with his / her finger or voice to select a combination of a charging station ID and available reservation time that the user wishes to change from the available reservation time list. The user terminal 30 transmits information on the selected combination to the reservation server 50, and the reservation information change unit 54 receives the information from the user terminal 30.

[0092] The reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation information based on the information of the set selected by the user. For example, when the user selects a set of the charging station ID "ST1" and the reservation available time "11:30-12:30", the reservation time in the reservation information is updated to "11:30-12:30". In addition, the reservation information change unit 54 transmits a reservation instruction based on the reservation information to the charger server 60, and receives a reservation completion notification from the charger server 60. Note that, when the reservation information change unit 54 receives a reservation rejection notification from the charger server 60, it redoes the change of the reservation information. The reservation information change unit 54 updates the reservation information 101 by writing the changed reservation information in the memory.

[0093] [Reservation change processing] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure of a reservation change process by the reservation system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Before the departure of the vehicle 2, the user terminal 30 transmits reservation information including a user ID, a destination, a charging station ID, and a reserved time for the charging station to the reservation server 50, and the reservation server 50 receives the reservation information (step S1).

[0095] The reservation server 50 transmits a reservation instruction to reserve the charging station at the reservation time to the charger server 60 based on the reservation information, and the charger server 60 receives the reservation instruction. The charger server 60 reserves the charging station based on the reservation instruction (step S2).

[0096] When the reservation is completed, the charger server 60 transmits a reservation completion notification to the reservation server 50, and the reservation server 50 receives the reservation completion notification (step S3).

[0097] In response to receiving the reservation completion notification, the reservation server 50 transmits the reservation completion notification to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 receives the reservation completion notification (step S4).

[0098] After the vehicle 2 starts traveling, the in-vehicle system 20 periodically transmits the position information of the vehicle 2 to the reservation server 50, and the reservation server 50 receives the position information (step S5). For example, the in-vehicle system 20 transmits the position information at a predetermined cycle.

[0099] The traffic information server 40 periodically transmits traffic information to the reservation server 50, and the reservation server 50 receives the traffic information (step S6). The reservation server 50 executes a reservation change process (step S7), which will be described later.

[0100] When the reservation information is changed by the reservation change process (step S7), the reservation server 50 transmits a reservation change notification indicating that the reservation information has been changed to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 receives the reservation change notification, and notifies the user that the reservation information has been changed by displaying or reading out the change based on the received reservation change notification (step S8).

[0101] The reservation server 50 repeatedly executes the reservation change process (step S7) and the reservation change notification process (step S8) at a predetermined cycle.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the reservation change process (step S7 in FIG. 8). The reservation server 50 calculates the estimated arrival time of the vehicle 2 at the reserved charging station (step S11).

[0103] The reservation server 50 compares the calculated estimated arrival time with the reservation time of the charging station (step S12).

[0104] If the reservation server 50 predicts that the vehicle 2 will arrive at the charging station on time ("on time" in step S13), the reservation change process ends.

[0105] When the reservation server 50 predicts that the vehicle 2 will arrive late at the charging station ("Delay" in step S13), it executes a reservation change process for delay (step S14). The reservation change process for delay will be described in detail later.

[0106] When the reservation server 50 predicts that the vehicle 2 will arrive at the charging station early ("early arrival" in step S13), it executes reservation change processing for early arrival (step S15). The reservation change processing for early arrival will be described later in detail.

[0107] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the details of the reservation change process in case of delay (step S14 in FIG. 9). The reservation server 50 creates a time priority list and a distance priority list (step S21). An example of the time priority list is as shown in FIG. 4B, and an example of the distance priority list is as shown in FIG. 5B or FIG. 6B.

[0108] The reservation server 50 acquires the profile information to accept the selection of time priority or distance priority by the user (step S22). That is, if the profile information 102 stored in the memory of the reservation server 50 includes time priority or distance priority, the reservation server 50 accepts the selection of time priority or distance priority indicated by the profile information 102. If the profile information 102 does not include time priority or distance priority, the reservation server 50 inquires of the user terminal 30 about time priority or distance priority. The user terminal 30 inquires of the user by image or voice as to whether to select time priority or distance priority. The user operates the user terminal 30 by finger or voice to select either time priority or distance priority, and the user terminal 30 notifies the reservation server 50 of the selection result.

[0109] If the selection result is time priority, the user terminal 30 transmits the time priority list to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 presents the time priority list to the user by image or sound (step S24).

[0110] If the selection result is distance priority, the user terminal 30 transmits the distance priority list to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 presents the distance priority list to the user by image or sound (step S25).

[0111] The reservation server 50 accepts, from the user terminal 30, a combination of the charging station ID and the reservation available time that the user wishes to change, as selection candidates (step S26).

[0112] The reservation server 50 changes the reservation information by instructing the charger server 60 to change the reservation based on the selected candidate (step S27).

[0113] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the details of the reservation change process in case of early arrival (step S15 in FIG. 9). The reservation server 50 searches for available reservation times for reserved charging stations that are after the expected arrival time of the vehicle 2 and before the reserved time by inquiring of the charger server 60 (step S31).

[0114] The reservation server 50 transmits the searched available reservation times to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 presents the available reservation times to the user by image or sound (step S32). For example, the reservation server 50 transmits a list of available reservation times as shown in Fig. 7B to the user terminal 30, and the user terminal 30 presents the list of available reservation times to the user.

[0115] The reservation server 50 receives from the user terminal 30 information on whether the reservation time can be changed (step S33). For example, if the user selects one of the available reservation times from the presented available reservation times by operating the user terminal 30 with a finger or voice, the reservation server 50 receives the selected available reservation time from the user terminal 30 as information that the reservation time can be changed. On the other hand, if the user does not select a available reservation time, the reservation server 50 receives information from the user terminal 30 indicating that the reservation time is not desired to be changed (no change).

[0116] When the reservation server 50 receives information that the reservation time can be changed (YES in step S34), it changes the reservation information by instructing the charger server 60 to change the reservation time to the reservation available time selected by the user (step S35).

[0117] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to change the reservation information of a charging station according to the characteristics of the user or the traveling conditions of the vehicle 2. For example, for a user who has a limited amount of time available for charging, the reservation information can be changed to another charging station that can be reserved at the originally reserved time. In addition, when the vehicle 2 is traveling and the user cannot operate the user terminal 30, the reservation information can be automatically changed. This allows the user or the vehicle 2 to efficiently charge the vehicle 2.

[0118] If the user wishes to arrive at the destination of the vehicle 2 in a short distance, the reservation information can be changed by changing the reservation time at the charging station that was originally reserved. This allows the user to charge the vehicle 2 efficiently.

[0119] Even if the user wishes to arrive at the destination of vehicle 2 in a short distance, if the reservation time of the charging station originally reserved cannot be changed, the reservation information can be changed to another nearby charging station.

[0120] If the vehicle 2 arrives at the charging station earlier than originally scheduled, the reservation time can be brought forward at the same charging station, allowing the user to efficiently charge the vehicle 2.

[0121] <Embodiment 2> In the first embodiment, an example in which the profile information includes time priority or distance priority is described. In the second embodiment, an example in which the profile information further includes power source remaining capacity tolerance is described. The power source remaining capacity tolerance is information indicating the degree of user tolerance regarding the remaining capacity of the power source of the vehicle 2. Specifically, the power source remaining capacity tolerance is a remaining charge capacity tolerance indicating the degree of tolerance of the SOC (State of Charge) of the charging power of the battery of the vehicle 2. For example, a user with a remaining charge capacity tolerance of 50% means that the user tolerates an SOC of 50% or more and does not tolerate an SOC of less than 50%. In other words, the SOC needs to be maintained at 50% or more for the user.

[0122] The following will mainly describe the points that are different from the first embodiment, and will not repeat the description of the points that are the same as the first embodiment.

[0123] 1, the in-vehicle system 20 transmits information on the SOC of the vehicle 2 to the reservation server 50, in addition to the position information of the vehicle 2. The reservation server 50 receives this information.

[0124] 2, profile information 102 stored in the memory of reservation server 50 includes remaining charge tolerance in addition to either time-priority or distance-priority information. Profile information acquisition unit 53 reads profile information 102 from the memory. Profile information acquisition unit 53 may also accept input of profile information similar to profile information 102 from user terminal 30.

[0125] When changing a reserved charging station to another charging station, the reservation information change unit 54 changes the charging station to another charging station that can satisfy the remaining charge tolerance when the vehicle 2 arrives. That is, the reservation information change unit 54 searches for a charging station that satisfies the time priority or distance priority, as in the first embodiment. The reservation information change unit 54 calculates the predicted SOC of the vehicle 2 when the vehicle 2 arrives at each of the searched charging stations from the current SOC of the vehicle 2 and the travel distance to the charging station. The reservation information change unit 54 re-searches for a charging station whose predicted SOC satisfies the remaining charge tolerance from among the searched charging stations. The reservation information change unit 54 calculates a time priority list or a distance priority list based on the re-searched charging stations.

[0126] An example of a method for calculating a time priority list will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by the reservation information change unit 54 and a route to a destination via the charging stations. FIG. 12A shows the same route as that shown in FIG. 4A. In addition, FIG. 12A shows the expected SOC when the vehicle 2 arrives at each charging station. That is, the expected SOC of the vehicle 2 when it arrives at the charging station ST2 is 48%, and the expected SOC of the vehicle 2 when it arrives at the charging station ST3 is 60%. Here, the remaining charge tolerance is set to 50%. In this case, the expected SOC "48%" for the charging station ST2 does not satisfy the remaining charge tolerance, and the expected SOC "60%" for the charging station ST3 satisfies the remaining charge tolerance. Therefore, the reservation information change unit 54 searches again for the charging station ST3 as a charging station that satisfies the remaining charge tolerance.

[0127] Fig. 12B is a diagram showing an example of a time priority list. The time priority list includes the IDs and reservation available times of the charging stations re-searched by the reservation information changing unit 54. For example, the reservation available time of the charging station ST3 is 12:00-13:00. In other words, the reservation available time of the charging station ST3 is the same as the reservation available time of the charging station ST1. Compared with the distance priority list shown in Fig. 4B, the distance priority list shown in Fig. 12B does not include the charging station ST2 that does not satisfy the remaining charge tolerance.

[0128] An example of a method for calculating a distance priority list will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. Fig. 13A is a diagram showing an example of charging stations searched for by the reservation information changing unit 54 and a route to the destination via the charging stations. Fig. 13A shows the same route as that shown in Fig. 6A. In addition, Fig. 13A shows the predicted SOC when the vehicle 2 arrives at each charging station. That is, the predicted SOC of the vehicle 2 when it arrives at charging station ST1 is 45%, the predicted SOC of the vehicle 2 when it arrives at charging station ST4 is 55%, and the predicted SOC of the vehicle 2 when it arrives at charging station ST5 is 47%. Here, the remaining charge tolerance is set to 50%.

[0129] The expected SOC of "45%" for the reserved charging station ST1 does not satisfy the remaining charge tolerance. Therefore, the reservation information change unit 54 determines that charging will not be performed at charging station ST1, and searches for charging stations ST4 and ST5. The expected SOC of "55%" for charging station ST4 satisfies the remaining charge tolerance, while the expected SOC of "47%" for charging station ST% does not satisfy the remaining charge tolerance. Therefore, the reservation information change unit 54 re-searches for charging station ST4 as a charging station that satisfies the remaining charge tolerance.

[0130] Fig. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a distance priority list. The distance priority list includes the IDs and reservation available times of the charging stations re-searched by the reservation information changing unit 54. For example, the reservation available time of the charging station ST4 is 13:00-14:00. Compared with the distance priority list shown in Fig. 6B, the time priority list shown in Fig. 13B does not include the charging station ST5 that does not satisfy the remaining charge tolerance.

[0131] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the details of the reservation change process in case of delay (step S14 in FIG. 9). The reservation server 50 acquires the remaining charge tolerance of the user included in the profile information by acquiring the profile information (step S41). That is, if the profile information 102 stored in the memory of the reservation server 50 includes a remaining charge tolerance, the reservation server 50 acquires the remaining charge tolerance indicated by the profile information 102. If the profile information 102 does not include a remaining charge tolerance, the reservation server 50 inquires of the user terminal 30 about the remaining charge tolerance. The user terminal 30 inquires of the user about the remaining charge tolerance by image or voice. The user operates the user terminal 30 by finger or voice to input the remaining charge tolerance, and the user terminal 30 notifies the reservation server 50 of the input remaining charge tolerance.

[0132] The reservation server 50 creates a time priority list and a distance priority list (step S42). An example of the time priority list is as shown in FIG. 12B, and an example of the distance priority list is as shown in FIG. 13B. The processes from step S22 to step S27 are similar to those shown in FIG.

[0133] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the charging station to be reserved can be changed so as to maintain the remaining charge tolerance. This allows the user to efficiently charge the vehicle 2.

[0134] <Variation 1> The profile information may include information regarding the running of the vehicle. For example, the profile information may include in-travel information indicating whether the vehicle 2 is traveling or not. In this case, the profile information acquisition unit 53 determines whether the vehicle 2 is traveling or not based on the position information of the vehicle 2 acquired from the in-vehicle system 20. For example, if the position information of the vehicle 2 has not changed continuously for a predetermined period of time or more, the profile information acquisition unit 53 determines that the vehicle 2 is stopped, and otherwise determines that the vehicle 2 is traveling. The profile information acquisition unit 53 acquires in-travel information indicating the determination result as the profile information.

[0135] The reservation information change unit 54 switches whether or not to confirm a change to the reservation information with the user based on the traveling information acquired by the profile information acquisition unit 53. For example, when the traveling information indicates that the vehicle 2 is traveling, the reservation information change unit 54 automatically changes the reservation information without inquiring of the user. Specifically, when the vehicle 2 is traveling, the reservation information change unit 54 automatically selects one pair of a charging station ID and a reservation available time from the time priority list or the distance priority list. The reservation information change unit 54 may randomly select the pair from the list, or may select the pair according to a predetermined criterion (for example, the earliest reservation available time or the shortest travel time to the charging station).

[0136] The profile information may also include road type information on which the vehicle 2 is traveling. In this case, the profile information acquisition unit 53 identifies the road type information on which the vehicle 2 is traveling, based on the position information and map information of the vehicle 2. The road type information includes, for example, a general road, an expressway, or a motorway.

[0137] The reservation information change unit 54 switches whether or not to ask the user to change the reservation information based on the road type information acquired by the profile information acquisition unit 53. For example, when the road type information is an ordinary road, the reservation information change unit 54 waits until the vehicle 2 is stopped, and then inquires the user about changing the reservation information. Here, whether the vehicle 2 is stopped or not can be obtained from the above-mentioned traveling information. According to this, when the vehicle 2 is traveling on an ordinary road, the inquiry can be made at the point when the vehicle 2 stops temporarily, such as at a traffic light.

[0138] Furthermore, when the road type information indicates an expressway or a motorway, the reservation information change unit 54 changes the reservation information without confirming with the user. This allows the reservation information to be changed without interfering with the user's driving.

[0139] <Variation 2> The profile information may include at least one of type information of a day to which the reserved time of the charging station belongs and type information of a period to which the day belongs. The day type information is, for example, information such as weekday, holiday, national holiday, day of the week, etc. The period type information is, for example, consecutive holidays, summer vacation period, traffic safety week, etc.

[0140] The profile information acquisition unit 53 acquires type information of the day or period to which the reservation time belongs by referring to calendar information stored in the memory of the reservation server 50 or calendar information received from another server.

[0141] The reservation information change unit 54 switches whether or not to confirm the change of the reservation information with the user based on at least one of the day type information and the period type information acquired by the profile information acquisition unit 53. For example, if the day to which the reservation time belongs is a Sunday, the reservation information change unit 54 considers that the user has plenty of time, and therefore asks the user to confirm the change of the reservation information. Also, if the period to which the day belongs is a consecutive holiday period, the reservation information change unit 54 considers that there are many users of the charging station, and therefore automatically changes the reservation information without confirming with the user. This ensures that charging can be performed.

[0142] <Modification 3> The profile information may include at least one of the position information of the charging station, the position information of the vehicle 2, and the position information of the destination of the vehicle 2, which are included in the reservation information. In other words, the profile information acquisition unit 53 acquires the reservation information from the reservation information acquisition unit 51 or the reservation information change unit 54, and compares it with the map information to acquire the position information of the charging station included in the reservation information as the profile information. The profile information acquisition unit 53 may also acquire the position information of the vehicle 2 acquired from the in-vehicle system 20 as the profile information. Furthermore, the profile information acquisition unit 53 may acquire the reservation information from the reservation information acquisition unit 51, and compare it with the map information to acquire the position information of the destination included in the reservation information as the profile information.

[0143] The reservation information change unit 54 switches between whether or not to prompt the user for confirmation of changes to the reservation information based on at least one of the position information of the charging station, the position information of the vehicle 2, and the position information of the destination, which are included in the profile information.

[0144] For example, when the destination is a famous tourist spot, it is considered that there are many users of the charging stations on the route to the destination, so when it becomes necessary to change the reservation information, the reservation information change unit 54 automatically changes the reservation information. This ensures that the vehicle 2 can be charged.

[0145] <Modification 4> It is also possible to change the reservation information by canceling the reservation information of the advance reservation holder. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the reservation server 50 according to the fourth modification.

[0146] The configuration of the reservation server 50 shown in Fig. 15 further includes an incentive providing unit 55 in addition to the configuration of the reservation server 50 shown in Fig. 2. Like the other processing units, the incentive providing unit 55 is functionally realized by executing a computer program stored in a computer memory on a processor such as a CPU.

[0147] When changing the reservation information, if there is an advance reservation holder, the reservation information change unit 54 inquires of the user terminal 30 used by the advance reservation holder as to whether or not to accept the cancellation of the reservation information. When the reservation information change unit 54 receives acceptance of the cancellation from the user terminal 30, it cancels the reservation information of the advance reservation holder and performs reservation adjustment processing to change the user's reservation information.

[0148] When the reservation information changing unit 54 performs reservation adjustment processing, the incentive providing unit 55 provides an incentive to the advance reservation holder. The incentive is a reward for the advance reservation holder, and is, for example, coupon information for providing 15 minutes of free charging. This allows the advance reservation holder to give up their reservation in exchange for the provision of the incentive.

[0149] The profile information may include acceptance / rejection information indicating whether or not to accept cancellation of the reservation information based on the reservation adjustment process when the user becomes the first to reserve.

[0150] The acceptability information may be included in the profile information 102, or the profile information acquisition unit 53 may acquire the acceptability information by inquiring of the user terminal 30 about acceptability.

[0151] The reservation information changing unit 54 switches between whether or not to inquire about whether or not the reservation information can be canceled, based on the acceptance / rejection information.

[0152] For example, when the acceptance / rejection information indicates that cancellation is not accepted, the reservation information changing unit 54 does not inquire of a user who does not accept cancellation as to whether or not to accept the reservation information.

[0153] In addition, when the acceptance / rejection information indicates that the cancellation is accepted, the reservation information change unit 54 inquires of the user who accepts the cancellation as to whether to accept the reservation information. Alternatively, the reservation information change unit 54 may cancel the reservation information without inquiring of the user.

[0154] <Variation 5> When the user terminal 30 first inputs a charging station as a route point, it may determine whether or not the charging station satisfies the remaining charge tolerance based on the remaining charge tolerance described in the second embodiment.

[0155] That is, the reservation information acquisition unit 51 receives reservation information including charging stations as route points from the user terminal 30. The reservation information acquisition unit 51 also receives position information and SOC information of the vehicle 2 from the in-vehicle system 20. The reservation information acquisition unit 51 calculates an expected SOC upon arrival at the route point. If the calculated expected SOC does not satisfy the remaining charge tolerance, the reservation information acquisition unit 51 instructs the user terminal 30 to reselect the route point.

[0156] [Note] Although the reservation system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

[0157] Each process (each function) of the above-mentioned embodiment is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The above-mentioned processing circuit may be composed of an integrated circuit or the like in which one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits are combined in addition to the above-mentioned one or more processors. The above-mentioned one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the above-mentioned one or more processors to execute each of the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned one or more processors may execute each of the above-mentioned processes according to the programs read from the above-mentioned one or more memories, or may execute each of the above-mentioned processes according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each of the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned processor may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The above-mentioned physically separated processors may execute each of the above-mentioned processes in cooperation with each other. For example, the processors mounted on each of a plurality of physically separated computers may execute the above processes in cooperation with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc. The program may be installed in the memory from an external server device or the like via the network, or may be distributed in a state stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and may be installed in the memory from the recording medium. Furthermore, at least some of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in any manner.

[0158] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1. Reservation System 2 Vehicles 5. Network 6 charger 20 In-vehicle systems 30 User terminals 40 Traffic Information Server 50 Reservation server (reservation management device) 51 Reservation Information Acquisition Department 52 Estimated arrival time calculation unit 53 Profile information acquisition unit 54 Reservation information change section 55 Incentives Department 60 Charger Server 101 Reservation Information 102 Profile Information 201 Route Route 201A 201B Route 202 Route 203 Route 204 Routes 205 Routes 206 Routes 207 Route 208 Routes

Claims

1. a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires reservation information including an identifier of a supply facility that supplies a power source to a vehicle and a reservation time for the supply facility; an estimated arrival time calculation unit that calculates an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the refueling facility; a profile information acquisition unit that acquires profile information including at least one of a characteristic of a user of the vehicle and a driving situation of the vehicle; a reservation information changing unit that changes the reservation information based on the reservation information, the expected arrival time, and the profile information.

2. The reservation management device of claim 1, wherein the reservation information change unit predicts whether the vehicle will arrive at the refueling facility earlier or later than the reserved time based on the reservation information and the estimated arrival time, and changes the reservation information based on the profile information if the vehicle is predicted to arrive earlier or later.

3. the profile information includes time preferences for which the user does not want to change the reservation time; 3. The reservation management device according to claim 2, wherein the reservation information change unit changes the reserved supply facility to another supply facility at which the vehicle can arrive at the reserved time when the profile information includes the time priority and the vehicle is expected to be delayed.

4. the profile information includes a distance preference that the user desires to reach a destination of the vehicle in a short distance; 3. The reservation management device of claim 2, wherein the reservation information change unit changes the reservation time to a time after the expected arrival time at which the reserved refueling facility can be reserved when the profile information includes the distance priority and the vehicle is expected to be delayed.

5. The reservation management device of claim 4, wherein the reservation information change unit further changes the reservation information to reservation information that designates another reservable supply facility in the vicinity of the route to the destination as the new supply facility if the reserved supply facility cannot be reserved after the estimated arrival time.

6. 3. The reservation management device according to claim 2, wherein the reservation information change unit changes the reservation time to a time at which the reserved refueling facility can be reserved after the estimated arrival time when the vehicle is expected to arrive early.

7. the profile information includes a tolerance of the user regarding a remaining capacity of the power source; The reservation management device according to claim 1 , wherein the reservation information change unit changes the reserved supply facility to another supply facility that can satisfy the tolerance when the vehicle arrives.

8. The profile information includes traveling information indicating whether the vehicle is traveling, The reservation management device according to claim 1 , wherein the reservation information change unit switches between whether or not to prompt the user for confirmation of the change to the reservation information based on the during-travel information.

9. The profile information includes road type information on which the vehicle is traveling, The reservation management device according to claim 1 , wherein the reservation information change unit switches between whether or not to confirm the change to the reservation information based on the road type information.

10. 10. The reservation management device according to claim 9, wherein the reservation information change unit changes the reservation information without confirming with the user when the road type information indicates an expressway or a motorway.

11. The profile information includes at least one of type information of a day to which the reservation time belongs and type information of a period to which the day belongs, The reservation management device according to claim 1 , wherein the reservation information change unit switches between whether or not to prompt the user for confirmation of the change to the reservation information based on at least one of the day type information and the period type information.

12. the profile information includes at least one of location information of the supply facility, location information of the vehicle, and location information of a destination of the vehicle, which are included in the reservation information; The reservation management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reservation information change unit switches between whether or not to prompt the user for confirmation of changes to the reservation information based on at least one of the location information of the supply equipment, the location information of the vehicle, and the location information of the vehicle's destination contained in the reservation information.

13. the reservation information change unit performs a reservation adjustment process of changing the reservation information of the user by canceling the reservation information of the advance reservation user, The reservation management device according to claim 1 , further comprising an incentive providing unit that provides an incentive to the advance reservation holder when the reservation information changing unit has performed the reservation adjustment process.

14. the profile information includes acceptance / rejection information indicating whether or not cancellation of the reservation information based on the reservation adjustment process is to be accepted, The reservation management device according to claim 13 , wherein the reservation information change unit switches between presence / absence of an inquiry about cancellation of the reservation information based on the acceptance / non-acceptance information.

15. obtaining reservation information including an identifier of a refueling facility that refuels the vehicle with a power source and a reservation time for the refueling facility; calculating an expected arrival time of the vehicle at the refueling facility; obtaining profile information including at least one of a characteristic of a user of the vehicle and a driving situation of the vehicle; and changing the reservation information based on the reservation information, the expected arrival time, and the profile information.

16. Computer, a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires reservation information including an identifier of a supply facility that supplies a power source to a vehicle and a reservation time for the supply facility; an estimated arrival time calculation unit that calculates an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the refueling facility; a profile information acquisition unit that acquires profile information including at least one of a characteristic of a user of the vehicle and a driving situation of the vehicle; A computer program for causing the computer to function as a reservation information change unit that changes the reservation information based on the reservation information, the expected arrival time, and the profile information.

Images