Management system and management method

Abstract

To allow a user to appropriately charge a battery of an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A management system comprises: a connection state determination unit which determines a connection state of a charger with respect to a vehicle parked at a charging exclusive section in which the charger is installed; an operation state determination unit which determines an operation state of the charger; and a fee setting unit which sets a parking fee per unit time, on the basis of the connection state and the operation state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system and a management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables settlement of both parking fees and charging fees. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-312772 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, the lack of charging stations has become an issue with the spread of electric vehicles. To address the shortage of charging stations, chargers are being installed in public parking lots. However, there are cases where a gasoline-powered vehicle is parked in a parking space reserved for electric vehicles where a charger is installed, and a user who needs to charge the battery of the electric vehicle is unable to do so.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to enable users to properly charge the batteries of electric vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A management system of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a connection status determination unit that determines the connection status of a charger to a vehicle parked in a charging-only space in which the charger is installed, an operation status determination unit that determines the operation status of the charger, and a fee setting unit that sets a parking fee per unit time based on the connection status and the operation status.

[0007] In the management system of the present disclosure, when the fee setting unit determines that the connection state is disconnected and the operation state is stopped, it sets the parking fee per unit time higher than the parking fee per unit time that would be charged if the vehicle were parked in a normal space where the charger is not installed.

[0008] In the management system of the present disclosure, when it is determined that the connection status is a connected status and the operation status is an operating status, the fee setting unit sets the parking fee per unit time lower than the parking fee per unit time for parking in the normal section.

[0009] In the management system of the present disclosure, when the fee setting unit determines that the operation state has become a stopped state after determining that the connection state is a connected state and the operation state is an operating state, it sets the parking fee per unit time after the operation state has become a stopped state higher than the parking fee per unit time for parking in the normal space.

[0010] In the management system of the present disclosure, when the connection state is a connected state and the operation state is a stopped state, the fee setting unit sets the parking fee per unit time higher than the parking fee per unit time when parking in the normal space.

[0011] In the management system of the present disclosure, the fee setting unit sets the parking fee per unit time when it is determined that the connection state is a disconnected state and the operation state is a stopped state to be higher than the parking fee per unit time when the connection state is a connected state and the operation state is a stopped state.

[0012] A management method of one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of determining a connection status of a charger to a vehicle parked in a dedicated charging section in which the charger is installed, determining an operation status of the charger, and setting a parking fee per unit time based on the connection status and the operation status. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, a user can appropriately charge the battery of an electric vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a parking fee per unit time according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the transition of parking fees according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the parking fee setting process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0016] [Overview of the management system] An overview of the management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overview of the management system according to the embodiment.

[0017] 1, the management system 1 includes a charging management system 10 and a parking management system 12. The charging management system 10 and the parking management system 12 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0018] The charging management system 10 detects charging information indicating the status of a charger installed in a parking space where a vehicle in the charging section R2 is parked. The charging management system 10 detects, for example, connection information indicating whether the charger and the vehicle are connected or disconnected. The charging management system 10 detects, for example, operation information indicating whether the charger is charging the battery of the vehicle or the charger is stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the charging management system 10 detects connection information indicating the connection status between the vehicle C1, the vehicle C2, and the vehicle C3 and the charger, and operation information indicating the operation status of the charger connected to the vehicle C1, the vehicle C2, and the vehicle C3 and the charger. The charging management system 10 transmits the connection information and the operation information to the parking management system 12.

[0019] The parking management system 12 detects vehicles parked in the normal section R1 and the charging section R2. The normal section R1 is a section where a charger for charging an electric vehicle is not installed. The charging section R2 is a section where a charger for charging an electric vehicle is installed. The parking management system 12 acquires vacancy information indicating the availability of the parking spaces in the normal section R1 and the charging section R2. The parking management system 12 detects vehicles parked in each parking space in the normal section R1 and the charging section R2, for example, based on images captured of each parking space in the normal section R1 and the charging section R2. The parking management system 12 sets a parking fee for the vehicle parked in the charging section R2 based on the detected vehicles and the connection information and operation information received from the charging management system 10.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the parking management system 12 detects vehicles C1 to C3 parked in the charging section R2. Vehicle C1 is assumed to be a gasoline-powered vehicle. Vehicles C2 and C3 are assumed to be electric vehicles. Since vehicle C1 is a gasoline-powered vehicle, a charger is not connected and the charger is stopped. A charger is connected to vehicle C2 and the charger is stopped. A charger is connected to vehicle C3 and the charger charges the battery of vehicle C3. The charging management system 10 determines the connection status with the charger and the operation status of the charger for each of vehicles C1 to C3 parked in the charging section R2. The parking management system 12 sets the parking fee per unit time for each of vehicles C1 to C3 based on the determination result of the charging management system 10.

[0021] [Management system configuration example] A configuration example of a management system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management system according to an embodiment.

[0022] (Charging management system) The charging management system 10 includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 22, a charging unit 24, and a control unit 26. The charging management system 10 is connected to a parking management system 12 via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0023] The communication unit 20 executes communication between the charge management system 10 and an external device, etc. The communication unit 20 executes communication between the charge management system 10 and the parking management system 12, for example.

[0024] The storage unit 22 stores various types of information. The storage unit 22 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 26 and programs. The storage unit 22 includes at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0025] The charging unit 24 charges the battery of the electric vehicle. The charging unit 24 includes, for example, a power supply circuit, a charging plug, an input cable, and an output cable, which are not shown. For example, one end of the input cable and one end of the output cable are connected to the power supply circuit. The other end of the input cable is connected to an external power source, which is not shown. The charging plug is provided at the other end of the output cable. The charging plug is connected to the electric vehicle.

[0026] The control unit 26 controls each unit of the charge management system 10. The control unit 26 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 26 executes a program that controls the operation of the charge management system 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 26 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 26 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] The control unit 26 includes a connection state detection unit 30 and a charging control unit 32 .

[0028] The connection status detection unit 30 determines the connection status between the charging unit 24 and the electric vehicle. The connection status detection unit 30 determines whether the charging unit 24 and the electric vehicle are connected or disconnected. The connection status detection unit 30 generates connection information indicating whether the charging unit 24 and the electric vehicle are connected or disconnected. The connection status detection unit 30 transmits the connection information to the parking management system 12 via the communication unit 20.

[0029] The charging control unit 32 controls the charging unit 24. The charging control unit 32 controls the charging unit 24 to charge the battery of the electric vehicle connected to the charging unit 24. The charging control unit 32 determines whether the charging unit 24 is in a charging state in which the charging unit 24 is charging the battery of the electric vehicle, or in a stopped state in which the charging unit 24 is stopped. The charging control unit 32 generates operation information indicating whether the charging unit 24 is in a charging state or a stopped state. The charging control unit 32 transmits the operation information to the parking management system 12 via the communication unit 20.

[0030] (Parking management system) The parking management system 12 includes a communication unit 40, a memory unit 42, and a control unit 44.

[0031] The communication unit 40 executes communication between the parking management system 12 and an external device, etc. The communication unit 40 executes communication between the parking management system 12 and the charging management system 10, for example.

[0032] The storage unit 42 stores various types of information. The storage unit 42 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 44 and programs. The storage unit 42 includes at least one of a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0033] The control unit 44 controls each unit of the parking management system 12. The control unit 44 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 44 executes a program that controls the operation of the parking management system 12 according to the present invention. The control unit 44 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 44 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] The control unit 44 includes a vehicle detection unit 50 , a connection state determination unit 52 , an operating state determination unit 54 , and a fee setting unit 56 .

[0035] The vehicle detection unit 50 detects vehicles parked in parking spaces managed by the parking management system 12. The vehicle detection unit 50 detects vehicles parked in, for example, charging space R2.

[0036] The connection status determination unit 52 acquires connection information indicating a connection status between the vehicle parked in the charging section and the charging unit 24 from the charging management system 10. The connection status determination unit 52 determines the connection status between the vehicle parked in the charging section and the charging unit 24 based on the connection information acquired from the charging management system 10. Specifically, the connection status determination unit 52 determines whether the vehicle and the charging unit 24 are connected or disconnected in the charging section R2.

[0037] The operating state determination unit 54 acquires operating information indicating an operating state of the charging unit 24 of the charging management system 10 from the charging management system 10. The operating state determination unit 54 determines the operating state of the charging unit 24 of the charging management system 10 based on the connection information acquired from the charging management system 10. The operating state determination unit 54 determines whether the charging unit 24 of the charging management system 10 is charging a vehicle or is stopped.

[0038] The fee setting unit 56 sets a parking fee. The fee setting unit 56 sets a parking fee per unit time for a vehicle parked in a charging section, based on the connection state between the vehicle parked in the charging section and the charging unit 24 determined by the connection state determination unit 52 and the operation state of the charging unit 24 determined by the operation state determination unit 54.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a parking fee per unit time according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, table TB1 includes items such as "disconnected state" and "connected state" as connection states between the vehicle and charging unit 24. Table TB1 includes items such as "stopped state" and "charging state" as operation states of charging unit 24.

[0040] The "disconnected state" refers to a state in which the vehicle and charging unit 24 are not connected. The "connected state" refers to a state in which the vehicle and charging unit 24 are connected.

[0041] The "stopped state" indicates a state in which the charging unit 24 is stopped. The "charging state" indicates a state in which the charging unit 24 is charging the vehicle battery.

[0042] Table TB1 indicates the parking fee per unit time according to the connection state between the vehicle and the charging unit 24 and the operation state of the charging unit 24. For example, when the vehicle and the charging unit 24 are in a "disconnected state" and the charging unit 24 is in a "stopped state", the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time to fee A. When the vehicle and the charging unit 24 are in a "connected state" and the charging unit 24 is in a "stopped state", the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time to fee B. When the vehicle and the charging unit 24 are in a "connected state" and the charging unit 24 is in a "charging state", the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time to fee C.

[0043] The parking fee per unit time when parking in the normal section R1 is set as fee Z. In this case, the fee setting unit 56 sets fee A, fee B, fee C, and fee Z so as to satisfy the following formula (1). Charge C < Charge Z ≦ Charge B < Charge A (1)

[0044] That is, the fee setting unit 56 sets the fee A to be higher than the fee Z and the fee B. The fee setting unit 56 sets the fee C to be lower than the fee Z. The fee setting unit 56 may set the fee C to be free. The fee setting unit 56 sets the fee B to be the same as the fee Z or slightly higher. The fee setting unit 56 sets the fee Z to 200 yen, for example. The fee setting unit 56 sets the fee A to 400 yen, for example. The fee setting unit 56 sets the fee B to 220 yen, for example. The fee setting unit 56 sets the fee C to 40 yen, for example. The fee setting unit 56 is not limited to these, and may be other fees. For example, the fee setting unit 56 may set the fee A to an amount that causes drivers of gasoline-powered vehicles to avoid parking in the charging section R2.

[0045] The transition of the parking fee according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the parking fee according to the embodiment.

[0046] In Fig. 4, the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates fee. Line 101 shows the change in parking fee (fee Z) when parked in normal section R1. Line 102 shows the change in parking fee (fee A) when parked in charging section R2, the vehicle and charging unit 24 are disconnected, and the charging unit 24 is stopped. Line 103 shows the change in parking fee (fee B) when parked in charging section R2, the vehicle and charging unit 24 are connected, and the charging unit 24 is stopped. Line 104 shows the change in parking fee (fee C) when parked in charging section R2, the vehicle and charging unit 24 are connected, and the charging unit 24 is charging. Line 105 shows the change in the parking fee when the vehicle is parked in charging section R2, the vehicle and charging unit 24 are connected and charging until timing t1, and the vehicle and charging unit 24 are connected and stopped after timing t1. The slope of line 105 from 0 to timing t1 is the same as line 104, and the slope after timing t1 is the same as line 103. That is, fee setting unit 56 switches from fee C to fee B when charging of the vehicle's battery is completed.

[0047] As shown by lines 101 and 102, if the vehicle is parked in charging section R2, the charging section 24 is disconnected, and the charging section 24 is stopped, the parking fee will be significantly higher than if the vehicle were parked in normal section R1. For this reason, users who drive gasoline-powered vehicles will avoid parking in charging section R2. This makes it easier for users who need to charge the battery of their electric vehicle to park in charging section R2, allowing the battery of the electric vehicle to be charged appropriately.

[0048] As shown by lines 101 and 103, when parking in charging section R2, even if the vehicle and charging section 24 are connected, if the charging section 24 is stopped, the parking fee is higher than when parking in normal section R1. For this reason, users who drive electric vehicles tend to avoid parking in charging section R2 when there is no need to charge the battery. This makes it easier for users who need to charge the battery of their electric vehicles to park in charging section R2, allowing them to properly charge the battery of their electric vehicles.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown by lines 104 and 105, after charging of the battery of the electric vehicle is completed, the parking fee per unit time is set higher than the parking fee per unit time in the normal section R1. Therefore, if the electric vehicle continues to be parked after charging of the battery is completed, the parking fee will be high. For this reason, users who drive electric vehicles will move their vehicles promptly after charging is completed. This makes it easier for users who need to charge the battery of their electric vehicle to park in the charging section R2, allowing the battery of the electric vehicle to be charged appropriately.

[0050] [Parking fee setting process] The parking fee setting process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the parking fee setting process according to the embodiment.

[0051] The vehicle detection unit 50 detects a vehicle (step S10). Specifically, the vehicle detection unit 50 detects a vehicle parked in the charging section R2. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0052] The connection state determination unit 52 acquires connection information (step S12). Specifically, the connection state determination unit 52 acquires connection information indicating a connection state between the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 and the charging unit 24 from the charging management system 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0053] The connection status determination unit 52 determines, based on the connection information, whether or not the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 is connected to the charging unit 24 (step S14). If it is determined that the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 is connected to the charging unit 24 (step S14; Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. If it is not determined that the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 is connected to the charging unit 24 (step S14; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0054] If it is determined as Yes in step S14, the operation state determination unit 54 acquires operation information (step S16). Specifically, the operation state determination unit 54 acquires the operation information indicating the operation state of the charging unit 24 from the charge management system 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0055] If step S14 is determined to be No, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time of the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 to fee A (step S18). In a state in which the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 is not connected to the charging unit 24, the charging unit 24 is stopped. In other words, when it is determined that the vehicle parked in the charging section R2 is disconnected from the charging unit 24 and the charging unit 24 is stopped, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time higher than the parking fee per unit time in the case of parking in the normal section R1. Then, the processing of FIG. 5 ends.

[0056] The operation state determination unit 54 determines whether the charging unit 24 is in a charging state where the vehicle is being charged, based on the operation information (step S20). If it is determined that the charging unit 24 is in a charging state (step S20; Yes), the process proceeds to step S22. If it is not determined that the charging unit 24 is in a charging state (step S20; No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0057] If the result of step S20 is Yes, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee for the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 to the fee C (step S22). That is, if the fee setting unit 56 determines that the vehicle parked in the charging section R2 is connected to the charging unit 24 and that the charging unit 24 is charging the vehicle's battery, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time lower than the parking fee per unit time for parking in the normal section R1. Then, the processing of FIG. 5 ends.

[0058] If the result of step S20 is No, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee for the vehicle detected in the charging section R2 to fee B (step S24). That is, when it is determined that the vehicle parked in the charging section R2 is connected to the charging unit 24 and the charging unit 24 is stopped, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time higher than the parking fee per unit time in the case of parking in the normal section R1. The fee setting unit 56 sets fee B lower than fee A. Then, the processing of FIG. 5 ends.

[0059] In step S22, when charging of the vehicle's battery is completed, the charging unit 24 is stopped. If the charging unit 24 remains connected to the vehicle after the charging unit 24 is stopped, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time after the charging unit 24 is stopped to fee B. In other words, if the vehicle continues to be parked in the charging section R2 even after charging of the vehicle's battery is completed, the fee setting unit 56 sets the parking fee per unit time to a higher value.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, the parking fee per unit time for the vehicle is set based on the vehicle parked in the charging section, the connection status of the charger, and the operation status of the charger. As a result, when a driver who does not need to charge the vehicle parks the vehicle in a charging section, the parking fee becomes higher than when the vehicle is parked in a normal section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent drivers who do not need to charge the vehicle from parking the vehicle in a charging section. As a result, a driver who needs to charge the vehicle can park the vehicle in the charging section and charge it appropriately.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the parking fee after the vehicle's semi-charging is completed is higher than when the vehicle is parked in a normal space. Therefore, the driver will move the vehicle promptly after the charging is completed, which prevents the vehicle from being left abandoned. This allows a driver who needs to charge the vehicle to park the vehicle in a charging space and charge it appropriately.

[0062] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the parking fee is described as being set by the parking management system 12, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present disclosure, the charging management system 10 may set the parking fee. Also, in the present disclosure, a system different from the charging management system 10 and the parking management system 12 may set the parking fee.

[0063] Each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. This distribution and integration configuration may be performed dynamically.

[0064] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. The above-mentioned components include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-mentioned components can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the above-mentioned embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Management System 10. Charging Management System 12 Parking Management System 20,40 Communications Department 22,42 Storage part 24 Live parts 26,44 Control section 30 Connection status detection unit 32 Charging control unit 50 Vehicle detection unit 52 Connection status determination unit 54 Operation status determination unit 56 Pricing Department

Claims

1. a connection status determination unit that determines a connection status of the charger to a vehicle parked in a dedicated charging section in which the charger is installed; an operating state determination unit that determines an operating state of the charger; a fee setting unit that sets a parking fee per unit time based on the connection state and the operation state; A management system comprising:

2. When it is determined that the connection state is a disconnected state and the operation state is a stopped state, the fee setting unit sets a parking fee per unit time higher than a parking fee per unit time for parking in a normal space where the charger is not installed. The management system according to claim 1 .

3. when it is determined that the connection state is a connection state and the operation state is a charging state, the fee setting unit sets a parking fee per unit time lower than a parking fee per unit time in the case of parking in the normal section. The management system according to claim 2.

4. when it is determined that the operation state has become a stopped state after it is determined that the connection state is a connected state and the operation state is a charging state, the fee setting unit sets a parking fee per unit time after the operation state has become a stopped state to be higher than a parking fee per unit time in the case of parking in the normal section. The management system according to claim 3.

5. When the connection state is a connection state and the operation state is a stop state, the fee setting unit sets a parking fee per unit time higher than a parking fee per unit time in the case of parking in the normal section. The management system according to claim 2.

6. the fee setting unit sets a parking fee per unit time when it is determined that the connection state is a disconnected state and the operation state is a stopped state to be higher than a parking fee per unit time when the connection state is a connected state and the operation state is a stopped state; The management system according to claim 5.

7. determining a connection status of the charger to a vehicle parked in a dedicated charging section in which the charger is installed; determining an operational state of the charger; setting a parking fee per unit time based on the connection status and the operation status; (c) a method of administration;

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