Power supply control device, power supply system, power supply control method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience of operation for power supply control in charging service.SOLUTION: A power supply control device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring user specification information for specifying a user by using an information acquisition device; an inquiry destination specification unit for specifying information on an inquiry destination terminal of the user based on the user specification information; a transmission / reception unit for transmitting inquiry information on use of a power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; and a control unit for controlling power supply from the power supply device according to a response to the inquiry information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply control device, a power supply system, a power supply control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology related to the present disclosure is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a charging service for electric vehicles. This technology recognizes the vehicle number of a vehicle when the vehicle approaches the entrance to a parking lot. Then, this technology guides the vehicle to an available charger via a user terminal associated with the recognized vehicle. This technology can also accept reservations for charging via the user terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special table number 2021-532519 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As electric vehicles become more widespread, power supply devices that provide charging services are also becoming more widespread. Users operate the power supply devices to control power supply to the vehicles (starting power supply, etc.), but as power supply devices are still in the widespread stage, many users are not familiar with power supply devices and have difficulty operating them. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that improves the convenience of reservations and guidance for charging services, but does not disclose a technology that improves the convenience of operations for power supply control.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one example of the objective of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply control device, a power supply system, a power supply control method, and a program that improve the convenience of operations for power supply control in a charging service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, An acquisition means for acquiring user identification information that identifies a user using an information acquisition device; an inquiry destination specifying means for specifying information on the inquiry destination terminal of the user based on the user specifying information; A transmitting / receiving means for transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; A control means for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to the inquiry information; A power supply control device having the following is provided.

[0007] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a power supply system including the power supply control device and a power supply device in which power supply is controlled by the power supply control device.

[0008] Further, according to the present disclosure, One or more computers Using an information acquisition device, user identification information that identifies a user is acquired; Identifying information related to the user's inquiry destination terminal based on the user identification information; Transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; There is provided a power supply control method for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to the inquiry information.

[0009] Further, according to the present disclosure, Computer, An acquisition means for acquiring user identification information for identifying a user using an information acquisition device; an inquiry destination specifying means for specifying information regarding the inquiry destination terminal of the user based on the user specifying information; A transmitting / receiving means for transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; a control means for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to a response to the inquiry information; A program is provided to function as a Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a power supply control device, a power supply system, a power supply control method, and a program are realized that improve the convenience of operations for power supply control in a charging service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram of a power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of a power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram of a power supply system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a power supply system according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a functional block diagram of a power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by a power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing flow of the power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a power supply system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of information processed by the power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of information processed by the power supply control device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the power supply system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the power supply system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14]FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the power supply system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the power supply system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In all the drawings, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] <<First embodiment>> Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the power supply control device 10. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the power supply control device 10.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the power supply control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, an inquiry destination specification unit 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, and a control unit 14. The acquisition unit 11, the inquiry destination specification unit 12, the transmission / reception unit 13, and the control unit 14 execute the process of the flowchart in Fig. 2.

[0015] The acquisition unit 11 acquires user identification information that identifies a user using an information acquisition device (S11).

[0016] The inquiry destination specification unit 12 specifies information related to the user's inquiry destination terminal based on the user specification information acquired in S11 (S12).

[0017] The transmitter / receiver 13 uses the information on the user's inquiry destination terminal identified in S12 to transmit inquiry information on the use of the power supply device to the user's inquiry destination terminal (S13).

[0018] The control unit 14 controls the power supply from the power supply device in response to the response to the inquiry information transmitted in S13 (S14).

[0019] In this way, the power supply control device 10 transmits inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the user's inquiry terminal, and controls the power supply from the power supply device in response to the response. Such a power supply control device 10 can improve the convenience of operations for power supply control in a charging service.

[0020] For example, when controlling power supply from the power supply device by operating the power supply device, the user needs to go to the power supply device in order to control the power supply after setting the electric mobile body and the power supply device in a state where power can be supplied. Setting the electric mobile body and the power supply device in a state where power can be supplied from the power supply device means connecting the electric mobile body and the power supply device with a cable or the like, or positioning the electric mobile body in a position where power can be supplied wirelessly from the power supply device. In contrast, in the case of the power supply control device 10 that can control the power supply from the power supply device in response to the operation of the user's inquiry terminal, the user can control the power supply from the power supply device by operating the inquiry terminal on the spot after setting the electric mobile body and the power supply device in a state where power can be supplied. For example, when the power supply device is capable of wireless power supply, the user can control the power supply from the power supply device without getting off the electric mobile body after parking the electric mobile body in a position where power can be supplied from the electric mobile body.

[0021] Furthermore, the power supply control device 10 actively acquires user identification information, identifies information related to the user's inquiry terminal based on the acquired user identification information, and transmits various information to the user's inquiry terminal using the identified information related to the user's inquiry terminal. Therefore, the user does not need to perform operations to receive various information, such as reading a code (one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, etc.) placed at the site with a mobile terminal. In this way, the power supply control device 10 can reduce the user's work.

[0022] In addition, the user can control power supply from the power supply device by operating the inquiry terminal that the user is familiar with, instead of operating an unfamiliar power supply device. According to such a power supply control device 10, it is possible to improve the convenience of operations for power supply control in a charging service.

[0023] In addition, while anyone can operate a power supply device installed in a public place, only each user can operate the inquiry terminal of each user. The power supply control device 10 controls power supply from the power supply device in response to a response from the inquiry terminal of each user, and can prevent spoofing, in which a user other than the true user poses as another user and uses the charging service unfairly.

[0024] <<Second embodiment>> <Summary> The power supply control device 10 of the second embodiment is a specific embodiment of the configuration of the power supply control device 10 of the first embodiment, which will be described in detail below.

[0025] <Overall picture of the power supply system> First, an overall view of a power supply system including a power supply control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, in one example, the power supply system includes the power supply control device 10, a power supply device 20, an information acquisition device 30, an information acquisition device 31, a mobile terminal 40, a guide device 50, and a management device 60. These components are capable of communicating with each other via a wired and / or wireless communication network.

[0026] It should be noted that the power supply system may not have some of the components shown here. Some of the components that the power supply system does not have may exist as components outside the power supply system. The power supply system and the components outside the power supply system may cooperate to execute a predetermined process. In addition, some of the components that the power supply system does not have may not be involved in the process executed by the power supply system. In addition, some of the components that the power supply system does not have may not exist as components outside the power supply system.

[0027] Next, each component will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the power supply system. Note that the embodiment of Fig. 4 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 4, various components are installed in a predetermined area L. A charging service for an electric mobile object is provided in the area L. The area L may be an area provided exclusively for a charging service, a parking lot of an arbitrary facility, an area of ​​a facility that provides services related to mobile objects such as a gas station, or other areas.

[0029] An "electric vehicle" is a vehicle that moves using electricity as a power source. Examples of "vehicles" include, but are not limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, large vehicles, electric scooters, etc. Examples of large vehicles include, but are not limited to, trucks and buses.

[0030] "Power supply device 20" is a device that supplies power to an electric mobile object. The configuration of power supply device 20 is not particularly limited. Power supply device 20 can adopt any widely known configuration. Power supply device 20 may be a quick charger or a normal charger. Furthermore, power supply device 20 may be of a type that supplies power in a wired connection. Furthermore, power supply device 20 may be configured to be capable of wireless power supply.

[0031] Moreover, one power supply device 20 may be configured to have one power supply means (cable, outlet, antenna, etc.). Alternatively, one power supply device 20 may be configured to have a plurality of (e.g., two) power supply means. One power supply device 20 in the example of FIG. 4 is configured to have two power supply means. Therefore, two charging parking spaces N are provided corresponding to one power supply device 20. A user who uses a charging service parks his / her electric mobile object in the charging parking space N, and sets the electric mobile object and the power supply device 20 in a state where they can supply power. In the example of FIG. 4, two power supply devices 20 are installed in the area L. However, the number of power supply devices 20 installed in the area L is not limited to this.

[0032] In addition, a number of power supply means and charging parking spaces N may be provided in correspondence with one power supply device 20, which is greater than the number of power supply means and charging parking spaces N that can be supplied from one power supply device 20 at a time. In one example, the power supply device 20 is configured to allocate output to two electric mobile objects and supply power to the two electric mobile objects simultaneously. In correspondence with such a power supply device 20, three or more power supply means and charging parking spaces N may be provided. In this way, when the power supply device 20 is supplying power to two electric mobile objects simultaneously, the user can park the electric mobile object and the power supply device 20 in the third or subsequent charging parking spaces corresponding to the power supply device 20, and can make the electric mobile object and the power supply device 20 in a state in which power can be supplied. Then, the user can wait until the power supply to one of the two electric mobile objects being supplied with power is completed and it is his / her turn. In addition, according to the power supply control device 10, the user can remotely control the power supply from the power supply device 20 by operating his / her own mobile terminal 40. Therefore, a user who parks in the third or subsequent parking space for charging and sets the electric mobile object and the power supply device 20 in a state in which power supply is possible can leave the place.

[0033] The "information acquisition device 30" has a camera function. As shown in FIG. 4, the information acquisition device 30 is installed near the entrance of the area L and captures an image of the area near the entrance of the area L. The information acquisition device 30 is installed in a position and orientation to capture an image of an electric mobile object present near the entrance of the area L. For example, the information acquisition device 30 is installed in a position and orientation to capture an image of the license plate of an electric mobile object present near the entrance of the area L.

[0034] The information acquisition device 30 may continuously capture moving images. Alternatively, the information acquisition device 30 may capture still images or moving images of a predetermined length at a predetermined timing. For example, the information acquisition device 30 may capture still images or moving images of a predetermined length at the timing when an object is detected near the entrance of the area L by any object detection sensor. Furthermore, the information acquisition device 30 may capture moving images while an object is detected near the entrance of the area L by any object detection sensor.

[0035] The "information acquisition device 31" has a camera function. As shown in FIG. 4, the information acquisition device 31 is installed near each power supply device 20 in correspondence with each power supply device 20. The information acquisition device 31 is installed, for example, at a position and orientation to capture an image of an electric mobile object parked in a charging parking space N. In one example, the information acquisition device 30 is installed at a position and orientation to capture an image of a license plate of an electric mobile object parked in a charging parking space N. Alternatively, the information acquisition device 31 may be installed at a position and orientation to capture an image of a user (for example, the user's face) who gets off the electric mobile object and performs work such as connecting the electric mobile object parked in the charging parking space N to the power supply device 20.

[0036] The information acquisition device 31 may continuously capture moving images. Alternatively, the information acquisition device 31 may capture still images or moving images of a predetermined length at a predetermined timing. For example, the information acquisition device 31 may capture still images or moving images of a predetermined length at the timing when an object in the charging parking space N is detected by any object detection sensor. Furthermore, the information acquisition device 31 may capture moving images while an object is detected in the charging parking space N by any object detection sensor.

[0037] The "guidance device 50" outputs guidance information for guiding the electric mobile object to the charging parking space N. The guidance device 50 has output devices such as a display, a projection device, a speaker, and a lamp. The guidance device 50 outputs the guidance information via these output devices.

[0038] For example, the guidance information may be such as "Charging parking spaces A and B are available. Please proceed to whichever one you prefer" or "Please proceed to an available charging parking space." Alternatively, a lamp may be provided corresponding to each of the multiple charging parking spaces N. The guidance device 50 may then turn on the lamp corresponding to the available charging parking space N.

[0039] Alternatively, the guidance information may be content that guides a specific user to a specific charging parking space N. For example, the guidance information may be content such as "Customer with user identification information XX, please proceed to charging parking space A," or "Customer with vehicle identification information XX, please proceed to charging parking space B," etc. Means for realizing the output of such guidance information will be described in detail below.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, a parking space M for waiting one's turn may be provided in the area L. When all the power supply devices 20 are in use, a user can park in the parking space M and wait for a power supply device 20 to become available. The parking space M may be a parking space dedicated to waiting one's turn for a charging service. Alternatively, the parking space M may be a parking space shared with customers of a facility or the like adjacent to the area L.

[0041] The "management device 60" (not shown in FIG. 4) manages the power supply devices 20 installed in the area L. The management device 60 may be a device installed in the area L, in the vicinity thereof, or in another location, or may be a cloud server.

[0042] The management device 60 can control the operation of each power supply device 20 based on, for example, information acquired from the power supply control device 10. Furthermore, the management device 60 can acquire information related to power supply from, for example, each power supply device 20, and transmit the information to the power supply control device 10. The information related to power supply can include the amount of power supply (kWh), the power supply time, and if the power supply device 20 has accepted a user input, the contents of the input. Note that the information related to power supply may include other information.

[0043] The "portable terminal 40" (not shown in FIG. 4) is a device carried by each user. The portable terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a smart watch, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, etc., but is not limited to these. Each user can check the above-mentioned guidance information, for example, via his / her own portable terminal 40. That is, the above-mentioned guidance information may be output via each user's portable terminal 40 instead of or in addition to the guidance device 50. Furthermore, each user can control power supply from the power supply device 20 via his / her own portable terminal 40. Details of these processes by the portable terminal 40 will be described later.

[0044] The "power supply control device 10" (not shown in FIG. 4) may be a device installed in or near the area L or elsewhere, or may be a cloud server. The power supply control device 10 executes the processes described in the first embodiment in cooperation with the various devices described above. As a result, the user can control power supply from the power supply device 20 by operating his / her own mobile terminal 40 (inquiry terminal) that is familiar to the user, rather than operating the unfamiliar power supply device 20. The functional configuration of the power supply control device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0045] <Hardware configuration of each component> Next, an example of the hardware configuration of each component of the power supply system will be described. The functional parts of each component are realized by any combination of hardware and software. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the realization method and device. The software includes programs that are stored in the device before it is shipped, and programs downloaded from recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and servers on the Internet.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of each component of the power supply system. As shown in Fig. 5, each component of the power supply system has a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. Each component of the power supply system does not need to have the peripheral circuit 4A. Note that each component of the power supply system may be composed of multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated. In this case, each of the multiple devices can have the above hardware configuration.

[0047] The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, the memory 2A, the peripheral circuit 4A, and the input / output interface 3A to transmit and receive data to each other. The processor 1A is, for example, a processing device such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A includes an interface for acquiring information from an input device, an external device, an external server, an external sensor, a camera, etc., and an interface for outputting information to an output device, an external device, an external server, etc. The input / output interface 3A also includes an interface for connecting to a communication network such as the Internet. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a physical button, a touch panel, etc. The output device is, for example, a display, a speaker, a printer, a mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0048] <Functional configuration of power supply control device 10> Next, a detailed description will be given of the functional configuration of the power supply control device 10. Fig. 6 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the power supply control device 10. As shown in the figure, the power supply control device 10 has an acquisition unit 11, an inquiry destination specification unit 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, a control unit 14, and a power supply device specification unit 15.

[0049] The acquisition unit 11 uses at least one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31 to acquire user identification information that identifies a user.

[0050] When both the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31 are installed in the area L, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire user identification information using both of them. When only one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31 is installed in the area L, the acquisition unit 11 can acquire user identification information using the one installed in the area L.

[0051] The "user identification information" is information for identifying a plurality of users from one another and for identifying a specific user. The user identification information includes at least one of user identification information unique to each user and identification information of a mobile object used by each user (hereinafter, "mobile object identification information").

[0052] The "mobile body identification information" is registration information registered with a specific organization for each mobile body, and is so-called license plate information. The mobile body identification information may include information indicating the registration area, information indicating the purpose, information indicating the type, an identification number, etc.

[0053] The "user identification information" is information for identifying users who use the charging service using the power supply device 20 from each other. Users who use the charging service perform user registration in advance. At that time, each user is given unique user identification information.

[0054] User registration can be realized by any well-known technology, such as online procedures, submission of documents by mail or at a counter, etc. Various information is registered during user registration. Figure 7 shows an example of information registered during user registration. In the example of Figure 7, user identification information, mobile unit identification information, user information, biometric information, payment method, etc. are registered in association with each other.

[0055] As described above, the "user identification information" is information for identifying users who use the charging service using the power supply device 20. When a user is registered, each user is given unique user identification information.

[0056] As described above, the "mobile body identification information" is registration information registered with a predetermined organization for each mobile body, and is so-called license plate information. Each user registers the mobile body identification information of the mobile body that he or she uses.

[0057] "User information" is various information related to a user. The user information may include, for example, a name, an age, a sex, an address, a home phone number, a phone number of the mobile terminal 40, an email address, an ID (identifier) ​​of an SNS (social networking service), and the like.

[0058] "Biometric information" is information related to the body of each user, and is used in authentication processing. Biometric information is preferably face information, but may be other information such as fingerprint information, iris information, and voiceprint information.

[0059] "Payment method" is information about a payment method to be used when using the charging service. The payment method may be, for example, but is not limited to, credit card information, information for making a payment with electronic money or points, bank account information, etc.

[0060] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire images generated by the information acquisition device 30 and / or the information acquisition device 31 from these devices. The acquisition unit 11 may then analyze the acquired image and recognize characters and numbers to identify moving object identification information of a moving object appearing in the image. Additionally, the acquisition unit 11 may analyze the acquired image and identify user identification information of a person appearing in the image by comparing face information of the person appearing in the image with face information of a person registered in a user list (see FIG. 7).

[0061] In addition, at least one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31 may perform the above-mentioned image analysis to specify the moving object identification information of the moving object appearing in the image and / or the user identification information of the person appearing in the image. Then, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the specified moving object identification information and / or user identification information from at least one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 6, the inquiry destination specification unit 12 specifies information related to the user's inquiry destination terminal based on the user specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 11.

[0063] The "contact terminal" is a device carried by each user, and is the mobile terminal 40 described above.

[0064] The "information related to the inquiry destination terminal" is information for transmitting information to the mobile terminal 40. The power supply control device 10 can transmit information to the mobile terminal 40 by using any widely known technology.

[0065] The information on the inquiry destination terminal is, for example, the user identification information described above. In this case, each user installs an application to be used in the charging service in his / her own mobile terminal 40. The application to be used in the charging service may or may not be specialized for the charging service. Then, each user logs in to the application using his / her own user identification information. In the logged-in state, the power supply control device 10 can manage the correspondence between the mobile terminal 40 and the user identification information. As a result, the power supply control device 10 can transmit information to the mobile terminal 40 via the mobile terminal 40 that is logged in to the application.

[0066] Alternatively, the information about the inquiry destination terminal may be the telephone number of the mobile terminal 40. In this case, the power supply control device 10 can transmit the information to the mobile terminal 40 by means of a short message, a call, or the like.

[0067] Alternatively, the information about the inquiry destination terminal may be the user's email address. In this case, the power supply control device 10 transmits the information to the email address. The message transmitted to the email address is downloaded to the mobile terminal 40, thereby transmitting the information to the mobile terminal 40.

[0068] The inquiry destination specifying unit 12 can search a pre-registered user list (see FIG. 7) using the user specifying information acquired by the acquiring unit 11 as a key, for example, and specify information on the inquiry destination terminal linked to the key.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 6, the power supply device specifying unit 15 specifies, based on the user identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the power supply device 20 used by the user identified by the user identification information.

[0070] For example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires user identification information using an information acquisition device 31 installed near each power supply device 20 in correspondence with each power supply device 20 as shown in Fig. 4. In this case, the power supply device identification unit 15 can identify the power supply device 20 corresponding to the information acquisition device 31 used to acquire the user identification information as the power supply device 20 used by the user. Each power supply device 20 and the information acquisition device 31 installed near each power supply device 20 are registered in advance in the power supply control device 10 in a linked manner.

[0071] Alternatively, at least one camera may be installed to capture the entire area L. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 acquires moving object identification information (user identification information) of a moving object captured in an image using an information acquisition device 30 installed near the entrance of the area L as shown in FIG. 4. Thereafter, the power supply device identification unit 15 tracks the moving object in an image generated by at least one camera capturing the entire area of ​​the area L, and identifies the charging parking space N in which the moving object is parked. Then, the power supply device identification unit 15 identifies the power supply device 20 corresponding to the identified charging parking space N as the power supply device 20 used by the user. Each power supply device 20 and the charging parking space N in which the moving object is parked when using each power supply device 20 are linked to each other and registered in the power supply control device 10 in advance.

[0072] The tracking of the moving object in the image is realized by using a well-known object tracking technique. In one example, features obtained from the appearance of the moving object may be used. Examples of the features include, but are not limited to, color, model, manufacturer, etc.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 6, the transmitter / receiver 13 uses information about the inquiring terminal identified by the inquiry destination identifying unit 12 to transmit inquiry information about the use of the power supply device 20 identified by the power supply device identifying unit 15 to the user's inquiry destination terminal.

[0074] The transmitter / receiver 13 can transmit inquiry information to the user's inquiry terminal at a predetermined timing after the information on the user's inquiry terminal is specified and the power supply device 20 used by the user is specified. The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing when the power supply device 20 used by the user and the electric mobile object become in a state where they can supply power (such as a timing when a connection is detected), but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The "inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device 20" includes a UI (User Interface) screen for controlling power supply by the power supply device 20, or information for accessing the UI screen (such as a URL).

[0076] The UI screen includes a UI component (such as a button) for receiving an instruction to start power supply. The UI screen may also include a UI component (such as a radio button or a drop-down list) for specifying the amount of power to be supplied or the time for power supply.

[0077] Furthermore, the UI screen may include information indicating the power supply device 20 identified as the power supply device 20 used by the user. For example, identification information (such as a serial number) of the identified power supply device 20 may be displayed, or identification information of the charging parking space N corresponding to the identified power supply device 20 may be displayed. By visually checking this information, the user can confirm that the power supply device 20 used by the user is correctly recognized by the power supply control device 10.

[0078] The control unit 14 controls the power supply from the power supply device 20 in response to a response to the UI screen (inquiry information) transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 13.

[0079] For example, the user operates a UI component that accepts an instruction to start power supply on a UI screen displayed on the mobile terminal 40. Then, the mobile terminal 40 transmits information indicating that the operation has been accepted to the power supply control device 10 via the UI screen. Then, the control unit 14 starts power supply from the power supply device 20 in response to the operation on the UI component that accepts an instruction to start power supply.

[0080] Furthermore, the user can perform an operation to specify the amount of power to be supplied or the time for which power is to be supplied on the UI screen displayed on the mobile terminal 40. Then, the mobile terminal 40 transmits information indicating the content specified by the operation to the power supply control device 10 via the UI screen. Then, the control unit 14 causes the power supply device 20 to supply power for the amount of power or the time specified on the UI screen.

[0081] The control unit 14 transmits control information to the management device 60, including information for identifying the power supply device 20 to be controlled, instruction information for starting power supply, the amount of power to be supplied, the time for power supply, and the like. The management device 60 identifies the power supply device 20 for which power supply is to be controlled based on the control information. Then, the management device 60 transmits a predetermined command to the identified power supply device 20 to start power supply. The management device 60 also transmits a predetermined command to the identified power supply device 20 to supply power of a predetermined amount of power or for a predetermined time. The power supply device 20 executes power supply processing according to the command from the management device 60. Note that stopping power supply, settlement processing, and the like can be realized using any widely known technology.

[0082] Next, an example of the flow of processing executed by the power supply control device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0083] First, the power supply control device 10 acquires user identification information for identifying a user using at least one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31 (S21). The user identification information includes at least one of the user identification information and the moving object identification information. At least one of the user identification information and the moving object identification information is identified by analyzing an image generated by at least one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31.

[0084] Next, the power supply control device 10 identifies information related to the user's inquiry destination terminal based on the user identification information acquired in S21 (S22). For example, the power supply control device 10 can search information registered in advance in user registration (see FIG. 7) using the user identification information acquired in S21 as a key, and identify information related to the inquiry destination terminal associated with the key.

[0085] Furthermore, the power supply control device 10 identifies the power supply device 20 used by the user based on the user identification information acquired in S21 (S23). For example, the power supply control device 10 may identify the power supply device 20 used by the user by acquiring the user identification information using the information acquisition device 31 linked to each power supply device 20. Alternatively, the power supply control device 10 may identify the power supply device 20 used by the user by tracking the electric moving object whose vehicle identification information has been identified within the area L. Note that the processing order of S22 and S23 may be reversed.

[0086] Next, the power supply control device 10 transmits inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device 20 identified in S23 to the user's mobile terminal 40 (inquiry terminal) using the information regarding the user's inquiry terminal identified in S22 (S24). The inquiry information may include a UI screen including a UI part that accepts an instruction to start power supply, or information (such as a URL) for accessing the UI screen.

[0087] Then, the power supply control device 10 controls power supply from the power supply device 20 in response to the response to the inquiry information transmitted in S24 (S25). For example, the user operates a UI component that accepts an instruction to start power supply on a UI screen displayed on the mobile terminal 40. Then, the mobile terminal 40 transmits information indicating that the operation has been accepted to the power supply control device 10 via the UI screen. Then, the power supply control device 10 starts power supply from the power supply device 20 identified in S23 in response to the operation on the UI component that accepts an instruction to start power supply.

[0088] For example, the power supply control device 10 transmits control information including information for identifying the power supply device 20 to be controlled and instruction information for starting power supply to the management device 60. The management device 60 identifies the power supply device 20 to control the power supply based on the control information. Then, the management device 60 transmits a predetermined command to the identified power supply device 20 to start power supply. The power supply device 20 executes the power supply process according to the command from the management device 60. Subsequent processes such as stopping the power supply and settlement processing can be realized using any widely known technology. For example, the power supply control device 10 may notify the user that the power supply has been completed via the user's mobile terminal 40. The power supply control device 10 may also accept the settlement processing via the user's mobile terminal 40.

[0089] <Example of power supply system> Next, a specific embodiment of a power supply system including the above-described power supply control device 10 will be described. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the method of realizing the power supply system is not limited to this.

[0090] "Example 1 (Typical processing flow)" An example of a typical process flow of the power supply system will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0091] First, in this embodiment, a user can make a reservation for a charging service. For example, a user who has completed user registration can make the reservation. The user can make the reservation before arriving at area L (an area where a charging service is provided). This can reduce the waiting time after arriving at area L.

[0092] The power supply system can accept the reservation by using any technology. For example, the user operates the mobile terminal 40 to start an application used in the charging service. Then, the user specifies the area L to be reserved, and performs an input to execute the reservation in the specified area L. In response to the input, the mobile terminal 40 transmits reservation information including information indicating the specified area L and a reservation request to the power supply control device 10 (S101).

[0093] The power supply control device 10 executes a reservation process in response to receiving the reservation information (S102). For example, the power supply control device 10 updates a reservation list that it manages in response to receiving the reservation information. Note that the power supply control device 10 may transmit a reservation completion notification to the mobile terminal 40 in response to updating the reservation list. Then, the mobile terminal 40 may notify the user of the reservation completion.

[0094] An example of a reservation list is shown in Fig. 10. The power supply control device 10 can manage a reservation list like that shown in Fig. 10 for each area L. The reservation list shown in the figure has reservation order, reservation user information, reservation timing, and arrival flag. Note that the reservation list may not include some of this information, or may include other information.

[0095] "Reservation order" indicates the order in which reservations were accepted.

[0096] The "subscriber information" is information that identifies a subscriber. The subscriber information may be, for example, user identification information or mobile unit identification information.

[0097] "Reservation timing" indicates the timing at which the reservation was accepted. In the illustrated example, the time at which the reservation was accepted is shown.

[0098] The "arrival flag" indicates whether the person making the reservation has arrived at the area L for which the reservation has been made.

[0099] When the power supply control device 10 accepts a new reservation, it adds the user to the last reservation order.

[0100] There are various means for receiving an input from a user to specify the area L to be reserved. In one example, when a user inputs to start reserving a charging service, the power supply control device 10 may search for the nearest area L based on the position information of the mobile terminal 40 and transmit the search result to the mobile terminal 40. The user can operate the mobile terminal 40 to specify a desired area L from among the areas L presented. The power supply control device 10 can provide the search result based on a position information acquisition function (such as a Global Positioning System function) of the mobile terminal 40, position information of each of a plurality of areas L registered in advance, and the like. The nearest area L is an area L whose distance from the mobile terminal 40 is equal to or less than a reference value, or a predetermined number of areas L whose distance from the mobile terminal 40 is smallest, but is not limited thereto. Note that the means exemplified here are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0101] After completing the reservation, the user gets on the electric vehicle and travels to the reserved area L.

[0102] 9, when a user who has completed a reservation arrives at the reserved area L, the user's electric mobile object and / or the user is captured in an image generated by an information acquisition device 30 installed near the entrance to the area L. Then, the information acquisition device 30 transmits the image (an image in which the user's electric mobile object and / or the user is captured) to the power supply control device 10 (S103).

[0103] The power supply control device 10 executes authentication processing based on this image (S104). For example, the power supply control device 10 analyzes the image and identifies moving object identification information of a moving object appearing in the image. Then, the power supply control device 10 compares the identified moving object identification information with moving object identification information previously registered in user registration (see FIG. 7) to authenticate whether the user is a legitimate user. If the user is a legitimate user, the power supply control device 10 can identify the user identification information of the user.

[0104] Alternatively, the power supply control device 10 analyzes the image and extracts biometric information of the user appearing in the image. Then, the power supply control device 10 compares the extracted biometric information with biometric information of the user previously registered in user registration (see FIG. 7) to authenticate whether the user is legitimate. If the user is legitimate, the power supply control device 10 can identify the user identification information of the user.

[0105] After the authentication is successful, the power supply control device 10 refers to the reservation list (FIG. 10) and checks whether the user has made a reservation (S105). As described above, the reservation for the user has been completed. Therefore, the power supply control device 10 determines that the user has made a reservation. In response to this, the power supply control device 10 can update the arrival flag for the user in the reservation list in FIG. 10 to an arrived state.

[0106] Thereafter, the power supply control device 10 identifies information related to the user's inquiry destination terminal based on the user identification information (at least one of the moving object identification information and the user identification information) identified in S104 (S106). Note that the processing order of S105 and S106 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0107] After S105 and S106, the power supply control device 10 can output guidance information via the guiding device 50 (S107, S109). In addition, the power supply control device 10 can output guidance information via the user's mobile terminal 40 using the information on the user's inquiry destination terminal identified in S106 (S108, S110).

[0108] The power supply control device 10 may output only one of the guidance information via the guidance device 50 and the guidance information via the user's mobile terminal 40, and not the other. This modified example is also applicable to the other embodiments described below.

[0109] The power supply control device 10 can output various pieces of guidance information at various times.

[0110] For example, the power supply control device 10 may output guidance information such as "Dear Mr. / Ms. XX, we have confirmed your arrival at the reserved area L. Thank you for your continued patronage" at any timing. Instead of "Dear Mr. / Ms. XX", user identification information or moving object identification information may be used (same below).

[0111] In addition, when a user has to wait in line after arriving at area L, the power supply control device 10 may output guidance information such as "Mr. XX, we will guide you when it is your turn, so please wait for a while" at any timing. In this case, the guidance information may include information indicating the number of people waiting and an estimate of the waiting time, such as "Mr. XX, we will guide you after M people, so please wait for a while" or "Mr. XX, we will guide you in about N minutes, so please wait for a while." The power supply control device 10 can generate information indicating the number of people waiting and an estimate of the waiting time based on the reservation list shown in FIG. 10. For example, the power supply control device 10 may calculate a value obtained by multiplying the number of people waiting by a predetermined time as an estimate of the waiting time, or may use other means.

[0112] In addition, the power supply control device 10 may output guidance information such as "Mr. XX, please proceed to an available power supply device 20" or "Mr. XX, please proceed to charging parking space A" when the user becomes able to use the power supply device 20.

[0113] The power supply control device 10 manages the usage status of each power supply device 20 by using usage status information such as that shown in Fig. 11. The power supply control device 10 uses the usage status information and the reservation list to identify the timing at which the user becomes able to use the power supply device 20. The usage status information shown in the figure includes power supply device identification information, a status, a user, and a power supply start timing.

[0114] The "power supply device identification information" is information for identifying a plurality of power supply devices 20 installed in the same area L from each other.

[0115] "Status" indicates the status of each power supply device 20. There are various ways to classify the status, but for example, it can be classified into "power supplying," "notifying," "vacant," and the like.

[0116] "Power supply in progress" is a state in which power supply to an electric mobile object is being performed. In this state, the "user" field is filled in with the mobile object identification information or user identification information of the user who is using the power supply device 20. Then, the "power supply start timing" field is filled in with the timing (time) at which power supply from the power supply device 20 was initiated.

[0117] "Guidance in progress" is a state in which power supply to an electric mobile object has not yet been started, but guidance to a certain user to the power supply device 20 has been completed (a state in which output of guidance information guiding the user to the power supply device 20 has been completed). In this state, the "User" field is filled in with the mobile object identification information or user identification information of the user who has been guided to the power supply device 20. And the "Power supply start timing" field is left blank.

[0118] "Available" is a status that does not correspond to either the status of power supply or the status of information supply, and is available for use. In this status, the "User" and "Power supply start timing" columns are blank.

[0119] The power supply control device 10 can update the above-mentioned usage status information based on information indicating the status of the power supply device 20 acquired from the power supply device 20 and the management device 60. Furthermore, the power supply control device 10 can update the above-mentioned usage status information based on processing executed by the power supply control device 10 itself (output of guidance information, acceptance of an instruction to start power supply, etc.).

[0120] For example, in response to output of guidance information that guides a user to a certain power supply device 20, the power supply control device 10 can change the status of the power supply device 20 from "available" to "in guidance."

[0121] Furthermore, the power supply control device 10 can change the status of the power supply device 20 from "notifying" to "power supplying" in response to receiving information from the management device 60 indicating that power supply from the power supply device 20 has started. In this case, when the power supply device 20 starts supplying power to an electric mobile object that has become available for power supply from the power supply device 20, the power supply control device 10 transmits information indicating that to the management device 60. Then, the management device 60 transmits further information indicating that to the power supply control device 10.

[0122] In addition, the power supply control device 10 may change the status of the power supply device 20 from “notification” to “power supplying” in response to transmitting control information for starting power supply from the power supply device 20 from the power supply control device 10 to the management device 60.

[0123] Furthermore, the power supply control device 10 can change the status of the power supply device 20 from "power supplying" to "available" in response to receiving information from the management device 60 indicating that power supply from the power supply device 20 has ended. In this case, when the power supply device 20 ends power supply to the electric mobile object that has become available for power supply from the power supply device 20, the power supply control device 10 transmits information indicating that to the management device 60. Then, the management device 60 transmits further information indicating that to the power supply control device 10.

[0124] In addition, the power supply control device 10 may change the status of the power supply device 20 from "power supplying" to "vacant" in response to receiving information indicating that the power supply has ended and detecting that an electric mobile object has disappeared from the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20. The disappearance of an electric mobile object from the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20 can be detected by, for example, analyzing an image generated by the information acquisition device 31.

[0125] When there is a power supply device 20 whose status is “available”, the power supply control device 10 outputs guidance information that guides a new user to that power supply device 20.

[0126] For example, the power supply control device 10 refers to the reservation list (FIG. 10) and identifies the user who is first in the reservation order at that time. Then, the power supply control device 10 outputs guidance information that guides the identified user to an available power supply device 20.

[0127] Alternatively, the power supply control device 10 may refer to the reservation list (FIG. 10) and identify the user who is first in the reservation order among the users who have arrived at the area L at that time. Then, the power supply control device 10 may output guidance information that guides the identified user to an available power supply device 20.

[0128] The power supply control device 10 can delete the user from the reservation list at any timing after outputting guidance information that guides the user to an available power supply device 20.

[0129] Based on the above-mentioned guidance information guiding the user to a specific power supply device 20, the user moves his / her electric mobile object to the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20 and parks it. Then, the user's electric mobile object and / or the user are captured in an image generated by an information acquisition device 31 installed near the power supply device 20. Then, the information acquisition device 31 transmits the image (an image in which the user's electric mobile object and / or the user are captured) to the power supply control device 10 (S111 in FIG. 9). The power supply control device 10 executes authentication processing based on this image (S112).

[0130] In S112, the power supply control device 10 performs the same process as S104 to identify at least one of the user identification information and the moving object identification information. Then, the power supply control device 10 checks whether the identified user is the user who guided the user to the power supply control device 10. Here, it is assumed that the identified user is the user who guided the user to the power supply control device 10 and has been successfully authenticated. In other words, the processes from S113 onwards shown in Fig. 9 are executed when the authentication in S112 is successful.

[0131] In addition, if the identified user is not the user who guided the power supply control device 10, that is, if the authentication in S112 fails, the power supply control device 10 can execute error processing. For example, the power supply control device 10 may output information such as "This power supply device 20 will now be used by another customer who has made a reservation. We apologize, but please move the mobile object to another location" to the power supply device 20 or the guide device 50. In addition, if information on the contact destination terminal of the user who is the target of the error processing is identified based on the image in S111, the above-mentioned information may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 of the user. In addition, as error processing, the power supply control device 10 may control the power supply device 20 so as not to supply power to the electric mobile object. In other words, the power supply control device 10 may transmit information prohibiting power supply from the power supply device 20 to the management device 60. Then, the management device 60 may transmit a command prohibiting power supply to the power supply device 20 based on the information.

[0132] A user who parks his / her electric mobile object in the charging parking space N performs an operation to electrically connect his / her electric mobile object to the power supply device 20. When the power supply device 20 detects the connection (S113), it notifies the management device 60 of the connection (S114). Then, the management device 60 further notifies the power supply control device 10 of the connection (S115).

[0133] At any timing after S112 and S115, the power supply control device 10 uses the information on the user's inquiry destination terminal identified in S106 to transmit inquiry information on the use of the power supply device 20 to the mobile terminal 40 (S116). The inquiry information includes, for example, a UI screen including a UI part that accepts an instruction to start power supply, or information (such as a URL) for accessing the UI screen.

[0134] The mobile terminal 40 displays the UI screen on the display and accepts operations via the UI screen (S117). For example, a user inputs an instruction to start power supply via the UI screen. The mobile terminal 40 then transmits the instruction to the power supply control device 10 (S118). The power supply control device 10 then transmits an instruction to start power supply from the power supply device 20 to the management device 60 (S119). In accordance with the instruction, the management device 60 transmits an instruction to start power supply to the power supply device 20 (S120). In accordance with the instruction, the power supply device 20 starts power supply to the connected electric mobile object (S121).

[0135] Subsequent processing, such as stopping power supply and settlement processing, can be realized using any widely known technology.

[0136] Here, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. This modification can also be applied to the other embodiments.

[0137] The power supply system does not need to perform S113 to S115. In this case, the power supply control device 10 transmits inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device 20 to the mobile terminal 40 using the information regarding the inquiry destination terminal of the user identified in S106 at any timing after S112 (S116). The other processes are the same as those described above.

[0138] Furthermore, when the power supply device 20 supplies power wirelessly, the power supply device 20 may detect the presence of an electric mobile object to which power can be supplied wirelessly, instead of detecting the connection in S113.

[0139] Furthermore, a user who has arrived at the reserved area L but has not received guidance information such as "Mr. XX. We have confirmed your arrival at the reserved area L. Thank you for using our service." may be able to perform an arrival procedure by any operation. For example, the user may read a code (one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, etc.) placed in the area L with the mobile terminal 40, access the power supply control device 10, and perform a predetermined arrival procedure. The code may include, for example, information for identifying the area L and information for accessing a UI screen for performing the arrival procedure. In response to the completion of this arrival procedure, the power supply control device 10 may set the arrival flag (see FIG. 10) of the user to an arrived state.

[0140] Furthermore, a reservation may be valid only for a predetermined time from the reservation timing. The power supply control device 10 may cancel a reservation of a user who has not arrived at the reserved area L even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reservation timing. In this case, the validity period of the reservation may be extended according to a procedure performed by the user. For example, a user who has made a reservation but is likely to be late in arriving at the area L due to an unforeseen event such as traffic congestion can avoid the inconvenience of the reservation being canceled by performing this procedure.

[0141] When a procedure for extending the validity period of a reservation is performed, the reservation can be valid only for a predetermined time from the time when the procedure for extension is performed. The power supply control device 10 may cancel the reservation of a user who has not arrived at the reserved area L even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the procedure for extension is performed. A user may be able to perform the procedure for extension multiple times. Also, an upper limit on the number of times that the procedure for extension can be performed may be set in advance.

[0142] The extension procedure can be realized by using any well-known technology. For example, the user can perform the extension procedure by using the mobile terminal 40. In one example, the user operates the mobile terminal 40 to operate an application used in the charging service, specifies his / her reservation, and performs input to extend the validity period of the reservation. By this operation, the input information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 to the power supply control device 10.

[0143] Also, the user may be able to make a reservation by specifying a time. In this case, the reservation may be valid only for a predetermined time from the specified time. The power supply control device 10 may cancel the reservation of a user who has not arrived at the reserved area L even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the specified time.

[0144] Furthermore, when the power supply control device 10 cannot detect the electric mobile object of the first user in the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first user was guided to the power supply device 20, the power supply control device 10 may guide another user to the power supply device 20. In this case, the power supply control device 10 can output guidance information indicating that fact via the guidance device 50 or the mobile terminal 40 of the first user. The content of the guidance information is, for example, "Since the electric mobile object of the customer could not be detected in the charging parking space N of A even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first user was guided to the power supply device 20 of the charging parking space N of A, we will guide another customer to the power supply device 20." In this case, the power supply control device 10 may delete the first user from the reservation list, or may leave the first user on the reservation list in the original order.

[0145] Also, the power supply system does not need to have the information acquisition device 30. In this case, the power supply control device 10 acquires location information from the mobile terminal 40 of each user. The power supply control device 10 detects that each user has arrived in the area L by using the location information of the mobile terminal 40. Then, in response to the detection, the power supply control device 10 sets the arrival flag of the user in the reservation list (see FIG. 10 ) to an arrived state. The power supply control device 10 can acquire the location information of the mobile terminal 40 from the mobile terminal 40.

[0146] "Example 2 (Processing flow when a user who has registered but has not made a reservation arrives)" An example of the process flow when a user who has registered but has not made a reservation arrives will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0147] In this case, the user heads to an arbitrary area L without performing the processes of S101 and S102. Since this user is a registered user, the authentication of S104 performed after the user arrives at the area L is successful. However, in S105, the power supply control device 10 recognizes that the user identified in S104 has not made a reservation.

[0148] After S105, if there is no available power supply device 20 (for example, a power supply device 20 whose status is free) at that time, the power supply control device 10 adds the user to the reservation list (see FIG. 10) in the order of last reservation. Note that the power supply control device 10 can set the arrival flag of the user to an arrived state. Then, the process from S106 onwards is performed. The process from S106 onwards is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0149] On the other hand, after S105, if there is an available power supply device 20 (for example, a power supply device 20 whose status is vacant) at that time, the power supply control device 10 executes S106, and then outputs guidance information for guiding the user to an available power supply device 20 in S107 to S110. Then, the process from S111 onwards is performed. The process from S111 onwards is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0150] "Third embodiment (Processing flow when biometric authentication is used for user authentication and reception of operations using the mobile terminal 40 is omitted)" A modified example of the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 12. In the third embodiment, biometric authentication using biometric information of a user is performed in an authentication process in an area L. In the third embodiment, control of the power supply device 20 via the portable terminal 40 is omitted. That is, in the third embodiment, instead of performing biometric authentication, power supply to an electric mobile object is started without the operation of the portable terminal 40.

[0151] S201 to S215 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. However, in the third embodiment, the power supply control device 10 performs biometric authentication using biometric information of the user in at least one of the authentication processes of S204 and S212. In the example of Fig. 12, it is shown that a face image of the user is transmitted from the information acquisition device 31 to the power supply control device 10 in S211. Then, in the example of Fig. 12, authentication processing is performed based on this face image in S212.

[0152] After S212 and S215, the power supply control device 10 transmits an instruction to start power supply from a predetermined power supply device 20 to the management device 60 (S216). In accordance with the instruction, the management device 60 transmits an instruction to start power supply to the power supply device 20 (S217). In accordance with the instruction, the power supply device 20 starts power supply to the connected electric mobile object (S218).

[0153] As is clear from comparison with FIG. 9, the third embodiment does not have S116 to S118 of the first and second embodiments.

[0154] "Example 4 (Processing flow when an unregistered user comes to area L)" An example of the flow of processing when an unregistered user enters area L will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0155] When an unregistered user arrives at an area L, the user's electric mobile object and / or the user is captured in an image generated by an information acquisition device 30 installed near the entrance of the area L. Then, the information acquisition device 30 transmits the image (the image in which the user's electric mobile object and / or the user is captured) to the power supply control device 10 (S301).

[0156] The power supply control device 10 executes authentication processing based on this image (S302). As described above, this user is not registered as a user. Therefore, the authentication processing fails. Thereafter, the power supply control device 10 adds the user to the last reservation order (S303). In this way, the power supply control device 10 can accept reservations from users who have come to area L before user registration. The power supply control device 10 can use the moving object identification information or the user's biometric information acquired from the image generated by the information acquisition device 30 as reservation user information in the reservation list (see FIG. 10). Note that the power supply control device 10 can set the arrival flag of the user to the arrived state.

[0157] Then, the power supply control device 10 causes the guiding device 50 to output guidance information (S304, S305). The contents of the output guidance information are the same as those in the first to third embodiments. Note that since the user is not registered, the output of guidance information via the mobile terminal 40 of the user cannot be performed at this point.

[0158] When it is the user's turn, the power supply control device 10 causes the guidance device 50 to output guidance information that guides the user to an available power supply device 20. Based on the guidance information, the user moves his / her electric mobile object to the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20 and parks it there.

[0159] Then, the user's electric mobile object and / or the user is captured in an image generated by an information acquisition device 31 installed near the power supply device 20. Then, the information acquisition device 31 transmits the image (the image in which the user's electric mobile object and / or the user is captured) to the power supply control device 10 (S306).

[0160] The power supply control device 10 executes authentication processing based on this image (S307). That is, the power supply control device 10 confirms that the user guided to the power supply device 20 has parked an electric mobile object in the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20. For such an unregistered user, the power supply control device 10 performs authentication processing by referring to the mobile object identification information or the user's biometric information acquired from the image generated by the information acquisition device 30 and registered in the reservation list. That is, the power supply control device 10 compares the mobile object identification information or the user's biometric information acquired from the image generated by the information acquisition device 30 with the mobile object identification information or the user's biometric information acquired from the image generated by the information acquisition device 31. Through this authentication processing, it can be confirmed that the user guided to the power supply device 20 has parked an electric mobile object in the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20.

[0161] Thereafter, the mobile terminal 40 reads a code (one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, etc.) placed near the power supply device 20 in response to a user operation (S311), and requests a registration screen from the power supply control device 10 (S312). For example, a guide such as "Only customers who have registered as users can use the charging service. Customers who have not yet registered as users should read the code and register as users" may be displayed near the power supply device 20. The user follows the guide to read the code.

[0162] When the mobile terminal 40 acquires the registration screen from the power supply control device 10 (S313), it displays the registration screen and accepts operations (S314). The user inputs various registration information as shown in Fig. 7 on the registration screen and performs a registration operation. Then, the mobile terminal 40 transmits the input registration information to the power supply control device 10 (S315). The power supply control device 10 performs user registration of the user based on the acquired registration information (S316).

[0163] 7 is time-consuming and some users find it troublesome. Therefore, the power supply control device 10 may fill in the information in the moving object identification information field in the registration screen provided to the user with moving object identification information acquired from an image generated by the information acquisition device 30 or the information acquisition device 31.

[0164] The power supply control device 10 may also obtain at least one of the user information, the biometric information, and the payment method from a server that provides other services. The power supply control device 10 may then fill in the information in these fields on the registration screen provided to the user with the obtained values. In this manner, the power supply control device 10 may be linked to a server that provides other services.

[0165] Examples of the other services include, but are not limited to, a service that accumulates points, an online shopping service, and a service that allows users to obtain advantageous information such as coupons. When registering as a user for these services, the user registers various pieces of information required for user registration for the charging service. The user then operates the power supply device 20, inputs information and a password that identify the user in the other services, and performs an operation to register as a user for the charging service using the information registered in the other services. In response to the operation, the power supply control device 10 transmits a request for information that identifies the user in the other services, the password, and various pieces of information to a server that provides the other services. The power supply control device 10 can then obtain at least one of the user information, the biometric information, and the payment method from the server that provides the other services.

[0166] The registration screen may also provide guidance on installing an application to be used in the charging service. The user installs the application in the mobile terminal 40 by following the guidance.

[0167] A user who has parked his / her electric mobile object in the charging parking space N performs an operation to electrically connect his / her electric mobile object to the power supply device 20. When the power supply device 20 detects the connection (S308), it notifies the management device 60 of the connection (S309). The management device 60 then further notifies the power supply control device 10 of the connection (S310). There is no particular restriction on the order of the processing of this connection operation and the above-mentioned user registration operation, and either may be performed first. Furthermore, these operations may be performed in parallel.

[0168] At any timing after S310 and S316, the power supply control device 10 uses information about the user's inquiry terminal registered in S316 to transmit inquiry information about the use of the power supply device 20 to the mobile terminal 40 (S317). The inquiry information includes, for example, a UI screen including a UI part that accepts an instruction to start power supply, or information (such as a URL) for accessing the UI screen. Subsequent processing is the same as in the first to third embodiments.

[0169] Here, a modified example of the fourth embodiment will be described. The above-mentioned process is an example of a case where there is no available power supply device 20 when an unregistered user arrives at the area L. In such a case, the user is registered in the reservation list as described above.

[0170] On the other hand, when an unregistered user arrives at the area L, if there is an available power supply device 20, the power supply control device 10 does not register the user in the reservation list (does not execute S303) after S302, and can output guidance information that guides the user to an available power supply device 20 (S304). The subsequent processing is the same as the above-mentioned processing.

[0171] "Example 5 (Processing flow when the power supply device 20 used by the user cannot be identified by image analysis)" An example of a process flow in a case where the power supply device 20 used by the user cannot be identified by image analysis will be described with reference to a sequence diagram in FIG.

[0172] 14, in the fifth embodiment, the power supply system does not have an information acquisition device 31. In addition, the power supply system does not have a camera that captures the entire area L. Therefore, the power supply control device 10 cannot identify the power supply device 20 used by the user by image analysis. An example of a process flow in such a case will be described.

[0173] The processes in S401 to S410 are the same as those in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0174] Thereafter, based on the guidance information directing the user to a specific power supply device 20, the user moves his / her electric mobile object to the charging parking space N of the power supply device 20 and parks it. After parking his / her electric mobile object in the charging parking space N, the user performs an operation to electrically connect his / her electric mobile object to the power supply device 20. When the power supply device 20 detects the connection (S411), it notifies the management device 60 of the connection (S412). Then, the management device 60 further notifies the power supply control device 10 of the connection (S413).

[0175] After outputting the guidance information for guiding to a specific power supply device 20 or at any timing after S413, the power supply control device 10 transmits inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device 20 to the mobile terminal 40 (S414). The inquiry information includes, for example, a UI screen including a UI part for receiving an instruction to start power supply, or information for accessing the UI screen (such as a URL). The UI screen further includes a UI part for receiving an input for specifying the power supply device 20 to be used.

[0176] The mobile terminal 40 displays the UI screen on the display and accepts operations via the UI screen (S415). For example, the user inputs information specifying the power supply device 20 to be used and inputs an instruction to start power supply. Then, the mobile terminal 40 transmits information including information identifying the specified power supply device 20 and an instruction to start power supply to the power supply control device 10 (S416).

[0177] The power supply control device 10 transmits an instruction to the management device 60 to start power supply from the power supply device 20 identified by the received information (S417). The management device 60 transmits an instruction to start power supply to the power supply device 20 in accordance with the instruction (S418). The power supply device 20 in accordance with the instruction starts power supply to the connected electric mobile object (S419). Subsequent processing, such as stopping power supply and settlement processing, can be realized using any widely known technology.

[0178] The power supply control device 10 may accept an input to specify one of the power supply devices 20 whose usage status is available at that time on the UI screen displayed on the mobile terminal 40 in S415. That is, only the power supply devices 20 whose usage status is available at that time may be displayed so as to be selectable on the UI screen.

[0179] "Example 6 (Processing flow when the communication network is disconnected)" An example of the process flow when the communication network is disconnected will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0180] In this case, the guidance device 50 can constantly output guidance information such as "Reservation management is not possible due to poor communication. Please feel free to proceed to an available power supply device 20" (S501).

[0181] For example, when a disconnection of the communication network occurs, an operator may operate the guidance device 50 to constantly display the above-mentioned guidance information. In addition, the guidance device 50 may periodically perform a communication test with an external device such as the power supply control device 10 to check the communication state. Then, when a disconnection of the communication network is detected as a result of the communication test, the guidance device 50 may constantly display the above-mentioned guidance information.

[0182] In addition, the power supply device 20 can output information such as "Due to poor communication, power supply control using the mobile terminal cannot be performed. Please operate the power supply device 20 to perform power supply control" via an output device provided in the device itself (S502).

[0183] For example, when a disconnection of the communication network occurs, an operator may operate the power supply device 20 to switch to a predetermined mode. Depending on the setting of the predetermined mode, the power supply device 20 may display the above-mentioned information and execute the processes of S503 to S505. In addition, the management device 60 may periodically perform a communication test with an external device such as the power supply control device 10 to check the communication state. Then, when a disconnection of the communication network is detected as a result of the communication test, the management device 60 may transmit a command to the power supply device 20 to switch to the above-mentioned predetermined mode. For example, the power supply device 20 and the management device 60 are connected by a local communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and are capable of communication even in a situation where a disconnection of the communication network occurs as described above.

[0184] The user who parks his / her electric mobile body in the charging parking space N according to the guidance information in S501 performs the task of electrically connecting his / her electric mobile body to the power supply device 20. The power supply device 20 detects the connection (S503). The power supply device 20 also accepts operations for its own device, specifically, an operation to start power supply, an operation to specify the amount of power to be supplied or the time for power supply, an operation to select a payment method, etc. (S504). When a disconnection of the communication network is detected, the payment method may be limited to cash.

[0185] Thereafter, the power supply device 20 starts supplying power to the connected electric mobile object (S505). Subsequent processes, such as stopping power supply and settlement processing, can be realized using any widely known technology. For example, the power supply device 20 may register information related to the power supply that has been performed (date and time of power supply, amount of power supplied, settlement amount, etc.) in the power supply device 20 itself. This information may be transmitted from the power supply device 20 to the power supply control device 10 via the management device 60 at any timing after the communication network is restored.

[0186] Here, a modified example of the sixth embodiment will be described. A user who has completed user registration may use a postpaid service. The postpaid service may be used as a payment method when a disconnection of the communication network is detected.

[0187] The postpaid service is a service in which the usage fee for the charging service for a predetermined period (e.g., one month) is settled in a lump sum at any timing thereafter. In this case, the power supply device 20 or the management device 60 performs user authentication by any means such as biometric authentication or password authentication. Data to be referenced in the user authentication is stored in a local storage device in advance. The power supply device 20 or the management device 60 performs the authentication process using the data stored in this storage device. For example, the power supply device 20 or the management device 60 and the storage device are connected by a local communication network such as a LAN.

[0188] If the user authentication is successful, the power supply device 20 accepts the use of the postpaid service. Then, the power supply device 20 registers information indicating the use of the postpaid service and information regarding the executed power supply in the power supply device 20 itself or in the management device 60, linking the information to the user identification information. These pieces of information may be transmitted to the power supply control device 10 at any timing after the communication network is restored.

[0189] <Action and effect> According to the power supply control device 10 of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the power supply control device 10 of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0190] Furthermore, the power supply control device 10 of the present embodiment can appropriately manage reservations for charging services as described in the examples. As a result, the user can reduce the waiting time after arriving at the area L.

[0191] Furthermore, according to the power supply control device 10 of this embodiment, as described as an example, a user who comes to the area L without making a reservation or a user who comes to the area L without user registration can also use the charging service. In this way, according to the power supply control device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide a charging service not only to a user who comes to the area L with a reservation, but also to a user who comes to the area L without making a reservation or a user who comes to the area L without user registration.

[0192] Furthermore, according to the power supply control device 10 of this embodiment, as described as an example, even if the communication network is disconnected, the user can use the charging service. In this way, according to the power supply control device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide the service to the user even in unforeseen circumstances.

[0193] <<Modifications>> Modifications that can be applied to the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0194] <Variation 1> Each charging parking space N of each power supply device 20 may be provided with a mechanism for controlling entry into the space. The mechanism is, for example, a flapper gate. When the authentication in S112 of Fig. 9, S212 of Fig. 12, or S307 of Fig. 13 is successful, the power supply control device 10 may control the mechanism to make the charging parking space N available for entry.

[0195] According to this modified example, it is possible to prevent a user whose turn has not yet come from accidentally parking in the charging parking space N and using the power supply device 20.

[0196] <Variation 2> When a user who has parked in the charging parking space N does not move the electric mobile object from the parking space even after charging is completed, the power supply control device 10 may charge the user an additional fee according to the elapsed time from the time when charging is completed.

[0197] The power supply control device 10 calculates an additional fee according to the time from the "charging completion time" to the "timing at which the electric mobile object is moved from the charging parking space N." Then, the power supply control device 10 registers the calculated additional fee in association with the user. The power supply control device 10 can bill the user for the additional fee by any means.

[0198] For example, if a user uses the postpaid service described in the sixth embodiment, the additional fee can be added to the bill for a specified period.

[0199] Furthermore, the power supply control device 10 can bill the user for the charge for the charging service at that time plus the additional fee the next time the charging service is used.

[0200] <Modification 3> In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which an application used in the charging service is installed in the mobile terminal 40 as a means for realizing a configuration in which various operations for the charging service are accepted using the user's mobile terminal 40. As a modified example, the power supply control device 10 may be configured to send a link by SMS (Short Message Service), email, short message, or the like, and accept various operations for the charging service via a control application at the link destination.

[0201] <Modification 4> The acquisition unit 11 may analyze an image generated by the information acquisition device 30 or the information acquisition device 31 to identify moving object identification information of a moving object appearing in the image, and then analyze the image generated by the information acquisition device 30 or the information acquisition device 31 to identify user identification information of a user appearing in the image.

[0202] For example, the acquisition unit 11 may analyze an image generated by the information acquisition device 30 to identify moving object identification information of a moving object appearing in the image. The acquisition unit 11 may then analyze an image generated by the information acquisition device 31 to identify user identification information of a user appearing in the image.

[0203] For example, when multiple users use one electric mobile object, the multiple users may be associated with one electric mobile object and registered in the power supply control device 10. That is, in the information registered in the user registration as shown in Fig. 7, one mobile object identification information may be associated with multiple user identification information and registered. In such a case, by identifying the user identification information in addition to the mobile object identification information, it is possible to accurately identify the target (user) to be billed for the use of the charging service.

[0204] The acquisition unit 11 can identify the user identification information of the user appearing in the image by biometric authentication using the biometric information. In the biometric authentication, the acquisition unit 11 compares the biometric information of the user extracted from the image with the biometric information of each of a plurality of users registered in advance (hereinafter, reference information). The acquisition unit 11 may narrow down the reference information used in the biometric authentication using the identification result of the mobile object identification information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11 can identify the user identification information registered in association with the identified mobile object identification information, and use the reference information registered in association with the identified user identification information in the biometric authentication. By narrowing down the reference information referred to in the biometric authentication in this way, the biometric authentication can be accelerated. Furthermore, by narrowing down the reference information with high accuracy as in this example, the accuracy of the biometric authentication is improved.

[0205] <Variation 5> At least one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31 may be configured to perform short-distance wireless communication with a storage device carried by a user and acquire user-specific information stored in the storage device. The storage device carried by the user may be, but is not limited to, a mobile terminal 40, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an IC tag, or the like.

[0206] At least one of the information acquisition device 30 and the information acquisition device 31 may be configured to read a code displayed on the mobile terminal 40 and acquire user identification information. The user may use a printed code instead of the code displayed on the mobile terminal 40.

[0207] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0208] In addition, in the flowcharts and sequence diagrams used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order. However, the order of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0209] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. An acquisition means for acquiring user identification information that identifies a user using an information acquisition device; an inquiry destination specifying means for specifying information on the inquiry destination terminal of the user based on the user specifying information; A transmitting / receiving means for transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; A control means for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to the inquiry information; A power supply control device having the above configuration. 2. the inquiry information has a UI screen including a UI part for receiving an instruction to start power supply, The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means starts power supply from the power supply device in response to an operation on the UI component. 3. The power supply control device according to 2, wherein the inquiry information further includes a UI component for specifying an amount of power to be supplied or a time for power supply. 4. The method further includes a power supply device identification means for identifying the power supply device used by the user based on the user identification information, The power supply control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission / reception means transmits the inquiry information to the inquiry terminal at a predetermined timing after information about the inquiry terminal of the user is identified and the power supply device used by the user is identified. 5. A power supply control device according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the inquiry terminal is a mobile terminal carried by the user. 6. The user identification information is identification information of the user's mobile unit or identification information of the user; 6. The power supply control device according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein the information acquisition device is a camera installed within an area in which the power supply device is installed. 7. A plurality of the information acquisition devices are installed within an area in which the power supply device is installed; One of the information acquisition devices is installed at an entrance of the area, The other information acquisition device is the power supply control device according to any one of 1 to 6, which is installed near the power supply device. 8. The power supply device and the information acquisition device installed near the power supply device are linked in advance, 8. The power supply control device according to claim 7, wherein the control means controls power supply from the power supply device linked to the information acquisition device that acquired the user identification information in response to the inquiry information. 9. A power supply control device according to any one of 1 to 8, wherein the inquiry destination identification means identifies information relating to the inquiry destination terminal of the user based on information registered in advance by linking the user identification information with information relating to the inquiry destination terminal of the user. 10. The user identification information is identification information of the user's mobile unit and identification information of the user; The acquisition means includes: Identifying the identity of the user's mobile body and then identifying the identity of the user through biometric authentication; The power supply control device according to any one of 1 to 9, wherein information to be referenced in the biometric authentication is narrowed down based on identification information of the identified mobile body of the user. 11. One or more computers: Using an information acquisition device, user identification information that identifies a user is acquired; Identifying information related to the user's inquiry destination terminal based on the user identification information; Transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; A power supply control method for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to the inquiry information. 12. Computer An acquisition means for acquiring user identification information for identifying a user using an information acquisition device; an inquiry destination specifying means for specifying information regarding the inquiry destination terminal of the user based on the user specifying information; A transmitting / receiving means for transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; a control means for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to a response to the inquiry information; A program that functions as a 13. A power supply control device according to any one of 1 to 10, a power supply device whose power supply is controlled by the power supply control device; A power supply system having the above configuration.

[0210] Some or all of Supplements 2 to 10 that are dependent on the power supply control device of Supplementary Note 1 described above may also be dependent on the power supply control method of Supplementary Note 11 and the program of Supplementary Note 12 in a dependent relationship similar to that between Supplementary Note 1 and Supplements 2 to 10. Furthermore, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, some or all of the configurations described as supplementaries can be realized in various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 10 Power supply control device 11 Acquisition Department 12 Contact details 13 Transmitter / receiver 14 Control section 15 Power supply device specification section 20 Power supply device 30 Information acquisition device 31 Information acquisition device 40 Mobile Devices 50 Guidance device 60 Management device 1A Processor 2A Memory 3A input / output I / F 4A Peripheral circuit 5A Bus

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring user identification information that identifies a user using an information acquisition device; an inquiry destination specifying means for specifying information on the inquiry destination terminal of the user based on the user specifying information; A transmitting / receiving means for transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; A control means for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to the inquiry information; A power supply control device having the above configuration.

2. the inquiry information has a UI screen including a UI (User Interface) part for receiving an instruction to start power supply, The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit starts power supply from the power supply device in response to an operation on the UI part.

3. The power supply device identification unit further includes a power supply device identification unit that identifies the power supply device used by the user based on the user identification information, The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission / reception means transmits the inquiry information to the inquiry terminal at a predetermined timing after information about the inquiry terminal of the user is identified and the power supply device used by the user is identified.

4. The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the inquiry terminal is a mobile terminal carried by the user.

5. The user identification information is identification information of the user's mobile object or identification information of the user, The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the information acquisition device is a camera installed within an area in which the power supply device is installed.

6. A plurality of the information acquisition devices are installed within an area in which the power supply device is installed, One of the information acquisition devices is installed at an entrance of the area, The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein the other information acquisition device is installed near the power supply device.

7. The user identification information is identification information of the user's mobile object and identification information of the user, The acquisition means includes: Identifying the identity of the user's mobile body and then identifying the identity of the user through biometric authentication; The power supply control device according to claim 1 , wherein information to be referred to in the biometric authentication is narrowed down based on identification information of the identified mobile body of the user.

8. One or more computers Using an information acquisition device, user identification information that identifies a user is acquired; Identifying information related to the user's inquiry destination terminal based on the user identification information; Transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; A power supply control method for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to the inquiry information.

9. Computer, An acquisition means for acquiring user identification information for identifying a user using an information acquisition device; an inquiry destination specifying means for specifying information regarding the inquiry destination terminal of the user based on the user specifying information; A transmitting / receiving means for transmitting inquiry information regarding the use of the power supply device to the inquiry destination terminal; a control means for controlling power supply from the power supply device in response to a response to the inquiry information; A program that functions as a

10. The power supply control device according to claim 1 ; a power supply device whose power supply is controlled by the power supply control device; A power supply system having the above configuration.

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