Information processing method, information system, and program

Abstract

To prevent unauthorized use of charging facilities.SOLUTION: An information processing method executed by an information terminal 20 communicating with an information system 10 that manages the usage status of a plurality of charging facilities 30 that charge a storage battery 41 of a mobile object 40, includes an acquisition step (S14) of acquiring authentication information for controlling a target facility, which is at least one of the plurality of charging facilities 30, from the information system 10, an authentication step (S15-S21) of outputting the authentication information acquired in the acquisition step to the information system 10 and acquiring an authentication result from the information system 10 based on the authentication information, and an output step (S23) of outputting a charging instruction to the target facility if authentication is successful in the authentication step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an authentication method in a charging system for vehicles such as electric vehicles. The authentication method disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a step of transmitting first authentication information from a vehicle server to the vehicle, and a step of transmitting the first authentication information and second authentication information generated based on the first authentication information to the vehicle server from the vehicle via the charger / discharger and the charger / discharger server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-128515 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method, an information system, and a program that can suppress unauthorized use of charging facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information terminal that communicates with an information system that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities that charge storage batteries of mobile bodies, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring authentication information for controlling a target facility, which is at least one of the multiple charging facilities, from the information system, an authentication step of outputting the authentication information acquired in the acquisition step to the information system and acquiring an authentication result from the information system based on the authentication information, and an output step of outputting a charging instruction to the target facility if authentication is successful in the authentication step.

[0006] An information system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information system that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities that charge storage batteries of mobile bodies, and includes an output unit that outputs authentication information for controlling a target facility, which is at least one of the multiple charging facilities, to an information terminal, and an authentication unit that acquires the authentication information from the information terminal and outputs an authentication result based on the authentication information to the information terminal.

[0007] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information system that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities that charge storage batteries of mobile bodies, and includes an output step of outputting authentication information for controlling a target facility, which is at least one of the multiple charging facilities, to an information terminal, and an authentication step of acquiring the authentication information from the information terminal and outputting an authentication result based on the authentication information to the information terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention can be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to each of the above aspects. Alternatively, the present invention can be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing the program. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, unauthorized use of information terminals can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a charge management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the charging facility in the charging management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a charge control process performed by the charge management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a charging control process by the charging management system according to the first embodiment when an unauthorized application program attempts to use the charging facility. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a charge management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a reservation process by the charge management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a charge control process performed by the charge management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a reservation information input screen in the charge management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of a reservation information input screen in the charge management system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an information processing method, an information system, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0012] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. Therefore, for example, the scales in each figure do not necessarily match. In addition, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0013] Furthermore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components, but are used for the purpose of avoiding confusion between and distinguishing between components of the same type.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [composition] First, the configurations of an information system and an information terminal according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a charging management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of a charging facility 30 in the charging management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] The charging management system 1 manages charging of a storage battery 41 of a mobile object 40. The charging management system 1 manages and controls a plurality of charging facilities 30 so that the plurality of charging facilities 30 can be shared by a plurality of users. In this way, the charging management system 1 prevents unauthorized use of the plurality of charging facilities 30.

[0016] In this embodiment, authentication related to charging control includes device authentication and Bearer authentication using an access token. The access token is an example of authentication information for controlling at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30. In the charging management system 1, by performing two types of authentication, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use. Note that unauthorized use refers to unauthorized use by an unregistered user.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the charge management system 1 includes an information system 10 and an information terminal 20.

[0018] The information system 10 is a system that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities 30. Specifically, the information system 10 manages and controls the multiple charging facilities 30. The information system 10 includes a first server 11 and a second server 12. Both the first server 11 and the second server 12 are cloud servers. Each of the first server 11 and the second server 12 may be physically realized by one computer device or may be realized by multiple computer devices. Furthermore, the first server 11 and the second server 12 may be a single server. The information system 10 may be realized by a single computer device.

[0019] The first server 11 mainly performs authentication related to charging control when using the charging facility 30. The first server 11 includes a communication unit 111, a storage unit 112, and an information processing unit 113.

[0020] The communication unit 111 is a communication circuit for the first server 11 to communicate with the second server 12 and the information terminal 20 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 111 is wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination of these. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 111 is not particularly limited. The communication unit 111 is an example of an output unit included in the information system 10.

[0021] The storage unit 112 is a storage device that stores various information, data, and programs necessary for processing performed by the first server 11. The storage unit 112 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor memory.

[0022] The information processing unit 113 performs processing related to authentication for charging control when at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30 is used. The information processing unit 113 is realized by, for example, a processor. The information processing unit 113 includes an authentication unit 115 as a functional component. The function of the authentication unit 115 is realized by the processor constituting the information processing unit 113 reading a program from the storage unit 112 and executing the read program. The function of the authentication unit 115 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The information processing unit 113 may be realized by a microcomputer. Alternatively, the information processing unit 113 may be realized by one or more dedicated circuits that execute each function. The processor, the microcomputer, and the dedicated circuits are realized by one or more integrated circuits such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration) and / or various electronic components.

[0024] The second server 12 mainly performs charging control of the multiple charging facilities 30. The second server 12 includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, and an information processing unit 123.

[0025] The communication unit 121 is a communication circuit for the second server 12 to communicate with the first server 11 and the information terminal 20 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 121 is wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination of these. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 121 is not particularly limited. The communication unit 121 is an example of an output unit provided in the information system 10.

[0026] The storage unit 122 is a storage device that stores various information, data, and programs necessary for processing performed by the second server 12. The storage unit 122 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or a semiconductor memory.

[0027] The information processing unit 123 performs processing related to charging control of multiple charging facilities 30. The information processing unit 123 is realized by, for example, a processor. The information processing unit 123 includes a device authentication unit 124 as a functional component. The function of the device authentication unit 124 is realized by the processor constituting the information processing unit 123 reading a program from the storage unit 122 and executing the read program. The function of the device authentication unit 124 will be described in detail later.

[0028] The information processing unit 123 may be realized by a microcomputer. Alternatively, the information processing unit 123 may be realized by one or more dedicated circuits that execute each function. The processor, the microcomputer, and the dedicated circuits are realized by one or more integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs and / or various electronic components.

[0029] The information terminal 20 is a terminal device that communicates with the information system 10. The information terminal 20 also communicates with at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 20 is a terminal device carried by a user 42 who uses a mobile object 40. For example, the information terminal 20 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the information terminal 20 may be a dedicated terminal for the charging management system 1. For example, the information terminal 20 may be a terminal device mounted on the mobile object 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the information terminal 20 includes a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, a display unit 24, a storage unit 25, and an information processing unit 26.

[0030] The first communication unit 21 is a communication circuit for the information terminal 20 to communicate with the first server 11 and the second server 12 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the first communication unit 21 is wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination of these. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 21 is not particularly limited. The first communication unit 21 is an example of an output unit equipped in the information terminal 20.

[0031] The second communication unit 22 is a communication circuit for the information terminal 20 to establish a local communication network with each of the multiple charging facilities 30. The communication performed by the second communication unit 22 is wireless communication. A communication standard for wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE), but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the communication performed by the second communication unit 22 may be wired communication, or a combination of wired communication and wireless communication. For example, the second communication unit 22 may communicate with the charging facility 30 by bringing the information terminal 20 into contact with the charging facility 30. The second communication unit 22 is an example of an output unit included in the information terminal 20.

[0032] The operation reception unit 23 receives an operation input from the user 42. The operation reception unit 23 is realized, for example, by a touch panel, but may also be realized by a microphone that receives voice input.

[0033] The display unit 24 displays images relating to the operation of the charge management system 1. The display unit 24 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display panel.

[0034] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores various information, data, and programs necessary for processing performed by the information terminal 20. The storage unit 25 is realized, for example, by a non-volatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory. For example, a reservation management program and a charging control program are stored in the storage unit 25. Both the reservation management program and the charging control program are programs (application programs) executed in the information terminal 20. Note that the reservation management program and the charging control program may be integrated and realized as one program (for example, a charging management program).

[0035] The information processing unit 26 performs processing related to charging control of the multiple charging facilities 30. The information processing unit 26 is realized by, for example, a processor or a microcomputer. The information processing unit 26 includes, as functional components, a request unit 27 and a control unit 28. The functions of the request unit 27 and the control unit 28 are realized by the processor constituting the information processing unit 26 reading a program from the storage unit 25 and executing the read program. The functions of the request unit 27 and the control unit 28 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The information processing unit 26 may be realized by one or more dedicated circuits for executing each function. The processor, the microcomputer, and the dedicated circuits are realized by one or more integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs and / or various electronic components.

[0037] The multiple charging facilities 30 are facilities for charging the storage battery 41 of the mobile object 40. Each of the multiple charging facilities 30 includes an outlet into which an end of a cable for electrically connecting to the storage battery 41 is inserted, and a switch for switching on and off the power supply to the outlet. Each of the multiple charging facilities 30 also includes a power conversion circuit that converts AC power obtained from a system power supply into DC power and supplies the DC power to the storage battery 41, a control microcomputer and memory, a communication circuit for communicating with the information terminal 20, and the like. Alternatively, the multiple charging facilities 30 may charge the storage battery 41 using power obtained by utilizing natural energy such as a solar cell.

[0038] The multiple charging facilities 30 are installed in parking lots, charging spots, or the like, for example, as shown in Fig. 2. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the multiple charging facilities 30 are stand-type, but they may also be of a type that can be attached to the wall of a structure such as a building. In addition, the multiple charging facilities 30 do not need to be installed together in one place, but may be installed scattered across multiple locations or regions. Note that the multiple charging facilities 30 are the same type of charging facilities, but may include different types of charging facilities.

[0039] When communication with the information terminal 20 is established, each of the multiple charging facilities 30 stores the terminal ID (or user ID) of the information terminal 20 in memory. Multiple terminal IDs can be stored in the memory of the charging facility 30. This makes it possible to easily establish a connection for communication with the information terminal 20 when reusing the charging facility 30. The terminal IDs stored in the memory are deleted in order of oldest storage date and time.

[0040] Furthermore, when communication with the information terminal 20 is established, the charging facility 30 transmits a unique device ID assigned to the charging facility 30 to the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 transfers the received device ID to the second server 12 and receives a verification result of the device ID. The verification result of the device ID is a result of verifying whether or not the charging facility 30 corresponding to the device ID is a facility managed by the second server 12. Specifically, the second server 12 compares the device ID with a previously registered facility list to determine whether or not the charging facility 30 is included in the facility list. The facility list is list information indicating a plurality of charging facilities 30 managed by the second server 12. It is registered in advance by the administrator of the charging management system 1. When the information terminal 20 receives a verification result indicating that the device ID is included in the facility list, the device ID is stored in the storage unit 25.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2, the mobile body 40 is a vehicle used by a user 42 who has the information terminal 20. The mobile body 40 is, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) that runs by driving a motor, but may also be a vehicle that runs by using both an engine and a motor, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The mobile body 40 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle, but may also be a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle. The mobile body 40 may also be an airplane, a drone, a ship, or the like.

[0042] The mobile object 40 includes a storage battery 41 as an energy source for traveling of the mobile object 40. The storage battery 41 is a secondary battery mounted on the mobile object 40. The storage battery 41 can be charged by the charging facility 30 while still mounted on the mobile object 40. The storage battery 41 is, for example, a lithium ion battery.

[0043] [Operation] Next, the operation of the charge management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a charging control process by the charging management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a charging control process in which a user 42 visits a charging facility 30 that the user 42 desires to use and charges a storage battery 41 of a mobile object 40.

[0045] The process shown in Fig. 3 is started when the operation reception unit 23 of the information terminal 20 receives an operation to start the reservation management program from the user 42. When the information processing unit 26 starts the reservation management program, as shown in Fig. 3, first, the request unit 27 of the information processing unit 26 requests Bearer authentication from the first server 11 (S10). Specifically, the request unit 27 causes the display unit 24 to display an input screen for allowing the user 42 to input a user ID and a password. The request unit 27 acquires the user ID and password received by the operation reception unit 23. The user ID and password may be stored in advance in the storage unit 25 of the information terminal 20, and the process of receiving an input from the user 42 may be omitted.

[0046] The user ID is identification information assigned to the user 42, and is registered by the first server 11 when the user 42 registers for use of the charging management system 1. The password is information determined by the user 42 or automatically generated when the user 42 registers for use of the charging management system 1, and is associated with the user ID by the first server 11, stored in the storage unit 112, and managed as a user list.

[0047] Next, the first communication unit 21 outputs the user ID and password to the first server 11 (S11). In the first server 11, the authentication unit 115 issues an access token based on the user ID and password (S12). The communication unit 111 outputs the access token to the information terminal 20 (S13).

[0048] In the information terminal 20, the information processing unit 26 executing the reservation management program acquires an access token (S14). Next, the reservation management program launches a charging control program (application program) (S15). This launch is performed, for example, by deep linking. When the charging control program is launched, the access token acquired in step S14 is passed to the charging control program.

[0049] When the charging control program is executed, the request unit 27 of the information processing unit 26 transmits an equipment authentication request to the second server 212 via the first communication unit 21 (S16). The equipment authentication request includes an access token and an equipment ID. The equipment ID is an example of identification information for identifying a target facility that is at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30. The equipment ID is stored in, for example, the storage unit 25 of the information terminal 20, and is acquired by the request unit 27 reading it out from the storage unit 25.

[0050] The second server 12 requests the first server 11 to verify the access token included in the device authentication request acquired by the communication unit 121 (S17). In the first server 11, the authentication unit 115 verifies the access token acquired via the communication unit 111 (S18). Specifically, the authentication unit 115 determines whether or not the access token acquired from the second server 12 matches the access token issued in step S12. If the access tokens match, the authentication unit 115 outputs a check result (OK) indicating that the access tokens match to the second server 12 via the communication unit 111 (S19). If the access tokens do not match, the authentication unit 115 outputs a check result (NG) indicating that the access tokens do not match to the second server 12 via the communication unit 111.

[0051] Furthermore, in the second server 12, the device authentication unit 124 of the information processing unit 123 verifies the device ID based on the device authentication request (S20). Specifically, the device authentication unit 124 compares the device ID with a preregistered equipment list to determine whether or not the device ID is included in the equipment list. Note that the device ID verification (S20) may be performed in advance. Specifically, the device ID verification may be performed when the charging equipment 30 and the information terminal 20 establish communication for the first time.

[0052] If the device ID is included in the equipment list and the check result of the access token is OK, the device authentication unit 124 outputs an authentication result (OK) indicating that the authentication was successful to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 121 (S21). If the device ID is not included in the equipment list or the check result of the access token is NG, the device authentication unit 124 outputs an authentication result (NG) indicating that the authentication was unsuccessful to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 121.

[0053] In the information terminal 20, if the authentication is successful, the control unit 28 performs charging control (S22). Specifically, the control unit 28 generates a charging instruction for the charging equipment 30 (target equipment). The second communication unit 22 outputs the charging instruction to the charging equipment 30 (S23). The charging equipment 30 starts charging the storage battery 41 based on the charging instruction (S24). Specifically, the charging equipment 30 supplies power to the storage battery 41 via the outlet by conducting (turning on) a switch that switches on / off the power supply to the outlet.

[0054] According to the present embodiment, since the access token is verified, it is possible to prevent a malicious user from illegally using the charging facility 30. Hereinafter, a case where a malicious user attempts to control charging by using an illegal application program will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a charging control process by the charging management system 1 according to the present embodiment when an unauthorized application program attempts to use the charging facility 30. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the information terminal 20x executing the unauthorized program generates an unauthorized access token (S14x). The unauthorized access token is transferred to the first server 11 via the charging control program and the second server 12, and is verified by the authentication unit 115 of the first server 11 (S15 to S18).

[0056] Since the unauthorized access token does not match the generated access token upon verification, a check result (NG) is output to the second server 12 (S19x). Therefore, the second server 12 does not successfully authenticate the device, and an authentication result (NG) indicating that the authentication has failed is output to the information terminal 20x (S21x). As a result, the information terminal 20x executing the unauthorized application program cannot use the charging facility 30. Thus, according to the charging management system 1 according to the present embodiment, even if charging control is attempted using an unauthorized application program, the authentication is not successful due to the verification of the access token by the first server 11 (S18), and therefore unauthorized use of the charging facility 30 can be suppressed.

[0057] Moreover, according to the charging management system 1 of the present embodiment, authentication is performed between the information terminal 20 and the information system 10, and communication with a target facility among the multiple charging facilities 30 is performed only if the authentication is successful. Since the multiple charging facilities 30 are often installed in places accessible to any person, the security of communication may not be sufficiently ensured. For this reason, according to the charging management system 1, the security of communication can be improved by excluding the charging facilities 30 from the communication path when performing authentication. Furthermore, when multiple charging facilities 30 are installed together, it is possible to avoid erroneous use of the charging facilities 30, such as using a charging facility 30 different from the reserved charging facility 30.

[0058] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0059] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a reservation for use of charging equipment is made. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and description of commonalities will be omitted or simplified.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a charge management system 2 according to the present embodiment. The charge management system 2 shown in Fig. 6 includes an information system 210 and an information terminal 220. The information system 210 includes a first server 211 and a second server 212.

[0061] The first server 211 differs from the first server 11 according to the first embodiment in that the information processing unit 113 further includes a reservation management unit 214 as a functional component. The reservation management unit 214 performs authentication processing related to reservations of a plurality of charging facilities 30. Specific processing of the reservation management unit 214 will be described later.

[0062] The second server 212 differs from the second server 12 according to the first embodiment in that the information processing unit 123 includes, as functional components, a device authentication unit 224 instead of the device authentication unit 124, and further includes a clock unit 225. The device authentication unit 224 performs device authentication based on the authentication result by the first server 211. In addition, the clock unit 225 generates time information. Specific processes of the device authentication unit 224 and the clock unit 225 will be described later.

[0063] Information terminal 220 differs from information terminal 20 according to the first embodiment in that information processing unit 26 includes, as a functional component, request unit 227 instead of request unit 27. Request unit 227 issues requests related to reservation management in addition to the functions of request unit 27. Specific processing by request unit 227 will be described later.

[0064] The charging management system 2 according to the present embodiment manages the reservation status of a plurality of charging facilities 30. For example, a user 42 can select and reserve a charging facility that is available at a desired time from among the plurality of charging facilities 30. By managing the charging facilities 30 so that the usage times of the plurality of users 42 do not overlap with each other, the plurality of charging facilities 30 can be appropriately shared by the plurality of users 42.

[0065] Furthermore, in the charging management system 2, the timing of charging completion is controlled based on time information inputted when reserving the charging facility 30. This makes it possible to prevent charging from continuing beyond the time inputted when reserving the charging facility 30 (fraudulent use).

[0066] In this embodiment, fraudulent use means unauthorized use by an unregistered user or a registered user. For example, when a user who has reserved the use of at least one target facility among the multiple charging facilities 30 uses the target facility within the reserved time, this is considered to be authorized use, and any other use is considered to be unauthorized use (fraudulent use). In other words, even if a user is registered, if he / she uses a charging facility 30 other than the reserved target facility, or if he / she uses the reserved target facility outside the reserved time, this corresponds to unauthorized use.

[0067] [Operation] Next, the operation of the charge management system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0068] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are sequence diagrams showing a reservation process and a charge control process by the charge management system 2 according to the present embodiment, respectively. Specifically, Fig. 6 shows a reservation process in which a user 42 makes a reservation for use of a charging facility 30. Fig. 7 shows a charge control process in which the user 42 visits the reserved charging facility 30 at the reserved date and time, and charges the storage battery 41 of a mobile object 40.

[0069] The process shown in Fig. 6 is started when the operation reception unit 23 of the information terminal 20 receives an operation to start the reservation management program from the user 42. When the information processing unit 26 starts the reservation management program, as shown in Fig. 6, first, the request unit 227 of the information processing unit 26 requests the first server 211 for a reservation status (S30). Specifically, the request unit 227 causes the display unit 24 to display an input screen for allowing the user 42 to input a user ID and a password. The request unit 227 acquires the user ID and password received by the operation reception unit 23. The user ID and password may be stored in advance in the storage unit 25 of the information terminal 220, and the process of receiving an input from the user 42 may be omitted.

[0070] Next, the first communication unit 21 outputs the user ID and password to the first server 211 (S31). In the first server 211, the authentication unit 215 performs user authentication based on the user ID and password (S32). Specifically, the authentication unit 215 judges whether or not the pair of the user ID and password acquired from the information terminal 220 is included in the user list managed in the storage unit 112. If the pair of the user ID and password acquired from the information terminal 220 is included in the user list, that is, if the user authentication is successful, the communication unit 111 outputs reservation management information indicating the reservation status to the information terminal 220 (S33). Note that if the user authentication fails, the communication unit 111 outputs a message to the information terminal 220 indicating that the authentication has failed.

[0071] Based on the acquired reservation management information, information processing unit 26 of information terminal 220 causes display unit 24 to display an input screen for allowing the user to input information required for reservation (S34). Next, operation acceptance unit 23 accepts a reservation for use of a target facility, which is at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30 (S35).

[0072] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing examples of reservation information input screens in the charge management system 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0073] The input screen shown in Fig. 8A includes reservation management information indicating the reservation status of multiple charging facilities 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 8A, the presence or absence of reservations can be confirmed for each date and time period. For example, a circle (○) indicates a time period during which reservations can be made, and an X (X) indicates a time period during which reservations cannot be made.

[0074] The input screen shown in Fig. 8A is displayed, for example, when the user 42 selects a target facility ("facility XXXX" in this example) that the user wants to reserve from a map displayed on the display unit 24, and the operation reception unit 23 receives the selection. After that, when the operation reception unit 23 receives a selection of a time period that the user 42 wants to reserve (for example, a time period within a thick-line frame in Fig. 8A), the display switches to the input screen shown in Fig. 8B.

[0075] In the input screen shown in FIG. 8B, the selected date and time (date and time zone) is displayed in a text box. The user 42 can also change the date and time on this input screen. By selecting the "recalculate" button, the usage area (charging service fee) when the charging facility is actually used is displayed. After that, the user 42 can proceed to the actual reservation by pressing the "confirm reservation details" button.

[0076] In this way, the input screen includes a text box for accepting input of the date and time of use. The date and time of use includes the date of use, the start date and time of use (charging start time), and the end date and time of use (charging end time). In addition to the end date and time of use, or instead of the end date and time of use, the usage time (charging time) may be included. The usage time is the time from the start date and time of use to the end date and time of use. This allows the operation reception unit 23 to acquire identification information (device ID) for identifying the target equipment and date and time information related to the date and time of use. The date and time information includes time information including the charging end time or the charging time. As long as necessary reservation information such as the device ID and time information can be obtained, the format of the input accepted by the operation reception unit 23 and the display contents displayed on the display unit 24 are not particularly limited. The input reservation information is stored and managed in the storage unit 25 of the information terminal 220.

[0077] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, in the information terminal 220, the first communication unit 21 transmits reservation information to the first server 211 (S36). Next, in the first server 211, the information processing unit 113 manages the reservation status (S37). Specifically, based on the reservation information acquired by the communication unit 111 of the first server 211, the reservation management unit 214 of the information processing unit 113 manages the reservation status of multiple charging facilities 30. Specifically, the reservation management unit 214 performs registration in a reservation management database. The reservation management database is a database that manages the date and time of use and the user for each charging facility 30, and is stored in the memory unit 112, for example.

[0078] After completing the reservation, the user 42 visits the target charging facility 30 at the reserved date and time, and connects the charging facility 30 and the storage battery 41 with a cable. Then, the user 42 operates the information terminal 220 to cause the information processing unit 26 to start up a reservation management program.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 7, the process from making an authentication request to obtaining an authentication result (S10 to S21) is almost the same as the process in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, in addition to verifying the access token (S18), the reservation management unit 214 of the first server 211 performs reservation confirmation (S18A). The reservation management unit 214 checks whether the time slot to be used (usage time slot) corresponds to the reserved time slot. Based on the authentication result by the authentication unit 115 and the confirmation result by the reservation management unit 214, the first server 211 outputs the check result to the second server 212.

[0080] Specifically, if the access tokens match and the usage time slot corresponds to the reserved time slot, the communication unit 111 outputs the check result (OK) to the second server 12 (S19A). If the access tokens do not match or if the usage time slot does not correspond to the reserved time slot, the communication unit 111 outputs the check result (NG) to the second server 12. Note that if the access tokens do not match, reservation confirmation (S18A) does not need to be executed.

[0081] In this embodiment, further, if the authentication is successful, the communication unit 121 outputs the time information generated by the clock unit 225 to the information terminal 220 (S41). The information processing unit 123 of the second server 212 includes a clock unit 225 that generates time information. The time information is information indicating the current time. The clock unit 225 may obtain the time information by communicating with another time management server via the communication unit 121.

[0082] In the information terminal 220, if the authentication is successful, the control unit 28 performs charging control (S42). Specifically, the control unit 28 generates a charging instruction for the charging equipment 30 (target equipment). The second communication unit 22 outputs the time information acquired from the second server 212, the time information included in the reservation information, and a charging instruction to the charging equipment 30 (S43). For example, the second communication unit 22 first outputs the time information to the charging equipment 30. The charging equipment 30 updates the time stored therein based on the time information output from the information terminal 220. As a result, even if a difference occurs between the time managed internally by the charging equipment 30 and the current time due to the influence of a power outage or the like, the time can be adjusted to the correct time.

[0083] Furthermore, the charging equipment 30 manages the charging end time or the time until the end (charging time) based on the time information output from the information terminal 220. Then, the charging equipment 30 starts charging the storage battery 41 based on the charging instruction (S44). Specifically, the charging equipment 30 supplies power to the storage battery 41 via the outlet by conducting (turning on) a switch that switches on / off the power supply to the outlet.

[0084] After starting charging, the charging equipment 30 ends charging based on the time information (S45). Specifically, the charging equipment 30 ends charging when the time managed internally reaches the charging end time indicated by the time information. Note that, when the time information indicates the time until charging ends, the charging equipment 30 may calculate the charging end time from the usage start time and the time until charging ends.

[0085] As described above, according to the charging management system 2 according to the present embodiment, the timing of charging termination is controlled based on time information. This makes it possible to prevent charging from being continued beyond the time inputted when reserving the charging facility 30 (fraudulent use).

[0086] (summary) The information processing method according to the first aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information terminal 20 or 220 that communicates with an information system 10 or 210 that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities 30 that charge a storage battery 41 of a mobile body 40, and includes an acquisition step (S14) of acquiring authentication information for controlling a target facility, which is at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30, from the information system 10 or 210, an authentication step (S15 to S21) of outputting the authentication information acquired in the acquisition step (S14) to the information system 10 or 210 and acquiring an authentication result from the information system 10 or 210 based on the authentication information, and an output step (S23 or S43) of outputting a charging instruction to the target facility if authentication is successful in the authentication steps (S15 to S21).

[0087] As a result, even if an unauthorized application program attempts to control charging, authentication using authentication information (eg, an access token) will fail, so unauthorized use of the charging facility 30 can be prevented.

[0088] The information processing method according to the second aspect of the present invention is the information processing method according to the first aspect, and further includes acquiring identification information for identifying the target equipment in the acquisition step (S14), and outputting the authentication information and identification information acquired in the acquisition step to the information system 10 or 210 in the authentication step (S15 to S21), and acquiring an authentication result from the information system 10 or 210 based on the authentication information and the identification information. Note that the authentication information and the identification information may be acquired simultaneously or at different times. Either the acquisition of the authentication information or the acquisition of the identification information may be executed first.

[0089] This allows the authentication process to verify both the authentication information and the identification information, thereby making it possible to more effectively prevent fraudulent use.

[0090] An information processing method according to a third aspect of the present invention is an information processing method according to the first or second aspect, and further includes an input step (S35) of accepting an input for reserving the use of a target facility, and in an acquisition step (S14), acquires authentication information for controlling the target facility reserved in the input step.

[0091] This allows multiple users 42 to select and reserve charging facilities that are available at the time they want to use them from multiple charging facilities 30. By managing the usage times of multiple users 42 so that they do not overlap with each other, multiple charging facilities 30 can be appropriately shared by multiple users 42.

[0092] A program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0093] This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized use of the charging facility 30, similar to the information processing methods according to the above-described aspects.

[0094] The information system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is an information system 10 or 210 that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities 30 that charge a storage battery 41 of a mobile object 40, and includes communication units 111 and 121 which are examples of an output unit that outputs authentication information for controlling a target facility which is at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30 to an information terminal 20 or 220, and an authentication unit 115 and an equipment authentication unit 124 or 224 which acquire the authentication information from the information terminal 20 or 220 and output an authentication result based on the authentication information to the information terminal 20 or 220.

[0095] As a result, similar to the information processing method described above, even if an attempt is made to control charging using an unauthorized application program, authentication using authentication information (e.g., an access token) will fail, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the charging equipment 30.

[0096] An information system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an information system according to the fifth aspect, in which the equipment authentication unit 124 or 224 acquires authentication information and identification information for identifying the target equipment from the information terminal 20 or 220, and outputs an authentication result based on the authentication information and the identification information to the information terminal 20 or 220.

[0097] This allows the authentication process to verify both the authentication information and the identification information, thereby making it possible to more effectively prevent fraudulent use.

[0098] An information system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an information system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, and includes a communication unit 111 which is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires reservation information regarding the use of the target equipment from the information terminal 20 or 220, and the communication unit 111 which is an example of an output unit outputs authentication information for controlling the target equipment linked to the reservation information.

[0099] This allows multiple users 42 to select and reserve charging facilities that are available at the time they want to use them from multiple charging facilities 30. By managing the usage times of multiple users 42 so that they do not overlap with each other, multiple charging facilities 30 can be appropriately shared by multiple users 42.

[0100] An information processing method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information system 10 or 210 that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities 30 that charge a storage battery 41 of a mobile body 40, and includes an output step (S13) of outputting authentication information for controlling a target facility, which is at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30, to an information terminal 20 or 220, and authentication steps (S16 to S21) of acquiring the authentication information from the information terminal 20 or 220 and outputting an authentication result based on the authentication information to the information terminal.

[0101] This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized use of the charging facility 30, similar to the information system described above.

[0102] A program according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to the eighth aspect.

[0103] This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized use of the charging facility 30, similar to the information system described above.

[0104] (others) Although the information processing method, information system, and program according to the present invention have been described based on the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0105] For example, the authentication using the authentication information performed when using the charging facility 30 does not have to be Bearer authentication using an access token. For example, the authentication may be Basic authentication, Digest authentication, or OAuth authentication.

[0106] For example, the charging management system 1 or 2 may include a plurality of charging facilities 30. The number of charging facilities 30 is not particularly limited. The charging facilities 30 may be added, deleted, replaced, or the like.

[0107] Furthermore, the communication method between the devices described in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. When wireless communication is performed between the devices, the wireless communication method (communication standard) is, for example, short-distance wireless communication such as ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Alternatively, the wireless communication method (communication standard) may be communication via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, wired communication may be performed between the devices instead of wireless communication. Specifically, the wired communication is communication using power line communication (PLC) or a wired LAN.

[0108] In the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel. The allocation of components included in the charging management system or information system to multiple devices is one example. For example, a component included in one device may be included in another device.

[0109] For example, the processes described in the above embodiments may be realized by centralized processing using a single device (system), or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple devices. Also, the processor that executes the above programs may be single or multiple. That is, centralized processing or distributed processing may be performed.

[0110] In the above embodiment, all or part of the components such as the control unit may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a HDD or a semiconductor memory.

[0111] Furthermore, the components such as the control unit may be configured with one or more electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0112] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated into one chip or into multiple chips. Although IC or LSI is used here, the name may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may be called a system LSI, a very large scale integration (VLSI), or an ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured can be used for the same purpose.

[0113] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory in which the computer program is stored. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0114] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1, 2 Charging management system 10, 210 Information Systems 20, 220 Information terminal 30 Charging equipment 40 Mobile 41 Storage battery 111, 121 Communication unit (output unit) 115, 215 Certification Department 124, 224 Device Authentication Department 214 Reservation Management Department 225 Timing unit

Claims

1. An information processing method executed by an information terminal that communicates with an information system that manages a usage status of a plurality of charging facilities that charge storage batteries of a mobile body, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring, from the information system, authentication information for controlling a target facility which is at least one of the plurality of charging facilities; an authentication step of outputting the authentication information acquired in the acquisition step to the information system and acquiring an authentication result from the information system based on the authentication information; an output step of outputting a charging instruction to the target facility when the authentication is successful in the authentication step; Including, Information processing methods.

2. In the acquiring step, further acquiring identification information for identifying the target equipment, In the authentication step, the authentication information and the identification information acquired in the acquisition step are output to the information system, and an authentication result based on the authentication information and the identification information is acquired from the information system. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The method further includes an input step of accepting an input for reserving the use of the target facility, In the acquiring step, authentication information for controlling the target equipment reserved in the input step is acquired.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. An information system for managing the usage status of a plurality of charging facilities for charging storage batteries of a mobile body, comprising: an output unit that outputs, to an information terminal, authentication information for controlling a target facility that is at least one of the plurality of charging facilities; an authentication unit that acquires the authentication information from the information terminal and outputs an authentication result based on the authentication information to the information terminal; Equipped with Information systems.

6. The authentication unit acquires the authentication information and identification information that identifies the target equipment from the information terminal, and outputs an authentication result based on the authentication information and the identification information to the information terminal.

6. The information system of claim 5.

7. An acquisition unit that acquires reservation information regarding the use of the target facility from the information terminal, The output unit outputs the authentication information for controlling the target equipment linked to the reservation information.

7. An information system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. An information processing method executed by an information system that manages the usage status of a plurality of charging facilities that charge storage batteries of a mobile body, comprising: an output step of outputting, to an information terminal, authentication information for controlling a target facility which is at least one of the plurality of charging facilities; an authentication step of acquiring the authentication information from the information terminal and outputting an authentication result based on the authentication information to the information terminal; Including, Information processing methods.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 8.

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