Management device, system and method

Abstract

To provide a management device capable of responding to user needs different from time to time in using an energy supply service for supplying energy.SOLUTION: A management device estimates a time before a use start of energy supply from an energy supply device or until energy supply completion about an object in use, transmits the information on the time until the energy supply completion to a terminal device of a user before use start or in use, receives a notification for accepting extension of an energy supply time with prescribed user advantages as a condition or a notification for desiring preferential supply obtained by increasing an energy supply speed with prescribed user disadvantages as a condition from the terminal device of the user before use start or in use, controls the energy supply device so as to change energy supply from the energy supply device on the basis of the acceptance or the desire, and performs charging processing about energy supply from the energy supply device to the object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a system, and a method for managing an energy supply service that supplies energy such as electric power.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device for managing a charging service (energy supply service) that supplies electric power (energy) to an electric vehicle (supply target) to charge the battery of the electric vehicle is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging control device that controls charging facilities for charging batteries provided in a plurality of electric vehicles. This charging control device includes control means for setting a priority order and charging power related to charging of the battery of each electric vehicle based on vehicle information of each electric vehicle and information of the charging facilities, and supplying power to the battery in order from the electric vehicle with the highest priority. The vehicle information includes vehicle type, deviation from the previous charging time, distance from the charging facility usually used, and information related to public welfare vehicles, and the information of the charging facilities includes the number and connection order of chargers, congestion information, and information related to available power.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional charging management device, since the charging priority is determined according to a predetermined logic based on the vehicle information of each electric vehicle and the information of the charging facilities, it is impossible to adjust the charging order, charging output, etc. according to the charging user's situation that varies from time to time, and it is impossible to meet the charging needs of different users at different times. Such a problem can also occur when managing an energy supply service that supplies energy other than electric power.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A management device according to one aspect of the present invention is a management device that manages an energy supply service capable of supplying energy to each of a plurality of targets from a plurality of output units of an energy supply device. This management device is a management device that manages an energy supply service capable of supplying energy to each of a plurality of targets from a plurality of output units of an energy supply device. This management device includes a supply completion estimation unit that estimates the time until energy supply completion for a target before or during the start of use of energy supply from the energy supply device, and transmits information on the time until energy supply completion to the terminal device of the user before or during the start of use, and receives, from the terminal device of the user before or during the start of use, a notification accepting an extension of the energy supply time on the condition of a predetermined user benefit, or a notification requesting priority supply with an increased energy supply speed on the condition of a predetermined user disadvantage. A communication unit, and a control unit that controls the energy supply device so as to change the energy supply from the energy supply device based on the acceptance or request received from the terminal device of the user before or during the start of use, and a charging processing unit that performs a charging process on the energy supply from the energy supply device to the target.

[0006] In the management device, the communication unit transmits a notification asking about acceptance of an extension of the time until energy supply completion to the terminal device of the user during use, together with information on the user benefit, receives an answer to the inquiry about acceptance from the terminal device of the user, and when the control unit receives an answer accepting an extension of the time until energy supply completion from the terminal device of the user during use, the control unit controls the energy supply device to reduce the energy supply to the target during use, and the charging processing unit may perform a charging process on the energy supply to the target after the energy supply to the target is completed, applying the user benefit.

[0007] The management device may include a user benefit determination unit that determines the user benefit when the extension of the time until the energy supply is completed is accepted for the target in use.

[0008] In the management device, the communication unit transmits, to the terminal device of the user before or during use, information on the time until the energy supply is completed in the case of standard supply in which energy is supplied at the standard supply speed, together with the information on the disadvantage. The communication unit receives, from the terminal device of the user before or during use, a request for preferential supply in which energy is supplied at a supply speed higher than the standard supply. When the control unit receives the request for preferential supply from the terminal device of the user before or during use, the control unit controls the energy supply device to perform preferential supply with increased energy supply to the target in use. After the energy supply to the target is completed, the billing processing unit may perform billing processing for the energy supply to the target by applying the user disadvantage.

[0009] The management device may include a user disadvantage determination unit that determines the user disadvantage when the preferential supply is performed for the target before or during use.

[0010] In the management device and the method, the energy supply device may be a power supply device, the target may be a battery mounted on a vehicle, the energy supplied to the target may be electrical energy used for charging the battery, and the energy supply service may be a charging service.

[0011] A system according to another aspect of the present invention is a system that provides a charging service for a vehicle. This system includes the management device and a power supply device having a plurality of output units capable of supplying energy to each of the plurality of targets and communicable with the management device via a communication network.

[0012] A method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method for managing an energy supply service capable of supplying energy to each of a plurality of targets from a plurality of output units of an energy supply device. This method includes estimating the time until the completion of energy supply for a target before or during the start of use of the energy supply from the energy supply device, transmitting information on the time until the completion of energy supply to the user's terminal device before or during the start of use, receiving a notification accepting an extension of the energy supply time on the condition of a predetermined user benefit, or a notification requesting priority supply with an increased energy supply rate on the condition of a predetermined user disadvantage, from the user's terminal device before or during the start of use, controlling the energy supply device to change the energy supply from the energy supply device based on the acceptance or the request received from the user's terminal device before or during the start of use, and performing a billing process for the energy supply from the energy supply device to the target.

[0013] In the method, transmitting a notification asking about acceptance of an extension of the time until the completion of energy supply to the terminal device of the user during use, together with information on the user benefit, receiving an answer to the inquiry about acceptance from the terminal device of the user, controlling the energy supply device to reduce the energy supply to the target during use when receiving an answer accepting an extension of the time until the completion of energy supply from the terminal device of the user during use, and performing a billing process for the energy supply to the target after the energy supply to the target is completed, applying the user benefit, may also be included.

[0014] In the method, determining the user benefit in the case of accepting an extension of the time until the completion of energy supply for the target during use may also be included.

[0015] In the method, information on the time until the completion of energy supply in the case of standard supply, which supplies energy to the user's terminal device before or during use at a standard supply rate, is transmitted together with the information on the disadvantage; a request for preferential supply in which energy is supplied at a supply rate higher than the standard supply is received from the user's terminal device before or during use; when a request for preferential supply is received from the user's terminal device before or during use, the energy supply device is controlled to perform preferential supply with increased energy supply to the target during use; and after the energy supply to the target is completed, charging processing is performed on the energy supply to the target by applying the user disadvantage. This may be included.

[0016] In the method, it may include determining the user disadvantage in the case of performing the preferential supply for the target before or during use.

[0017] In the method, the energy supply device may be a power supply device, the target may be a battery mounted on a vehicle, the energy supplied to the target may be electrical energy used for charging the battery, and the energy supply service may be a charging service.

[0018] In the management device, the system, and the method, the user benefit may be a discount on the usage fee of the energy supply service, and the user disadvantage may be a surcharge on the usage fee of the energy supply service.

[0019] According to the present invention, when using an energy supply service that supplies energy, it is possible to meet the needs of different users at different times.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a management device that manages an energy supply service from a plurality of energy output units of an energy supply device to a plurality of energy supply targets, and when receiving a notification from a user's terminal device before or during use to accept an extension of the energy supply time on the condition of a predetermined user benefit, controls the energy supply device to change the energy supply from the energy supply device based on the acceptance, so that when using an energy supply service that supplies energy, it is possible to meet the needs of different users at each time (energy supply service management system).

[0022] The system of the embodiment may include an energy supply device having the plurality of energy output units. Further, the energy output unit is, for example, owned or managed by a provider that provides energy in the energy supply service. The supplied energy may be, for example, primary energy in the form of oil, natural gas, coal, etc., or secondary energy in the form of electricity, hydrogen, gasoline, light oil, heavy oil, city gas, alcohol, etc.

[0023] The supply target to which energy is supplied is, for example, an electric moving body driven by a motor equipped with a rechargeable battery from the outside (for example, an electric vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle)). The moving body may be a ground moving body such as an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle (for example, an FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle)), an aerial moving body such as a drone, or a moving body such as a ship moving on water such as the sea. The moving body may be a vehicle with four or more wheels, a tricycle, a two-wheeler (motorcycle, bicycle), a truck, a bus, a private car, a commercial vehicle, etc. The battery may be owned by the user himself / herself, leased from a leasing company, or owned by a business operator different from the user. Further, the supply target may be an electric or electronic device such as a portable or installed home appliance, office equipment, or communication terminal device.

[0024] In the following embodiments, as an example, the energy to be used is electric energy, the energy output unit that outputs the energy is an outlet that outputs electric energy, the supply target to which the energy is supplied is a driving battery incorporated in a vehicle, and a charging service (energy supply service) for charging the vehicle battery with the electric power output from the outlet is described. The vehicle as the supply target in the embodiment is an electric vehicle (EV) such as an electric car.

[0025] Also, in the following embodiments, the charging device as the energy supply device may be, for example, a charger that can rapidly charge the vehicle battery with direct current in a relatively short time.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the overall schematic configuration of a charging service management system according to an embodiment. The charging service management system of the present embodiment includes a charging device 1 as an energy supply device and a charging management server 70 as a charging management device. The charging device 1 can convert the alternating current power supplied from an external power system 14 into direct current or alternating current power of a predetermined voltage and supply it to an electric vehicle (EV) 30 as a plurality of supply targets (charging targets) from a plurality of power output units (charging ports) 25(1) to 25(5).

[0027] The charging management server 70 manages the charging of a plurality of electric vehicles (EVs) 30 to which power is supplied under predetermined conditions from a plurality of power output units (charging ports) 25(1) to 25(5) of the charging device 1. For example, the charging management server 70 controls the output of each power output unit (charging port) 25 so that the total power consumption for charging a plurality of electric vehicles (EVs) 30 is within the upper limit power of the charging device 1. Further, when the total amount of charging requests, which is the total of the charging powers requested by a plurality of users using the charging service of the embodiment, exceeds the upper limit power of the charging device 1, the charging management server 70 searches for users who can agree to an extension of the charging time by suppressing the output from the power output unit (charging port) 25 and performs management processing.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 1, an example of a system capable of charging five vehicles 30 from five power output units (charging ports) 25 is shown. However, the number of each of the power output units (charging ports) 25 and the vehicles 30 may be 2 to 4, or may be 6 or more.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a more specific configuration of the charging service management system according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2, an example of a system capable of charging eight vehicles 30 from the outlets 20 of eight power output units (charging ports) is shown. However, the number of each of the outlets 20 of the power output units (charging ports) and the vehicles 30 may be 2 to 7, or may be 9 or more.

[0030] In FIG. 2, the charging device 1 includes a charging HUB device (also referred to as a "charging HUB unit") 10 as a branching device. The charging HUB device 10 branches a primary power line 11 as a primary energy supply path (power supply path) drawn from a power line of an external power system 14 of an electric power company to the power distribution equipment of the facility into a plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) as a plurality of secondary energy supply paths (power supply paths). A part of the power supplied by the primary power line 11 is supplied to the plurality of secondary power lines 12, and the remaining power is supplied to another load of the facility via another power line 13.

[0031] The charging HUB device 10 can communicate with a charging management server 70 as a charging management device provided in a communication network 60 such as a mobile communication network or the Internet via a wireless or priority communication line. Note that the charging HUB device 10 may communicate directly with the charging management server 70, or may communicate with the charging management server 70 via a maintenance management server 75 that remotely maintains and manages the charging HUB device 10. Also, a part of the processing of the charging management server 70 may be executed by the maintenance management server 75, or a part or all of the processing of the maintenance management server 75 may be executed by the charging management server 70.

[0032] The ends of each of the plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) connected to the charging HUB device 10 are connected to a plurality of outlets 20 provided on the charging stands (e.g., free-standing poles) 24 of the power output units 25(1) to 25(8) as a plurality of energy output units near each of the plurality of parking spaces (vehicle compartments) in a parking lot or the like. The charging HUB device 10, the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8), and the outlets 20 of the power output units 25(1) to 25(8) constitute eight sets of charging circuits. The charging HUB device 10 can charge up to eight vehicles 30 simultaneously under the same charging conditions or different charging conditions. For example, the charging HUB device 10 can charge seven vehicles 30 at a standard charging speed while rapidly charging the remaining one vehicle 30 at a charging speed faster than the standard charging speed.

[0033] Near each of the outlets 20 of the plurality of charging stands 24, a cord image 21 is attached. Also, the power supply cable 40 from the vehicle 30 can be connected to each of the outlets 20 of the plurality of charging stands 24.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the charging service management system according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, the supply target of the embodiment is the battery 31 of the vehicle 30 charged with the power from the outlet 20 of the power output unit 25. The power supply from the outlet 20 is performed, for example, via a wired power supply cable (charging cable) 40 and a plug 41. The power supply from the outlet 20 may also be performed by wireless power supply such as electromagnetic induction, power feeding by radio waves such as microwaves, or power feeding by light such as laser light. Further, the voltage (current) supplied from the outlet 20 may be alternating current (e.g., AC200V, maximum 3 - 4kW / 15 - 20A output) or direct current (DC50 - 500V, maximum 50kW).

[0035] The power outlet 20 in Fig. 3 (the same applies to Fig. 4 described later) is an example of a charging power outlet for EVs and PHEVs that has a plug insertion port 20a for AC 200V (rated: 20A, 250V, with an earth terminal) on the lower surface of the power outlet body portion formed convexly on the front side in the figure. The power outlet 20 may have an openable and closable power outlet cover that covers the plug insertion port 20a when the power outlet is not in use. Further, the power outlet 20 may have a function of preventing the plug 41 inserted into the plug insertion port 20a from falling off. Additionally, the power outlet 20 may have a plug insertion port 20a for AC 100V (rated: 15A, 1500V, with an earth terminal). Note that the types and configurations of the power outlet 20 and the plug insertion port 20a are not limited to those illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described later.

[0036] The charging management server 70 may be configured as a single computer device, or may be configured to cooperate a plurality of computer devices, or may be configured as a cloud system on a network.

[0037] The power outlet 20 of the power output unit (energy output unit) 25 capable of outputting power (electrical energy) is, for example, a power outlet provided on facilities such as walls of facilities such as parking lots, single-family houses, condominiums in multi-family housing, office buildings, event venues, factories, outdoor or indoor parking lots, and stands of charging facilities (charging stations). The power outlet 20 may be a general-purpose power outlet with no limited use, or may be a dedicated power outlet with limited use. Further, the power outlet 20 may be a power outlet with no limited users, or may be a power outlet that can only be used by specific users.

[0038] The terminal device 51 of the user 50 who intends to use the power supplied from the outlet 20 can communicate with the charging management server 70 via a communication network 60 such as a mobile communication network or the Internet. The terminal device 51 includes an operation unit such as a key, a button, or a touch panel, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, and an imaging unit such as a camera that captures an image of the cord image of the outlet or an identification assistance image. The terminal device 51 can start and execute a predetermined power utilization application (for example, an application for using a charging service) incorporated in advance by the user's operation. The terminal device 51 may include a current position acquisition unit such as a GNSS receiver that acquires information on the current position of the device itself. The terminal device 51 may be, for example, a mobile station (also referred to as a "mobile device" or "user equipment (UE)") that can communicate via a mobile communication network of the fourth generation or later generations.

[0039] The vehicle 30 can communicate with the charging management server 70 via the communication network 60 by the external communication unit 32 of the in-vehicle device. The external communication unit 32 may be, for example, a telematics control unit (TCU) connected to an in-vehicle network (CAN: Controller Area Network) via a gateway. The telematics control unit (TCU) may have a short-range wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) in addition to the communication function via the communication network 60. In addition to the telematics control unit (TCU), a battery management system (BMS) that manages the battery 31 and one or a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) that control other parts are connected to the in-vehicle network (CAN).

[0040] Power usage information regarding the power used for charging the battery 31 (e.g., battery identification information, amount of power, charging start time, charging end time) can be transmitted, for example, from a battery management system (BMS) to a charging management server 70 via a telematics control unit (TCU). Also, the identification information of the vehicle can be transmitted, for example, from an electronic control unit (ECU) having a memory storing the basic information of the vehicle to the charging management server 70 via the telematics control unit (TCU). The transmission of this information to the charging management server 70 is executed, for example, based on a transmission request generated by an application running on the terminal device 51. The transmission request from the terminal device 51 may be received by the vehicle's telematics control unit (TCU) via short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0041] Note that the charging management server 70 may obtain vehicle-related information such as the above-mentioned power usage information and vehicle identification information from a vehicle management server provided for each vehicle manufacturer or each vehicle model, for example.

[0042] The terminal device 51 of the user 50 who intends to use the power supplied from the outlet 20 can communicate with the charging management server 70 via a communication network 60 such as a mobile communication network or the Internet. The terminal device 51 includes an operation unit such as a key, button, or touch panel, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, and an imaging unit such as a camera that captures an image of the outlet cord image or identification assistance image. The terminal device 51 can start and execute a predetermined power usage application (e.g., an application for using a charging service) incorporated in advance by the user's operation. The terminal device 51 may include a current position acquisition unit such as a GNSS receiver that acquires information on the current position of the device itself. The terminal device 51 may be, for example, a mobile station (also referred to as a "mobile device", "user equipment (UE)", etc.) that can communicate via a fourth-generation or later-generation mobile communication network.

[0043] The vehicle 30 can communicate with the charging management server 70 via the communication network 60 by means of the external communication unit 32 of the in-vehicle device. The external communication unit 32 may be, for example, a telematics control unit (TCU) connected to the in-vehicle network (CAN: Controller Area Network) via a gateway. The telematics control unit (TCU) may have a short-range wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) in addition to the communication function via the communication network 60. Connected to the in-vehicle network (CAN) are, in addition to the telematics control unit (TCU), a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery 31 and one or more electronic control units (ECUs) for controlling other respective parts.

[0044] Power utilization information regarding the power used for charging the battery 31 (for example, battery identification information, amount of electric power, charging start time, charging end time) can be transmitted from, for example, the battery management system (BMS) to the charging management server 70 via the telematics control unit (TCU). Also, the identification information of the vehicle can be transmitted from, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) having a memory storing the basic information of the vehicle to the charging management server 70 via the telematics control unit (TCU). The transmission of these pieces of information to the charging management server 70 is executed, for example, based on a transmission request generated by an application running on the terminal device 51. The transmission request from the terminal device 51 may be received by the telematics control unit (TCU) of the vehicle via short-range wireless communication such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0045] Note that the charging management server 70 may acquire vehicle-related information such as the above-described power utilization information and vehicle identification information from, for example, a vehicle management server provided for each vehicle manufacturer or each vehicle type.

[0046] Figs. 4(a) to 4(c) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of images attached to the socket 20 of the power output unit 25 in the charging device 1 according to the embodiment. A code image (for example, an image of a QR code (registered trademark)) 21 is attached to the socket 20 in Fig. 4(a). The code image 21 may be a one-dimensional code image or a two-dimensional code image. The code image 21 is an image in which information such as the name, identification number, installation location, and installation entity of the socket 20 is encoded. The code image 21 may be printed by a user or an installation entity on the seal member 26 and pasted beside the socket 20.

[0047] An image of characters (for example, handwritten characters) 21' as an identification auxiliary image of the socket 20 arbitrarily attached by a user or an installation entity is attached to the socket 20 in Fig. 4(b). Further, an image of an illustration 21'' as an identification auxiliary image arbitrarily attached by a user or an installation entity is attached to the socket 20 in Fig. 4(c). The characters 21' or the illustration 21'' may be attached to the socket 20. The characters 21' and the illustration 21'' of the socket 20 may be drawn by a user or an installation entity on the seal member 26 and pasted beside the socket 20. Note that the identification auxiliary image may be a pattern or a mark in addition to characters and illustrations.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main functions of the charging management server 70 according to the embodiment. In Fig. 5, the charging management server 70 includes a terminal communication unit 701, a supply target communication unit 702, an authentication processing unit 703, a storage unit (DB: database) 704, a charging control communication unit 706, and a charging management processing unit 707.

[0049] The terminal communication unit 701 has a function of communicating with the terminal device 51 of the user 50 via the communication network 60 or via another public line or dedicated line.

[0050] In an example of charging service management, the terminal communication unit 701 receives, from the terminal device 51 of the user 50, the read data of the code image (for example, the image of a QR code (registered trademark)) 21 (see FIG. 3(a)) attached to the power outlet 20, the identification information of the user 50 or the terminal device 51, and the identification information of the supply target (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) to which power is supplied from the power outlet 20. The read data of the code image 21 may be, for example, the image data obtained by imaging the code image 21 with the camera of the terminal device 51, or the data obtained by decrypting the image data.

[0051] Also, in another example of charging service management, the terminal communication unit 701 receives, from the terminal device 51 of the user 50, the read data of the identification auxiliary images 21' or 21'' (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(c)) attached to the power outlet 20, the position information of the terminal device 51, the identification information of the user 50 or the terminal device 51, and the identification information of the supply target (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) to which power is supplied from the power outlet 20. The read data of the identification auxiliary images 21', 21'' is, for example, the image data obtained by imaging the identification auxiliary images 21', 21'' with the camera of the terminal device 51. The position information of the terminal device 51 is, for example, the position information (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the terminal device 51 measured by the GNSS receiver of the terminal device 51.

[0052] The supply target communication unit 702 has a function of communicating with the vehicle 30 of the supply target via the communication network 60 or via another public line or dedicated line. The supply target communication unit 702 receives, for example, from the vehicle 30, the identification information of the supply target (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) and the charging information (for example, battery identification information, power amount, charging start time, charging end time) as the power utilization information used in the vehicle 30 and supplied from the power outlet 20. The supply target communication unit 702 may receive the identification information of the supply target and the charging information from the vehicle management server described above.

[0053] The charging control communication unit 706 has a function of communicating with the charging HUB device 10 via the communication network 60 or via another public line or dedicated line, and functions as an information receiving means, an information generating means, and an information transmitting means.

[0054] The charging control communication unit 706 receives, for example, information on measurement results of power, current, or power amount, which is the energy supply status of the primary power line 11, and information on measurement results of power, current, or power amount, which is the energy supply status of a plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8), or information on measurement results of both. Further, the charging control communication unit 706 generates control information for individually opening and closing each of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) in the eight sets of charging circuits based on the measurement result information of the primary side or the secondary side, or based on the measurement result information of the primary side and the secondary side, and transmits the control information to the charging HUB device 10.

[0055] The control information is, for example, control information for monitoring the charging status in each parking space (passenger compartment) based on the measurement result information of the power, current, or power amount of each of the plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8), and controlling to disperse and execute a plurality of chargings via each of the plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) in a time-division manner.

[0056] The control information is, for example, control information for controlling to close at least one of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) in the eight sets of charging circuits when the measurement result of the power, current, or power amount, which is the energy supply status of the primary power line 11, exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, a target demand value) or when the measurement result is predicted to exceed the threshold value. Based on this control information, the charging HUB device 10 controls to close at least one of the plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8), thereby reducing the total power, current, and power amount of the primary power line 11, and avoiding an unexpected power outage in facilities such as a parking lot, a single-family house, an apartment building or other multi-family housing, an office building, an event venue, and a factory that share the primary power line 11.

[0057] The control information may include, for example, information on the priority order of power supply (charging priority order) for each of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) in the eight charging circuits. Based on this priority order information, the charging HUB device 10 controls to execute priority charging for preferentially supplying power to a part of the plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8).

[0058] Further, the control information may include information on interrupt power supply (interrupt charging) in the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) in the eight charging circuits. Based on this interrupt power supply (interrupt charging) information, the charging HUB device 10 controls to execute interrupt charging for stopping the power supply to the secondary power line being supplied with power among the plurality of secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) and starting the power supply to another secondary power line with the power supply stopped.

[0059] The above priority of power supply (priority of charging) and the above interrupt power supply (interrupt charging) are determined, for example, based on methods such as policy-based, rule-based, machine learning models, etc., so that the charging efficiency or billing operation is maximized for the overall charging from the outlets via the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) in the eight charging circuits. The policy-based method is, for example, a method of determining the priority (priority of charging) among a plurality of vehicles 30 to be charged and whether to allow interrupt charging for the vehicle 30 based on the information of the current charging status and the information of the supply target, etc., by a program created based on preset policy information. The rule-based method is, for example, a method of determining the priority (priority of charging) among a plurality of vehicles 30 to be charged and whether to allow interrupt charging for the vehicle 30 from the information of the current charging status and the information of the supply target, etc., by a conversion table created based on preset rules. The method of the machine learning model is, for example, a method of creating a learned model by learning using data of charging information and vehicle information during past charging service execution for a preset machine learning model, and determining the priority (priority of charging) among a plurality of vehicles 30 to be charged and whether to allow interrupt charging for the vehicle 30 based on the learned model, the information of the current charging status, and the information of the supply target, etc.

[0060] Note that the terminal communication unit 701, the supply target communication unit 702, and the charging control communication unit 706 may be configured by a communication device with an integrated configuration (for example, a mobile communication module).

[0061] The authentication processing unit 703 performs at least one of authentication of the user using the power (user authentication) and authentication of the supply target (for example, vehicle 30 or battery 31) (supply target authentication) based on the identification information of the user 50 or the terminal device 51 and the identification information of the supply target (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31).

[0062] For example, the authentication processing unit 703 may perform user authentication to confirm whether the user 50 is a legitimate user pre-registered for a predetermined charging service by comparing the identification information (user ID) of the user 50 received from the terminal device 51 with the identification information (user ID) of the user pre-registered in the charging management server 70. In this case, when the user is a legitimate user, the use of the charging service may be permitted, and when the user is not a legitimate user, the use of the charging service may be restricted (for example, not permitted).

[0063] Also, for example, the authentication processing unit 703 may perform supply target authentication to confirm whether the supply target (for example, the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) is a legitimate supply target pre-registered for a predetermined power utilization management service by comparing the identification information of the supply target received from the terminal device 51 (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) with the identification information of the supply target received from the vehicle 30 (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31). In this case, when the supply target is a legitimate supply target, the use of the power utilization management service may be permitted, and when the supply target is not a legitimate supply target, the use of the power utilization management service may be restricted (for example, not permitted). In this authentication, the identification information of the supply target received from the terminal device 51 or the vehicle 30 (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) may be compared with the identification information of the supply target pre-registered in the charging management server 70 to perform the authentication process.

[0064] In an example of charging service management, the storage unit (DB) 704 identifies the identification information of the consent 20 and the identification information of the charging HUB device 10 to which the consent 20 is connected based on the read data of the code image, and associates the identification information (consent ID) of the consent 20, the identification information (HUB ID) of the charging HUB device 10, the identification information of the user 50 or the terminal device 51, the identification information of the supply target (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31), and the power usage information with each other and stores them. For example, as shown in Table 1, for each series of power usage transactions, 1 record in which the consent ID, the user ID, the terminal ID (for example, IMEI), the vehicle ID, and the power usage information are associated with each other is stored, and overall, a power usage transaction table (power usage ledger) is formed.

[0065]

Table 1

[0066] In another example of charging service management, the storage unit (DB) 704 identifies the identification information of the consent 20 based on the read data of the aforementioned identification assistance image and the current position information of the terminal device 51, and associates the identification information (consent ID) of the consent 20, the identification information of the user 50 or the terminal device 51, the identification information of the supply target (for example, the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31), and the power usage information with each other and stores them.

[0067] In addition, the storage unit (DB) 704 stores various tables used for charging service management via a plurality of consents. For example, the storage unit (DB) 704 stores the consent management table in Table 2, the user management table in Table 3, and the vehicle management table in Table 4.

[0068]

Table 2

[0069]

Table 3

[0070]

Table 4

[0071] When there is a new registration of the outlet 20, user 50 (terminal device 51), and vehicle 30 (battery 31) for using the charging service via the outlet 20 provided by the charging management server 70 of the present embodiment, new records are added to the outlet management table, user management table, and vehicle management table, respectively. Also, by referring to the outlet management table in Table 2, a public outlet virtual space indicating the positions of the public outlets where users can newly register in the charging service provided by the charging management server 70 of the present embodiment can be constructed. By superimposing and displaying this public outlet virtual space on the map of the real space, users can easily grasp and access the positions of the public outlets where new registration is possible.

[0072] Also, the registration outlet table shown in Table 5 may be stored in the storage unit (DB) 704. Records are added to this registration outlet table when a user newly registers an outlet 20. By linking and referring to the registration outlet table and the various tables described above, a my-outlet virtual space indicating the positions of the registered outlets that users can use in the charging service provided by the charging management server 70 of the present embodiment can be constructed. By superimposing and displaying this my-outlet virtual space on the map of the real space, users can easily grasp and access the positions of the outlets they have registered and can use.

[0073]

Table 5

[0074] In this embodiment, the charging management server 70 may include a billing processing unit 705. The billing processing unit 705 performs a process of charging at least one of the user 50, the supply target (the vehicle 30 or the battery 31), and the terminal device 51 for the usage fee of the power utilization by the vehicle 30 via the outlet 20. For example, all or part of the usage fee of the power utilization by the vehicle 30 via the outlet 20 may be charged to the user 50, or charged so as to be added to the usage fee of the terminal device 51. When the vehicle 30 or the battery 31 is rented from a rental company or leased from a leasing company, all or part of the usage fee of the power utilization by the vehicle 30 via the outlet 20 may be charged to the rental company or the leasing company.

[0075] Also, the billing process for power utilization may be performed in consideration of various benefits related to billing (billing benefits). For example, when an environmental value certificate such as a "green power certificate", a "J credit", or a "non-fossil certificate" that certifies the environmental value of renewable energy such as wind power, solar power, or biomass, or something of equivalent value (hereinafter referred to as the "environmental value such as an environmental value certificate") is considered to be added to the current supplied to the vehicle 30 via the outlet 20, the addition status of such an environmental value such as an environmental value certificate may be managed, for example, by a flag in the billing benefit column of the user management table in Table 3, and billing (increasing or decreasing) for the environmental value may be performed in parallel with the amount of power. Also, the presence or absence of a billing benefit such as the purchase of such an environmental value such as an environmental value certificate can be managed, for example, by a flag in the billing benefit column of the user management table in Table 3.

[0076] The above benefit may be a user benefit (incentive) such as a discount on the usage fee of the charging service granted to the user as a compensation for accepting an extension of the charging time (energy supply time) of the user's vehicle 30.

[0077] The charging management processing unit 707 functions as a charging completion estimation unit that estimates the time until the completion of power supply (charging completion) for the vehicle 30 before or during the use of the charging service by the power supply from the charging device 1. In this case, the terminal communication unit 701 transmits information on the time until the completion of power supply for charging to the terminal device 51 of the user 50 before or during the use of the charging service, and receives from the terminal device 51 of the user 50 before or during the use of the charging service, a notification accepting an extension of the charging time on the condition of a predetermined user benefit (incentive), or a notification requesting rapid charging (priority supply) with an increased charging speed on the condition of a predetermined user disadvantage. The charging control communication unit 706 also functions as a control unit that controls the charging device 1 to change the power supply from the charging device 1 based on the acceptance or the request received from the terminal device 51 of the user 50 before or during the use of the charging service. Further, the billing processing unit 705 also functions as a billing processing unit that performs a billing process for the supply of charging power from the charging device 1 to the vehicle 30.

[0078] Here, for example, the terminal communication unit 701 may transmit a notification asking for acceptance of an extension of the time until the completion of power supply for charging to the terminal device 51 of the user 50 during the use of the charging service, together with information on the user benefit (incentive), and receive an answer to the inquiry about the acceptance from the terminal device 51 of the user 50. When the charging control communication unit 706 receives an answer accepting an extension of the time until the completion of power supply for charging from the terminal device 51 of the user 50 during the use of the charging service, the charging control communication unit 706 may control the charging device 1 to reduce the power supply to the vehicle 30 during the use of the charging service. Further, the billing processing unit 705 may perform a billing process for the supply of charging power to the vehicle 30 after the completion of the power supply for charging to the vehicle 30, applying the user benefit (incentive).

[0079] Further, the charging management processing unit 707 may function as a user benefit determination unit that determines a user benefit (incentive) in the case of accepting an extension of the time until the completion of power supply for charging for the vehicle 30 during the use of the charging service.

[0080] Further, for example, the terminal communication unit 701 transmits, to the terminal device 51 of the user 50 before or during the use of the charging service, information on the time until the completion of power supply (charging completion) in the case of standard supply that supplies charging power at a standard supply speed, together with the said disadvantage information. The terminal communication unit 701 may receive a request from the terminal device 51 of the user 50 before or during the use of the charging service, requesting rapid charging (priority supply) in which charging power is supplied at a supply speed higher than the standard supply. Further, when the charging control communication unit 706 receives a request from the terminal device 51 of the user 50 before or during the use of the charging service, requesting the rapid charging (priority supply), the charging control communication unit 706 may control the charging device 1 to perform rapid charging (priority supply) with increased charging power supply to the vehicle 30 during the use of the charging service. Further, after the supply of the charging power to the vehicle 30 is completed, the billing processing unit 705 may apply the user disadvantage and perform a billing process for the supply of the charging power to the vehicle 30.

[0081] Further, the charging management processing unit 707 may function as a user disadvantage determination unit that determines the user disadvantage in the case of performing the priority supply, for the vehicle 30 before or during the use of the charging service. Here, the user disadvantage may be an additional charge for the usage fee of the charging service.

[0082] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging HUB device 10 of the charging device 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 6, the primary power line 11 is connected to the charging HUB device 10 via a terminal box (TB) 14 and a charging circuit breaker (CB) 15. The primary power line 11 connected to the charging HUB device 10 is branched into secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) in eight charging circuits. Further, the primary power line 11 is branched at the TB 14 and is connected to another load other than the vehicle charging circuit (for example, various electrical devices other than charging in a parking lot, electrical devices in the residential section of a multi-dwelling house such as a detached house or a condominium, electrical devices in each office of an office building, electrical devices in an event venue, electrical devices in a factory, etc.) via another circuit breaker (CB) 16.

[0083] The charging HUB device 10 includes a communication control device 100, an interface converter 102 as a control data conversion device, remote control breakers 104(1) to 104(8) having a plurality of remote control relays as opening / closing means for opening and closing secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8), and a power amount monitor device 105 as measuring means for measuring the power amounts of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8).

[0084] The communication control device 100 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer capable of reading and executing a predetermined control program for performing opening / closing control of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8), etc., and has a function of communicating with a charging management server 70 or a maintenance management server 75. The interface converter 102 is connected to the communication control device 100 via, for example, a LAN cable 101, converts the data of the control information received from the communication control device 100 into a control signal, and transmits it to each of the plurality of remote control breakers 104(1) to 104(8).

[0085] The plurality of remote control breakers 104(1) to 104(8) are each connected to the interface converter 102 via a predetermined signal line. When each of the remote control breakers 104(1) to 104(8) receives a control signal corresponding to an ON command from the communication control device 100, it closes the circuits of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) (circuit conduction state), and when it receives a control signal corresponding to an OFF command from the communication control device 100, it opens the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) (circuit interruption state).

[0086] The power amount monitor device 105 is connected to split current transformers 107 as current sensors attached to each of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) via a dedicated cable 106. The measurement data of the power amounts of each of the secondary power lines 12(1) to 12(8) measured by the power amount monitor device 105 is sent to the communication control device 100 via a cable 108 of a dedicated interface (for example, an RS485 serial interface).

[0087] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of providing a charging service according to an embodiment. In FIG. 7, the process of providing the charging service according to the present embodiment includes a pre - preparation phase (S100) and an operation phase (S200).

[0088] In the pre - preparation phase (S100), the charging management server 70 inputs data for a plurality of outlets 20 used in the power utilization management service by an operator, and creates a consent management table (Table 2) described later. Further, the charging management server 70 receives new registration data including information on the user 50 and the terminal device 51 and information on the supply target (the vehicle 30 and the battery 31) from the terminal devices 51 of a plurality of users 50 who use the charging service, and creates the aforementioned user management table (Table 3) and vehicle management table (Table 4).

[0089] The operation phase (S200) includes a process S210 at the start of charging, a process S220 during charging, and a process S230 at the end of charging, and may include a billing process S240 as an optional process.

[0090] In the process S210 at the start of charging, based on the identification information of the user 50 (or the terminal device 51) received from the terminal device 51 and the identification information of the vehicle 30 (or the battery 31), an authentication process is performed for the combination of the identification information of the user 50 (or the terminal device 51) and the vehicle 30 (or the battery 31). Also, in the process S210 at the start of charging, a process of starting power supply to the outlet 20 to which the vehicle 30 of the user 50 whose use is permitted is connected is performed.

[0091] The operation phase (S200) includes a process S210 at the start of charging, a process S220 during charging, and a process S230 at the end of charging, and may include a billing process S240 as an optional process.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process (S210) at the start of charging in the charging service provided in FIG. 7. In the example of FIG. 8, the charging management server 70 communicates with and controls the charging HUB device 10 via the maintenance management server 75. However, the charging management server 70 may communicate with and control the charging HUB device 10 without going through the maintenance management server 75 (the same applies to FIGS. 9 to 12 below).

[0093] In FIG. 8, first, the user 50 operates the terminal device 51 to start an application for using the charging service, captures and reads a code image (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) 21 including the identification information of the outlet 20 near the outlet 20, and selects "My Car" from the menu selection displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 51 (S211). By this operation, a request for permission authentication for using the charging service is sent from the terminal device 51 to the charging management server 70 (S212). At the time of this request, the identification information of the user 50 (or the terminal device 51), the read data of the code image 21, and the identification information of the vehicle 30 (or the battery 31) pre-registered as "My Car" in the terminal device 51 are sent to the charging management server 70.

[0094] Next, when the charging management server 70 receives a request for permission authentication including the identification information of the user 50 (or the terminal device 51), the read data of the code image 21, and the identification information of the vehicle 30 (or the battery 31) from the terminal device 51 of the user 50, the charging management server 70 performs an authentication process on the combination of the identification information of the user 50 (or the terminal device 51) and the vehicle 30 (or the battery 31) based on the identification information of the user 50 (or the terminal device 51) and the identification information of the vehicle 30 (or the battery 31) received from the terminal device 51. Here, if the outlet 20 is not registered for the user 50, the charging management server 70 newly registers the corresponding outlet ID and user ID in the registered outlet table in Table 5 above with the outlet 20 as an outlet available to the user 50.

[0095] When the above authentication process is completed, the charging management server 70 notifies the maintenance management server 75 of the usage permission information including the outlet ID to be controlled (S213). When the maintenance management server 75 receives the usage permission information from the charging management server 70, it notifies the communication control device 100 of the charging HUB device 10 of the usage permission information (S214).

[0096] The communication control device 100 of the charging HUB device 10 stores in advance the data of the correspondence relationship between the outlet ID and the identification information of the remote breaker (remote relay). When it receives the usage permission information from the maintenance management server 75, it notifies the remote breaker (remote relay) 104 with usage permission corresponding to the outlet ID of an ON command based on the outlet ID included in the usage permission information (S215).

[0097] When the remote breaker (remote relay) 104 with usage permission receives the ON command from the communication control device 100, it closes the circuit of the corresponding secondary power line 12 (circuit conduction state) and starts power supply (e.g., AC200V) to the corresponding outlet 20 (S216).

[0098] Based on the opening / closing information from the remote breaker (remote relay) 104, the communication control device 100 of the charging HUB device 10 notifies the maintenance management server 75 of the information on the available state indicating that the corresponding outlet 20 is in a state available for charging (S217). When the maintenance management server 75 receives the notification of the information on the available state from the charging HUB device 10, it transmits a response to the usage permission information to the charging management server 70 (S218).

[0099] When the charging management server 70 receives the response to the usage permission information, the user 50 can confirm on the application of the terminal device 51 that the outlet 20 is in an available state (S219).

[0100] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the charging process (S220) in the charging service provided in FIG. 7. In FIG. 9, when charging from the power outlet 20 to the vehicle 30 is started, the charging HUB device 10 measures the amount of power [kWh] being charged on the secondary power line 12 of the power outlet 20 by the power amount monitoring device 105 (S221).

[0101] The communication control device 100 of the charging HUB device 10 periodically notifies the maintenance management server 75 of charging information including the information on the measured amount of power being charged (S222), and the maintenance management server 75 notifies the charging management server 70 of the charging information received from the charging HUB device 10 (S223).

[0102] When the charging management server 70 receives the above charging information, the user 50 can check the charging status from the power outlet 20 to the vehicle 30 on the application of the terminal device 51 (S224).

[0103] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process (S230) at the end of charging in the charging service provided in FIG. 7. When the charging of the battery 31 of the vehicle 30 by the power supplied from the power outlet 20 is completed, the vehicle 30 transmits, in response to a request from the terminal device 51 of the user 50 or autonomously, the identification information of the supply target (the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) and the power utilization information used for charging the battery 31 of the vehicle 30 from the power supplied from the power outlet 20 to the charging management server 70. The charging management server 70 receives, from the vehicle 30, the identification information of the supply target (the identification information of the vehicle 30 or the battery 31) and the power utilization information.

[0104] In FIG. 10, when the charging management server 70 receives the information from the vehicle 30, it notifies the maintenance management server 75 of the end-of-use information including the outlet ID of the outlet to be terminated (S231). When the maintenance management server 75 receives the end-of-use information from the charging management server 70, it notifies the communication control device 100 of the charging HUB device 10 of the end-of-use information (S232).

[0105] When the communication control device 100 of the charging HUB device 10 receives the above-mentioned usage end information from the maintenance management server 75, it notifies the remote control breaker (remote control relay) 104 corresponding to the consent ID to turn off based on the consent ID included in the usage end information (S233).

[0106] When the remote control breaker (remote control relay) 104 for the end of use receives an OFF command from the communication control device 100, it opens the circuit of the corresponding secondary power line 12 (circuit interruption state) and stops the power supply (e.g., AC200V) to the corresponding outlet 20 (S234).

[0107] The communication control device 100 of the charging HUB device 10 notifies the maintenance management server 75 of the information on the end-of-usage state indicating that the charging from the corresponding outlet 20 has ended based on the opening / closing information from the remote control breaker (remote control relay) 104 (S235). When the maintenance management server 75 receives the notification of the end-of-usage state information from the charging HUB device 10, it transmits a response to the above-mentioned usage end information to the charging management server 70 (S236).

[0108] When the charging management server 70 receives the response to the above-mentioned usage end information, the user 50 can confirm on the application of the terminal device 51 that the use of the outlet 20 has ended (S237).

[0109] In addition, the charging management server 70 refers to the outlet management table in Table 2 above based on the code image reading data to identify the identification information of the outlet 20. Furthermore, the charging management server 70 associates the identification information (outlet ID) of the outlet 20, the identification information (user ID, terminal ID) of the user 50 or the terminal device 51, the identification information of the supply target (vehicle ID or battery ID), and the power usage information with each other, and stores them in the storage unit (DB) 104 so as to add them to the power usage transaction table (power usage ledger) in Table 1 above.

[0110] The charging management server 70 can manage power utilization via the consent of each user in the power utilization management service by referring to the power utilization transaction table (power utilization ledger).

[0111] Note that the charging management server 70 may perform a charging process on at least one of the user 50, the supply target (the vehicle 30 or the battery 31), and the terminal device 51 for the usage fee of power utilization by the vehicle 30 via the consent 20 by referring to the power utilization transaction table (power utilization ledger) (S240 in FIG. 7 described above).

[0112] Also, when using the identification auxiliary images 21' or 21'' (see FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c)) attached to the consent 20, in step S211 of FIG. 8, the charging management server 70 receives, from the terminal device 51, the reading data of the identification auxiliary images 21' or 21'' and the position information of the terminal device 51 instead of the reading data of the code image. Also, in step S211 of FIG. 8, the charging management server 70 refers to the consent management table in Table 2 described above based on the reading data of the identification auxiliary images 21' or 21'' and the position information of the terminal device 51, and specifies the identification information of the consent 20.

[0113] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the charging HUB device according to the embodiment. In the configuration example of FIG. 11, the charging HUB device 10 includes a power amount monitor device 109 as a measuring means for measuring the power amount of the primary side power line 11. Note that the other configurations in FIG. 11 are the same as those in FIG. 6 described above.

[0114] The power amount monitor device 109 is connected to a split type current transformer 111 as a current sensor attached to the primary power line 11 via a dedicated cable 110. The measurement data of the power amount of the primary power line 11 measured by the power amount monitor device 109 is sent to the communication control device 100 via the cable 108 of the aforementioned dedicated interface (for example, RS485 serial interface). The measurement data of the power amount of the primary power line 11 can be used, for example, for the power-off avoidance process during charging.

[0115] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a charging service providing process including a user - to - user charging adjustment process by the charging management server 70 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 12, when a user 50A (hereinafter referred to as "user A") connects the charging plug of his / her own vehicle (EV) to the power output unit (charging port) 25 of the charging device 1 (S301), the charging device 1 transmits a charging start notification from the power output unit (charging port) 25 to the charging management server 70 (S302). When receiving the charging start notification, the charging management server 70 estimates the charging time until the charging of the vehicle 30 of user A is completed based on the information on the charging conditions for the vehicle 30 of user A included in the charging start notification, etc. (S303). The information on the estimated charging time is transmitted from the charging management server 70 to the terminal device 51 of user A and presented, and the charging from the charging device 1 to the vehicle 30 of user A is started (S304).

[0116] Next, when another user 50X different from the above - mentioned user A (hereinafter referred to as "user X") connects the charging plug of his / her own vehicle (EV) to the power output unit (charging port) 25 of the charging device 1 (S305), the charging device 1 transmits a charging start notification from the power output unit (charging port) 25 to the charging management server 70 (S306). When receiving the charging start notification, the charging management server 70 estimates the charging time until the charging of the vehicle 30 of user X is completed based on the information on the charging conditions for the vehicle 30 of user X included in the charging start notification, etc. (S307). The information on the estimated charging time is transmitted from the charging management server 70 to the terminal device 51 of user X and presented, and the charging from the charging device 1 to the vehicle 30 of user X is started (S308).

[0117] Next, when the charging management server 70 receives a priority charging request for requesting rapid charging (priority supply) with an increased charging speed from the terminal device 51 of user X who is using the charging service at the standard charging speed (S309), the charging management server 70 calculates user benefits (incentives) such as discounts on the usage fees of the charging service given to other users such as user A other than user X as compensation for accepting the extension of the charging time (energy supply time) to the vehicle 30 of other users (S310). Information on the calculated user benefits (incentives) is transmitted from the charging management server 70 to the terminal devices 51 of other users such as user A other than user X and presented (S311). Here, when user A accepts the extension of the charging time (energy supply time) to his / her own vehicle 30, a notification of the acceptance (notification of acceptance of incentive) is transmitted from the terminal device 51 of user A to the charging management server 70 (S312). When the charging management server 70 receives the notification of acceptance of incentive from the terminal device 51 of user A, a priority charging notification to change to rapid charging (priority supply) is transmitted to and presented on the terminal device 51 of user X, and rapid charging (priority supply) from the charging device 1 to the vehicle 30 of user X is started (S313). In this case, a charging process is performed so that the usage fee for the charging service is discounted for user A who has accepted the extension of the charging time (energy supply time).

[0118] In the example of the charging service providing process including the inter-user charging adjustment process in FIG. 12, the information on the calculated user benefits (incentives) is transmitted and presented to the terminal device 51 of the user who is using the charging service and the notification of acceptance of incentive is received from the terminal device 51 of the user who is using the service. However, the information on the user benefits (incentives) may be transmitted and presented to the terminal device 51 before the start of using the charging service, and the notification of acceptance of incentive may be received from the terminal device 51 of the user before the start of use.

[0119] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing another example of a charging service providing process including an inter-user charging adjustment process by the charging management server 70 according to the embodiment. Note that, since the processes of S401 to S408 in FIG. 13 are the same as the processes of S301 to S308 in FIG. 12 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

[0120] In FIG. 13, after charging of a plurality of users' vehicles is started, when the total output power of the charging device 1 is equal to or less than the upper limit power, the charging management server 70 calculates a rapid charging option condition which is a condition of a predetermined user disadvantage (for example, an increase in the amount of charging used) for permitting a change to rapid charging (priority supply) (S409), and transmits and presents information on the rapid charging option condition to the terminal device 51 of the user X (S410). Here, when the user X accepts the rapid charging option condition and selects the rapid charging option, a rapid charging option selection request is transmitted from the terminal device 51 of the user X to the charging management server 70 (S411). When receiving the rapid charging option selection request from the terminal device 51 of the user X, the charging management server 70 transmits and presents a priority charging notification indicating a change to rapid charging (priority supply) to the terminal device 51 of the user X, and rapid charging (priority supply) from the charging device 1 to the vehicle 30 of the user X is started (S412). In this case, a charging process is performed so that the charge for using the charging service is increased for the user X who has selected the rapid charging option.

[0121] Note that, in the example of the charging service providing process including the inter-user charging adjustment process in FIG. 13, although the information on the calculated rapid charging option condition is transmitted and presented to the terminal device 51 of the user X who is using the charging service and the rapid charging option selection request is received from the terminal device 51 of the user X who is using the service, the information on the rapid charging option condition may be transmitted and presented to the terminal device 51 before the start of using the charging service, and the rapid charging option selection request may be received from the terminal device 51 of the user before the start of use.

[0122] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when using a charging service for supplying power, it is possible to meet the needs of different users at each time.

[0123] Further, according to the present embodiment, when a new user who is in a hurry to charge agrees to pay an additional fee, the charging management server 70 notifies the existing charging users of an extended charging time instead of applying a discounted fee. If the accepting user vacates, the charging output of the new user who is in a hurry to charge can be increased and the user can be preferentially charged.

[0124] Further, according to the present embodiment, by enabling the user to make a judgment, it becomes possible to flexibly respond to different user situations at different times. Also, by matching a user who is in a hurry to charge with a user who is not in a hurry to charge, it becomes possible to preferentially charge the user who is in a hurry to charge, and it is possible to respond to the charging requests of various users.

[0125] Note that the processing steps and components such as the management device, information processing device, system, terminal device, and in-vehicle device of the vehicle described in this specification can be implemented by various means. For example, these steps and components may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0126] Regarding hardware implementation, means such as processing units used to implement the above steps and components in an entity (for example, a computer device, server, terminal device (user device, mobile station, communication terminal), in-vehicle device of a vehicle, hard disk drive device, or optical disk drive device) may be implemented in one or more application-specific ICs (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to execute the functions described in this specification, computers, or a combination thereof.

[0127] Also, for firmware and / or software implementations, means such as the processing unit used to implement the above components may be implemented by a program (e.g., code such as procedures, functions, modules, instructions, etc.) that executes the functions described in this specification. Generally, any computer / processor-readable medium that clearly embodies the firmware and / or software code may be used to implement means such as the processing unit used to implement the above-described steps and components. For example, the firmware and / or software code may be stored in a memory, for example, in a control device, and executed by a computer or a processor. The memory may be implemented inside the computer or the processor, or may be implemented outside the processor. Also, the firmware and / or software code may be stored in a computer- or processor-readable medium such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, floppy (registered trademark) disk, compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), magnetic or optical data storage device, etc. The code may be executed by one or more computers or processors, and may also cause the computer or processor to execute the functional aspects described in this specification.

[0128] Also, the medium may be a non-transitory recording medium. Also, the code of the program only needs to be readable and executable by a computer, a processor, or other device or apparatus machine, and its form is not limited to a specific form. For example, the code of the program may be any of source code, object code, and binary code, or a mixture of two or more of these codes.

[0129] Also, the description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification is provided to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein are applicable to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be recognized in the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0130] 1: Charging device (power supply device) 10: Charging HUB device 20, 20(1) - 20(8): Outlet 21, 21(1) - 21(8): Cord image 25, 25(1) - 25(8): Power output unit 30: Vehicle 31: Battery 50: User 51: Terminal device 60: Communication network 70: Charging management server (charging management device) 701: Terminal communication unit 702: Supply target communication unit 703: Authentication processing unit 704: Storage unit 705: Billing processing unit 706: Charging control communication unit 707: Charging management processing unit

Claims

1. A management device that manages an energy supply service capable of supplying energy to each of a plurality of targets from a plurality of output units of an energy supply device, a supply completion estimation unit that estimates the time until energy supply completion for a target before or during the start of use of the energy supply from the energy supply device; a communication unit that transmits information on the time until energy supply completion to the terminal device of the user before or during use, and receives a notification accepting an extension of the energy supply time on the condition of a predetermined user benefit, or a notification requesting priority supply with an increased energy supply speed on the condition of a predetermined user disadvantage from the terminal device of the user before or during use; a control unit that controls the energy supply device so as to change the energy supply from the energy supply device based on the acceptance or request received from the terminal device of the user before or during use; a billing processing unit that performs billing processing for the energy supply from the energy supply device to the target, characterized in that it comprises the above.

2. In the management device according to Claim 1, the communication unit, transmits a notification asking about acceptance of an extension of the time until energy supply completion to the terminal device of the user during use, together with information on the user benefit, receives an answer to the inquiry about acceptance from the terminal device of the user, when the control unit receives an answer accepting an extension of the time until energy supply completion from the terminal device of the user during use, controls the energy supply device so as to reduce the energy supply to the target during use, after the energy supply to the target is completed, the billing processing unit performs billing processing for the energy supply to the target by applying the user benefit, characterized in that it is a management device.

3. In the management device according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a user benefit determination unit that determines the user benefit in the case of accepting an extension of the time until energy supply completion for the target during use.

4. In the management device according to Claim 1, the communication unit, transmits information on the time until energy supply completion in the case of standard supply that supplies energy at a standard supply speed to the terminal device of the user before or during use, together with the information on the disadvantage, Receiving a request from the user's terminal device before or during use to request priority supply in which energy is supplied at a supply rate higher than the standard supply, When the control unit receives a request to request the priority supply from the user's terminal device before or during use, the control unit controls the energy supply device to perform a priority supply with increased energy supply to the target during use, After the energy supply to the target is completed, the billing processing unit performs a billing process for the energy supply to the target by applying the user disadvantage, A management device characterized by the above.

5. In the management device according to claim 4, A management device comprising a user disadvantage determination unit that determines the user disadvantage in the case of performing the priority supply for the target before or during use.

6. In the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The energy supply device is a power supply device, The target is a battery mounted on a vehicle, The energy supplied to the target is electrical energy used for charging the battery, The energy supply service is a charging service, A management device characterized by the above.

7. A system for providing a charging service for a vehicle, The management device according to claim 6, and A power supply device having a plurality of output units capable of supplying energy to each of the plurality of targets and capable of communicating with the management device via a communication network, A system characterized by comprising the above.

8. A method for managing an energy supply service capable of supplying energy from a plurality of output units of an energy supply device to each of a plurality of targets, Estimating the time until the completion of energy supply for a target before or during the start of use of the energy supply from the energy supply device, Transmitting information on the time until the completion of energy supply to the user's terminal device before or during use, and receiving from the user's terminal device before or during use a notification accepting an extension of the energy supply time on the condition of a predetermined user benefit, or a notification requesting a priority supply with an increased energy supply rate on the condition of a predetermined user disadvantage, Controlling the energy supply device to change the energy supply from the energy supply device based on the acceptance or the request received from the user's terminal device before or during use. Performing a charging process for the energy supply from the energy supply device to the target; A method characterized by including the above.

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