Power supply system and power supply method

Abstract

To provide a power supply system and a power supply method which are further excellent for both of an owner who provides a power receptacle and a user who uses the power receptacle.SOLUTION: A power supply system 10 comprises: an adapter 100 which can be connected with a power receptacle 18 and supplies power to be supplied from the power receptacle to a power supply object 12 via a connection cable 24; and a terminal 14 which supplies authentication information to the adapter. The adapter comprises: an authentication unit 110 which performs authentication on the basis of the authentication information to be supplied from the terminal; and a power supply control unit 112 which restricts power supply to the power supply object when the authentication by the authentication unit is not established, and permits power supply to the power supply object when the authentication by the authentication unit is established.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electricity usage management system, which charges electricity usage fees to people who use an outlet while away from home. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-131726 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for a power supply system and a power supply method that are better for both owners who provide power outlets and users who use the power outlets.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a power supply system comprising: an adapter that can be connected to a power outlet and can supply power supplied from the power outlet to a power supply object via a connection cable; and a terminal device that can supply authentication information to the adapter, wherein the adapter comprises an authentication unit that performs authentication based on the authentication information supplied from the terminal device, and a power supply control unit that restricts power supply to the power supply object if authentication by the authentication unit is not successful, and allows the power supply to the power supply object if authentication by the authentication unit is successful.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a power supply system comprising an energy amount determination unit that determines the amount of supplied energy, which is the amount of energy supplied to a power supply object when the power supply object is loaned to a user by a loan business operator and is supplied with energy by the user, and a payment processing unit that performs processing to pay the user a fee according to the amount of supplied energy determined by the energy amount determination unit.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a power supply method comprising: an authentication step in which an adapter that can be connected to a power outlet and can supply power supplied from the power outlet to a power supply object via a connection cable performs authentication based on authentication information supplied from a terminal device; and a power supply control step in which, if authentication is not established in the authentication step, the adapter restricts power supply to the power supply object, and, if authentication is established in the authentication step, the adapter allows the power supply to the power supply object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a power supply system and a power supply method that are better for both the owner who provides the power outlet and the user who uses the power outlet are provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the adapter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a power supply support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the power supply method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an adapter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a power supply support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a power supply method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal device according to the second modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a server device according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Conventionally, the technology for charging an object to be powered has had at least the following problems.

[0012] Dedicated charging equipment may be required to supply power to a power supply object. For example, the power supply object may include a mobile object. Mobile objects include, for example, electric vehicles such as power-assisted bicycles and small electric mobility vehicles. Dedicated charging equipment is required to supply power to an electric vehicle. Therefore, users have had to search for dedicated power supply equipment to charge their electric vehicles while on the go. Even when using such power supply equipment, users have had to perform special tasks, such as removing the battery provided in the electric vehicle. Users who want to avoid such hassle have had to use their electric vehicles while constantly keeping an eye on the remaining power capacity of the electric vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned power supply object is a rental item, the user cannot actually use the rental item while the rental item is being charged. In this case, even though there is a time when the user cannot actually use the rental item, the user may be charged a rental fee that includes the time. If the user charges the rental item at home, for example, the user may be charged an electricity fee based on the amount of power used to charge the rental item.

[0014] Based on the above preliminary description, embodiments are disclosed below.

[0015] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] The power supply system 10 is a system for supplying power (charging) to a power supply object 12. The power supply object 12 may include a mobile object. The mobile object may include an electric vehicle such as an electrically assisted bicycle (hereinafter simply referred to as a bicycle) or an electric mini-mobility. The power supply object 12 may also include a rental item that is rented to a user USR for a fee. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the power supply object 12 includes a bicycle that can be rented to multiple users USR.

[0017] 1, the power supply system 10 includes an adapter 100, a power supply support device 200 (terminal device 14), a mobile terminal device 300, and a server device 400. The power supply support device 200 is attached to a power supply target object 12. Note that the installation position of the power supply support device 200 on the power supply target object 12, which is a bicycle, is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 1 (inside the wire basket of the bicycle).

[0018] The adapter 100 and the power supply support device 200 can be connected via a connection cable 24. The connection cable 24 is a predetermined cable that serves as both a power supply cable and a communication cable. The connection cable 24 includes, but is not limited to, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable that supports PD (Power Delivery).

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the adapter 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter 100 includes a first connection portion 102, a second connection portion 104, and a control portion .

[0021] The first connection unit 102 includes a power plug 102a that can be connected to a standard power outlet 18 (see also FIG. 1). The power outlet 18 is installed appropriately in a city by the owner of the power outlet 18. The power outlet 18 is installed, for example, on the exterior wall of a building, but is not limited to this. The owner is not limited to an individual (natural person), but may also be a company, organization, etc.

[0022] Adapter 100 can be managed by the owner and can be connected to power outlet 18 by the owner. Adapter 100 may be provided with a fixing member (not shown) that prevents adapter 100 from being removed from power outlet 18. This can prevent the owner from losing adapter 100 that is installed outdoors.

[0023] The second connection portion 104 includes a connector 104a that can be connected to the above-mentioned connection cable 24 (see also FIG. 1).

[0024] The connection cable 24 is connected to the battery 20 ( FIG. 1 ) provided in the power supply object 12 via the power supply support device 200. Therefore, the second connection unit 104 can be connected to the battery 20 of the power supply object 12 via the connection cable 24 and the power supply support device 200. The second connection unit 104 is also connected to the first connection unit 102. Therefore, the adapter 100 can supply power supplied from the power outlet 18 connected to the first connection unit 102 to the battery 20 of the power supply object 12 via the connection cable 24 and the power supply support device 200. The power supply support device 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0025] The control unit 106 may include a relatively small computer such as a microcontroller. Therefore, the control unit 106 may be provided with a processor, memory, and the like (not shown) that constitute the computer. The control unit 106 may also include an IC (Integrated Circuit) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0026] 2, the control unit 106 includes an authentication information acquisition unit 108, an authentication unit 110, and a power supply control unit 112. The authentication information acquisition unit 108, the authentication unit 110, and the power supply control unit 112 may be realized by, for example, the processor executing a program stored in the memory. At least a portion of the authentication information acquisition unit 108, the authentication unit 110, and the power supply control unit 112 may be realized by an IC such as the ASIC or FPGA.

[0027] The authentication information acquisition unit 108 acquires authentication information. As will be described in more detail later, the authentication information is supplied from the power supply assistance device 200 via the connection cable 24. The authentication information includes, for example, information for authenticating the user USR who possesses the power supply assistance device 200 (power supply target 12) as a legitimate user of the adapter 100.

[0028] The adapter 100 may be provided with a communication module (not shown) for performing wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the authentication information acquisition unit 108 may acquire authentication information from the power supply assistance device 200 through the wireless communication.

[0029] The authentication unit 110 performs authentication based on the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 108. This allows the authentication unit 110 to authenticate the user USR who owns the power supply support device 200 as a legitimate user of the adapter 100. The authentication unit 110 performs authentication by, for example, comparing the authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 108 with the information for comparison stored in advance in the memory described above.

[0030] The power supply control unit 112 executes a process for controlling power supply from the power outlet 18 to the power supply target 12 via the adapter 100, based on whether or not the authentication by the authentication unit 110 has been successful.

[0031] More specifically, if authentication by the authentication unit 110 is not successful, the power supply control unit 112 restricts (prohibits) power supply from the power outlet 18 to the power supply target 12 via the adapter 100. Note that when the connection cable 24 is connected to the second connection unit 104 (initial state), the power supply control unit 112 restricts the power supply.

[0032] On the other hand, if authentication by the authentication unit 110 is successful, the power supply control unit 112 allows power to be supplied from the power outlet 18 to the power supply target 12 via the adapter 100. If authentication by the authentication unit 110 is successful, the power supply control unit 112 allows the power supply until a predetermined condition (termination condition) is met. The termination condition may include, for example, disconnection of the adapter 100 from the power supply support device 200 (power supply target 12), full charging of the power supply target 12, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a power supply support device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The power supply support apparatus 200 is a device that acquires information indicating the amount of power (amount of supplied power) supplied from the adapter 100. The power supply support apparatus 200 also functions as the terminal apparatus 14, which is an authentication device that supplies the above-mentioned authentication information to the adapter 100 by an authentication information supply unit 210 (described later). In other words, the power supply support apparatus 200 is provided with the terminal apparatus 14. As shown in FIG. 3 , the power supply support apparatus 200 includes a connector 202, a communication unit 204, and a control unit 206.

[0035] The connector 202 is a connector that can be connected to the connection cable 24 (see also FIG. 1). The connector 202 and the connection cable 24 may be detachable or may be inseparably integrated.

[0036] The communication unit 204 includes a communication module (not shown) for performing wireless communication. Wireless communication includes short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0037] The control unit 206 of the power supply support device 200 may include a relatively small computer such as a microcontroller. Therefore, the control unit 206 may be provided with a processor, memory, and the like that constitute the computer. The control unit 206 may also include an IC such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0038] 3, the control unit 206 includes a permissible connection determination unit 208, an authentication information supplying unit 210, a usage information acquiring unit 212, and a usage information supplying unit 214. The permissible connection determination unit 208, the authentication information supplying unit 210, the usage information acquiring unit 212, and the usage information supplying unit 214 can be realized, for example, by the above-mentioned processor included in the control unit 206 executing a program stored in the above-mentioned memory included in the control unit 206. At least a portion of the permissible connection determination unit 208, the authentication information supplying unit 210, the usage information acquiring unit 212, and the usage information supplying unit 214 may be realized by the above-mentioned predetermined integrated circuit included in the control unit 206.

[0039] The connection determination unit 208 determines whether the power supply target 12 and the adapter 100 are connected by the connection cable 24. More specifically, the connection determination unit 208 determines whether the adapter 100 and the battery 20 are connected via the power supply assistance device 200 and the connection cable 24. The connection determination unit 208 determines whether the power supply target 12 and the adapter 100 are connected by the connection cable 24, for example, based on a detection signal from a sensor (not shown) that is provided as appropriate in the adapter 100, the power supply assistance device 200, the connection cable 24, etc.

[0040] When the connection determination unit 208 determines that the power supply target 12 and the adapter 100 are connected by the connection cable 24, the authentication information supply unit 210 executes a process for outputting authentication information from the connector 202 of the power supply assistance device 200. As a result, as described above, the adapter 100 executes authentication based on the authentication information. The authentication information is stored in advance in, for example, the memory described above provided in the control unit 206.

[0041] The usage information acquisition unit 212 acquires usage information indicating how the user USR is using the adapter 100. The usage information may include, for example, owner information and power supply amount information.

[0042] The owner information is identification information that indicates the owner of the power outlet 18 (adapter 100). The owner information is stored in advance, for example, in the memory (described above) of the adapter 100. The owner information can be supplied to the power supply assistance device 200 via the connection cable 24.

[0043] The power supply amount information is information indicating the amount of power supply. The amount of power supply is the amount of power supplied to the power supply object 12 via the connection cable 24. According to the present embodiment, the amount of power supply can be understood as the amount of power supplied from the power outlet 18 to the power supply object 12 via the adapter 100. The usage information acquisition unit 212 acquires the power supply amount information based on, for example, a detection signal from a power amount sensor (not shown) that is a sensor for detecting the amount of power supply. The power amount sensor is provided in the power supply object 12, but may also be provided in the adapter 100. In this case, the power supply amount information is supplied to the power supply assistance device 200 via, for example, the connection cable 24.

[0044] As described above, a communication module capable of wireless communication may be provided in the adapter 100. In this case, at least a portion of the usage information may be supplied from the adapter 100 to the power supply assistance device 200 via the wireless communication.

[0045] The usage information supply unit 214 outputs (transmits) the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 212 to the mobile terminal device 300. The usage information supply unit 214 outputs the usage information to the mobile terminal device 300 by wireless communication. As described above, the adapter 100 may be provided with a communication module (not shown). In this case, at least a part of the usage information (owner information, power supply amount information) may be output from the adapter 100 to the mobile terminal device 300 by the communication module.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the mobile terminal device 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0047] The mobile terminal device 300 is a communication device that can be carried by a user USR. Examples of the mobile terminal device 300 include, but are not limited to, portable smart devices such as smartphones. As shown in FIG. 4 , the mobile terminal device 300 includes a communication unit 302, a display unit 304, an operation unit 306, a calculation unit 308, and a storage unit 310.

[0048] The communication unit 302 includes a communication module (not shown). The communication module communicates with, for example, the above-described power supply support device 200 via wireless communication. The communication module also communicates with the server device 400 via a network NW (FIG. 1). The network NW may include the Internet. The server device 400 will be described in more detail below.

[0049] The display unit 304 includes an output display device (not shown). The output display device includes, for example, a display panel that forms a display screen, a display element, etc. The display panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, but is not limited to this.

[0050] The operation unit 306 includes an input device that can be operated by the user USR. The input device includes, for example, a touch panel disposed on the display unit 304 together with the above-mentioned display panel, but is not limited to this.

[0051] The arithmetic unit 308 includes a processing circuit (not shown). The processing circuit includes one or more processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processing circuit may include an IC, such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0052] The storage unit 310 includes one or more memories. The one or more memories include non-volatile memories. Non-volatile memories are recording media that non-temporarily store programs, tables, maps, etc. For example, non-volatile memories include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The storage unit 310 (one or more memories) may include volatile memories. For example, volatile memories include RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0053] The calculation unit 308 includes an information acquisition unit 312 and an information transmission unit 314. The information acquisition unit 312 and the information transmission unit 314 are realized by the calculation unit 308 (processor) of the mobile terminal device 300 executing a program stored in the storage unit 310 (memory) of the mobile terminal device 300. For example, the information acquisition unit 312 and the information transmission unit 314 can be realized by the mobile terminal device 300 being a smartphone executing predetermined application software. Note that at least a part of the information acquisition unit 312 and the information transmission unit 314 may be realized by an IC (described above) such as an ASIC or FPGA provided in the mobile terminal device 300.

[0054] The information acquisition unit 312 acquires the usage information supplied by wireless communication from the power supply assistance device 200. The usage information supplied from the power supply assistance device 200 can be acquired via the communication unit 302. As described above, at least a part of the usage information may be supplied from the adapter 100 to the mobile terminal device 300 (communication unit 302).

[0055] The information transmitting unit 314 transmits (supplies) the user information and the usage information acquired by the information acquiring unit 312 to the server device 400. The user information is identification information indicating the user USR who owns the mobile terminal device 300. The user information is stored in advance, for example, in the storage unit 310 of the mobile terminal device 300. The information transmitting unit 314 associates the user information with the usage information and transmits them to the server device 400. Note that communication between the mobile terminal device 300 and the server device 400 can be performed by the communication unit 302 described above via the network NW.

[0056] The information transmitting unit 314 may further transmit location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal device 300 (user USR) to the server device 400. The location information is acquired by, for example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor (not shown) that may be provided in the mobile terminal device 300.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the server device 400 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Server device 400 is a computer capable of communicating with mobile terminal device 300. As shown in FIG.

[0059] The communication unit 402 includes a communication module (not shown) and communicates with the mobile terminal device 300 (communication unit 302) via the network NW.

[0060] The calculation unit 404 includes a processing circuit (not shown). The processing circuit includes, for example, one or more processors such as a CPU, a GPU, etc. The processing circuit may include an IC circuit such as an ASIC, an FPGA, etc.

[0061] The storage unit 406 includes one or more memories. The one or more memories include non-volatile memories such as ROM, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 406 (one or more memories) may also include volatile memories such as RAM.

[0062] The calculation unit 404 includes an information acquisition unit 408, a usage mode determination unit 410, an electric energy determination unit 412, a power supply time determination unit 414, and a payment processing unit 416. The information acquisition unit 408, the usage mode determination unit 410, the electric energy determination unit 412, the power supply time determination unit 414, and the payment processing unit 416 are realized by the calculation unit 404 (processor) of the server device 400 executing a program stored in the storage unit 406 (memory) of the server device 400. At least some of the information acquisition unit 408, the usage mode determination unit 410, the electric energy determination unit 412, the power supply time determination unit 414, and the payment processing unit 416 may be realized by an integrated circuit (described above) such as an ASIC or FPGA provided in the server device 400.

[0063] The information acquisition unit 408 acquires, via the communication unit 402, the user information and the usage information transmitted from the mobile terminal device 300 (the information transmission unit 314).

[0064] The usage mode determination unit 410 determines (specifies) the usage mode of the user USR based on the user information and the usage information. For example, the usage mode determination unit 410 determines whether the user USR indicated by the user information and the owner indicated by the usage information (owner information) are the same (the same person). If the user USR and the owner are not the same, the usage mode determination unit 410 determines that the user USR is using a power outlet 18 managed by a person (owner) other than the user USR.

[0065] The usage mode determination unit 410 may determine whether the location where power is being supplied to the power supply object 12 is a user facility based on the above-mentioned user information and location information. A user facility is a facility (location) equipped with a power source provided (managed) by the user USR. The user facility includes, for example, the user USR's home. Even if the location where power is being supplied to the power supply object 12 is not a user facility, the usage mode determination unit 410 may determine that the user USR is using a power outlet 18 managed by a person (owner) other than the user USR. In this case, the relationship between the user USR and the user facility of the user USR is stored in advance in the storage unit 406.

[0066] The power amount determination unit 412 determines (specifies) the amount of power supply based on the usage information (power supply amount information). As described above, the amount of power supply is the amount of power supplied to the power supply target 12 via the connection cable 24.

[0067] The power supply time determination unit 414 determines (specifies) the power supply time based on the usage information (power supply amount information). The power supply time is the time required for the user USR to supply power to the power supply target 12. As described above, the power supply amount information indicates the amount of power supply. The amount of power supply is the product of the power (output per unit time) of the power outlet 18 and the power supply time. The power of the power outlet 18 can be stored in advance by the storage unit 406. Therefore, the power supply time determination unit 414 can determine the power supply time based on the information indicating the power of the power outlet 18 and the information indicating the amount of power supply.

[0068] The power supply time may be measured using a timer or the like provided in the adapter 100, the power supply assistance device 200, or the mobile terminal device 300. In this case, information indicating the power supply time may be acquired by the information acquisition unit 408.

[0069] The payment processing unit 416 executes payment processing based on the determination result by the usage mode determination unit 410, the determination result by the power amount determination unit 412, and the determination result by the power supply time determination unit 414. The payment processing is processing for paying a fee to the owner of the power outlet 18 or to the user USR who used the power outlet 18. More specifically, regarding the payment processing, the payment processing unit 416 can execute the following processes (1) to (3).

[0070] (1) The payment processing unit 416 executes processing to pay the user USR a fee corresponding to the power supply time based on the power supply time. The fee is a fee to compensate the user USR for the time spent supplying power to the power supply object 12, which is a rental item. The fee may include money. The source of the fee to the user USR is billed, for example, to the rental business that rented the power supply object 12 to the user USR. By executing this processing by the payment processing unit 416, the user USR can supply power to the power supply object 12 without worrying that the rental fee will be higher than the actual usage time of the rental item by the user USR. In other words, the payment processing unit 416 can encourage the user USR to use the power outlet 18. Note that information indicating the rental fee (rules related to rental) may be stored in advance in the storage unit 406.

[0071] (2) When a user USR uses a power outlet 18 managed by a party (owner) other than the user USR, the payment processing unit 416 executes processing to pay a fee according to the amount of power supplied to the owner who provides the power outlet 18. The funds for paying the fee to the owner are billed, for example, to the user USR who used the power outlet 18. By executing this processing, the payment processing unit 416 can prompt the owner to provide the power outlet 18 to the user USR.

[0072] (3) When a user USR uses a power source (power outlet 18) managed by the user USR, the payment processing unit 416 executes processing to pay the user USR a fee corresponding to the amount of power supplied. The fee may include money to be returned to the user USR for the electricity charges incurred by supplying power to the power supply object 12, which is a rental item. The funds for paying the fee to the user USR are billed, for example, to the rental business that rented the power supply object 12 to the user USR. By executing this processing by the payment processing unit 416, the user USR can supply power to the rental item without worrying about the electricity charges incurred by supplying power to the rental item. In other words, by executing this processing, the payment processing unit 416 can encourage the user USR to use the power source (user facility) managed by the user USR.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the power supply method according to the first embodiment.

[0074] The power supply system 10 (computer system) described above can execute the power supply method shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the power supply method includes a connection determination step S1, an authentication information acquisition step S2, an authentication step S3, a power supply control step S4, a usage information acquisition step S5, an information acquisition step S6, a usage mode determination step S7, an energy amount determination step S8, a power supply time determination step S9, and a payment processing step S10. The power supply control step S4 includes a power supply limit maintenance step S41 and a power supply limit release step S42. As described above, the power supply control unit 112 of the adapter 100 initially limits power supply via the adapter 100.

[0075] In the connection determination step S1, the connection determination unit 208 of the power supply support device 200 determines whether the power supply target 12 and the adapter 100 are connected by the connection cable 24. If the connection determination unit 208 determines that the power supply target 12 and the adapter 100 are not connected by the connection cable 24, the connection determination step S1 is executed again.

[0076] An authentication information acquisition step S2 is started when the connection determination unit 208 determines that the power supply target 12 and the adapter 100 are connected via the connection cable 24. In the authentication information acquisition step S2, the authentication information supply unit 210 of the power supply assistance device 200 supplies authentication information to the adapter 100 via the connection cable 24. As a result, the authentication information acquisition unit 108 of the adapter 100 acquires the authentication information.

[0077] Next, the process proceeds to authentication step S3, where the authentication unit 110 of the adapter 100 performs authentication based on the authentication information.

[0078] If the authentication is not successful, the process proceeds to power supply limit maintaining step S41 of power supply control step S4, and the power supply control unit 112 of the adapter 100 maintains the above-mentioned power supply limit. If power supply limit maintaining step S41 is executed, the power supply method of FIG. 6 ends.

[0079] On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to power supply restriction release step S42 of power supply control step S4, and the power supply control unit 112 of the adapter 100 releases (relaxes) the above-mentioned power supply restriction. This allows power supply to the power supply target 12 via the adapter 100.

[0080] When the power supply limitation release step S42 is executed, the process proceeds to a usage information acquisition step S5, where the usage information acquisition unit 212 of the power supply support device 200 acquires the usage information. The usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 212 is supplied from the power supply support device 200 to the mobile terminal device 300 by wireless communication.

[0081] Next, the process proceeds to information acquisition step S6, where the mobile terminal device 300 supplies the usage information acquired from the power supply support device 200 together with the user information to the server device 400. The mobile terminal device 300 supplies the usage information and the user information to the server device 400 via the network NW. As a result, the information acquisition unit 408 of the server device 400 acquires the usage information and the user information. The network NW may include the Internet.

[0082] Next, the process proceeds to a usage mode determination step S7, where the usage mode determination unit 410 of the server device 400 determines (specifies) the usage mode of the user USR based on the user information and the usage information.

[0083] The usage mode determination step S7 is executed after the information acquisition step S6 and before the payment processing step S10, which will be described later. The usage mode determination step S7 may be executed after the power amount determination step S8 or the power supply time determination step S9, which will be described later.

[0084] Next, the process proceeds to power amount determination step S8, where the power amount determination unit 412 of the server device 400 determines (specifies) the amount of power to be supplied based on the usage information (power supply amount information).Furthermore, the process proceeds to power supply time determination step S9, where the power supply time determination unit 414 of the server device 400 determines (specifies) the power supply time based on the specified amount of power to be supplied.

[0085] As described above, the power supply time may be measured by a timer, and information indicating the power supply time measured by the timer may be supplied together with the usage information to the server device 400. In this case, the power amount determination step S8 and the power supply time determination step S9 may be performed in any order.

[0086] Next, the process proceeds to payment processing step S10, where the payment processing unit 416 of the server device 400 executes payment processing based on the execution results of the usage mode determination step S7, the execution results of the power amount determination step S8, and the execution results of the power supply time determination step S9. The payment processing unit 416 can execute the processes (1) to (3) described above regarding the payment processing.

[0087] 6 ends. When power supply control step S4 is executed, the power supply control unit 112 may determine whether the above-described termination condition is met. If the power supply control unit 112 determines that the termination condition is met, the power supply control unit 112 transitions to the above-described initial state. That is, if the power supply control unit 112 determines that the termination condition is met, the power supply control unit 112 resumes the above-described limitation on power supply.

[0088] According to the power supply system 10 and power supply method, the owner of a power outlet 18 connects an adapter 100 to the power outlet 18. This allows the owner to easily provide power supply equipment to users USR. Moreover, according to the power supply system 10 and power supply method, the owner can receive compensation when users USR use the owner's power outlet 18.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the above-described power supply system 10 and power supply method, the user USR connects the power supply object 12 and the adapter 100 with the connection cable 24. This allows the user USR to easily supply power to the power supply object 12 without having to remove the battery 20. Moreover, according to the above-described power supply system 10 and power supply method, the user USR can receive compensation according to the power supply time or the amount of power supplied, depending on the mode of use.

[0090] Furthermore, if authentication by the authorized user USR is not successful, the adapter 100 restricts power supply to the power supply target 12. This prevents anyone other than the authorized user USR from using the power outlet 18.

[0091] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in the drawings used in the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system 10 (power supply system 10A) according to the second embodiment.

[0093] The power supply system 10A includes an adapter 100 (adapter 100A), a power supply support device 200 (power supply support device 200A), a mobile terminal device 300 (mobile terminal device 300A, terminal device 14), and a server device 400. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 300A, rather than the power supply support device 200A, functions as the terminal device 14, which is an authentication device that supplies authentication information to the adapter 100A. In other words, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 300A is provided with the terminal device 14. In this respect, the power supply system 10A according to this embodiment differs at least from the power supply system 10 according to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6).

[0094] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an adapter 100A according to the second embodiment.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 100A includes a communication unit 114, a first connection unit 102, a second connection unit 104, and a control unit 106.

[0096] The communication unit 114 includes a communication module (not shown). The communication module enables the communication unit 114 to perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal device 300A (communication unit 302). The wireless communication includes, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0097] As in the first embodiment, the control unit 106 includes an authentication information acquisition unit 108, an authentication unit 110, and a power supply control unit 112 (see also FIG. 2). The authentication information acquisition unit 108 in this embodiment acquires authentication information supplied from the mobile terminal device 300A via the communication unit 114.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a power supply support device 200A according to the second embodiment.

[0099] 9, the power supply supporting device 200A includes a connector 202, a communication unit 204, and a control unit 206 (control unit 206A). The control unit 206A includes a usage information acquisition unit 212 and a usage information supply unit 214.

[0100] The usage information acquired by the control unit 206A (power supply assistance device 200A) includes, but is not limited to, owner information and power supply amount information. For example, the owner information may be provided to the communication unit 302 of the mobile terminal device 300 by the communication unit 114 of the adapter 100. In this case, the control unit 206A (power supply assistance device 200A) does not need to acquire the owner information.

[0101] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal device 300A according to the second embodiment.

[0102] 10, mobile terminal device 300A includes a communication unit 302, a display unit 304, an operation unit 306, a calculation unit 308, and a storage unit 310. The calculation unit 308 includes an authentication information supply unit 316, an information acquisition unit 312, and an information transmission unit 314.

[0103] The authentication information supplying unit 316 supplies the authentication information to the adapter 100 via the communication unit 302. This causes the mobile terminal device 300A to function as the above-mentioned terminal device 14. Note that the authentication information supplied to the adapter 100A by the authentication information supplying unit 316 may be stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 310 of the mobile terminal device 300A.

[0104] The authentication information supply unit 316 supplies authentication information to the adapter 100 based on, for example, an instruction from the user USR via the operation unit 306, but is not limited to this. For example, the mobile terminal device 300A (communication unit 302) may automatically or continuously attempt wireless communication with the adapter 100A. In this case, the user USR, while holding the mobile terminal device 300A, may bring the adapter 100 within a wireless communication range of the mobile terminal device 300A by approaching the adapter 100A to a certain extent. This allows wireless communication between the mobile terminal device 300A and the adapter 100A to be automatically initiated. Note that, when wireless communication with the adapter 100A is successful, the mobile terminal device 300A (e.g., the authentication information supply unit 316) may perform processing to notify the user USR of the success of the wireless communication. This allows the mobile terminal device 300A to prompt the user USR to perform an operation to supply authentication information to the adapter 100. The process for notifying the user USR that the wireless communication has been successful may include, but is not limited to, displaying a message on the display unit 304 of the mobile terminal device 300A.

[0105] Information acquisition unit 312 can acquire usage information (owner information, power supply amount information) in the same way as in the first embodiment. As described above, owner information may be supplied from adapter 100A to mobile terminal device 300A via wireless communication. In this case, information acquisition unit 312 can acquire the owner information supplied from adapter 100A via wireless communication.

[0106] The description of the information transmitting unit 314 overlaps with that of the first embodiment, and will therefore be omitted.

[0107] Similar to the first embodiment, the server device 400 includes a communication unit 402, a calculation unit 404, and a storage unit 406. The calculation unit 404 includes an information acquisition unit 408, a usage mode determination unit 410, an energy amount determination unit 412, a power supply time determination unit 414, and a payment processing unit 416 (see also FIG. 5 ). The server device 400 can communicate with the mobile terminal device 300A (terminal device 14) via the communication unit 402. A more detailed description of the server device 400 will be omitted as it overlaps with the first embodiment.

[0108] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a power supply method according to the second embodiment.

[0109] The power supply system 10A (computer system) described above can execute the power supply method shown in Fig. 11. The power supply method shown in Fig. 11 differs from the power supply method according to the first embodiment (Fig. 6) at least in that it does not need to include the connection determination step S1. The authentication information acquisition step S2 shown in Fig. 11 is started when, for example, the user USR issues an instruction to the mobile terminal device 300A via the operation unit 306. In the authentication information acquisition step S2, the authentication information supply unit 316 of the mobile terminal device 300A supplies authentication information to the adapter 100A by wireless communication. The explanation of the authentication step S3 and subsequent steps (S3 to S10) shown in Fig. 11 overlaps with the first embodiment and will therefore be omitted.

[0110] According to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the owner of the power outlet 18 can easily provide power supply equipment to the user USR by connecting the adapter 100A to the power outlet 18. Moreover, the owner can receive compensation when the user USR uses the owner's power outlet 18.

[0111] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user USR connects the power supply object 12 and the adapter 100A with the connection cable 24, and supplies authentication information to the adapter 100A using the mobile terminal device 300A. This allows the user USR to easily supply power to the power supply object 12 without having to remove the battery 20. Moreover, the user USR can receive compensation according to the power supply time or the amount of power supplied, depending on the mode of use.

[0112] Furthermore, if the adapter 100A is not authenticated by the authorized user USR, it restricts power supply to the power supply target 12. This prevents an unauthorized user USR from using the power outlet 18.

[0113] As described above, according to this embodiment, authentication information is supplied from mobile terminal device 300A to adapter 100A by wireless communication. Also, owner information can be supplied from adapter 100A to mobile terminal device 300A by wireless communication. In this case, it is sufficient for connection cable 24 according to this embodiment to function as at least the power supply cable out of the power supply cable and the communication cable.

[0114] The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows. In the following modifications, explanations that overlap with the respective embodiments will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in the drawings used in the following modifications, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those described in the respective embodiments.

[0115] (Variation 1) When a user USR uses a power source (charging equipment) provided by the user USR, authentication based on authentication information (see the above embodiments) is not required. In other words, when a user USR uses a power source managed by the user USR, the adapter 100 can be omitted.

[0116] In this case, the usage mode determining unit 410 of the server device 400 can determine whether or not power is being supplied at the user facility based on the user information and location information supplied from the mobile terminal device 300.

[0117] Furthermore, if the adapter 100 is omitted, the usage information acquisition unit 212 of the power supply support device 200 does not need to acquire owner information. In this case, the usage information acquisition unit 212 may acquire, for example, only power supply amount information as usage information. The power supply amount information (usage information) acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 212 is transmitted to the server device 400 via the mobile terminal device 300. This allows the power amount determination unit 412 of the server device 400 to determine (specify) the amount of power to be supplied. Furthermore, the power supply time determination unit 414 of the server device 400 can determine (specify) the power supply time. Furthermore, the payment processing unit 416 of the server device 400 can appropriately perform payment processing based on the determination results by the power amount determination unit 412 and the determination results by the power supply time determination unit 414 (see also the above-mentioned embodiments).

[0118] (Variation 2) Fig. 12 is a block diagram of mobile terminal device 300 (mobile terminal device 300B) according to Modification 2. Fig. 13 is a block diagram of server device 400 (server device 400B) according to Modification 2.

[0119] In relation to the second embodiment, the mobile terminal device 300B (terminal device 14) further includes a request unit 318. The server device 400B further includes a user authentication unit 418 and an authentication information issuing unit 420.

[0120] The request unit 318 requests the server device 400B to issue authentication information. The user authentication unit 418 of the server device 400B authenticates the user USR in response to the request from the request unit 318. If the user authentication unit 418 has successfully authenticated the user USR, the authentication information issuing unit 420 issues authentication information to the mobile terminal device 300B via the network NW (see also FIG. 7). This allows the mobile terminal device 300B (terminal device 14) to supply the authentication information issued by the authentication information issuing unit 420 to the adapter 100.

[0121] The request unit 318 may request the server device 400B to issue authentication information in response to a predetermined operation (biometric authentication) performed by the user USR. For example, the mobile terminal device 300B may be equipped with an image sensor (camera). In this case, the request unit 318 may acquire image information showing the body (e.g., face) of the user USR using the camera. The request unit 318 supplies the image information acquired by the camera to the server device 400B via the network NW. This allows the user authentication unit 418 of the server device 400B to authenticate the user USR based on the image information. The user authentication unit 418 may authenticate the user USR by, for example, comparing the image information supplied from the request unit 318 with image information (e.g., a facial photograph of the user USR) previously registered for the user USR.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, the mobile terminal device 300B may be equipped with a sound sensor (microphone). In this case, the request unit 318 may acquire voice information through the microphone. The voice information may include, for example, information indicating the voiceprint of the user USR (voiceprint information). The request unit 318 supplies the voice information acquired by the microphone to the server device 400B via the network NW. As a result, the user authentication unit 418 of the server device 400B can authenticate the user USR based on the voice information. The user authentication unit 418 can authenticate the user USR by, for example, comparing the voice information supplied from the request unit 318 with voice information (such as voiceprint information for comparison) registered in advance regarding the user USR.

[0123] Furthermore, for example, the mobile terminal device 300B may be equipped with a fingerprint sensor. In this case, the request unit 318 may acquire fingerprint information indicating the fingerprint of the user USR by the fingerprint sensor. The request unit 318 supplies the fingerprint information acquired by the fingerprint sensor to the server device 400B via the network NW. As a result, the user authentication unit 418 of the server device 400B can authenticate the user USR based on the fingerprint information. The user authentication unit 418 can authenticate the user USR by, for example, comparing the fingerprint information supplied from the request unit 318 with fingerprint information of the user USR that has been registered in advance.

[0124] According to this modification, the authentication information supplied to adapter 100 is issued by server device 400B when server device 400B has been able to authenticate user USR. This improves the reliability of the authentication information supplied to adapter 100. Furthermore, according to this modification, it is possible to prevent someone other than user USR from using adapter 100 by impersonating user USR.

[0125] (Variation 3) In relation to the second modification, although not shown in the drawings, the power supply support device 200 may be provided with a request unit 318. That is, according to the first embodiment, the power supply support device 200 is provided with the terminal device 14. In this case, the power supply support device 200 (terminal device 14) may be provided with the request unit 318. Furthermore, the power supply support device 200 may be provided with various sensors such as a camera, a microphone, a fingerprint sensor, etc. as appropriate (see also the second modification).

[0126] The request unit 318 included in the power supply support device 200 transmits information (biometric information) indicating the fingerprint, voiceprint, etc. of the user USR detected by various sensors to the server device 400 via the mobile terminal device 300. In response to this, the request unit 318 included in the power supply support device 200 requests the issuance of authentication information. The user authentication unit 418 of the server device 400 authenticates the user USR based on the above-mentioned biometric information.

[0127] If authentication by user authentication unit 418 is successful, authentication information issuing unit 420 of server device 400 issues authentication information to be supplied to adapter 100. Authentication information issuing unit 420 supplies the authentication information to power supply assistance device 200 via mobile terminal device 300. When the authentication information is supplied to adapter 100 by power supply assistance device 200, authentication by authentication unit 110 of adapter 100 (see each embodiment) can be performed.

[0128] (Variation 4) The power supply assistance device 200 or the mobile terminal device 300 may be equipped with an image sensor (camera). In this case, the owner information may be acquired by the camera. The predetermined identifier may include, but is not limited to, a two-dimensional code. The predetermined identifier may be attached to, but is not limited to, the housing of the adapter 100. The predetermined identifier may be posted or displayed near the adapter 100.

[0129] The power supply assistance device 200 or the mobile terminal device 300 may be provided with an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader. The owner information may be stored in a recording medium readable by the NFC reader. In this case, the owner information stored in the recording medium may be acquired by the NFC reader. Examples of recording media readable by an NFC reader include an NFC tag and an IC chip. The recording medium may be provided in the adapter 100, for example.

[0130] (Combination of multiple modifications) The above-described multiple modified examples may be combined as appropriate within a range that does not contradict each other. The above-described multiple embodiments may be combined as appropriate within a range that does not contradict each other.

[0131] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0132] (Appendix 1) A power supply system (10) according to the present disclosure includes an adapter (100) connectable to a power outlet (18) and capable of supplying power from the power outlet to a power supply target (12) via a connection cable (24), and a terminal device (14) capable of supplying authentication information to the adapter, the adapter including an authentication unit (110) that performs authentication based on the authentication information supplied from the terminal device, and a power supply control unit (112) that restricts power supply to the power supply target if authentication by the authentication unit is not successful and allows power supply to the power supply target if authentication by the authentication unit is successful. This provides a better power supply system for both the owner of the power outlet and the user of the power outlet.

[0133] (Appendix 2) In the power supply system described in Supplementary Note 1, the terminal device may be provided in the power supply object, and when the power supply object and the adapter are connected by the connection cable, the terminal device may supply the authentication information to the adapter via the connection cable. This allows a user to easily supply power to the power supply object 12 without having to remove a battery.

[0134] (Appendix 3) The power supply system described in Appendix 1 may be a power supply system in which the terminal device is provided in a portable terminal device (300) carried by a user (USR) who uses the power supply object, and the portable terminal device can supply the authentication information to the adapter via wireless communication.

[0135] (Appendix 4) The power supply system described in Supplementary Note 1 may be a power supply system including: an electric power amount determination unit (412) that determines a supply electric power amount, which is the amount of electric power supplied from the power outlet via the adapter to the power supply target; and a payment processing unit (416) that performs processing to pay a fee according to the supply electric power amount determined by the electric power amount determination unit to an owner that provides the power outlet. In this way, the owner can receive a fee when a user uses the owner's power outlet.

[0136] (Appendix 5) The power supply system described in Supplementary Note 1 may be a power supply system including: a power supply time determination unit (414) that determines the power supply time required to supply power to the power supply object loaned from the loan business to the user (USR); and a payment processing unit (416) that performs processing to pay the user a fee according to the power supply time determined by the power supply time determination unit. In this way, the payment processing unit can encourage the user to use a power outlet.

[0137] (Appendix 6) The power supply system according to Supplementary Note 1 may include an electric power amount determination unit (412) that determines an amount of supplied electric power, which is the amount of electric power supplied to the power supply object when the power supply object, which is loaned from a loan business operator to a user (USR), is supplied with electric power from a power source provided by the user, and a payment processing unit (416) that performs processing to pay the user a fee according to the amount of supplied electric power determined by the electric power amount determination unit. As a result, the payment processing unit can encourage the user to use the power source (user facility) provided by the user by performing the processing.

[0138] (Appendix 7) The power supply system according to Supplementary Note 1 may further include a server device (400) capable of communicating with the terminal device, the terminal device including a request unit (318) that requests the server device to issue the authentication information, and the terminal device supplies the authentication information issued by the server device to the adapter. This improves the reliability of the authentication information supplied to the adapter.

[0139] (Appendix 8) The power supply system according to Supplementary Note 1 may be a power supply system in which the power supply object includes a moving body.

[0140] (Appendix 9) The power supply system (10) according to the present disclosure includes an electric power amount determination unit (412) that determines the amount of supplied electric power, which is the amount of electric power supplied to a power supply object (12) loaned from a loan business to a user (USR) when the user supplies electric power to the power supply object (12), and a payment processing unit (416) that performs processing to pay the user a fee according to the amount of supplied electric power determined by the electric power amount determination unit. As a result, the payment processing unit can encourage the user to use a power outlet.

[0141] (Appendix 10) The power supply method according to the present disclosure includes an authentication step (S3) in which an adapter (100) connectable to a power outlet (18) and capable of supplying power from the power outlet to a power supply target (12) via a connection cable (24) performs authentication based on authentication information supplied from a terminal device (14), and a power supply control step (S4) in which the adapter restricts power supply to the power supply target if authentication is not successful, and allows power supply to the power supply target if authentication is successful. This provides a better power supply system for both the owner of the power outlet and the user of the power outlet.

[0142] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10...Power supply system 12...Power supply object 14...Terminal device 18...Power outlet 24...Connection cable 100...Adapter 110...Authentication Department 112...Power supply control unit 300...Mobile terminal device 316…Authentication Information Supply Department 318...Request part 400...Server device 412...Power amount determination unit 414...Power supply time determination unit 416...Payment processing unit USR...User

Claims

1. an adapter that can be connected to a power outlet and can supply power supplied from the power outlet to a power supply target via a connection cable; a terminal device capable of supplying authentication information to the adapter; Equipped with The adapter is an authentication unit that performs authentication based on the authentication information supplied from the terminal device; A power supply system comprising: a power supply control unit that restricts power supply to the power supply object when authentication by the authentication unit is not established, and allows power supply to the power supply object when authentication by the authentication unit is established.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, the terminal device is provided in the power supply object, When the power supply target and the adapter are connected by the connection cable, the terminal device supplies the authentication information to the adapter via the connection cable.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1, the terminal device is provided in a mobile terminal device carried by a user who uses the power supply object, The power supply system is configured such that the portable terminal device can supply the authentication information to the adapter via wireless communication.

4. The power supply system according to claim 1, an electric power amount determination unit that determines an amount of supplied electric power, which is an amount of electric power supplied from the power outlet to the power supply target via the adapter; a payment processing unit that performs processing to pay a fee according to the amount of power supply determined by the power amount determination unit to an owner that provides the power outlet; A power supply system comprising:

5. The power supply system according to claim 1, a power supply time determination unit that determines a power supply time required to supply power to the power supply object loaned from the loan business operator to the user; a payment processing unit that performs processing to pay the user a fee according to the power supply time determined by the power supply time determination unit; A power supply system comprising:

6. The power supply system according to claim 1, an electric power amount determination unit that determines a supply electric power amount, which is the amount of electric power supplied to the power supply object when the power supply object loaned from the loan business operator to the user is supplied with electric power from a power source provided by the user; a payment processing unit that performs processing to pay the user a fee according to the amount of supplied power determined by the power amount determination unit; A power supply system comprising:

7. The power supply system according to claim 1, a server device capable of communicating with the terminal device; the terminal device includes a request unit that requests the server device to issue the authentication information; The terminal device supplies the authentication information issued by the server device to the adapter.

8. The power supply system according to claim 1, A power supply system, wherein the power supply object includes a moving object.

9. an electric power amount determination unit that determines a supply electric power amount, which is an amount of electric power supplied to a power supply object when the power supply object is supplied from the power supply business operator to the user; a payment processing unit that performs processing to pay the user a fee according to the amount of supplied power determined by the power amount determination unit; A power supply system comprising:

10. an authentication step in which an adapter that is connectable to a power outlet and can supply power supplied from the power outlet to a power supply target via a connection cable performs authentication based on authentication information supplied from a terminal device; a power supply control step in which, if authentication is not established in the authentication step, the adapter restricts power supply to the power supply object, and, if authentication is established in the authentication step, the adapter allows power supply to the power supply object; A power supply method comprising:

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