Parking lot management server, computer program and ev charger

Abstract

To previously obtain a permission from EV having completed charging, and replace a charging plug and enable charging to another EV.SOLUTION: A parking lot management server includes: charging start request reception means for receiving a charging start request transmitted from a portable terminal having received operation screen data; permission request transmission means for transmitting a permission request that charging to another EV is permitted when charging is completed; and permission intention reception means for receiving permission intention. Data transmission / reception means receives a charging status to EV related to vehicle specific data from an EV charger, and transmits another EV charging permission data for enabling charging to another EV when the charging is completed, to the EV charger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an EV charger that provides charging services for electric vehicles (EVs), and information processing technology for efficiently operating the EV charger. [Background technology]

[0002] Car sharing systems in which multiple users share multiple vehicles are becoming popular. Users of car sharing services register as members and then go directly to a parking lot where a car for car sharing (shared car) is reserved to use the car. Alternatively, they can use a reservation system by contacting the parking lot in advance via mobile phone or personal computer to inform them of the time they plan to use the car.

[0003] On the other hand, a similar service industry that rents out vehicles is the long-standing car rental business (car rental business, rental car industry). The main difference is that prior registration is often not required, and vehicles are reserved and rented by dispatching them to designated stores or locations. However, like car sharing services, car rental businesses also share the common goal of streamlining vehicle management and improving profitability.

[0004] In recent years, the line between car sharing businesses and car rental lessons has become blurred, so in the following, both businesses will be referred to as "car sharing businesses, etc."

[0005] With the advancement of secondary battery technology, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming more popular. As a result, in recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly being adopted in car sharing and rental car services, which previously mainly used gasoline-powered vehicles. When charging an EV outdoors, rather than at home, a dedicated charger for the EV (hereafter referred to as "EV charger") is often used. Because charging takes longer than refueling at a gas station, EVs are parked at EV stands that have EV chargers installed while charging.

[0006] Parking lot providers (including free parking lots) have begun to provide services that set up parking spaces specifically for EVs, allowing EVs parked in those spaces to be connected to an EV charger and charged.

[0007] In car sharing businesses, it is common for some parking spaces to be designated as dedicated parking spaces for shared cars. However, if EVs are used for shared cars, some of the dedicated parking spaces will be equipped with EV chargers and provided as dedicated parking spaces for EV shared cars.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for managing charging stations for charging electric vehicles. This technology allows non-subscribers to network services to obtain availability information, make reservations, and easily search for available charging stations.

[0009] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for implementing rational charging when an EV is used as a shared car. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-19658 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-57992 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The problems that arise when installing EV chargers in parking lots are explained below with reference to Figure 1. EVs that want to charge park in a parking space where an EV charger is installed and charge. However, if the parking time is longer than the time to complete charging, the charged EV will remain in the parking space even after charging is completed. In this case, even if other EVs want to charge, they will not be able to use the EV charger.

[0012] The problems that arise when EVs are used for shared cars are explained below with reference to Figure 2. In Figure 2, in a parking lot with five spaces, two spaces on the left and center of the back row are used for car sharing. Of these two spaces, the center space in the back row is designated as a space exclusively for EV sharing cars and is equipped with an EV charger. In this case, the EV charger is not in operation when the EV sharing car is finished charging, and when the EV sharing car is being used for car sharing, the EV charger is not in operation even if the EV sharing car space is vacant.

[0013] As explained above, whether installing EV chargers as part of a parking lot business or simultaneously running a car sharing business, the situation is one in which EV chargers are not being fully utilized.

[0014] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to realize efficient utilization of EV chargers installed in any parking lot business, car sharing business, etc. More specifically, the object is to provide technology that enables EV chargers provided by parking lot businesses (or car sharing businesses) to obtain permission in advance from an EV that has finished charging, and then swap the charging plug to charge another EV. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application provides a first invention relating to a parking lot management server that performs data management in a parking lot where an EV charger is installed, a second invention relating to a computer program that controls the parking lot management server of the first invention, a third invention relating to an application program that is executed on a mobile terminal of an EV user who wishes to use an EV charger in the parking lot, a fourth invention relating to a parking lot management server when the EV charger is equipped with a vehicle identification means, and a fifth invention relating to an EV charger equipped with a vehicle identification means.

[0016] (First Invention) The first invention relates to a parking lot management server that manages data in parking lots where EV chargers are installed (see FIG. 4). The parking lot management server a data transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving data to and from EV chargers installed in parking lots under management; a parking lot management database including a charger database that stores data received by the data transmission / reception means and a vehicle compartment database that stores data related to vehicle compartments in the parking lots to be managed; a vehicle identification data receiving means for receiving vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that wishes to use the EV charger from a mobile device associated with the driver of the vehicle; a user management database that stores the vehicle identification data received by the vehicle identification data receiving means; a charging start request receiving means for receiving a charging start request transmitted from the portable terminal; a permission request sending means for sending a permission request to the mobile terminal to permit charging of another EV when charging is completed in response to the charging start request received by the charging start request receiving means; and a consent intention receiving means for receiving a consent intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the consent request. The data transmission / reception means receives the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data from the EV charger, and when charging is completed, transmits other EV charging permission data to the EV charger to enable charging of other EVs (see Figure 7).

[0017] (Terminology) "Vehicle identification data" is typically a vehicle number, and in the area of ​​EV charging, may be the vehicle number of a vehicle intended to use the EV charger. If the user is a member of a "vehicle sharing service (car sharing)," the number may be a currently used vehicle number linked to the member user ID (see FIG. 10). The aforementioned "vehicle sharing service" refers to both a service that manages and operates car sharing and a service that manages and operates rental cars. Also, the "vehicle management server" does not necessarily manage only electric vehicles as "service target vehicles."

[0018] The "vehicle identification data receiving means" is typically a means for receiving the vehicle number entered and transmitted from a mobile terminal associated with the driver of the vehicle who wishes to use the EV charger (see Figure 4). Alternatively, it may be a means for receiving license plate image data acquired by a license plate photographing camera attached to the EV charger that photographs the license plate of the vehicle wishing to use the EV charger (see Figures 10 and 11). Furthermore, if the vehicle wishing to use the EV charger is a vehicle eligible for the car sharing service, the means may be a means for receiving vehicle identification data (mainly the vehicle number) from the car sharing management server (see FIG. 14).

[0019] A "driver" who wishes to use an EV charger is typically an EV driver who wishes to use an hourly parking lot. When using a vehicle that is eligible for a car sharing service, the user is generally a member who has registered as a member in advance. Here, "eligible vehicle" refers to the "vehicle to be shared (shared car)" in the case of car sharing, or the "vehicle to be rented (rental car)" in the case of a car rental service. In addition, if driver data identifying the driver is required (for example, when the EV charger usage fee is paid later by credit card, etc.), it is reasonable to request the driver data along with the vehicle identification data (as shown in Figure 4).

[0020] "When charging is completed" refers to a fully charged state (100%), or when the EV user has indicated that they would like to end charging at 80% or 90% (see Figure 13).

[0021] (action) The data transmission / reception means transmits and receives data to and from EV chargers installed in managed parking lots, and the data received by the data transmission / reception means is stored in the charger database. The vehicle compartment database stores data related to vehicle compartments in managed parking lots. Vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that wishes to use the EV charger is received by a vehicle identification data receiving means, and the received vehicle identification data is stored in a user management database. The operation screen data transmitting means transmits operation screen data instructing the mobile terminal on how to operate the EV charger, and the charge start request receiving means receives a charge start request transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the operation screen data. In response to the charging start request received by the charging start request receiving means, the permission request transmitting means transmits a permission request to permit charging of another EV when charging is completed. The permission intention receiving means receives the permission intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that received the permission request. The data transmission / reception means receives the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data from the EV charger, and when charging is completed, transmits other EV charging permission data to the EV charger to enable charging of other EVs.

[0022] When an EV charger receives other EV charging permission data, if the EV associated with the mobile terminal that received the permission request and transmitted the permission intention finishes charging, the EV charger that was charging that EV will become available to charge other EVs (for example, a display output to that effect will be displayed). Once charging of one EV is complete, it becomes possible to charge other EVs (the driver of the other EV will see the display output and begin charging their own EV), so the EV charger will not be unnecessarily occupied after charging is complete, contributing to efficient and efficient operation of EV chargers.

[0023] (Variation 1 of the first invention) The first invention is preferably formed as follows. That is, a DL request receiving means for receiving a download request for a dedicated application for using the EV charger from a mobile terminal of a parking lot user who wishes to use the EV charger; an application transmission means for transmitting the dedicated application to the mobile terminal of the parking lot user when the DL request reception means receives a download request; We will prepare for this (see Figure 3).

[0024] (action) A download request receiving means receives a download request for a dedicated application for using the EV charger from a mobile device of a parking lot user who wishes to use the EV charger. When the download request receiving means receives the download request, an application sending means sends the dedicated application to the mobile device of the parking lot user.

[0025] (Variation 2 of the first invention) The first invention may be formed as follows. In other words, when the consent intention receiving means receives a consent intention, a bonus granting sending means is provided which sends a message to the mobile terminal that sent the consent intention informing that a bonus will be granted (see Figure 5(c) and Figure 4).

[0026] (Terminology) A "benefit" is an economic benefit, such as a "point" which is electronic data that is guaranteed to have the same value as cash, but is not limited to this.

[0027] (action) When the consent intention receiving means receives the consent intention, the privilege granting transmitting means transmits a message to the mobile terminal that transmitted the consent intention, informing that a privilege will be granted.

[0028] (Second Invention) A second invention relates to a computer program for controlling a parking lot management server that manages data in a parking lot where an EV charger is installed. The parking lot management server includes a data receiving means as an input means, a storage as a storage means, a CPU as a calculation means, a data transmitting means as an output means, and the like. The computer program a vehicle compartment data accumulation procedure for accumulating data relating to vehicle compartments in the managed parking lot in a vehicle compartment database; a data transmission / reception procedure for transmitting and receiving data to and from EV chargers installed in managed parking lots; a charger data storage procedure for storing the data received by the data transmission / reception means in a charger database; a vehicle identification data receiving step of receiving vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that desires to use the EV charger from a mobile terminal associated with the driver of the vehicle; a vehicle identification data storage procedure for storing the vehicle identification data received in the vehicle identification data reception procedure in a user management database; a charging start request receiving step of receiving a charging start request transmitted from the mobile terminal; a permission request transmission step for transmitting a permission request to permit charging of another EV when charging is completed in response to the charging start request received in the charging start request reception step; a consent intention receiving step of receiving a consent intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the consent request; The parking lot management server will execute the process. The data transmission and reception procedure involves receiving the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data from the EV charger, and, when charging is completed, transmitting other EV charging permission data to the EV charger to enable charging of other EVs (see Figure 4).

[0029] (Variation 1 of the second invention) The second invention may be formed as follows. That is, a DL request reception procedure for receiving a download request for a dedicated application for using the EV charger from a mobile terminal of a parking lot user who wishes to use the EV charger; an application transmission step of transmitting the dedicated application to the mobile terminal of the parking lot user when a download request is received in the DL request reception step; This is to be executed by the parking lot management server.

[0030] (Variation 2 of the second invention) The second invention may be formed as follows. That is, when the consent intention is received in the consent intention receiving procedure, a reward granting sending procedure is performed to send a message to the mobile terminal that has sent the consent intention, informing the mobile terminal that a reward will be granted. This is to be executed by the parking lot management server.

[0031] (Third Invention) The third invention relates to a computer program (application program) for controlling a mobile terminal (associated with an EV driver) that performs two-way communication with the parking lot management server according to the first invention (see FIG. 4). The mobile terminal includes a data receiving means and a touch panel as input means, a storage as storage means, a CPU as calculation means, a data transmitting means and an output screen as output means, and the like. The computer program includes a vehicle identification data transmission procedure for transmitting vehicle identification data for identifying the vehicle to the parking lot management server; an operation screen data receiving procedure for receiving operation screen data instructing how to operate the EV charger from the parking lot management server; a charging start request transmission procedure for requesting the start of charging of the vehicle; a charging end permission request reception procedure for receiving, from the parking lot management server, a charging end permission request for permission to charge another EV when charging is completed; a permission intention transmission step of transmitting a permission intention in response to the permission request at the time of charging completion to the parking lot management server; The computer program is configured to cause the mobile terminal to execute the above.

[0032] (Terminology) The "vehicle identification data" transmitted by the "vehicle identification data transmission procedure" can be broadly divided into two cases: the actual photographic data captured by the camera mounted on the mobile terminal, and vehicle number data, which is digital data in which the vehicle number is extracted from the image data captured by the camera mounted on the mobile terminal. In the former case, the photographed data sent to the parking lot management server is subjected to OCR processing by the OCR means provided in the parking lot management server to convert the character portion of the vehicle number shown in the photographed data into digital data, which is then used as vehicle number data. In the latter case, the computer program of the present application includes an OCR means for OCR-processing the character portion of the vehicle number captured in the photographic data and converting it into digital data.

[0033] (Variation 1 of the third invention) The third invention may be configured as follows (see FIG. 3). That is, a DL request transmission procedure for transmitting a download request for a dedicated application for using the EV charger to the parking lot management server; an application receiving step of receiving the dedicated application from the parking lot management server that has received the download request in the DL request transmitting step; The above-mentioned portable terminal is to execute the above.

[0034] (Variation 2 of the third invention) The third invention may be formed as follows. In other words, when the consent intention is sent using the consent intention sending procedure, the mobile terminal executes a bonus grant receiving procedure in which it receives a notification from the parking lot management server that a bonus will be granted (see Figure 5(c) and Figure 4).

[0035] (Variation 2 of the third invention) The third invention may be formed as follows. That is, the mobile terminal is caused to execute a driver data transmission procedure for transmitting driver data that identifies the driver associated with the mobile terminal (see FIGS. 4 and 11).

[0036] (Fourth Invention) A fourth invention relates to a parking lot management server that manages data in a parking lot where an EV charger is installed (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The parking lot management server comprises: a data transmission / reception unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from EV chargers installed in parking lots under its management; a parking lot management database including a charger database that stores data received by the data transmission / reception means and a vehicle compartment database that stores data related to vehicle compartments in the parking lots to be managed; a vehicle identification data receiving means for receiving vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that wishes to use the EV charger from a license plate photographing camera provided in the EV charger; a user management database that stores the vehicle identification data received by the vehicle identification data receiving means; a charging start request receiving means for receiving a charging start request transmitted from the portable terminal; a permission request transmitting means for transmitting a permission request to permit charging of another EV when charging is completed in response to the charging start request received by the charging start request receiving means; and a consent intention receiving means for receiving a consent intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the consent request. The data transmission / reception means receives from the EV charger the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data, and when charging is completed, transmits other EV charging permission data to the EV charger to enable charging of other EVs.

[0037] Unlike the first invention, which received vehicle identification data from a mobile terminal associated with the vehicle driver, the fourth invention receives vehicle identification data from a license plate photographing camera installed in the EV charger.

[0038] (action) The data transmission / reception means transmits and receives data to and from EV chargers installed in managed parking lots, and the data received by the data transmission / reception means is stored in the charger database. The vehicle compartment database stores data related to vehicle compartments in managed parking lots. Vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that wishes to use the EV charger is received by a license plate photographing camera provided in the EV charger, the vehicle identification data is received by a vehicle identification data receiving means, and the received vehicle identification data is stored in a user management database. The operation screen data transmitting means transmits operation screen data instructing the mobile terminal on how to operate the EV charger, and the charge start request receiving means receives a charge start request transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the operation screen data. In response to the charging start request received by the charging start request receiving means, the permission request transmitting means transmits a permission request to permit charging of another EV when charging is completed. The permission intention receiving means receives the permission intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that received the permission request. The data transmission / reception means receives the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data from the EV charger, and when charging is completed, transmits other EV charging permission data to the EV charger to enable charging of other EVs.

[0039] When the EV associated with the mobile terminal that received the permission request and transmitted its consent has finished charging, the EV charger becomes available to charge other EVs (for example, a display output to that effect is displayed). Once charging of one EV is complete, charging of other EVs becomes possible (the driver of the other EV will see the display output and begin charging his or her own EV), which contributes to efficient and efficient operation of EV chargers.

[0040] (Variations 1 and 2 of the fourth invention) The fourth invention can employ variations 1 and 2 of the first invention.

[0041] (Variation 3 of the fourth invention) If the EV charger does not have the function to extract vehicle identification data from the photographed data taken by the license plate photographing camera installed in the EV charger and the photographed data is sent to the parking lot management server, the parking lot management server is equipped with a photographed data receiving means and an OCR means for extracting and digitizing the vehicle license plate number from the photographed data (see Figure 12).

[0042] (Fifth Invention) A fifth invention is an EV charger that is installed in a parking lot and charges an EV parked in a predetermined vehicle compartment in the parking lot, a vehicle identification data acquisition means for identifying the EV parked in the vehicle compartment; a vehicle identification data transmission means for transmitting the vehicle identification data identified by the vehicle identification data acquisition means to a parking lot management server that manages the parking lot; The present invention relates to an EV charger equipped with the above (see FIG. 10).

[0043] (Terminology) The "vehicle identification data" transmitted by the "vehicle identification data transmission means" can be broadly divided into two cases: the actual photographed data captured by the "vehicle identification data acquisition means" and vehicle number data, which is digital data in which the vehicle number is extracted from image data captured by a camera mounted on a mobile terminal. In the former case, the photographed data sent to the parking lot management server is subjected to OCR processing by the OCR means provided in the parking lot management server to convert the character portion of the vehicle number shown in the photographed data into digital data, which is then used as vehicle number data. In the latter case, the EV charger of the present application includes an OCR means for converting the character portion of the vehicle number captured in the photographic data into digital data through OCR processing.

[0044] (action) The vehicle identification data acquisition means acquires vehicle identification data for identifying an EV parked in a specific space in the parking lot. The acquired vehicle identification data is transmitted to the parking lot management server by the vehicle identification data transmission means. The parking lot management server can transmit control data for the EV charger based on the vehicle identification data, and provide information to the user (the driver who parked the EV) via the EV charger.

[0045] The computer program according to the second or third invention may be provided by being stored on a recording medium. Here, a "recording medium" refers to a medium that can carry a program that does not occupy space by itself, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-R, CD-RW, MO (magneto-optical disk), DVD-R, DVD-RW, or flash memory. It is also possible to transmit the program according to the present invention from a computer storing the program to other terminal means via a communication line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0046] According to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a parking lot management server that contributes to the efficient use of EV chargers installed in parking lots. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide a computer program for controlling a parking lot vehicle management server that contributes to the efficient use of EV chargers installed in parking lots. According to the third invention, it is possible to provide an application program for a mobile terminal that contributes to the efficient use of EV chargers installed in parking lots. According to the fifth invention, it is possible to provide an EV charger that can be installed in a parking lot and contributes to efficient use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing the problems associated with a conventional parking lot equipped with an EV charger. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram showing the problems that would arise if EVs were adopted for shared cars. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a procedure for starting EV charging according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a procedure for realizing sharing of EV chargers in EV charging according to the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the transition of screens when a mobile terminal of an EV user is permitted to switch the charging plug to another vehicle after charging is completed. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a parking lot equipped with a compartment for charging EVs, showing a state before charging of vehicle X, an EV. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which vehicle Y, which wishes to be charged, has entered vehicle compartment D adjacent to vehicle compartment C, which is closest to the EV charger. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a parking lot equipped with a compartment for charging EVs, showing a state after vehicle X, an EV, has been charged. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a driver Y inserts a charging plug from a vehicle X that has finished charging into a vehicle Y. [Figure 10]This is a block diagram showing a case where an EV charger is equipped with a camera for photographing license plates to obtain the license plate number and charge the vehicle. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the procedure for realizing the sharing of EV chargers equipped with cameras for photographing license plates. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing a case where an EV charger is equipped with a camera for photographing license plates, and the camera transmits the photographed data to a server, which then performs OCR processing to obtain vehicle identification data. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a screen for requesting permission to replace the charging plug when necessary charging is completed, even if not fully charged. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a procedure for using an EV charger in a parking lot when the vehicle used for car sharing is an EV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present invention will be described below based on the embodiments, and the drawings used here are Figs. 3 to 14.

[0049] (Figure 3) Figure 3 shows the steps an EV user (driver) takes to park their EV in a parking lot equipped with an EV charger according to the present application, and prepares to start charging. In the figure (and other figures as well), the dashed-double-dot arrows indicate wireless communication, and the solid-line arrows indicate wired communication.

[0050] In a certain parking lot, some of the parking spaces are equipped with EV chargers that can charge EVs. These EV chargers are constantly in two-way communication with the parking lot management server. The EV charger has a two-dimensional barcode displayed, which includes a note that reads, "If you would like to use this charger, please download this app."

[0051] The EV user reads the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the EV charger using barcode reading means based on the camera function of the EV user's mobile terminal (EV user terminal). Then, the user taps the URL indicated by the read two-dimensional barcode. This action is a download (DL) request, and the display and tapping on the mobile terminal are an example of a DL request means. This DL request initiates wireless communication between the mobile terminal and the parking lot management server.

[0052] The download request is received by DL request receiving means, and then transmitted to the EV user terminal by app transmitting means from an app database that stores application programs (hereinafter abbreviated as "apps") that allow users to smoothly carry out EV charging procedures, etc.

[0053] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned app is described as being stored in an app database within the parking lot management server, but it is also possible to operate the system in such a way that the download request receiving means, app database, and app transmission means are provided on a separate server.

[0054] The transmitted app is received by the EV user terminal (app receiving means). Once reception (downloading) is complete, an app launch button for launching the app is displayed, and the EV user taps the app launch button (app launching means). Once the app is launched on the EV user terminal, the EV user operates the terminal according to the app's navigation. This diagram illustrates the operation by the EV user when the app functions as vehicle identification data transmission means.

[0055] When the app is launched, it prompts the EV user to input vehicle identification data to identify the vehicle they are trying to charge at the EV charger. Vehicle identification data refers to the license plate number of the vehicle that the EV user is attempting to charge at the EV charger. More specifically, vehicle data can be text data entered using the input function of the EV user terminal, photo data including the license plate number taken using the camera function of the EV user terminal, or text data obtained by extracting the character portion of the license plate number from the photo data and processing it with OCR. When the photo data is sent to the parking lot management server as vehicle identification data, OCR processing is required in the parking lot management server.

[0056] When the input screen is launched according to the app's navigation, the EV user enters the vehicle number in the input field indicated on the input screen. When the camera is activated following the app's navigation, the EV user takes a photo of the vehicle's license plate number with the camera. If the license plate number is not captured properly, the user will be prompted to take a photo again.

[0057] After the vehicle identification data is imported into the EV user terminal, the application instructs the EV user terminal to transmit the vehicle identification data, that is, the vehicle identification data transmitting means transmits the vehicle identification data to the parking lot management server. The vehicle identification data transmitted from the EV user terminal is received by the vehicle identification data receiving means in the parking lot management server, and is then stored in the user management database as well as the parking lot management database.

[0058] The parking lot management database includes a parking space database that stores information on whether parking spaces are full or empty, as well as parking space usage history, and a charger database that stores management data for EV chargers installed in the parking lot.

[0059] The data transmission / reception means in the parking lot management server communicates bidirectionally with the data transmission / reception means provided in the EV charger. For example, when an EV is plugged into an EV charger and charged, the parking lot management server receives charging data related to the charging (charging start time, whether charging is in progress, estimated charging completion time, total charging time, etc.) and stores it in the charger database. It also transmits, for example, operational instruction data to the EV charger to provide to the driver of the charged EV.

[0060] (Figure 4) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the procedure for realizing EV charger sharing. The relationship between the EV charger and the parking lot management server is the same as that shown in Figure 3, so the relationship between the parking lot management server and the EV user terminal will be mainly explained.

[0061] The vehicle identification data is transmitted by a vehicle identification data transmitting means of the application launched on the EV user terminal, and is received by a vehicle identification data receiving means of the parking lot management server. The application may also prompt the user to input driver data (user identification data) to identify the driver and transmit the data together with the vehicle identification data (see Figure 10). The received vehicle identification data is stored in the parking lot management database and also in the user management database. If the vehicle identification data includes driver data, the driver data is also stored in the user management database.

[0062] The meaning of driver data will be explained below. "Driver data" includes the driver's name, address, mobile phone number, as well as payment data (such as payment account identification data and credit card number) used when paying parking fees later. For example, if a user has already registered as a parking lot user to use the parking lot where the EV will be parked, the user's name, address, mobile phone number, payment data, and vehicle identification data for the parking lot will be registered in advance. In this case, the vehicle identification data alone can identify the user linked to that vehicle identification data, so driver data is not required. In addition, driver data may not be required if the driver has expressed their intention to pay the parking fee for the EV and the EV charger usage fee in cash or in advance.

[0063] After confirming that the vehicle identification data has been received, the parking lot management server transmits next operation data to the EV user terminal via the next operation data transmission means, which indicates that the app may now perform the next operation that the EV user should perform. In the case of a mobile terminal on which the app has not been downloaded, the parking lot management server transmits screen data (see FIG. 5(a)) for requesting to start charging to the mobile terminal.

[0064] When the next operation data receiving means of the EV user terminal receives the next operation data, the EV user operates the terminal to transmit an indication of intent to request the start of charging prepared in the application (charging start request transmitting means). When the indication of intent is transmitted, the charging start request receiving means of the parking lot management server receives the indication.

[0065] The parking lot management server, which receives the intention to request the start of charging, transmits a permission request to allow the EV charger's charging plug to be replaced with another EV when charging is completed (permission request transmission means when charging is completed). This will be explained again using Figure 5.

[0066] The permission request receiving means at the time of charging completion of the EV user terminal receives the permission request, and if the EV user intends to permit the EV charger's charging plug to be replaced with another EV when charging is completed, the EV user transmits an indication of that intention to the parking lot management server using the permission intention transmitting means.

[0067] The indication of approval (or denial) is received by the approval intention receiving means of the parking lot management server, and if approval is given, a notification that a special benefit will be given is transmitted by the special benefit transmission means. The notification that a special benefit will be given is received by the special benefit reception means of the EV user terminal. The indication of approval (or denial) is stored in the user management database and the parking lot management database. In the case of approval, data on the privilege to be granted is stored in the user management database in association with the user.

[0068] Note that the various means grouped together by dotted lines as "applications" within the "EV user terminal" in the figure facilitate data transmission and reception with the parking lot management server when the aforementioned app is downloaded and running. However, this embodiment cannot be implemented on a terminal on which the app is not downloaded (although the smoothness of data transmission and reception will be impaired).

[0069] (Figure 5) Figure 5 shows the screen transition on the mobile terminal (EV user terminal) of an EV user when the user consents to plugging the charging plug into another vehicle after charging is complete. The screen transition occurs after the EV user terminal transmits vehicle identification data to the parking lot management server and the parking lot management server receives the vehicle identification data.

[0070] In Figure 5(a), next operation data is sent from the parking lot management server to the app on the EV user terminal. Upon receiving this next operation data, the EV user terminal outputs the screen displayed after the vehicle identification data is sent. This screen prompts the EV user to select one of the following buttons: start charging, end charging, or (requests an explanation of) the operation method. Here, it is assumed that the EV user selects the "Start charging" button.

[0071] In Figure 5(b), replacement permission confirmation data asking "Once charging is complete, would you be willing to allow the charging plug to be swapped with another vehicle?" is output to the output screen of the EV user terminal along with buttons to indicate whether the user wishes to do so, "Yes" or "No." If the app has been downloaded to the EV user terminal in advance, the replacement permission confirmation data is not sent from the parking lot management server, but is automatically output by the app once the charging start intention data is sent to the parking lot management server. In the case of a mobile terminal on which the application has not been downloaded, the parking lot management server transmits replacement permission confirmation data to the mobile terminal.

[0072] If the EV user selects the "Yes" button, the screen shown in Figure 5(c) will appear. If the EV is equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent the charging plug from being removed from the EV while charging, the lock will be released after charging is complete. If the EV user selects the "No" button, the charging plug will remain connected to the EV until the EV user unplugs the charging plug before leaving the vehicle (although power transmission will stop once 100% charging is complete to prevent overcharging).

[0073] Figure 5(c) shows that when the EV user selects the "Yes" button, a message promising point redemption is output to the output screen of the EV user terminal. The number of points is shown as a blank field, but an appropriate number should be entered in practice.

[0074] (Figure 6) Figure 6 is a plan view showing an example of a parking lot equipped with EV charging compartments. There are eight compartments, A to H, with compartments A to D and G and H being hourly parking compartments, and compartments E and F being car sharing compartments exclusively for car sharing vehicles (compartment marks are omitted from the illustration for compartments A and G). All car sharing compartments are in use by shared cars, and the illustration shows that the compartments themselves are vacant. For this reason, compartments E and F are shown with a car sharing exit indicator.

[0075] Space C is a space exclusively for EVs. In other words, an EV charger is installed that can charge vehicles parked in Space C. The EV charger's charging plug cord is long enough to reach not only the vehicle parked in Space C, but also the vehicles parked in the adjacent spaces, i.e., Space B and Space D.

[0076] The following explanation assumes that the driver of vehicle X (EV_X), an EV, has given permission to plug the charging plug into another vehicle after charging is complete.

[0077] (Figure 7) FIG. 7 shows what the EV charger should do for the driver of vehicle Y (EV_Y) when the vehicle Y that wishes to be charged enters vehicle compartment D.

[0078] The EV charger transmits charging data for vehicle EV_X, which has its charging plug plugged in, to the parking lot management server. The driver of vehicle EV_X has given permission to switch the charging plug to another vehicle, and this intention is stored in the parking lot management server. Therefore, if the charging data indicates a full charge, other EV charging permission data is transmitted from the parking lot management server to the EV charger.

[0079] The output screen of the EV charger that received the other EV charging permission data displays the message "Charging has finished for vehicle number 'Shinagawa 55 Mi 1234'. If you wish to charge, please download this app." along with a two-dimensional barcode. While the illustration shows a screen output, it can also be accompanied by audio output. If the EV charger is equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent the charging plug from being pulled out during charging, the lock will be released after charging is complete. The driver of vehicle Y reads the two-dimensional barcode with his / her mobile terminal, downloads the app, and transmits the vehicle identification data (see FIG. 3).

[0080] (Figure 8) FIG. 8 illustrates a parking lot in which the charging of vehicle EV_X has been completed and vehicle EV_Y has been parked in vehicle compartment D. The driver of vehicle EV_Y sees a display indicating that charging for vehicle EV_X is complete, and unplugs the charging plug from vehicle EV_X and plugs it into vehicle EV_Y that he or she has driven. Because permission has been obtained in advance (by the third-party parking lot operator) from the driver of EV_X whose charging has finished, it is possible to reduce (eliminate) the psychological resistance of the driver of vehicle EV_Y to unplugging the charging plug from EV_X to which it is plugged.

[0081] (Figure 9) FIG. 9 shows a situation in which the driver of vehicle EV_Y, who has unplugged the charging plug that was plugged into vehicle EV_X, connects the charging plug to vehicle EV_Y.

[0082] Since the vehicle identification data of vehicle EV_Y is sent to the parking lot management server, the parking lot management server can recognize that vehicle EV_Y is parked next to vehicle EV_X and that charging of this vehicle EV_Y is requested. Then, the parking lot management server outputs instructions to unplug the charging plug inserted into EV_X and to connect the charging plug to vehicle EV_Y on the output screen of the EV charger and the screen of the mobile device of driver Y. The above instruction may be output only to the output screen of the EV charger, or may be output only to the screen of the mobile terminal of the driver Y.

[0083] (Figure 10) FIG. 10 shows a case where an EV charger is equipped with a camera for photographing license plates, and the license plate number of the EV that is going to use the EV charger is obtained and charging is performed.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the data for identifying the EV that is to use the EV charger (vehicle identification data) needs to be transmitted by the driver of the EV using his or her own mobile terminal. 10, the EV charger is equipped with a camera for photographing the license plate number of an EV parked in a designated parking space, and the camera photographs the license plate number of the EV and transmits the vehicle identification data to the parking lot management server. This eliminates the need for the EV user to send the vehicle identification data.

[0085] The license plate photographing camera installed in the EV charger shown in this embodiment is capable of photographing the license plates of vehicles parked in compartment C in front of the EV charger, as well as vehicles parked in compartments B and D adjacent to compartment C.

[0086] The EV charger is equipped with an OCR means for extracting the vehicle number portion from the photographed data captured by the license plate photographing camera and digitizing it, and a vehicle identification data transmission means for transmitting the vehicle identification data digitized by the OCR means to the parking lot management server.

[0087] The functions provided in the parking lot management server are almost the same as those of the parking lot management server shown in Fig. 3 (except that it is provided with a user identification data receiving means for receiving user identification data, which will be described later). Therefore, various functions are not shown in Fig. 10.

[0088] Regarding the functions provided in the EV user terminal, the means for acquiring and transmitting vehicle identification data shown in Figures 3 and 4 is not necessary in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 because this is performed by the EV charger. However, when the app is downloaded (DL request means, app reception means) and launched (app launch means), a user identification data transmission means is provided to prompt the user to input user identification data (driver data) for identifying the user and to transmit the data to the parking lot management server. The meaning of the user identification data (driver data) has been explained above in the description of FIG.

[0089] (Figure 11) 11 shows an embodiment in which the EV charger is equipped with a function for acquiring vehicle identification data, thereby eliminating the need for the EV user to send vehicle identification data, and instead sending user identification data. The vehicle identification data required by the parking lot management server is acquired from the EV charger, not from the EV user terminal.

[0090] The functions shown as "next operation data transmitting means" and "next operation data receiving means" in Fig. 4 are shown as "operation screen data transmitting means" and "operation screen data receiving means." In addition, "applications" are not shown in Fig. 11. This indicates that this embodiment can be executed even if the EV user terminal has not previously downloaded an application or has not started an application (see the description of Fig. 4).

[0091] When an EV user terminal wants to start using an EV charger, it needs to input user identification data to identify itself and send it to the parking lot management server, and this is done by the user identification data transmission means. The transmitted user identification data is received by the user identification data receiving means of the parking lot management server and stored in the user management database.

[0092] The parking lot management server, which has acquired the user identification data, grants permission to use the EV charger to the EV user terminal that sent the user identification data, and transmits operation screen data via the operation screen data transmission means. The operation screen data is received by the EV user terminal and output to the output screen. The EV user then transmits a request to start charging (see FIG. 5(a)). The subsequent operations are the same as those described in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, and therefore will not be described again.

[0093] (Figure 12) FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which a license plate photographing camera provided in an EV charger transmits the photographed data to a parking lot management server without performing OCR processing.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the EV charger is equipped with OCR means, but this function is delegated to the parking lot management server. That is, the photographed data captured by the license plate photographing camera is transmitted to the parking lot management server by photographed data transmitting means and received by photographed data receiving means in the parking lot management server. The OCR means provided in the parking lot management server then processes the data into digital data of the vehicle number. The digitalized vehicle identification data is then stored in the parking lot management database via (or without) the vehicle identification data receiving means.

[0095] This embodiment has the advantage of reducing the load on the EV charger, but the disadvantage of increasing the load on the parking lot management server. Because the EV charger only requires a camera for photographing license plates with a communication function, costs are lower than the EV charger shown in Figure 10.

[0096] (Figure 13) FIG. 13 shows the procedure for getting permission to replace the battery even if it is not fully charged. Not just for EVs, but for any secondary battery in general, the charging speed slows down as the battery approaches 100% capacity. For example, as shown in Figure 13(b), it takes 150 minutes to charge up to 100%. Charging time is not proportional to charging capacity; for example, it takes 100 minutes to charge up to 90%, 80 minutes to charge up to 80%, and 50 minutes to charge up to 70%.

[0097] Parking lot operators that provide EV chargers want many EVs to use them, while EV drivers are often satisfied with just enough charge capacity to get them to the next charging location after leaving the parking lot.

[0098] Therefore, even if the charge is not 100% full, once the necessary charge has been completed, permission will be given to switch the charging plug with another vehicle that needs charging next, in order to lead to more efficient operation of EV chargers.

[0099] In Figure 13(a), the replacement permission confirmation data is more detailed than the example shown in Figure 5(b). That is, permission is sought to replace the charging plug with another vehicle 50 minutes earlier than 100% charge (full charge).

[0100] Figure 13(b) shows an example of a more detailed consent for a non-100% charging rate. EV users can express their consent in detail, taking into account the time they plan to park. The figure shows an example of consent for an 80% charging rate. Furthermore, if the number of points given to users increases the lower the charging rate permitted, and reasonable charging times are suggested to users, this is expected to contribute to the rational operation of EV chargers.

[0101] (Figure 14) FIG. 14 shows the procedure for using an EV charger in a parking lot when the vehicle used for car sharing is an EV.

[0102] To use the car sharing service described in this embodiment, for management and operational reasons, you must first complete member registration. That is, all "vehicle users" and "users" who can receive the services described in the following embodiments must complete member registration, and their member data is stored in a member database.

[0103] The "user specific data" shown in Figure 11 is not required if the party granting permission to share an EV charger is the user. In addition, since all vehicles used for car sharing are managed by the car sharing operator, the "vehicle specific data" shown in Figure 3 and subsequent figures is also not required if the party granting permission to share an EV charger is the user.

[0104] Vehicles used in car sharing (shared cars) are generally available in a variety of models, including electric vehicles, gasoline vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles, but this invention focuses on EVs. The car sharing management server (abbreviated as "vehicle management server" in the figure) periodically obtains vehicle location data for all vehicles eligible for the service and stores and manages this data in a vehicle management database.

[0105] The shared car is equipped with a multi-function car navigation system, a GPS, and an on-board device that performs wireless communication with the vehicle management server. The data transmission means in the on-board device periodically transmits the vehicle position data of the shared car to the vehicle management server.

[0106] In the embodiment shown here, the parking lot management server and the car sharing vehicle management server are linked, which allows data sharing, so when a shared EV car is parked in a parking lot with an EV charger and the EV charger is used, the car sharing vehicle management server, which can grasp the vehicle location data, knows that the EV has been parked in that parking lot, and the vehicle identification data required by the parking lot management server can be obtained from the car sharing vehicle management server.

[0107] The procedure for a shared EV (driver) to start charging at an EV charger and then authorize charging of another EV after charging is complete is almost the same as that shown in Figure 4, except that vehicle identification data does not need to be transmitted. Therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted. The points redemption shown in Figure 5(c) can be redeemed as car sharing points.

[0108] According to the above-described embodiment, at an EV charger provided by a parking lot operator or a car sharing operator, permission is obtained in advance from an EV that has finished charging, and the charging plug can be replaced to charge another EV.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to parking lots managed by parking lot operators or car sharing businesses, but the "parking lot" according to the present invention is not limited to hourly pay parking lots. For example, the present invention can also be applied to parking lots attached to accommodation facilities such as hotels (provided free of charge to guests). [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] The present invention has applicability in the service industry that manages and operates parking lots, the information and communications service industry and information and communications equipment manufacturing industry that provide support for realizing the management and operation of parking lots, the software industry that creates computer software for the management and operation of parking lots, the EV charger manufacturing industry, and the like. In addition, it has indirect potential for use in the production of EVs, in the sense that it increases convenience in the use of EVs.

Claims

1. A parking lot management server that manages data in a parking lot where an EV charger is installed, a data transmission / reception unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from EV chargers installed in parking lots to be managed; a parking lot management database including a charger database that stores data received by the data transmission / reception means and a vehicle compartment database that stores data related to vehicle compartments in the parking lots to be managed; a vehicle identification data receiving means for receiving vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that desires to use the EV charger from a mobile terminal associated with the driver of the vehicle; a user management database that stores the vehicle identification data received by the vehicle identification data receiving means; an operation screen data transmission means for transmitting operation screen data instructing the mobile terminal on how to operate the EV charger; a charging start request receiving means for receiving a charging start request transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the operation screen data; a permission request transmitting means for transmitting, to the mobile terminal, a permission request for permitting charging of another EV when charging is completed in response to the charging start request received by the charging start request receiving means; and a consent intention receiving means for receiving a consent intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the consent request, The data transmission / reception means receives from the EV charger the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data, and when charging is completed, transmits other EV charging permission data to the EV charger to enable charging of other EVs. Parking lot management server.

2. a download request receiving means for receiving a download request for a dedicated application for using the EV charger from a mobile terminal of a parking lot user who wishes to use the EV charger; an application transmission means for transmitting the dedicated application to the mobile terminal of the parking lot user when the download request reception means receives a download request; The parking lot management server according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The system further includes a bonus transmission means for transmitting a notification that a bonus will be provided to the mobile terminal that transmitted the consent intention when the consent intention reception means receives the consent intention.

3. The parking lot management server according to claim 1.

4. A computer program for controlling a parking lot management server that manages data in a parking lot where an EV charger is installed, a vehicle compartment data accumulation procedure for accumulating data relating to vehicle compartments in the managed parking lot in a vehicle compartment database; a data transmission / reception procedure for transmitting and receiving data to and from EV chargers installed in managed parking lots; a charger data storage procedure for storing the data received by the data transmission / reception means in a charger database; a vehicle identification data receiving step of receiving vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that desires to use the EV charger from a mobile terminal associated with a driver of the vehicle; a vehicle identification data storage procedure for storing the vehicle identification data received in the vehicle identification data reception procedure in a user management database; a charging start request receiving step of receiving a charging start request transmitted from the mobile terminal; a permission request transmission step for transmitting a permission request to permit charging of another EV when charging is completed in response to the charging start request received in the charging start request reception step; a consent intention receiving step of receiving a consent intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the consent request; The parking lot management server will execute the process. The data transmission and reception procedure is a computer program that receives from the EV charger the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data, and when charging is completed, transmits other EV charging permission data to the EV charger so that it can charge other EVs.

5. a DL request receiving step of receiving a download request for a dedicated application for using the EV charger from a mobile terminal of a parking lot user who wishes to use the EV charger; an application transmission procedure for transmitting the dedicated application to the mobile terminal of the parking lot user when a download request is received in the DL request reception procedure; 5. The computer program according to claim 4, which is executed by a parking lot management server.

6. a reward grant transmission procedure for transmitting a message indicating that a reward will be granted to the mobile terminal that transmitted the consent intention when the consent intention is received in the consent intention reception procedure; 6. The computer program according to claim 4, wherein the computer program is executed by a parking lot management server.

7. A computer program for controlling a mobile terminal that performs two-way communication with a parking lot management server that manages data in a parking lot where an EV charger is installed, a vehicle identification data transmission procedure for transmitting vehicle identification data for identifying the vehicle to the parking lot management server; an operation screen data receiving step of receiving operation screen data instructing how to operate the EV charger from the parking lot management server; a charging start request transmission procedure for requesting the start of charging of the vehicle; a charging end permission request reception procedure for receiving, from the parking lot management server, a charging end permission request for permission to charge another EV when charging is completed; a permission intention transmission step of transmitting a permission intention in response to the permission request at the time of charging completion to the parking lot management server; A computer program for causing the mobile terminal to execute the above.

8. a DL request transmission step of transmitting a download request for a dedicated application for using the EV charger to the parking lot management server; an application receiving step of receiving the dedicated application from the parking lot management server that received the download request in the DL request transmitting step; The above-mentioned mobile terminal is made to execute 8. A computer program according to claim 7.

9. A driver data transmission procedure for transmitting driver data identifying a driver associated with the mobile terminal is executed by the mobile terminal. A computer program according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. A parking lot management server that manages data in a parking lot where an EV charger is installed, a data transmission / reception unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from EV chargers installed in parking lots to be managed; a parking lot management database including a charger database that stores data received by the data transmission / reception means and a vehicle compartment database that stores data related to vehicle compartments in the parking lots to be managed; a vehicle identification data receiving means for receiving vehicle identification data for identifying a vehicle that wishes to use the EV charger from a license plate photographing camera provided in the EV charger; a user management database that stores the vehicle identification data received by the vehicle identification data receiving means; a charging start request receiving means for receiving a charging start request transmitted from the portable terminal; a permission request transmitting means for transmitting a permission request to permit charging of another EV when charging is completed in response to the charging start request received by the charging start request receiving means; and a consent intention receiving means for receiving a consent intention transmitted from the mobile terminal that has received the consent request, The data transmission / reception means receives the charging status of the EV related to the vehicle identification data from the EV charger, and when charging is completed, transmits other EV charging permission data to the EV charger so that it can charge other EVs.

11. An EV charger that is installed in a parking lot and charges EVs parked in a predetermined vehicle compartment in the parking lot, a vehicle identification data acquisition means for identifying the EV parked in the vehicle compartment; a vehicle identification data transmission means for transmitting the vehicle identification data identified by the vehicle identification data acquisition means to a parking lot management server that manages the parking lot; Equipped with an EV charger.

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