Information processing method and program

Abstract

To suppress a retransmission of a command in a case where charging is normally started.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes: a display step S31 of displaying an object for instructing a charging facility 30 to charge a storage battery which is provided in a mobile; an output step S33 of outputting a command instructing the charge of the storage battery to the charging facility 30 with a requirement that a selecting operation by a user with respect to an object is performed; an acquisition step S34 of acquiring a state of the charging facility 30 after the command is outputted; and an information processing step S37 of performing at least one of processing of changing a display mode of the object and processing of invalidating the selecting operation with respect to the object, in a case where the acquired state of the charging facility 30 is normal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle charging device that displays the charging time required to charge the storage battery of an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle charging device calculates the amount of power required to charge the storage battery based on the remaining capacity of the storage battery, and calculates the charging time from the required amount of power and the power supply capacity of the power output device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-139008 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system in which charging of an electric vehicle or the like by a charging facility is initiated by sending a command to the charging facility from an information terminal operated by the user, resending the command even though charging has started normally can cause the charging facility to malfunction.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing method and the like that can prevent a command from being resent when charging has started normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information terminal, and includes a display step of displaying an object for instructing a charging facility to charge a storage battery provided in a mobile body; an output step of outputting a command to the charging facility instructing charging of the storage battery, provided that a selection operation on the object has been performed by a user; an acquisition step of acquiring the status of the charging facility after outputting the command; and an information processing step of performing at least one of a process of changing the display mode of the object and a process of disabling the selection operation on the object, if the acquired status of the charging facility is normal.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention can be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when charging has started normally, it is possible to prevent a command from being resent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a charge management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the charging facility in the charging management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a reservation process performed by the charge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a charge control process performed by the charge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation information input screen in the charge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation information input screen in the charge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a charging instruction process performed by the charging management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a charge instruction screen in the charge management system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an information processing method, an information system, and a program according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangements and connection forms, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Therefore, for example, the scales of the figures do not necessarily match. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not refer to the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used for the purpose of avoiding confusion between and distinguishing between components of the same type.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configurations of an information system and an information terminal according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a charging management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of charging equipment 30 in the charging management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0014] The charge management system 1 manages charging of a storage battery 41 of a mobile object 40. The charge management system 1 manages and controls a plurality of charging facilities 30 so that the plurality of charging facilities 30 can be shared by a plurality of users. In this way, the charge management system 1 prevents unauthorized use of the plurality of charging facilities 30.

[0015] Incidentally, fraudulent use refers to unauthorized use by an unregistered user or a registered user. For example, when a user who has reserved use of at least one target facility among a plurality of charging facilities 30 uses the target facility within the reserved time, this is considered to be authorized use, and any other use is considered to be unauthorized use (fraudulent use). In other words, even if a user is registered, if he or she uses a charging facility 30 other than the reserved target facility, or if he or she uses the reserved target facility outside the reserved time, this is considered to be unauthorized use.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the charge management system 1 includes an information system 10 and an information terminal 20.

[0017] The information system 10 is a system that manages the usage status of multiple charging facilities 30. Specifically, the information system 10 manages and controls the multiple charging facilities 30. The information system 10 includes a first server 11 and a second server 12. Both the first server 11 and the second server 12 are cloud servers. The first server 11 and the second server 12 may each be physically realized as a single computer device, or may be realized as a plurality of computer devices. Furthermore, the first server 11 and the second server 12 may be a single server. The information system 10 may also be realized as a single computer device.

[0018] The first server 11 mainly manages the reservation status of a plurality of charging facilities 30. The first server 11 includes a communication unit 111, a storage unit 112, and an information processing unit 113.

[0019] The communication unit 111 is a communication circuit that enables the first server 11 to communicate with the second server 12 and the information terminal 20 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 111 is wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination of these. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for the communication performed by the communication unit 111. The communication unit 111 is an example of an output unit included in the information system 10.

[0020] The storage unit 112 is a storage device that stores various information, data, and programs required for processing performed by the first server 11. The storage unit 112 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

[0021] The information processing unit 113 performs processing related to reservation management of multiple charging facilities 30. The information processing unit 113 is realized by, for example, a processor. The information processing unit 113 includes, as functional components, a reservation management unit 114 and an authentication unit 115. The functions of the reservation management unit 114 and the authentication unit 115 are realized by the processor constituting the information processing unit 113 reading a program from the storage unit 112 and executing the read program. The functions of the reservation management unit 114 and the authentication unit 115 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The information processing unit 113 may be realized by a microcomputer. Alternatively, the information processing unit 113 may be realized by one or more dedicated circuits that execute each function. The processor, microcomputer, and dedicated circuits are realized by one or more integrated circuits such as ICs (Integrated Circuits) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations) and / or various electronic components.

[0023] The second server 12 mainly controls charging of the multiple charging facilities 30. The second server 12 includes a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, and an information processing unit 123.

[0024] The communication unit 121 is a communication circuit that enables the second server 12 to communicate with the first server 11 and the information terminal 20 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 121 is wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination of these. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 121 is not particularly limited. The communication unit 121 is an example of an output unit provided in the information system 10.

[0025] The storage unit 122 is a storage device that stores various information, data, and programs required for processing performed by the second server 12. The storage unit 122 is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD or a semiconductor memory.

[0026] The information processing unit 123 performs processing related to charging control of multiple charging facilities 30. The information processing unit 123 is realized by, for example, a processor. The information processing unit 123 includes, as functional components, a device authentication unit 124 and a clock unit 125. The functions of the device authentication unit 124 and the clock unit 125 are realized by the processor constituting the information processing unit 123 reading a program from the storage unit 122 and executing the read program. The functions of the device authentication unit 124 and the clock unit 125 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The information processing unit 123 may be realized by a microcomputer. Alternatively, the information processing unit 123 may be realized by one or more dedicated circuits that execute each function. The processor, microcomputer, and dedicated circuits are realized by one or more integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs and / or various electronic components.

[0028] The information terminal 20 is a terminal device that communicates with the information system 10. The information terminal 20 also communicates with at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 20 is a terminal device carried by a user 42 who uses a mobile object 40. For example, the information terminal 20 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the information terminal 20 may be a dedicated terminal for the charging management system 1. For example, the information terminal 20 may be a terminal device mounted on the mobile object 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the information terminal 20 includes a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, a display unit 24, a storage unit 25, and an information processing unit 26.

[0029] The first communication unit 21 is a communication circuit that enables the information terminal 20 to communicate with the first server 11 and the second server 12 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the first communication unit 21 is wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination of these. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 21 is not particularly limited. The first communication unit 21 is an example of an output unit that the information terminal 20 has.

[0030] The second communication unit 22 is a communication circuit that enables the information terminal 20 to communicate with each of the multiple charging facilities 30 via a local communication network. The communication performed by the second communication unit 22 is wireless communication. A communication standard for wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE), but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the communication performed by the second communication unit 22 may be wired communication, or a combination of wired communication and wireless communication. For example, the second communication unit 22 may communicate with the charging facility 30 by bringing the information terminal 20 into contact with the charging facility 30. The second communication unit 22 is an example of an output unit included in the information terminal 20.

[0031] The operation reception unit 23 receives operation input from the user 42. The operation reception unit 23 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by a microphone that receives voice input.

[0032] The display unit 24 displays images relating to the operation of the charge management system 1. The display unit 24 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display panel.

[0033] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores various information, data, and programs required for processing performed by the information terminal 20. The storage unit 25 is realized, for example, by a nonvolatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory. For example, the storage unit 25 stores a reservation management program and a charge control program. Both the reservation management program and the charge control program are programs (application programs) executed by the information terminal 20. Note that the reservation management program and the charge control program may be integrated and realized as a single program (for example, a charge management program).

[0034] The information processing unit 26 performs processing related to reservations and charging control of the multiple charging facilities 30. The information processing unit 26 is realized by, for example, a processor or a microcomputer. The information processing unit 26 includes, as functional components, a request unit 27 and a control unit 28. The functions of the request unit 27 and the control unit 28 are realized by the processor constituting the information processing unit 26 reading a program from the storage unit 25 and executing the read program. The functions of the request unit 27 and the control unit 28 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The information processing unit 26 may be realized by one or more dedicated circuits that execute each function. The processor, microcomputer, and dedicated circuits are realized by one or more integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs and / or various electronic components.

[0036] The multiple charging facilities 30 are facilities for charging storage batteries 41 of mobile objects 40. Each of the multiple charging facilities 30 includes an outlet into which the end of a cable for electrically connecting to the storage batteries 41 is inserted, and a switch for switching on and off the power supply to the outlet. Each of the multiple charging facilities 30 also includes a power conversion circuit that converts AC power obtained from a system power supply into DC power and supplies the DC power to the storage batteries 41, a control microcomputer and memory, a communication circuit for communicating with the information terminal 20, and the like. Alternatively, the multiple charging facilities 30 may charge the storage batteries 41 using power obtained using natural energy such as solar cells.

[0037] The multiple charging facilities 30 are installed in parking lots, charging spots, or the like, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the multiple charging facilities 30 are stand-type, but they may also be of a type that can be attached to the wall of a structure such as a building. Furthermore, the multiple charging facilities 30 do not need to be installed together in one place, but may be installed scattered across multiple locations or regions. Note that the multiple charging facilities 30 are all the same type of charging facilities, but may also include different types of charging facilities.

[0038] When communication with the information terminal 20 is established, each of the multiple charging facilities 30 stores the terminal ID (or user ID) of the information terminal 20 in memory. Multiple terminal IDs can be stored in the memory of the charging facility 30. This makes it easy to establish a connection for communication with the information terminal 20 when the charging facility 30 is reused. The terminal IDs stored in memory are deleted in order of oldest storage date and time.

[0039] Furthermore, when communication with the information terminal 20 is established, the charging facility 30 transmits a unique device ID assigned to the charging facility 30 to the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 transfers the received device ID to the second server 12 and receives a verification result of the device ID. The verification result of the device ID is a result of verifying whether or not the charging facility 30 corresponding to the device ID is a facility managed by the second server 12. Specifically, the second server 12 compares the device ID with a pre-registered facility list to determine whether or not the device ID is included in the facility list. The facility list is list information indicating a plurality of charging facilities 30 managed by the second server 12. The facility list is registered in advance by the administrator of the charging management system 1. When the information terminal 20 receives a verification result indicating that the device ID is included in the facility list, the device ID is stored in the memory unit 25.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 2, the mobile object 40 is a vehicle used by a user 42 who owns the information terminal 20. The mobile object 40 is, for example, an EV (Electric Vehicle) that runs by driving a motor, but may also be a vehicle that runs by using both an engine and a motor, such as a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The mobile object 40 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle, but may also be a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle. The mobile object 40 may also be an airplane, a drone, a ship, or the like.

[0041] The mobile object 40 includes a storage battery 41 as an energy source for traveling of the mobile object 40. The storage battery 41 is a secondary battery mounted on the mobile object 40. The storage battery 41 can be charged by the charging facility 30 while still mounted on the mobile object 40. The storage battery 41 is, for example, a lithium ion battery.

[0042] [Operation] Next, the operation of the charge management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0043] 3 and 4 are sequence diagrams showing a reservation process and a charge control process, respectively, by the charge management system 1 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows a reservation process in which a user 42 makes a reservation for use of a charging facility 30. Fig. 4 shows a charge control process in which the user 42 visits the reserved charging facility 30 on the reserved date and time and charges the storage battery 41 of the mobile object 40.

[0044] 3 is started when the operation accepting unit 23 of the information terminal 20 accepts an operation to start the reservation management program from the user 42. When the information processing unit 26 starts the reservation management program, as shown in FIG. 3, first, the request unit 27 of the information processing unit 26 requests the first server 11 for the reservation status (S10). Specifically, the request unit 27 causes the display unit 24 to display an input screen for prompting the user 42 to input a user ID and password. The request unit 27 acquires the user ID and password accepted by the operation accepting unit 23. The user ID and password may be stored in advance in the storage unit 25 of the information terminal 20, and the process of accepting input from the user 42 may be omitted.

[0045] The user ID is identification information assigned to the user 42, and is information registered by the first server 11 when the user 42 registers for use of the charging management system 1. The password is information determined by the user 42 or automatically generated when the user 42 registers for use of the charging management system 1, and is associated with the user ID by the first server 11, stored in the storage unit 112, and managed as a user list.

[0046] Next, the first communication unit 21 outputs the user ID and password to the first server 11 (S11). In the first server 11, the authentication unit 115 performs user authentication based on the user ID and password (S12). Specifically, the authentication unit 115 determines whether or not the pair of user ID and password acquired from the information terminal 20 is included in the user list managed in the storage unit 112. If the pair of user ID and password acquired from the information terminal 20 is included in the user list, that is, if user authentication is successful, the communication unit 111 outputs reservation management information indicating the reservation status to the information terminal 20 (S13). Note that if user authentication fails, the communication unit 111 outputs a message to the information terminal 20 that the authentication has failed.

[0047] Based on the acquired reservation management information, information processing unit 26 of information terminal 20 causes display unit 24 to display an input screen for prompting the user to input information necessary for reservation (S14). Next, operation accepting unit 23 accepts a reservation for use of a target facility, which is at least one of the plurality of charging facilities 30 (S15).

[0048] 5 and 6 are diagrams showing examples of reservation information input screens in the charge management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0049] The input screen shown in Fig. 5 includes reservation management information that indicates the reservation status of multiple charging facilities 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, it is possible to check whether a reservation has been made for each date and time period. For example, a circle (○) indicates a time period in which a reservation is possible, and an X (X) indicates a time period in which a reservation is not possible.

[0050] The input screen shown in Fig. 5 is displayed, for example, when the user 42 selects the facility to be reserved (here, "facility XXXX") from the map displayed on the display unit 24 and the operation reception unit 23 receives the selection. After that, when the operation reception unit 23 receives the selection of the time slot to be reserved by the user 42 (for example, the time slot within the bold frame in Fig. 5), the display switches to the input screen shown in Fig. 6.

[0051] On the input screen shown in FIG. 6, the selected date and time (date and time zone) is displayed in a text box. The user 42 can also change the date and time on this input screen. By selecting the "Recalculate" button, the usage area (charging service fee) when the charging facility is actually used is displayed. After that, the user 42 can proceed to the actual reservation by pressing the "Confirm reservation details" button.

[0052] As described above, the input screen includes a text box for accepting input of the date and time of use. The date and time of use includes the date of use, the start date and time of use (charging start time), and the end date and time of use (charging end time). Note that the usage time (charging time) may be included in addition to or instead of the end date and time of use. Note that the usage time is the time from the start time of use to the end time of use. This allows the operation accepting unit 23 to acquire identification information (device ID) that identifies the target equipment and date and time information related to the date and time of use. The date and time information includes time information including the charging end time or charging time. As long as necessary reservation information such as the device ID and time information can be obtained, the input format accepted by the operation accepting unit 23 and the display content displayed on the display unit 24 are not particularly limited. The input reservation information is stored and managed in the storage unit 25 of the information terminal 20.

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 3 , in the information terminal 20, the first communication unit 21 transmits the reservation information to the first server 11 (S16). Next, in the first server 11, the information processing unit 113 manages the reservation status (S17). Specifically, based on the reservation information acquired by the communication unit 111 of the first server 11, the reservation management unit 114 of the information processing unit 113 manages the reservation status of multiple charging facilities 30. Specifically, the reservation management unit 114 performs registration in a reservation management database. The reservation management database is a database that manages the date and time of use and the user for each charging facility 30, and is stored in, for example, the memory unit 112.

[0054] After completing the reservation, the user 42 visits the target charging facility 30 on the reserved date and time, and connects the charging facility 30 and the storage battery 41 with a cable. Then, the user 42 operates the information terminal 20 to cause the information processing unit 26 to start the reservation management program.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the reservation management program starts the charge control program (application program) (S20). This start-up is performed, for example, by deep linking. When the charge control program is started, the reservation information input in step S15 is passed to the charge control program. Note that the user 42 may also instruct the start-up of the charge control program.

[0056] When the charging control program is executed, the request unit 27 of the information processing unit 26 transmits a device authentication request to the second server 12 via the first communication unit 21 (S21). The device authentication request includes a device ID. The device ID is an example of identification information that identifies a target facility that is at least one of the multiple charging facilities 30. The device ID is stored in, for example, the memory unit 25 of the information terminal 20, and is acquired by the request unit 27 reading it from the memory unit 25.

[0057] In the second server 12, the device authentication unit 124 of the information processing unit 123 verifies the device ID based on the device authentication request acquired by the communication unit 121 (S22). Specifically, the device authentication unit 124 compares the device ID with a pre-registered facility list to determine whether the device ID is included in the facility list. Note that the verification of the device ID (S22) may be performed in advance. Specifically, the device ID may be verified when communication is first established between the charging facility 30 and the information terminal 20.

[0058] If the device ID is included in the equipment list, the device authentication unit 124 outputs an authentication result (OK) indicating that the authentication was successful to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 121 (S23). If the device ID is not included in the equipment list, the device authentication unit 124 outputs an authentication result (NG) indicating that the authentication was unsuccessful to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 121.

[0059] If the authentication is successful, the communication unit 121 outputs the time information generated by the clock unit 125 to the information terminal 20 (S24). The information processing unit 123 of the second server 12 includes a clock unit 125 that generates time information. The time information is information that indicates the current time. The clock unit 125 may acquire the time information by communicating with another time management server via the communication unit 121.

[0060] In the information terminal 20, if the authentication is successful, the control unit 28 performs charging control (S25). Specifically, the control unit 28 generates a charging instruction for the charging facility 30 (target facility). The second communication unit 22 outputs the time information acquired from the second server 12, the time information included in the reservation information, and a charging instruction to the charging facility 30 (S26). For example, the second communication unit 22 first outputs the time information to the charging facility 30. The charging facility 30 updates the time stored internally based on the time information output from the information terminal 20. As a result, even if a discrepancy occurs between the time managed internally by the charging facility 30 and the current time due to a power outage or the like, the charging facility 30 can adjust the time to the correct time.

[0061] Furthermore, the charging equipment 30 manages the charging end time or the time until the end (charging time) based on the time information output from the information terminal 20. Then, the charging equipment 30 starts charging the storage battery 41 based on the charging instruction (S27). Specifically, the charging equipment 30 supplies power to the storage battery 41 via the outlet by turning on (on) a switch that switches on / off the power supply to the outlet.

[0062] After starting charging, the charging facility 30 ends charging based on the time information (S28). Specifically, the charging facility 30 ends charging when the time managed internally reaches the charging end time indicated by the time information. Note that if the time information indicates the time remaining until charging ends, the charging facility 30 may calculate the charging end time from the usage start time and the time remaining until charging ends.

[0063] As described above, according to the charge management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the timing of charging termination is controlled based on time information. This makes it possible to prevent charging from continuing beyond the time input when reserving the charging facility 30 (unauthorized use).

[0064] Furthermore, the time information output by the information terminal 20 may include the usage start time entered at the time of reservation. The charging facility 30 will not start charging if the time managed internally is before the usage start time included in the time information. In other words, the charging facility 30 starts charging only if the time managed internally is after the usage start time and before the usage end time. This makes it possible to prevent charging outside the reserved time (fraudulent use).

[0065] [Example of charging instruction processing] The process of steps S25 to S26 (charge instruction process) will now be described in more detail. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of the charge instruction process.

[0066] If the authentication is successful, the control unit 28 of the information terminal 20 displays on the display unit 24 a display screen (charging instruction screen) for instructing the charging facility 30 to charge (outputting a charging instruction) (S31). Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the charging instruction screen. As shown in Fig. 8, the charging instruction screen displays an object 24a (charging start button) that can be selected to instruct the charging facility 30 to charge.

[0067] The user 42 performs a selection operation on the object 24a, and the operation receiving unit 23 receives the selection operation (S32). When the selection operation on the object 24a is performed, the control unit 28 outputs (transmits) a command including time information, duration information, a charging instruction, and the like to the charging facility 30 using the second communication unit 22 (S33). The command includes the ID of the target facility indicated by the identification information included in the reservation information (in other words, the identification information of the charging facility 30).

[0068] The charging facility 30 receives the command. If the charging facility 30 is in a state where charging can begin, the charging facility 30 transmits a normal response to the information terminal 20 indicating that the charging facility 30 is in a normal state where charging can begin (S34), and begins charging (S35). After starting charging, the charging facility 30 ends charging based on the time information (S36).

[0069] Meanwhile, in step S34, the second communication unit 22 of the information terminal 20 acquires (receives) a normal response (the state of the charging facility 30). At this time, if the user 42 is allowed to perform a selection operation on the object 24a again, the command will be output to the charging facility 30 again. This may result in a malfunction of the charging facility 30, such as measuring the charging time based on the timing of receiving the command for the second time (i.e., the charging end time will be substantially extended).

[0070] Therefore, when a normal response is acquired, the control unit 28 performs a prohibition process to prohibit retransmission of the command (S37). Specifically, the control unit 28 grays out the object 24a from its original color and disables any selection operation on the object 24a. That is, the control unit 28 transitions to a mode in which a command is not output even if a selection operation is performed on the object 24a, provided that a normal response is acquired. This prevents a command from being output to the charging facility 30 again. That is, this prevents the charging end time from being extended.

[0071] If the charging facility 30 that received the command in step S33 is in a state where it is unable to start charging, it transmits an error response to the information terminal 20 indicating that the charging facility 30 is in an abnormal state where it is unable to start charging. If the information terminal 20 acquires an error response (in other words, if the acquired state of the charging facility is abnormal), it does not perform the process of step S37. That is, the object 24a is displayed normally, and a reselection operation on the object 24a remains valid. If the information terminal 20 outputs a command in step S33 but does not acquire a response from the charging facility 30 (in other words, if the state of the charging facility 30 cannot be acquired), it also does not perform the process of step S37.

[0072] As a result, if charging does not start normally despite the command being output, the user 42 can output the command again by performing a selection operation on the object 24a.

[0073] [Variations of prohibition processing] In step S37, it is sufficient that the display mode of the object 24a is changed from the normal display mode to a different display mode from the normal mode, and it is not essential that the object 24a be displayed in a grayed-out state. In step S37, it is sufficient that the user 42 understands that the object 24a is not a target for the selection operation, and it is sufficient that at least one of the color, shape, size, and presence or absence of text of the object 24a is changed from the normal display mode. In step S37, the object 24a may be made invisible, and changing the display mode of the object 24a includes hiding the object 24a that was displayed.

[0074] Furthermore, it is not essential that both the change in the display mode and the invalidation of the selection operation are performed in step S37. For example, the change in the display mode may not be performed and only the invalidation of the selection operation may be performed in step S37. Furthermore, the invalidation of the selection operation may not be performed and only the change in the display mode may be performed in step S37. In this case, if the user 42 can understand that the object 24a is not a target for the selection operation due to the change in the display mode, the frequency with which the user 42 performs the selection operation on the object 24a will decrease, and the retransmission of the command will be suppressed.

[0075] [Variations of communication paths] In the charging instruction process, the control unit 28 of the information terminal 20 communicated directly with the charging facility 30 using the second communication unit 22. That is, in step S33, a command was output to the charging facility 30, and in step S34, the status of the charging facility 30 was acquired from the charging facility 30.

[0076] Here, if the charging facility 30 can communicate with the information system 10 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet, the information terminal 20 and the charging facility 30 can communicate with each other via the information system 10 .

[0077] In such a case, in step S33, the command may be output to the information system 10 that can communicate with the charging facility 30, and in step S34, the status of the charging facility 30 may be acquired from the information system 10.

[0078] (summary) The information processing method according to the first aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information terminal 20, and includes a display step S31 of displaying an object 24a for instructing the charging equipment 30 to charge the storage battery 41 provided in the mobile body 40, an output step S33 of outputting a command to the charging equipment 30 to instruct charging the storage battery 41, provided that a selection operation on the object 24a has been performed by the user 42, an acquisition step S34 of acquiring the status of the charging equipment 30 after outputting the command, and an information processing step S37 of performing at least one of a process of changing the display mode of the object 24a and a process of disabling the selection operation on the object if the acquired status of the charging equipment 30 is normal.

[0079] This makes it possible to prevent the command from being resent when charging has started normally as a result of the command being output.

[0080] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention is the information processing method according to the first aspect, and when the acquired state of the charging facility 30 is abnormal, the information processing step S37 is not executed.

[0081] As a result, if charging does not start normally despite the command being output, the user 42 can resend the command by performing a selection operation on the object 24a.

[0082] The information processing method according to the third aspect of the present invention is the information processing method according to the first or second aspect, and if the status of the charging equipment 30 cannot be obtained after outputting the command, the information processing step S37 is not executed.

[0083] As a result, if the status of the charging facility 30 cannot be acquired despite the command being output, the user 42 can resend the command by performing a selection operation on the object 24a.

[0084] An information processing method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method according to any one of the first to third aspects, and in information processing step S37, a process of hiding object 24a is performed as a process of changing the display mode of object 24a.

[0085] This makes it possible to prevent the retransmission of a command by hiding the object 24a.

[0086] An information processing method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method according to any one of the first to third aspects, and in information processing step S37, a process of changing the color of object 24a is performed as a process of changing the display mode of object 24a.

[0087] This makes it possible to prevent the retransmission of a command by changing the color of the object 24a.

[0088] An information processing method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an information processing method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which, in an output step S33, a command is output to an information system 10 that can communicate with the charging equipment 30, and in an acquisition step S34, the status of the charging equipment 30 is acquired from the information system 10.

[0089] This makes it possible to prevent the command from being resent when charging has started normally in a configuration in which the information terminal 20 and the charging facility 30 communicate with each other via the information system 10.

[0090] An information processing method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an information processing method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which, in an output step S33, a command is output to the charging equipment 30, and in an acquisition step S34, the status of the charging equipment 30 is acquired from the charging equipment 30.

[0091] This makes it possible to prevent the command from being resent when charging has started normally in a configuration in which the information terminal 20 and the charging facility 30 communicate directly with each other.

[0092] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing an information terminal 20 to execute an information processing method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0093] This makes it possible to prevent commands from being resent, similar to the information processing methods according to the above-described aspects.

[0094] (others) The information processing method, information system, and program according to the present invention have been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0095] For example, the authentication using authentication information performed when using the charging facility 30 does not have to be Bearer authentication using an access token. For example, the authentication may be Basic authentication, Digest authentication, or OAuth authentication.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, the charging management system 1 or 2 may include a plurality of charging facilities 30. The number of charging facilities 30 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, charging facilities 30 can be added, deleted, replaced, and the like.

[0097] Furthermore, the communication method between the devices described in the above embodiments is not particularly limited. When wireless communication is performed between the devices, the wireless communication method (communication standard) is, for example, short-range wireless communication such as ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Alternatively, the wireless communication method (communication standard) may be communication via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, wired communication may be performed between the devices instead of wireless communication. Specifically, wired communication is communication using power line communication (PLC) or a wired LAN.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel. The allocation of components included in a charging management system or an information system to multiple devices is an example. For example, a component included in one device may be included in another device.

[0099] For example, the processing described in the above embodiments may be realized by centralized processing using a single device (system), or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple devices. Furthermore, the processor that executes the program may be a single processor or multiple processors. That is, centralized processing or distributed processing may be performed.

[0100] In the above embodiments, all or some of the components such as the control unit may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory.

[0101] Furthermore, the components such as the control unit may be configured with one or more electronic circuits, each of which may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0102] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated on a single chip or on multiple chips. Although the IC or LSI is referred to here as an IC or LSI, the name may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may be called a system LSI, a very large scale integration (VLSI), or an ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, can be used for the same purpose.

[0103] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory on which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0104] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Charging management system 10 Information Systems 11 First Server 12 Second Server 20 Information terminal 21 First Communications Department 22 Second Communications Department 23 Operation reception section 24 Display 24a Object 25, 112, 122 storage section 26, 113, 123 Information Processing Department 27 Request part 28 Control Unit 30 Charging equipment 40 Mobile 41 Storage battery 42 users 111, 121 Communications Department 114 Reservation Management Department 115 Authentication Department 124 Device Authentication Unit 125 Timing section

Claims

1. An information processing method executed by an information terminal, a display step of displaying an object for instructing a charging facility to charge a storage battery provided in the mobile object; an output step of outputting a command to the charging facility to instruct charging of the storage battery, when a selection operation on the object is performed by a user; an acquisition step of acquiring a status of the charging equipment after outputting the command; an information processing step of performing at least one of a process of changing a display mode of the object and a process of invalidating a selection operation on the object when the acquired state of the charging facility is normal; Information processing methods.

2. If the acquired status of the charging equipment is abnormal, the information processing step is not executed. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. If the status of the charging equipment cannot be acquired after the command is output, the information processing step is not executed. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

4. In the information processing step, a process of hiding the object is performed as the process of changing the display mode of the object. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

5. In the information processing step, a process of changing a color of the object is performed as the process of changing the display mode of the object. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

6. In the outputting step, the command is output to an information system capable of communicating with the charging facility, In the obtaining step, the state of the charging facility is obtained from the information system. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

7. In the outputting step, the command is output to the charging facility; In the obtaining step, the state of the charging equipment is obtained from the charging equipment. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

8. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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