Management method and management device for electric vehicles, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology for easily and effectively preventing an electricity shortage of an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A management method for managing, by a management device, electric vehicles each configured to travel by an electric power supplied from a battery, comprising: receiving, from a battery station, station remaining amount information indicating a battery amount of a first battery stored in the battery station; receiving, from one or more vehicles, vehicle remaining amount information indicating battery remaining amounts of batteries used respectively in the one or more vehicles; receiving, from the one or more vehicles, current location information and destination information; and when the one or more vehicles include a candidate vehicle that has a battery remaining amount larger than the battery remaining amount of the first battery and that can reach, by the battery remaining amount of the first battery, an own destination, transmitting, to the candidate vehicle, battery exchange request information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management method, a management device, and a program for an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power transfer system between multiple electric vehicles. In this system, when the remaining battery charge of a certain vehicle (power receiving vehicle) falls below a predetermined value, the power receiving vehicle transmits a rescue signal to a nearby vehicle (power supplying vehicle). The power supplying vehicle supplies power from its own battery to the battery of the power receiving vehicle at a desired power receiving point designated by the power receiving vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5853549 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, electric bike sharing services have become popular, and it is necessary to take measures to prevent each vehicle from running out of power.

[0005] The power transfer system disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires connecting the power supply vehicle and the power receiving vehicle with a charging cable to supply power from the battery of the power supply vehicle to the battery of the power receiving vehicle, which takes a long time to complete the power supply work. Therefore, the realization of other measures is desired.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can easily and effectively prevent an electric vehicle from running out of power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a management method for electric vehicles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a management method for managing electric vehicles that run on power supplied from a battery by a management device, and includes obtaining station remaining capacity information from a battery station indicating the remaining battery capacity of a first battery stored at the battery station, obtaining vehicle remaining capacity information from one or more vehicles indicating the remaining battery capacity of the batteries used in each of the one or more vehicles, receiving current location information and destination information from the one or more vehicles, and if the one or more vehicles include a candidate vehicle whose remaining battery capacity is greater than the remaining battery capacity of the first battery and which can reach its destination with the remaining battery capacity of the first battery, transmitting battery replacement request information to the candidate vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily and effectively prevent an electric vehicle from running out of power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a processing sequence executed by the management device and the electric motorcycle. [Figure 2] 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the configuration of an electric motorcycle. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of a portable terminal carried by a user of an electric motorcycle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of a management device. [Figure 5] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle up to the transmission of exchange request information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a sounding on a display unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery exchange request input screen on a display unit. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the management device up to transmission of exchange request information in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle up to the transmission of the exchange acceptance signal, in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a sounding on a display unit. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display mode of a battery exchange request screen on a display unit. [Figure 12] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the management device up to transmission of replacement instruction information in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle up to reception of the exchange instruction information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery replacement decision screen on a display unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a rescue decision screen on a display unit. [Figure 16] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle up to reception of the exchange instruction information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery replacement decision screen on a display unit. [Figure 18] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1, including the processing content of the electric motorcycle up to the transmission of the exchange completion signal. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery replacement completion input screen on a display unit. FIG. [Figure 20] 2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the management device up to the transmission of reward information in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of updating management information in a first mode of battery replacement. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of updating management information in a second mode of battery replacement. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of updating management information in a third mode of battery replacement. [Figure 24]2 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle up to the reception of reward information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a reward display screen on a display unit. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the management device. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a driving range display screen on a display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In recent years, electric motorcycle sharing services have become increasingly popular. Users rent an electric motorcycle from a service center, such as an office or bicycle parking lot, where a large number of electric motorcycles are parked. After using the electric motorcycle freely, they return it to the same or a different service center within a set time period determined by a fee. The batteries of the electric motorcycles are periodically charged by the administrator of each service center, and users who rent an electric motorcycle with a fully charged battery can travel the maximum distance according to the battery's capacity.

[0011] However, because the maximum driving distance of an electric motorcycle is determined by the battery capacity, if an attempt is made to drive a distance greater than the maximum driving distance, the battery will run out of power. Furthermore, if the battery is not fully charged when the user receives the rental, the battery will run out of power even if the vehicle is driven less than the maximum driving distance. Since the electric motorcycle will become unable to operate if it runs out of power, measures to prevent this are extremely important for electric motorcycle sharing services.

[0012] Next, we will consider the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a power transfer system between multiple electric vehicles. In this system, when the remaining battery charge of a certain vehicle (power receiving vehicle) falls below a predetermined value, the power receiving vehicle transmits a rescue signal to a nearby vehicle (power supplying vehicle). The power supplying vehicle supplies power from its own battery to the battery of the power receiving vehicle at a desired power reception point designated by the power receiving vehicle. However, with the power transfer system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the power supplying vehicle and the power receiving vehicle must be connected by a charging cable and power must be supplied from the battery of the power supplying vehicle to the battery of the power receiving vehicle, which takes a long time to complete. Therefore, the power transfer system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not suitable as a countermeasure against running out of power in an electric motorcycle sharing service.

[0013] To solve these problems, the inventors focused on the unique features of electric motorcycle sharing services, namely, that the battery of an electric motorcycle is not owned by the user but by an administrator, operator, business owner, etc., and therefore is a shared property, and that the battery of an electric motorcycle is small and lightweight, allowing users to easily attach and detach it themselves.The inventors then discovered that if the remaining battery charge of an electric motorcycle is insufficient, it is possible to easily and effectively prevent the electric motorcycle from running out of power by swapping the battery with that of another electric motorcycle with ample remaining battery charge, which led to the present disclosure.

[0014] Next, each aspect of the present disclosure will be described.

[0015] A management method for shared electric vehicles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a management method for managing a plurality of shared electric vehicles that run on power supplied from batteries, wherein when a management device receives battery replacement request information from a first vehicle included in the plurality of shared electric vehicles, the management device identifies at least one candidate replacement vehicle as a candidate replacement vehicle for replacing the battery with the first vehicle and transmits the battery replacement request information to the candidate replacement vehicle; when a battery replacement acceptance signal is received from a second vehicle included in the candidate replacement vehicle, the management device identifies a battery replacement location based on the location information of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, creates replacement instruction information including the location information of the replacement location, and transmits the replacement instruction information to the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0016] According to this configuration, by exchanging the battery between the first vehicle that transmitted the exchange request information and the second vehicle that transmitted the exchange acceptance signal, it is possible to effectively prevent the first vehicle from running out of power. As a result, the first vehicle can travel a long distance exceeding the maximum driving distance determined by its battery capacity. Furthermore, since the battery is exchanged between the first vehicle and the second vehicle rather than supplying power from the second vehicle to the first vehicle by connecting a charging cable, users can complete the work easily and in a short time. Furthermore, because each vehicle is prevented from running out of power through mutual cooperation between users, managers of electric vehicle sharing services can reduce the number and locations of rescue vehicles they need to install. As a result, it is possible to reduce the operating costs of the service.

[0017] In the above aspect, when the management device receives a battery exchange completion signal from the second vehicle, the management device may give a predetermined reward to the user of the second vehicle.

[0018] According to this configuration, a reward is given to the user of the second vehicle, so that each user can be given an incentive to accept the battery exchange request when the user receives the battery exchange request information.

[0019] In the above aspect, the management device may determine the amount of remuneration according to the remaining battery charge of the battery provided by the second vehicle.

[0020] According to this configuration, by varying the remuneration amount depending on the remaining battery charge of the provided battery, it is possible to increase the incentive to accept a battery exchange request.

[0021] In the above aspect, if the management device does not receive the exchange acceptance signal from any of the exchange partner candidates, it may send rescue information to the first vehicle, including information that rescue will be provided by the administrator.

[0022] According to this configuration, if an exchange acceptance signal is not received from any of the exchange partner candidates, the manager can provide assistance to prevent the first vehicle from running out of power.

[0023] In the above aspect, the exchange request information may include information indicating the remaining battery charge required by the first vehicle.

[0024] According to this configuration, the exchange request information includes information indicating the remaining battery charge required by the first vehicle. Therefore, by having the management device include this information in the exchange request information and transmit it to the exchange partner candidate, the user of the vehicle that received the exchange request information can determine whether the remaining battery charge of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the remaining battery charge required by the first vehicle. Furthermore, if the management device manages the remaining battery charge of each vehicle, the management device can exclude from the exchange partner candidate any vehicle whose current remaining battery charge is less than the remaining battery charge required by the first vehicle.

[0025] In the above aspect, the management device receives information indicating the current remaining battery charge from each vehicle, and excludes vehicles whose current remaining battery charge is less than the remaining battery charge required by the first vehicle from the exchange candidate vehicles.

[0026] According to this configuration, the management device excludes from the candidates for battery replacement any vehicle whose current remaining battery charge is less than the remaining battery charge required by the first vehicle. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary transmission of battery replacement request information to vehicles that cannot accept the battery replacement request.

[0027] In the above aspect, the replacement request information may include information indicating the remaining battery charge of the first vehicle.

[0028] According to this configuration, the exchange request information includes information indicating the remaining battery charge of the first vehicle. Therefore, by having the management device include this information in the exchange request information and transmit it to the exchange partner candidate, the user of the vehicle that received the exchange request information can determine whether the battery of the first vehicle will be enough to get the user's vehicle to the destination after exchanging the battery with that of the first vehicle.

[0029] In the above aspect, the second vehicle may be capable of displaying map information indicating the drivable area of ​​the second vehicle after the battery replacement based on the information indicating the remaining battery charge of the first vehicle.

[0030] With this configuration, the user of the vehicle that receives the replacement request information can easily determine, using the map information, whether or not the replaced battery will allow the vehicle to reach the destination.

[0031] In the above aspect, the management device receives current location information from each vehicle, and at the time of receiving the exchange request information from the first vehicle, identifies at least one vehicle whose distance from the first vehicle is less than a predetermined value as the exchange candidate.

[0032] According to this configuration, the management device can easily identify exchange partner candidates.

[0033] In the above aspect, the management device receives current location information and destination information from each vehicle, and identifies as the candidate exchange vehicle at least one vehicle whose distance from the first vehicle is less than a predetermined value within a period from the time the exchange request information is received from the first vehicle until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0034] According to this configuration, the management device can identify replacement candidates that are likely to accept the battery replacement request.

[0035] In the above aspect, the battery is preferably made up of at least one battery cell unit, and battery replacement is preferably performed on a battery basis including all of the battery cell units.

[0036] According to this configuration, there is no need for each vehicle and management device to manage the remaining battery capacity on a battery cell unit basis, and therefore the processing can be simplified compared to replacement on a battery cell unit basis.

[0037] In the above aspect, the management device holds management information that sets a correspondence between the identification information of each vehicle and the identification information of the battery installed in each vehicle, and when a battery exchange is performed between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the setting contents of the correspondence between the vehicle identification information and the battery identification information for the first vehicle and the second vehicle in the management information can be updated.

[0038] According to this configuration, by the management device updating the management information, the management device can maintain accurate management information even after the battery is exchanged between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0039] In the above aspect, the battery is composed of a plurality of battery cell units that can be replaced independently, the replacement instruction information includes identification information of the battery cell unit to be replaced, and the battery is replaced on a battery cell unit basis.

[0040] According to this configuration, by replacing each battery cell unit, it is possible to finely adjust the increase or decrease in the remaining battery capacity that accompanies the replacement, compared to replacing each battery cell unit.

[0041] In the above aspect, the management device holds management information that sets a correspondence between the identification information of each vehicle and the identification information of the battery cell units installed in each vehicle, and when a battery cell unit is exchanged between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the setting contents of the correspondence between the vehicle identification information and the battery cell unit identification information for the first vehicle and the second vehicle in the management information can be updated.

[0042] According to this configuration, the management device updates the management information, so that the management device can maintain accurate management information even after a battery cell unit is exchanged between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0043] In the above aspect, the battery may be replaced on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis.

[0044] According to this configuration, by replacing the battery on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis, the work of replacing the battery or battery cell unit is not required, and therefore the replacement work can be shortened.

[0045] In the above aspect, the management device holds management information that sets a correspondence between the identification information of each vehicle and the identification information of the user using each vehicle, and when a vehicle exchange occurs between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the setting contents of the correspondence between the vehicle identification information and the user identification information for the first vehicle and the second vehicle in the management information can be updated.

[0046] According to this configuration, the management device updates the management information, so that the management device can maintain accurate management information even after the first vehicle is replaced with the second vehicle.

[0047] In the above aspect, a management unit provided in the first vehicle manages the current remaining battery charge of the first vehicle, as well as the current location and destination of the first vehicle, and if the current remaining battery charge of the first vehicle is less than the amount of power required for the first vehicle to reach the destination from its current location, the management unit may suggest to the user using the first vehicle that they request a battery replacement.

[0048] According to this configuration, the management unit provided in the first vehicle prompts the user to request a battery replacement, so that the user can recognize that the remaining battery charge of the first vehicle is decreasing.

[0049] A shared electric vehicle management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a management device that manages a plurality of shared electric vehicles that run on power supplied from batteries, and includes: a candidate replacement identification unit that, when battery replacement request information is received from a first vehicle included in the plurality of shared electric vehicles, identifies at least one candidate replacement vehicle as a candidate replacement vehicle for replacing the battery of the first vehicle; an replacement request information creation unit that creates battery replacement request information to send to the candidate replacement partner; and an replacement instruction information creation unit that, when a battery replacement acceptance signal is received from a second vehicle included in the candidate replacement partner, identifies a battery replacement location based on position information of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, and creates replacement instruction information including the position information of the replacement location to send to the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0050] According to this configuration, by exchanging the battery between the first vehicle that transmitted the exchange request information and the second vehicle that transmitted the exchange acceptance signal, it is possible to effectively prevent the first vehicle from running out of power. As a result, the first vehicle can travel a long distance exceeding the maximum driving distance determined by its battery capacity. Furthermore, since the battery is exchanged between the first vehicle and the second vehicle rather than supplying power from the second vehicle to the first vehicle by connecting a charging cable, users can complete the work easily and in a short time. Furthermore, because each vehicle is prevented from running out of power through mutual cooperation between users, managers of electric vehicle sharing services can reduce the number and locations of rescue vehicles they need to install. As a result, it is possible to reduce the operating costs of the service.

[0051] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a program that causes an information processing device mounted on a management device that manages a plurality of shared electric vehicles that run on power supplied from batteries to function as: a candidate replacement identification means that, when battery replacement request information is received from a first vehicle included in the plurality of shared electric vehicles, identifies at least one candidate replacement vehicle as a candidate replacement vehicle for replacing the battery with the first vehicle; an exchange request information creation means that creates battery exchange request information to send to the candidate replacement vehicle; and an exchange instruction information creation means that, when a battery exchange acceptance signal is received from a second vehicle included in the candidate replacement vehicle, identifies a battery replacement location based on the position information of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, and creates exchange instruction information including the position information of the replacement location to send to the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0052] According to this configuration, by exchanging the battery between the first vehicle that transmitted the exchange request information and the second vehicle that transmitted the exchange acceptance signal, it is possible to effectively prevent the first vehicle from running out of power. As a result, the first vehicle can travel a long distance exceeding the maximum driving distance determined by its battery capacity. Furthermore, since the battery is exchanged between the first vehicle and the second vehicle rather than supplying power from the second vehicle to the first vehicle by connecting a charging cable, users can complete the work easily and in a short time. Furthermore, because each vehicle is prevented from running out of power through mutual cooperation between users, managers of electric vehicle sharing services can reduce the number and locations of rescue vehicles they need to install. As a result, it is possible to reduce the operating costs of the service.

[0053] It goes without saying that a computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be distributed as a computer-readable non-volatile recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0054] Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0055] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements with the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate the same or corresponding elements.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a processing sequence executed by a management device 2 and electric bikes 3 (3A, 3B) that constitute an electric vehicle sharing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the electric vehicles include, in addition to the electric bike 3, electric bicycles, electrically assisted bicycles, electric kick scooters, electric balance scooters, or three-wheeled or four-wheeled versions of these. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the electric vehicle is the electric bike 3. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing the configuration of the electric bike 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric bike 3 is equipped with a traction motor 11 that is driven by power supplied from a battery 12.

[0057] In the electric motorcycle 3 sharing service, users borrow an electric motorcycle 3 from a service center such as an office or bicycle parking lot where a large number of electric motorcycles 3 are parked, use the electric motorcycle 3 freely, and then return the electric motorcycle 3 to the same or a different service center within a certain time period according to the fee.

[0058] In Fig. 1, electric motorcycle 3A is a motorcycle with insufficient battery power for the remaining distance to the destination, while electric motorcycle 3B is a motorcycle with ample battery power. The management device 2 is a server computer or the like on a cloud, and is capable of wireless communication with all electric motorcycles 3 via any wide-area communication network such as a public telephone line network. The electric motorcycles 3 transmit location information indicating their current location to the management device 2 at regular time intervals of several to several tens of seconds.

[0059] As will be described in detail later, when the remaining battery charge of the electric motorcycle 3A decreases, the user of the electric motorcycle 3A can input a request to replace the battery 12. When the electric motorcycle 3A receives a request to replace the battery 12 from the user, it transmits replacement request information to the management device 2 (step ST1).

[0060] Next, when the management device 2 receives the exchange request information from the electric motorcycle 3A, it identifies at least one electric motorcycle 3 as a candidate for an exchange partner for exchanging the battery 12 with the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0061] Next, the management device 2 creates exchange request information and transmits the created exchange request information to the electric bike 3 that is a candidate for exchange identified above (step ST2). The electric bike 3B is one of the candidate for exchange, and receives the exchange request information from the management device 2. Here, it is assumed that the user of the electric bike 3B has accepted the request to exchange the battery 12.

[0062] Next, when the electric bike 3B receives an exchange request acceptance input from the user, it transmits an exchange acceptance signal to the management device 2 (step ST3).

[0063] Next, when the management device 2 receives an exchange acceptance signal from at least one exchange partner candidate, it determines one electric motorcycle 3 as the exchange partner for exchanging the battery 12 with the electric motorcycle 3A. Here, it is assumed that the electric motorcycle 3B is determined as the exchange partner.

[0064] Next, the management device 2 identifies a meeting place where the electric motorcycles 3A, 3B will meet based on the position information of each of the electric motorcycles 3A, 3B, and creates exchange instruction information that includes the position information of the meeting place.

[0065] Next, the management device 2 transmits the created exchange instruction information to the electric bikes 3A and 3B (step ST4).

[0066] The users of the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B travel to the meeting place instructed by the received exchange instruction information on the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B, and then meet at the meeting place to exchange the batteries 12 of the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B.

[0067] After the battery 12 replacement work is completed, the electric bikes 3A, 3B receive a replacement completion input from each user and transmit a replacement completion signal to the management device 2 (step ST5).

[0068] Next, when the management device 2 receives the exchange completion signals from the electric bikes 3A and 3B, it updates the management information 78 (see FIG. 21) that it holds.

[0069] Next, the management device 2 creates reward information for granting a predetermined reward to the user of the electric motorcycle 3B, and transmits the created reward information to the electric motorcycle 3B (step ST6).

[0070] Referring to Figure 2, the electric motorcycle 3 includes a traction motor 11, a battery 12, a display unit 13, and a controller 14. The display unit 13 has LED indicators and a liquid crystal display arranged on an operation panel of the electric motorcycle 3. The controller 14 includes a management unit 21, a remaining battery charge acquisition unit 22, a display control unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The remaining battery charge acquisition unit 22 acquires data indicating the current remaining battery charge from the battery 12. The display control unit 23 controls the display of various information on the display unit 13. The communication unit 24 wirelessly communicates with a mobile terminal 4 (described later) using any short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. The management unit 21 comprehensively manages and controls the operations of the remaining battery charge acquisition unit 22, the display control unit 23, and the communication unit 24.

[0071] FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the portable terminal 4 carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3. The portable terminal 4 is a smartphone, tablet, or the like owned by the user. However, the portable terminal 4 may also be a dedicated terminal loaned by the administrator along with the electric motorcycle 3. The electric motorcycle 3 itself may also have functions equivalent to those of the portable terminal 4. Whether the electric motorcycle 3 and the portable terminal 4 are separate or integrated is not important to the management device 2, and the functions of the portable terminal 4 can also be considered to be part of the functions of the electric motorcycle 3. This is the intention behind the illustration in FIG. 1 that shows the management device 2 as if it were directly sending and receiving information to and from the electric motorcycle 3.

[0072] The mobile terminal 4 includes a GPS receiver 31, an operation input unit 32, a display unit 33, and an information processing unit 34. For example, the display unit 33 is a liquid crystal display included in the mobile terminal 4, and the operation input unit 32 is a touch panel of the liquid crystal display.

[0073] The information processing unit 34 includes a location information acquisition unit 41, an exchange request information acquisition unit 42, an exchange acceptance information acquisition unit 43, an exchange completion signal acquisition unit 44, an exchange request screen creation unit 45, an exchange request screen creation unit 46, an exchange instruction screen creation unit 47, an exchange completion screen creation unit 48, a reward screen creation unit 49, communication units 50 and 51, and a management unit 52. These functions of the information processing unit 34 may be realized in software by an information processing device such as a CPU executing a program read from a nonvolatile storage medium such as a ROM, or may be configured as hardware using a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA.

[0074] The location information acquisition unit 41 acquires location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 4 based on the GPS signal input from the GPS receiver 31.

[0075] 7 and displays the battery exchange request input screen 91A on the display unit 33. The exchange request information acquisition unit 42 acquires information input by the user from the operation input unit 32 while the battery exchange request input screen 91A is displayed on the display unit 33, thereby creating the exchange request information.

[0076] 11 and displays the battery exchange request screen 101 on the display unit 33. The exchange acceptance information acquisition unit 43 acquires information input by the user from the operation input unit 32 while the battery exchange request screen 101 is displayed on the display unit 33, thereby creating an exchange acceptance signal.

[0077] The replacement instruction screen creating unit 47 creates the battery replacement decision screens 111 and 121 shown in FIGS.

[0078] 19 and displays the screen 131 on the display unit 33. The exchange completion signal acquisition unit 44 acquires information input by the user from the operation input unit 32 while the battery exchange completion input screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 33, thereby creating an exchange completion signal.

[0079] The communication unit 50 wirelessly communicates with the communication unit 24 of the electric motorcycle 3 using the short-range wireless communication method. The communication unit 51 wirelessly communicates with the management device 2 via the wide area communication network. The management unit 52 comprehensively manages and controls the operations of the location information acquisition unit 41, exchange request information acquisition unit 42, exchange acceptance information acquisition unit 43, exchange completion signal acquisition unit 44, exchange request screen creation unit 45, exchange request screen creation unit 46, exchange instruction screen creation unit 47, exchange completion screen creation unit 48, reward screen creation unit 49, and the communication units 50 and 51.

[0080] Fig. 4 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the management device 2. The management device 2 includes a communication unit 61, an information processing unit 62, and a storage unit 63. The communication unit 61 wirelessly communicates with the communication unit 51 of the portable terminal 4 via the wide area communication network. Strictly speaking, the communication target of the management device 2 is the portable terminal 4, but since the function of the portable terminal 4 can also be considered as part of the function of the electric motorcycle 3 as described above, the communication target of the management device 2 can also be considered as the electric motorcycle 3. The storage unit 63 is an HDD, SSD, or the like, and stores management information 78.

[0081] The information processing unit 62 includes a management unit 71, an exchange partner candidate identification unit 72, an exchange request information creation unit 73, an exchange partner determination unit 74, an exchange instruction information creation unit 75, a management information update unit 76, and a reward information creation unit 77. These functions of the information processing unit 62 may be realized in software by an information processing device such as a CPU executing a program read from a non-volatile storage medium such as a ROM, or may be configured as hardware using a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA.

[0082] When the management device 2 receives exchange request information from the electric motorcycle 3A, the exchange partner candidate identification unit 72 identifies at least one electric motorcycle 3 as an exchange partner candidate for exchanging the battery 12 with the electric motorcycle 3A. The exchange request information creation unit 73 creates exchange request information to send to the exchange partner candidates. When the management device 2 receives an exchange acceptance signal from at least one exchange partner candidate, the exchange partner determination unit 74 determines one electric motorcycle 3 as an exchange partner for exchanging the battery 12 with the electric motorcycle 3A. The exchange instruction information creation unit 75 identifies a meeting place where the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B will meet based on the position information of each of the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B, and creates exchange instruction information including the position information of the meeting place. When the management information update unit 76 receives an exchange completion signal from the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B, it updates the management information 78 stored in the memory unit 63. The reward information creation unit 77 creates reward information for granting a predetermined reward to the user of the electric motorcycle 3B. The details of the functions of each of these processing units will be explained in order in the explanation of the flowcharts to be described later, with reference to examples of screens created by each processing unit.

[0083] The management unit 71 comprehensively manages and controls the operations of the exchange partner candidate identification unit 72, exchange request information creation unit 73, exchange partner determination unit 74, exchange instruction information creation unit 75, management information update unit 76, and reward information creation unit 77.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle 3A up to the transmission of the exchange request information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0085] 2 and 3, the management unit 52 of the portable terminal 4 manages the current remaining battery charge, current location, and destination of the electric motorcycle 3A. Data indicating the current remaining battery charge of the electric motorcycle 3A is input to the management unit 52 from the remaining charge acquisition unit 22 via the communication units 24 and 50. Position information indicating the current location of the electric motorcycle 3A is input to the management unit 52 from the position information acquisition unit 41. Information regarding the destination of the electric motorcycle 3A is input to the management unit 52 from the operation input unit 32 by a user operation. The management unit 52 calculates the required traveling distance from the current location to the destination based on the map data it holds, and converts the required traveling distance into an amount of power, thereby calculating the amount of power required for the electric motorcycle 3 to reach the destination from the current location.

[0086] 5, first, in step SP101, if the current remaining battery charge of the electric motorcycle 3A is less than the amount of power required for the electric motorcycle 3A to reach the destination from its current location, the management unit 52 prompts the user of the electric motorcycle 3A to make a request to replace the battery 12. This prompt is executed as information displayed on the display units 13, 33. By the management unit 52 prompting the user of the electric motorcycle 3A to make a request to replace the battery 12, the user can recognize that the remaining battery charge of their own vehicle is decreasing.

[0087] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a prompt display on the display unit 13. The management unit 52 displays, for example, an indicator 81A that lights up in red on the display unit 13 to prompt the user to check the display content on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 4. The management unit 52 also calculates the travelable distance of the electric motorcycle 3A based on the current remaining battery charge, and displays on the display unit 13 a graphic 82A indicating the current decreasing remaining battery charge together with the travelable distance (10 km in this example).

[0088] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery exchange request input screen 91A on the display unit 33. The exchange request screen creation unit 45 creates the battery exchange request input screen 91A shown in FIG. 7 based on a screen creation command input from the management unit 52. In addition, the exchange request screen creation unit 45 displays the created battery exchange request input screen 91A on the display unit 33.

[0089] The battery replacement request input screen 91A includes input cells 92, 93 for the user of the electric motorcycle 3A to input the necessary information, an execute button 94 that is tapped to execute the replacement request, and a cancel button 95 that is tapped to cancel the replacement request.

[0090] In addition, the management device 2 may periodically receive and manage information regarding the destination and remaining battery charge of each electric motorcycle 3 from each electric motorcycle 3, and the management device 2, rather than the management unit 52, may inquire of the user regarding a request to replace the battery 12.

[0091] The user of the electric motorcycle 3A inputs the required travel distance (or more) required for the electric motorcycle 3A to reach the destination from the current location into the input cell 92 as the remaining battery charge required by the user. In this example, "20" (km) is input as the required travel distance. The required travel distance may be input manually by the user by referring to any map data in the mobile terminal 4A, or may be input automatically by the management unit 52 by referring to information on the current location and destination of the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0092] The user of the electric motorcycle 3A also inputs the distance the vehicle can travel based on the remaining battery charge into the input cell 93. In this example, "10" (km) is input as the distance the vehicle can travel. The distance the vehicle can travel may be input into the input cell 93 manually by the user checking the distance the vehicle can travel displayed on the display unit 13, or automatically by the management unit 52 converting the remaining battery charge input from the remaining charge acquisition unit 22 into distance.

[0093] After the user of the electric motorcycle 3A has completed inputting the necessary information into the input cells 92 and 93, the user taps the execute button 94, whereby the exchange request information is sent from the communication unit 51 of the mobile terminal 4A to the management device 2.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, in step SP102, the exchange request information acquisition unit 42 determines whether an exchange request has been input based on whether the user has tapped the execute button 94 on the battery exchange request input screen 91A.

[0095] If the user taps the execute button 94 (step SP102: YES), then in step SP103, the exchange request information acquisition unit 42 determines that an exchange request has been input and transmits the exchange request information from the communication unit 51 to the management device 2. The exchange request information includes identification information (vehicle ID) of the electric motorcycle 3A and information related to the requested mileage and remaining mileage of the subject vehicle input on the battery exchange request input screen 91A. On the other hand, if the user taps the cancel button 95 (step SP102: NO), the process ends without transmitting the exchange request information.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the management device 2 up to the transmission of the exchange request information in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0097] First, in step SP201, the communication unit 61 of the management device 2 receives exchange request information from the mobile terminal 4A carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0098] Next, in step SP202, the exchange candidate specifying unit 72 specifies at least one electric motorcycle 3 as an exchange candidate for exchanging the battery 12 with the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0099] As described above, the management device 2 periodically receives location information indicating the current location from each electric motorcycle 3. At the time of receiving exchange request information from the electric motorcycle 3A, the exchange partner candidate identification unit 72 identifies all electric motorcycles 3 whose distance from the electric motorcycle 3A is less than a predetermined value (for example, 5 km) or the top several electric motorcycles 3 (for example, five) that are closest in this distance as exchange partner candidates. This allows the management device 2 to easily identify exchange partner candidates.

[0100] Alternatively, by having the management device 2 receive and manage information about the destination of each electric motorcycle 3 from each electric motorcycle 3, the management device 2 can predict the travel route of each electric motorcycle 3 based on the current location and destination. The candidate exchange partner identification unit 72 may identify candidate exchange partners based on the predicted travel route of each electric motorcycle 3. Specifically, the candidate exchange partner identification unit 72 identifies all electric motorcycles 3 whose distance from the electric motorcycle 3A is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 5 km) within a predetermined time period (e.g., 30 minutes) from the time the exchange request information is received from the electric motorcycle 3A, or the top several electric motorcycles 3 (e.g., five) that are closest in distance, as candidate exchange partners. This allows the management device 2 to identify candidate exchange partners who are likely to accept the battery 12 exchange request.

[0101] Next, in step SP203, the exchange request information creation unit 73 creates exchange request information to be sent to the exchange partner candidate. The exchange request information includes information on the requested mileage and the other party's remaining mileage, which correspond to the requested mileage (20 km in the above example) and the subject vehicle's remaining mileage (10 km in the above example), respectively, included in the exchange request information received from the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0102] Next, in step SP204, the communication unit 61 transmits the exchange request information created in step SP203 to the mobile terminal 4 carried by the user of the electric bike 3 that is a candidate exchange partner identified in step SP202. In the following description, the electric bike 3B is included as a candidate exchange partner electric bike 3.

[0103] If a battery station is available for storing (and charging) a plurality of batteries 12, the management device 2 may guide the user of the electric motorcycle 3A to exchange the battery at the battery station.

[0104] 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the management device 2 when battery stations are installed. In the following example, the management device 2 collects and stores location information of multiple battery stations, remaining capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity of each battery 12 stored at each battery station, remaining capacity information of each battery 12 used in each electric motorcycle 3, and current location information and destination information of each electric motorcycle 3.

[0105] As in the above, first, in step SP201, the management device 2 receives exchange request information from the mobile terminal 4A carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0106] Next, in step SP1002, the management device 2 searches for a battery station that is closest to the current value of the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0107] Next, in step SP1003, the management device 2 determines whether the remaining battery capacity of the battery 12 with the largest remaining capacity among the multiple batteries 12 stored at the battery station is greater than the required remaining capacity of the electric motorcycle 3A (the remaining battery capacity converted from the required traveling distance).

[0108] If the maximum remaining capacity is greater than the required remaining capacity (step SP1003: YES), then in step SP1004 the management device 2 transmits location information of the battery station as the replacement location for the battery 12 to the portable terminal 4A carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3A. The user travels to the battery station on the electric motorcycle 3A and replaces the battery 12 of the electric motorcycle 3A with the battery 12 with the maximum remaining capacity.

[0109] If the maximum remaining charge is equal to or less than the required remaining charge (step SP1003: NO), then in step SP1005 the management device 2 searches for a user (electric bike 3) that satisfies certain conditions. The certain conditions are that the user's own remaining battery charge is greater than the maximum remaining charge of the battery station, that the user is located closer to the battery station than the electric bike 3A, and that the user can reach their destination using the battery 12 with the maximum remaining charge of the battery station.

[0110] Next, in step SP1006, the management device 2 determines whether or not a user who satisfies a predetermined condition has been found.

[0111] If a user who meets the predetermined conditions is found (step SP1006: YES), then in step SP1007, the management device 2 transmits a battery exchange request to the portable terminal 4 carried by that user. If the request is accepted, the management device 2 transmits location information of the battery station as the location where the battery 12 will be exchanged to the portable terminal 4 carried by that user (hereinafter referred to as the "accepting user"). The accepting user moves to the battery station and exchanges their own battery 12 with the battery 12 with the maximum remaining charge. The management device 2 also transmits location information of the battery station as the location where the battery 12 will be exchanged to the portable terminal 4A carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3A. The user of the electric motorcycle 3A moves to the battery station and exchanges their own battery 12 with the battery 12 provided by the accepting user.

[0112] If no user who satisfies the predetermined conditions is found (step SP1006: NO), the management device 2 executes the processes from step SP202 onwards in Fig. 8. Note that even if a user who satisfies the predetermined conditions is found but the user does not accept the battery exchange, the management device 2 executes the processes from step SP202 onwards in Fig. 8.

[0113] In this way, by performing battery exchange at a battery station, it is possible to avoid direct contact between unknown users.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle 3B up to the transmission of the exchange acceptance signal, in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0115] First, in step SP301, the communication unit 51 of the portable terminal 4B carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3B receives exchange request information from the management device 2. The communication unit 51 inputs the received exchange request information to the management unit 52 and the exchange request screen creation unit 46.

[0116] Next, in step SP302, the management unit 52 notifies the user of the electric bike 3B that the exchange request information has been received. This notification is executed by displaying information on the display units 13 and 33.

[0117] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a prompt display on the display unit 13. The management unit 52 displays, for example, an indicator 81B that lights up green on the display unit 13 to prompt the user to check the display content on the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 4B. The management unit 52 also calculates the travelable distance of the electric motorcycle 3B based on the current remaining battery charge, and displays on the display unit 13 a graphic 82B indicating the current remaining battery charge together with the travelable distance (30 km in this example).

[0118] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery exchange request screen 101 on the display unit 33. The exchange request screen creation unit 46 creates the battery exchange request screen 101 shown in FIG. 11 based on a screen creation command input from the management unit 52. In addition, the exchange request screen creation unit 46 displays the created battery exchange request screen 101 on the display unit 33.

[0119] The battery exchange request screen 101 includes the requested mileage 102 (20 km in the above example) and the other party's remaining mileage 103 (10 km in the above example) included in the exchange request information received from the management device 2, an execute button 104 that is tapped when accepting the exchange request, and a cancel button 105 that is tapped when not accepting the exchange request.

[0120] The user of the electric motorcycle 3B compares the drivable distance of the subject vehicle displayed on the display unit 13 (30 km in the above example) with the requested drivable distance 102 (20 km in the above example) included in the battery exchange request screen 101. The user also compares the drivable distance required for the subject vehicle to reach the destination from its current location with the other party's drivable distance 103 (10 km in the above example) included in the battery exchange request screen 101. If the drivable distance of the subject vehicle is equal to or greater than the requested drivable distance 102 and the required drivable distance of the subject vehicle is equal to or less than the other party's drivable distance 103, the user can tap the execute button 104 because the situation allows the battery 12 to be exchanged with the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0121] On the other hand, if the travelable distance of electric motorcycle 3B is less than the requested travel distance 102 of electric motorcycle 3A, even if the battery 12 of electric motorcycle 3A is replaced with the battery 12 of electric motorcycle 3B, the remaining battery charge of electric motorcycle 3A will still be insufficient. Therefore, if the travelable distance of the electric motorcycle 3B is less than the requested travel distance 102, the user of electric motorcycle 3B will tap the cancel button 105. To prevent the user from accidentally tapping the execute button 104 in such a case, the management device 2 may periodically receive and manage information indicating the current remaining battery charge from each electric motorcycle 3, and the exchange candidate identification unit 72 may exclude from exchange candidate candidates, in step SP202, electric motorcycles 3 whose current remaining battery charge is less than the amount of power equivalent to the requested travel distance 102 of electric motorcycle 3A.

[0122] Similarly, if the required traveling distance of the electric motorcycle 3B is less than the travelable distance of the electric motorcycle 3A (i.e., the other party's travelable distance 103), replacing the battery 12 of the electric motorcycle 3B with the battery 12 of the electric motorcycle 3A will result in an insufficient remaining battery charge for the electric motorcycle 3B. Therefore, if the user of the electric motorcycle 3B's required traveling distance is less than the other party's travelable distance 103, the user will tap the cancel button 105. To prevent the user from accidentally tapping the execute button 104 in such a case, the management device 2 may receive and manage information about the destination from each electric motorcycle 3, and the exchange partner candidate identification unit 72 may exclude, in step SP202, from the exchange partner candidates, electric motorcycles 3 whose required traveling distance is less than the travelable distance of the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0123] In FIG. 11, the other party's remaining driving distance 103 is displayed as text information, but it may also be displayed as map information showing the driving range of the own vehicle after the battery has been replaced.

[0124] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a driving range display screen 151 on the display unit 33. The driving range display screen 151 includes map information 152 and a confirmation button 153 that is tapped upon confirmation. The map information 152 displays a mark indicating the current location of the vehicle in approximately the center of the screen. The map information 152 also displays roads surrounding the current location of the vehicle in multiple levels of color. Note that the map information 152 may also display a mark indicating the destination of the vehicle.

[0125] For example, roads within the other party's travelable distance 103 from the current location of the vehicle are displayed in blue (shown by a thick solid line in FIG. 27). The blue display indicates areas that can be reached without using the battery 12 to its limit.

[0126] Additionally, yellow (thin solid lines in FIG. 27) is displayed on roads a predetermined distance outside (farther away from) the blue displayed area. The yellow display indicates areas that can be reached if the battery 12 is used to its remaining limit.

[0127] Additionally, roads outside (farther away from) the yellow area are marked in red (shown by dashed lines in FIG. 27). The red markings indicate areas that cannot be reached even if the battery 12 is used to its limit.

[0128] This allows the user of the electric motorcycle 3B who has received the replacement request information to easily determine, using the map information 152, whether or not the replaced battery 12 will allow the vehicle to reach the destination.

[0129] Next, in step SP303, the exchange acceptance information acquisition unit 43 determines whether or not an acceptance input for the exchange request has been made, depending on whether or not the execute button 104 on the battery exchange request screen 101 has been tapped by the user of the electric bike 3B.

[0130] If the user taps the execute button 104 (step SP303: YES), then in step SP304, the exchange acceptance information acquisition unit 43 determines that an exchange request acceptance has been input, and transmits an exchange acceptance signal from the communication unit 51 to the management device 2. The exchange acceptance signal includes identification information (vehicle ID) of the electric motorcycle 3B. On the other hand, if the user taps the cancel button 105 (step SP303: NO), the process ends without transmitting the exchange acceptance signal.

[0131] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the management device 2 up to the transmission of the exchange instruction information in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0132] First, in step SP401, the management section 71 determines whether or not the communication section 61 has received an exchange acceptance signal from at least one exchange partner candidate.

[0133] If the communication unit 61 has received the exchange acceptance signal (step SP401: YES), then in step SP402 the exchange partner determination unit 74 determines one electric motorcycle 3 as the exchange partner for exchanging the battery 12 with the electric motorcycle 3A. If only one electric motorcycle 3 has transmitted the exchange acceptance signal, the exchange partner determination unit 74 determines that electric motorcycle 3 as the exchange partner. If multiple electric motorcycles 3 have transmitted the exchange acceptance signal, the exchange partner determination unit 74 determines the electric motorcycle 3 from which the communication unit 61 first receives the exchange acceptance signal as the exchange partner. However, the exchange partner determination unit 74 may also determine the electric motorcycle 3 that is closest to the electric motorcycle 3A as the exchange partner. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the electric motorcycle 3B has been determined as the exchange partner.

[0134] Next, in step SP403, the exchange instruction information creation unit 75 identifies a meeting place where the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B will meet based on the position information of each of the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B. The exchange instruction information creation unit 75 identifies the public road closest to the midpoint between the current locations of the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B as the meeting place. Alternatively, if the management device 2 manages information related to the destinations of each electric motorcycle 3, the exchange instruction information creation unit 75 may identify the midpoint (preferably the intersection of the predicted travel routes of both) between the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B that are closest to each other within a predetermined time period (e.g., 30 minutes) from the current time as the meeting place. The exchange instruction information creation unit 75 creates exchange instruction information that includes the meeting time, meeting place, and the identification information of the other party (e.g., license plate number). The exchange instruction information creation unit 75 calculates the required travel time for the electric motorcycle 3A, 3B that requires the longer travel distance from the current location to the meeting place based on the required travel distance and the average speed, and can set the time when the required travel time has elapsed from the current time as the meeting time.

[0135] Next, in step SP404, the communication unit 61 transmits the exchange instruction information created in step SP403 to the mobile terminals 4A, 4B carried by the users of the electric bikes 3A, 3B. Note that the communication unit 51 transmits other person determination information indicating that another person has been determined as the exchange partner to the electric bikes 3 that have transmitted the exchange acceptance signal but have not been determined as the exchange partner.

[0136] On the other hand, if the communication unit 61 does not receive an exchange acceptance signal from any of the exchange partner candidates (step SP401: NO), then in step SP405 the management unit 71 decides to have the manager of the sharing service provide rescue. In this rescue, a support staff member from the nearest service base will arrive in a support car (or support bike) with a fully charged battery 12, and the support staff member will exchange the fully charged battery 12 with the battery 12 of the electric bike 3A.

[0137] Next, in step SP406, the management unit 71 identifies the nearest service center to the current location of the electric motorcycle 3A, and creates rescue information including the meeting time and meeting place for the electric motorcycle 3A and the support car, as well as the identification information of the support car (e.g., the license plate number).

[0138] Next, in step SP407, the communication unit 61 transmits the rescue information created in step SP406 to the mobile terminal 4A carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3A. The communication unit 61 also transmits the rescue information to the nearest service center, thereby instructing the service center to rescue the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0139] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle 3A up to the reception of the exchange instruction information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0140] First, in step SP501, the communication section 51 receives information from the management device 2.

[0141] Next, in step SP502, the management section 52 determines whether or not the information received in step SP501 is exchange instruction information.

[0142] If the information received in step SP501 is replacement instruction information (step SP502: YES), then in step SP503, the replacement instruction screen creation unit 47 creates a battery replacement decision screen 111 based on the screen creation command input from the management unit 52. The replacement instruction screen creation unit 47 displays the created battery replacement decision screen 111 on the display unit 33.

[0143] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery replacement decision screen 111 on the display unit 33. The battery replacement decision screen 111 includes a meeting time 112, a map 113 showing the meeting place, identification information 114 such as the license plate number of the other party, and a confirmation button 115.

[0144] On the other hand, if the information received in step SP501 is rescue information and not replacement instruction information (step SP502: NO), then in step SP504 the replacement instruction screen creation unit 47 creates a rescue decision screen 120 based on the screen creation command input from the management unit 52. The replacement instruction screen creation unit 47 displays the created rescue decision screen 120 on the display unit 33.

[0145] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the rescue decision screen 120 on the display unit 33. The rescue decision screen 120 includes a meeting time 116, a map 117 showing the meeting place, identification information 118 such as the license plate number of the support car, and a confirmation button 119.

[0146] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycle 3B up to the reception of the exchange instruction information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0147] First, in step SP601, the communication section 51 receives information from the management device 2.

[0148] Next, in step SP602, the management section 52 determines whether or not the information received in step SP601 is exchange instruction information.

[0149] If the information received in step SP601 is replacement instruction information (step SP602: YES), then in step SP603, the replacement instruction screen creation unit 47 creates a battery replacement decision screen 121 based on the screen creation command input from the management unit 52. The replacement instruction screen creation unit 47 displays the created battery replacement decision screen 121 on the display unit 33.

[0150] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery exchange decision screen 121 on the display unit 33. The battery exchange decision screen 121 includes a meeting time 122, a map 123 showing the meeting place, identification information 124 such as the license plate number of the other party, and a confirmation button 125.

[0151] On the other hand, if the information received in step SP601 is not exchange instruction information but other person determination information (step SP602: NO), then in step SP604 the exchange instruction screen creation unit 47 creates a other person determination screen based on the screen creation command input from the management unit 52. The exchange instruction screen creation unit 47 displays the created other person determination screen on the display unit 33. Although not shown in the figure, the other person determination screen includes a text message indicating that the person to replace the battery 12 has been determined to be another person.

[0152] The users of the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B travel on their electric motorcycles 3A and 3B to the meeting place indicated on the battery exchange decision screens 111 and 121. Then, the two users meet at the meeting place and exchange the batteries 12 of the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B.

[0153] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric motorcycles 3A, 3B up to the transmission of the exchange completion signal, in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0154] First, in step SP701, the exchange completion screen creation unit 48 creates a battery exchange completion input screen 131 based on the screen creation command input from the management unit 52. The exchange completion screen creation unit 48 displays the created battery exchange completion input screen 131 on the display unit 33.

[0155] 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a battery replacement completion input screen 131 on the display unit 33. The battery replacement completion input screen 131 includes a completion button 132 that is tapped after the replacement work of the battery 12 is completed.

[0156] Next, in step SP702, the exchange completion signal acquisition unit 44 determines whether or not an exchange completion input has been made based on whether or not the user taps the completion button 132 while the battery exchange completion input screen 131 is displayed on the display unit 33.

[0157] If there is no exchange completion input (step SP702: NO), the process of step SP702 is repeatedly executed to wait for the exchange completion input.

[0158] If an exchange completion input is received (step SP702: YES), then in step SP703, the exchange completion signal acquisition unit 44 creates an exchange completion signal indicating that the battery 12 has been properly replaced, and transmits the created exchange completion signal from the communication unit 51 to the management device 2.

[0159] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the management device 2 up to the transmission of reward information in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0160] First, in step SP801, the communication unit 61 receives an exchange completion signal from the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B.

[0161] Next, in step SP802, the management information update unit 76 updates the contents of the management information 78 stored in the storage unit 63 in accordance with the nature of the battery exchange that has taken place between the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B.

[0162] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of updating the management information 78 in a first mode of battery replacement. (A) of FIG. 21 shows the management information 78 before the update, and (B) of FIG. 21 shows the management information 78 after the update. In the first mode, the battery 12 of the electric motorcycle 3 is composed of at least one battery cell unit, and battery replacement is performed on a battery unit including all battery cell units. For example, if the battery 12 is composed of two battery cell units, both battery cell units are replaced during battery replacement. The first mode is suitable for use with a battery composed of one battery cell unit or a battery composed of multiple battery cell units connected in parallel for simultaneous use.

[0163] In a first mode, a common battery ID is assigned to the at least one battery cell unit constituting one battery. The management information 78 contains correspondence relationships between the identification information (bike ID) of each electric bike 3, the identification information (battery ID) of the battery 12 mounted on each electric bike 3, the identification information (user ID) of the user currently renting each electric bike 3, and the current location of each electric bike 3. When the battery 12 is exchanged between the electric bike 3A and the electric bike 3B, the management information update unit 76 updates the settings of the management information 78 by switching the correspondence between the bike ID and the battery ID for the electric bikes 3A and 3B in the management information 78. By the management information update unit 76 updating the management information 78, the management device 2 can maintain accurate management information 78 even after the battery 12 is exchanged between the electric bike 3A and the electric bike 3B.

[0164] According to the first aspect, there is no need to manage the remaining battery capacity for each battery cell unit in each electric bike 3 and management device 2, and therefore the process can be simplified compared to replacement for each battery cell unit.

[0165] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of updating the management information 78 in a second mode of battery replacement. (A) of FIG. 22 shows the management information 78 before the update, and (B) of FIG. 22 shows the management information 78 after the update. In the second mode, the battery 12 of the electric motorcycle 3 is composed of multiple battery cell units that can be replaced independently, and battery replacement is performed on a battery cell unit basis. For example, if the battery 12 is composed of two battery cell units, one or two battery cell units are replaced during battery replacement. The second mode is suitable for application to a battery composed of multiple battery cell units that are used sequentially by switching the connection.

[0166] In the second mode, each of the multiple battery cell units constituting one battery is assigned a unique battery cell unit ID. The management information 78 contains correspondences between the identification information (bike ID) of each electric motorcycle 3, the identification information (battery cell unit ID) of the battery cell units mounted on each electric motorcycle 3, the identification information (user ID) of the user currently renting each electric motorcycle 3, and the current location of each electric motorcycle 3. When the battery 12 is exchanged between the electric motorcycle 3A and the electric motorcycle 3B, the management information update unit 76 updates the settings of the management information 78 by swapping the correspondences between the bike ID and the battery cell unit IDs for the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B in the management information 78. Figure 22 shows an example in which a battery cell unit with a battery cell unit ID of "b1b" mounted on the electric motorcycle 3A is exchanged with a battery cell unit with a battery cell unit ID of "b2b" mounted on the electric motorcycle 3B. The remaining battery charge acquisition unit 22 acquires the remaining battery charge for each battery cell unit. Furthermore, the management device 2 indicates the battery cell unit to be replaced by including the battery cell unit ID in the replacement instruction information sent to the electric motorcycles 3A, 3B.

[0167] According to the second aspect, by replacing each battery cell unit, it is possible to finely adjust the increase or decrease in the remaining battery capacity that accompanies the replacement, compared to replacing each battery cell unit.

[0168] Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of updating management information 78 in a third mode of battery replacement. Figure 23(A) shows management information 78 before the update, and Figure 23(B) shows management information 78 after the update. In the third mode, battery replacement is performed on a bike-by-bike basis.

[0169] In the third aspect, the management information 78 stores correspondence relationships between the identification information (bike ID) of each electric bike 3, the identification information (battery ID) of the battery 12 installed in each electric bike 3, the identification information (user ID) of the user currently renting each electric bike 3, and the current location of each electric bike 3. When the battery 12 is exchanged between the user of electric bike 3A and the user of electric bike 3B (i.e., when the bikes are exchanged), the management information update unit 76 updates the settings of the management information 78 by switching the correspondence relationships between the bike IDs and user IDs for electric bikes 3A and 3B in the management information 78. Furthermore, when information about the departure point and destination of each user is managed in the management information 78, the management information update unit 76 also moves the information about the departure point and destination in accordance with the movement of the user ID in the process of updating the management information 78.

[0170] According to the third aspect, by replacing the battery 12 for each bike, the work of replacing the battery or battery cell unit is not required, and the time required for the replacement work can be shortened.

[0171] Referring to Fig. 20, in step SP803, the reward information creation unit 77 creates reward information for granting a predetermined reward to the user of the electric motorcycle 3B. The predetermined reward may be, for example, discount points that can be used to receive a discount on the fee for subsequent uses. The reward information includes information indicating the number of discount points that have been granted.

[0172] The reward information creation unit 77 may determine the reward amount (number of points) according to the remaining battery capacity of the battery 12 provided by the electric motorcycle 3B, or may set a fixed reward amount regardless of the remaining battery capacity. When determining the reward amount according to the remaining battery capacity, for example, the reward amount may be proportional to the remaining battery capacity.

[0173] By varying the amount of remuneration depending on the remaining battery capacity of the provided battery 12, the incentive to accept the battery exchange request can be increased.

[0174] Next, in step SP804, the communication unit 61 transmits the remuneration information created in step SP803 to the portable terminal 4B carried by the user of the electric motorcycle 3B.

[0175] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the electric bike 3B up to the reception of the remuneration information, in the processing sequence shown in FIG.

[0176] First, in step SP901, the communication unit 51 of the portable terminal 4B carried by the user of the electric bike 3B receives the reward information from the management device 2. The communication unit 51 inputs the received reward information to the reward screen creation unit 49.

[0177] Next, in step SP902, the reward screen creation unit 49 creates a reward display screen 141 based on the input reward information. The reward screen creation unit 49 displays the created reward display screen 141 on the display unit 33.

[0178] 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of a reward display screen 141 on the display unit 33. The reward display screen 141 includes a text message 142 indicating the number of discount points awarded, and a confirmation button 143.

[0179] According to the electric vehicle sharing system 1 of this embodiment, the battery 12 is swapped between the electric motorcycle 3A (first vehicle) that transmitted the swap request information and the electric motorcycle 3B (second vehicle) that transmitted the swap acceptance signal, thereby effectively preventing the electric motorcycle 3A from running out of power. As a result, the electric motorcycle 3A can travel longer distances than the maximum distance determined by its battery capacity. Furthermore, because the battery 12 is swapped between the electric motorcycles 3A and 3B rather than power being supplied from the electric motorcycle 3B to the electric motorcycle 3A by connecting a charging cable, users can complete the task easily and in a short time. Furthermore, because users cooperate with each other to prevent the electric motorcycles 3 from running out of power, the administrator of the electric motorcycle 3 sharing service can reduce the number and location of support cars. As a result, it is possible to reduce the operating costs of the service.

[0180] Furthermore, according to the electric vehicle sharing system 1 of this embodiment, a reward is given to the user of the electric bike 3B, so that each user can be given an incentive to accept the battery 12 exchange request when the user receives the exchange request information.

[0181] Furthermore, according to the electric vehicle sharing system 1 of this embodiment, if the management device 2 does not receive an exchange acceptance signal from any of the exchange partner candidates, the administrator can provide assistance to prevent the electric motorcycle 3A from running out of power.

[0182] Furthermore, according to the electric vehicle sharing system 1 of this embodiment, the exchange request information includes information indicating the remaining battery charge requested by the electric motorcycle 3A (requested mileage in the above example). Therefore, by having the management device 2 include this information in the exchange request information and send it to the exchange partner candidate, the user of the electric motorcycle 3 who receives the exchange request information can determine whether the remaining battery charge of their own vehicle is equal to or greater than the remaining battery charge requested by the electric motorcycle 3A. Furthermore, if the management device 2 manages the remaining battery charge of each electric motorcycle 3, the management device 2 can exclude from the exchange partner candidate any electric motorcycle 3 whose current remaining battery charge is less than the remaining battery charge requested by the electric motorcycle 3A.

[0183] Furthermore, in the electric vehicle sharing system 1 according to this embodiment, the management device 2 excludes from the exchange candidate electric bikes 3 whose current remaining battery charge is less than the remaining battery charge required by the electric bike 3A. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary transmission of exchange request information to electric bikes 3 that cannot accept a request to exchange the battery 12.

[0184] Furthermore, according to the electric vehicle sharing system 1 of this embodiment, the exchange request information includes information indicating the remaining battery charge of the electric motorcycle 3A (the other party's travelable distance in the above example). Therefore, by having the management device 2 include this information in the exchange request information and send it to the exchange partner candidate, the user of the electric motorcycle 3 who received the exchange request information can determine whether or not their own vehicle will be able to reach their destination with the battery 12 after exchanging the battery 12 of the electric motorcycle 3A. [Industrial Applicability]

[0185] The shared electric vehicle management technology according to the present disclosure is particularly useful for sharing services such as electric motorcycles.

Claims

1. A management method for managing an electric vehicle that runs on power supplied from a battery by a management device, comprising: acquiring, from a battery station, station remaining capacity information indicating a remaining battery capacity of a first battery stored in the battery station; Acquiring vehicle remaining capacity information from one or more vehicles, the vehicle remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of a battery used in each of the one or more vehicles; receiving current location information and destination information from the one or more vehicles; If the one or more vehicles include a candidate vehicle whose remaining battery charge is greater than the remaining battery charge of the first battery and which can reach its destination with the remaining battery charge of the first battery, transmitting battery replacement request information to the candidate vehicle; How to manage electric vehicles.

2. The method for managing an electric vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the management device, when receiving a battery exchange completion signal, provides a predetermined reward to the user of the candidate vehicle.

3. The method for managing an electric vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the management device determines a remuneration amount according to a remaining battery charge of the battery provided by the candidate vehicle.

4. The method for managing an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the exchange request information includes the remaining amount information of the station.

5. The method for managing electric vehicles according to claim 4, wherein the candidate vehicle is capable of displaying map information indicating a drivable area of ​​the candidate vehicle after battery replacement based on the station remaining charge information.

6. The battery is composed of at least one battery cell unit, The method for managing an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery replacement is performed on a battery basis including all battery cell units.

7. The management device The system stores management information that sets a correspondence between the identification information of each vehicle and the identification information of the battery installed in each vehicle, 7. The method for managing electric vehicles according to claim 6, wherein, when the candidate vehicle has undergone battery replacement, a setting content of a correspondence relationship between vehicle identification information and battery identification information for the candidate vehicle in the management information is updated.

8. The battery is composed of multiple battery cell units that can be replaced independently. the replacement request information includes identification information of a battery cell unit to be replaced, 6. The method for managing an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery is replaced in units of battery cell units.

9. The management device The system holds management information in which a correspondence relationship between the identification information of each vehicle and the identification information of the battery cell units mounted on each vehicle is set, 9. The method for managing electric vehicles according to claim 8, wherein, when the candidate vehicle has replaced a battery cell unit, the setting contents of the correspondence relationship between vehicle identification information and battery cell unit identification information for the candidate vehicle in the management information are updated.

10. A management device for managing an electric vehicle that runs on power supplied from a battery, acquiring, from a battery station, station remaining capacity information indicating a remaining battery capacity of a first battery stored in the battery station; Acquiring vehicle remaining capacity information from one or more vehicles, the vehicle remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of a battery used in each of the one or more vehicles; receiving current location information and destination information from the one or more vehicles; If the one or more vehicles include a candidate vehicle whose remaining battery charge is greater than the remaining battery charge of the first battery and which can reach its destination with the remaining battery charge of the first battery, transmitting battery replacement request information to the candidate vehicle; Electric vehicle management device.

11. A program for causing a management device that manages an electric vehicle that runs on power supplied from a battery to execute processing, The process comprises: acquiring, from a battery station, station remaining capacity information indicating a remaining battery capacity of a first battery stored in the battery station; Acquiring vehicle remaining capacity information from one or more vehicles, the vehicle remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of a battery used in each of the one or more vehicles; receiving current location information and destination information from the one or more vehicles; If the one or more vehicles include a candidate vehicle whose remaining battery charge is greater than the remaining battery charge of the first battery and which can reach its destination with the remaining battery charge of the first battery, transmitting battery replacement request information to the candidate vehicle; program.

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