Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of efficiently using a charging device for charging an electric vehicle, an information processing method, and a program.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises an acceptance unit and a selection unit. The acceptance unit accepts user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in a charging device proposal request transmitted by a terminal device. The selection unit selects a charging device used by a user on the basis of the usage history of the user associated with user identification information, the desired charging time information and desired charging location information accepted by the acceptance unit, and usage information and reservation information of a plurality of charging devices on the basis of information associating charging device identification information and information indicative of a facility where the charging device is installed about each of the plurality of charging devices stored in the storage unit and information associating the user identification information with the user usage history about each of the plurality of users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When charging multiple electric vehicles in parking lots equipped with charging equipment and outlets for electric vehicles, such as pay parking lots and public parking lots, the charging capacity may exceed the parking lot's capacity. In this case, even if a user enters the parking lot with the intention of charging their electric vehicle, they must wait until the electric vehicle that entered earlier has finished charging or has left the parking lot.

[0003] There is a known technology that can reduce the number of users who go uncharged in parking lots equipped with charging devices and outlets for electric vehicles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This technology sets certain standards such as charging time and charging capacity, and charges vehicles in order within the charging limits, ensuring that no electric vehicle goes uncharged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-244630 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Because it takes time to charge electric vehicles, users may not be able to charge at the place or time they want. One solution to this is to increase the number of charging stations, but because the frequency of use by users varies depending on the day of the week and time of day, there is a possibility that some charging stations will be installed but not used. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that enable efficient use of a charging device that charges an electric vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device capable of communicating with each of a plurality of charging devices, the information processing device comprising: a reception unit that receives user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in a charging device proposal request transmitted by a terminal device; and a selection unit that selects a charging device to be used by the user based on charging device installation facility information that associates, for each of the plurality of charging devices stored in a memory unit, charging device identification information with information indicating the facility where the charging device is installed, and user usage history information that associates, for each of a plurality of users, user identification information with the user's usage history, the user usage history associated with the user identification information, the desired charging time information and desired charging location information received by the reception unit, and the usage information, reservation information, and information indicating the facility where the charging devices are installed.

[0007] (2) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device in which, in the information processing device described in (1) above, the memory unit further stores, for each of a plurality of users, user rank information that associates user identification information with information indicating a rank that indicates the user's level of patronage, and the selection unit selects a charging device to be used by the user based further on the information indicating the rank associated with the user identification information.

[0008] (3) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (2) above, wherein the usage information of the plurality of charging devices includes a total charge amount currently supplied by the plurality of charging devices and a charge amount upper limit value of the plurality of charging devices, and the information processing device further includes a charging processing unit that creates control information for supplying power to the electric vehicle within a range in which the total charge amount does not exceed the charge amount upper limit value.

[0009] (4) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device as described in (3) above, wherein each of the reservation information for the multiple charging devices includes reservation time information for starting use of the charging device, and the charging processing unit creates control information for supplying power to an electric vehicle that has not yet elapsed more than a predetermined period of time since the reservation time based on the reservation time information.

[0010] (5) In one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (4) above, the charging processing unit creates control information for supplying power to an electric vehicle with an earlier reservation time when there are multiple electric vehicles for which a certain amount of time has not yet elapsed since the reservation time.

[0011] (6) In one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (4) above, the charging processing unit creates control information for supplying power preferentially to electric vehicles with higher ranks based on information indicating the ranks associated with each of the multiple user identification information when there are no electric vehicles for which a certain amount of time has not passed since the reserved time and there are multiple electric vehicles with the same reserved time.

[0012] (7) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device capable of communicating with each of a plurality of charging devices, the information processing method including the steps of: accepting user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in a charging device proposal request transmitted by a terminal device; and selecting a charging device to be used by the user based on charging device installation facility information, which associates the identification information of the charging device with information indicating the facility where the charging device is installed, for each of the plurality of charging devices stored in a memory unit, and user usage history information, which associates the user identification information with the usage history of each of a plurality of users, based on the user usage history associated with the user identification information, the desired charging time information and desired charging location information accepted in the accepting step, and the usage information, reservation information, and information indicating the facility where the charging devices are installed.

[0013] (8) One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of an information processing device that can communicate with each of a plurality of charging devices to execute the steps of accepting user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in a charging reservation request sent by a terminal device, and selecting a charging device to be used by the user based on charging device installation facility information that associates charging device identification information with information indicating the facility where the charging device is installed for each of the plurality of charging devices stored in a memory unit, and user usage history information that associates user identification information with the user's usage history for each of a plurality of users, the user usage history associated with the user identification information, the desired charging time information and desired charging location information accepted in the accepting step, and the usage information, reservation information, and information indicating the facility where the charging devices are installed for the plurality of charging devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that enable efficient use of a charging device that charges an electric vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electric vehicle charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of charging device installation facility information 202. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of user usage history information 204. [Figure 2C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of charging device reservation status information 206. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of user rank information 208. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5]1 is a block diagram showing an example of an information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8A] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8C] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9C] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10A] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10C] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11A] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electric vehicle charging system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11B] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electric vehicle charging system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12A] 1 is a diagram showing an application example of an electric vehicle charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] 1 is a diagram showing an application example of an electric vehicle charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Next, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following embodiments. Note that in all drawings used to explain the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, in this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0017] (Embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electric vehicle charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle charging system 1 includes a terminal device 10, charging devices 50-1 to 50-n (n is an integer greater than 0), an information processing device 100, and a server 200. The terminal device 10, the charging devices 50-1 to 50-n, the information processing device 100, and the server 200 are connected via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0018] The terminal device 10 is used by a user U. The user U is a person who wishes to charge an electric vehicle EV. The terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary computer device, or a portable computer device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC).

[0019] Each of charging devices 50-1 to 50-n has a power supply connector that supplies power to a power receiving device (not shown) of the electric vehicle EV. When the power supply connector is connected to the power receiving connector of the electric vehicle EV, power is supplied to the power receiving device, thereby charging the electric vehicle EV. Hereinafter, any one of charging devices 50-1 to 50-n will be referred to as charging device 50. The information processing device 100 is capable of communicating with the charging devices 50-1 to 50-n. For example, a stationary computer may be used as the information processing device 100, or a portable computer such as a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC) may be used. An example of the information processing device 100 may be a cloud server.

[0020] Server 200 stores charging device installation facility information 202, user usage history information 204, charging device reservation status information 206, and user rank information 208. An example of server 200 may be a cloud server. As shown in FIG. 2A , charging device installation facility information 202 associates, for each of a plurality of charging devices, charging device identification information, charging device location information, and facility information where the charging device is installed. The charging device location information may be expressed, for example, as longitude and latitude, or longitude, latitude, and altitude. As shown in FIG. 2B , user usage history information 204 associates, for each of a plurality of users, user identification information and, for each of a plurality of charging devices, charging device identification information and information indicating the user's usage history. In FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 is connected to the server 200 via a communication network; however, the information processing device 100 may be connected to the server 200 directly without going through the communication network. In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, the information processing device 100 and the server 200 are described as different devices, but this example is not limiting. For example, the information processing device 100 and the server 200 may be realized by a single device. In this case, the single device may be realized as a cloud server. Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 100 and the server 200 may be realized by three or more devices. In this case, each of the three devices may be realized as a cloud server.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2C, charging device reservation status information 206 associates charging device identification information with charging device reservation status information for each of a plurality of charging devices. As shown in Fig. 2D, user rank information 208 associates user identification information with rank information for each of a plurality of users. The rank information indicates the degree of patronage of the user.

[0022] Here, we will explain how to determine a user's rank. The rank is determined based on the number of times the charging device has been used, the usage fee for the charging device, etc. As an example, we will show a case where the rank is determined based on the number of times the charging device has been used in a month. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the number of times the charging device has been used required to reach rank A, rank B, and rank C is 10, 5, and 0 times / month, respectively. In this case, the rankings are A, B, and C in descending order of the user's loyalty level.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents users (user 1, user 2, user 3), and the vertical axis represents the number of times a charging device has been used in a month. As shown in FIG. 4, if the number of times a charging device has been used in a month exceeds five, the user is ranked B, which is a higher loyalty rating than C, and if the number of times exceeds ten, the user is ranked A, which is a higher loyalty rating than B. For user 1, user 2, and user 3, the number of times a charging device has been used in a month is 13, 8, and 4, respectively. Therefore, user 1, user 2, and user 3 are ranked A, rank B, and rank C, respectively. In this way, the rank is determined according to the number of times of use. Alternatively, the rank may be determined according to the charge fee for the charging device in addition to or instead of the number of times of use.

[0024] In addition, the rank may be determined based not only on one or both of the number of times the charging device is used and the usage fee, but also on factors such as the amount of charge supplied by the charging device, the charging time using the charging device, the number of times the user has visited a facility such as a store where the charging device is installed, the total time spent at the store, and the total amount paid at the store. Furthermore, if the user is close to being promoted to a higher rank, the user may be notified of this fact and / or the conditions required for the next promotion. For example, the notification may be made by displaying the information on a display unit (not shown) of the charging device 50 or by audio.

[0025] The following provides a detailed description of the information processing device 100 included in the electric vehicle charging system 1. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the information processing device 100 included in the electric vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 102 , a reception unit 104 , an authentication unit 106 , a search unit 107 , a selection unit 108 , a creation unit 109 , a storage unit 110 , a reservation processing unit 111 , and a charging processing unit 112 .

[0026] The communication unit 102 is realized by a communication module. The communication unit 102 communicates with an external communication device via a communication network NW. The communication unit 102 communicates using a communication method such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 102 may also communicate using a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LTE (registered trademark).

[0027] The storage unit 110 is realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), etc., and stores authentication information. An example of the authentication information is user identification information of users who are permitted to use the electric vehicle charging system 1.

[0028] The reception unit 104, authentication unit 106, search unit 107, selection unit 108, creation unit 109, reservation processing unit 111 and charging processing unit 112 are realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a computer program (software) stored in the memory unit 110. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0029] The computer program may be stored in advance in a storage device such as a HDD or flash memory, or may be stored in a removable storage medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or CD-ROM, and installed by inserting the storage medium into a drive device.

[0030] The communication unit 102 receives the charging device proposal request transmitted by the terminal device 10. The charging device proposal request is for requesting a proposal of a charging device that the user U should use. The reception unit 104 acquires the charging device proposal request from the communication unit 102, and accepts the user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information of the user U included in the acquired charging device proposal request.

[0031] The authentication unit 106 acquires user identification information from the reception unit 104 and authenticates the user U based on the acquired user identification information. The authentication unit 106 determines whether the acquired user identification information is included in the authentication information stored in the storage unit 110. The authentication unit 106 determines that the authentication was successful if the acquired user identification information is stored in the authentication information in the storage unit 110, and determines that the authentication was unsuccessful if the acquired user identification information is not stored.

[0032] When the authentication unit 106 has successfully authenticated the user U, the search unit 107 acquires the desired charging location information from the reception unit 104. Based on the acquired desired charging location information, the search unit 107 searches for charging spots (facilities where charging devices are installed) within a predetermined range from the desired charging location.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows, as an example, how charging devices 50-1 to 50-6 are arranged on a map. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a desired charging location DCL. In this case, the search unit 107 searches for charging devices within a predetermined range R from the desired charging location DCL based on charging device position information in the charging device installation facility information 202 stored in the server 200. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the search unit 107 acquires charging devices 50-3 to 50-5 as a result of the search. The search unit 107 acquires facility (charging spot) information where each of the acquired charging devices 50-3 to 50-5 is installed from the charging device installation facility information 202 stored in the server 200. Returning to FIG. 5, the description will be continued.

[0034] The selection unit 108 acquires information indicating one or more charging spots within a predetermined range from the desired charging location from the search unit 107. For each of the acquired information indicating one or more charging spots, the selection unit 108 acquires identification information of the charging device installed at the charging spot from the charging device installation facility information 202 stored in the server 200. The selection unit 108 acquires information indicating the user identification information and the usage history of the charging device associated with the acquired charging identification information from the user usage history information 204.

[0035] The selection unit 108 acquires reservation status information of the charging device associated with the charging device identification information from the charging device reservation status information 206. The selection unit 108 acquires rank information associated with the user identification information from the user rank information 208. The selection unit 108 derives a supplyable amount of charge based on the acquired information indicating the usage history of each of the one or more charging devices, the reservation status information, and the rank information. The selection unit 108 selects a charging device to be used by the user U based on the derived amount of charge. For example, the selection unit 108 may rank one or more charging spots in which chargeable charging devices are installed. Here, the selection unit 108 may acquire information indicating the amount of charge desired by the user U, select chargeable charging devices based on the acquired information indicating the amount of charge, and rank one or more charging spots in which the selected charging devices are installed.

[0036] The creation unit 109 acquires information indicating one or more charging spots where charging devices capable of charging are installed from the selection unit 108. The creation unit 109 creates a charging device proposal response including the acquired information indicating the one or more charging spots. The creation unit 109 transmits the created charging device proposal response from the communication unit 102 to the terminal device 10.

[0037] The terminal device 10 receives and displays the charging device proposal response transmitted by the information processing device 100. If the user U accepts the charging content proposed by the information processing device 100, the user U performs an operation to reserve the use of the charging device included in the charging device proposal response. Based on the operation of the user U, the terminal device 10 creates a charging device reservation request for reserving the use of the charging device and transmits it to the information processing device 100.

[0038] In the information processing device 100, the communication unit 102 receives the charging device reservation request transmitted by the terminal device 10. The reception unit 104 acquires the charging device reservation request from the communication unit 102 and receives information indicating the user identification information, the charging device identification information, and the reservation date and time included in the charging device reservation request. The reservation processing unit 111 acquires user identification information, charging device identification information, and information indicating the reservation date and time from the reception unit 104. The reservation processing unit 111 stores the acquired user identification information, charging device identification information, and information indicating the reservation date and time in reservation information in the storage unit 110. The reservation information stored in the storage unit 110 is reflected in the charging device reservation status information 206 of the server 200. When the amount of charging by another user occurs at a reserved charging device based on the reservation information in the storage unit 110, the reservation processing unit 111 may calculate the amount of charging as if charging was performed at the time and with the charging content reserved by the user U. When a user U who has already made a reservation makes a reservation for the same date and time, the reservation processing unit 111 may delete the content of the previous reservation.

[0039] The charging processing unit 112 performs processing to charge at least one electric vehicle EV among the charging devices 50-1 to 50-n based on the reservation information stored in the storage unit 110. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7A shows the relationship between rank and minimum guaranteed current value. Fig. 7B shows the relationship between the rank of each electric vehicle user and information indicating whether it is within one hour since the reservation start date. Fig. 7C shows the transition of the charging current of each electric vehicle.

[0040] The charging processing unit 112 calculates the current value that can be supplied to at least one electric vehicle EV. As an example, the maximum capacity of the entire charging device is set to 100 [A], and the maximum capacity of one charging device is set to 30 [A]. The charging processing unit 112 checks the rank of the user of the electric vehicle EV connected to the charging device 50 and allocates a minimum guaranteed current value according to the rank (step 1). As shown in FIG. 7A, the minimum guaranteed current values ​​supplied to rank A, rank B, and rank C are 15 [A], 10 [A], and 6 [A], respectively. As shown in FIG. 7B, the ranks of the users of electric vehicles 1 to 5 are assumed to be A, B, B, C, and C, respectively. In this case, as shown in step 1 of FIG. 7C, 15 [A], 10 [A], 10 [A], 6 [A], and 6 [A] are allocated to electric vehicles 1 to 5, respectively.

[0041] Next, the charging processing unit 112 allocates as much power as possible to electric vehicles EV that have been in operation for less than one hour since reservations began, in descending order of rank (step 2). Here, if users have the same rank, the power is allocated equally. As shown in FIG. 7B, it is assumed that, of electric vehicles 1 to 5, electric vehicles 1 and 2 have been in operation for less than one hour since reservations began. In this case, as shown in step 2 of FIG. 7C, 30 [A] and 30 [A] are allocated to electric vehicles 1 to 2, respectively.

[0042] Next, the charging processing unit 112 allocates as much power as possible to electric vehicles EV for which one hour has passed since the reservation start date, in descending order of rank (step 3). Here, in the case of users with the same rank, the power is allocated evenly. As shown in FIG. 7B, of electric vehicles 1 to 5, one hour has passed since the reservation start date for electric vehicles 3 to 5. In this case, as shown in step 3 of FIG. 7C, as much power as possible is allocated to electric vehicle 3, which has the highest rank, among electric vehicles 3 to 5. Because the maximum capacity of the entire charging device is 100 [A], 28 [A] is allocated to electric vehicle 3, as shown in step 3 of FIG. 7C. Next, the charging processing unit 112 creates control information for supplying the allocated current to the electric vehicle EV, and transmits the control information to the charging device 50.

[0043] The charging process of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. 8A to 8C are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the electric car will also be referred to as a vehicle. (Step S1-1) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether a predetermined one hour has elapsed since the start time of the charging reservation for the vehicle. If one hour has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1-1. Here, one hour is an example of a certain time period, which may be set in advance by the operator of the information processing device 100. (Step S2-1) If one hour has passed, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the minimum guaranteed current value A for each rank to each vehicle currently being charged.

[0044] (Step S3-1). The charging processing unit 112 calculates the remaining current value R after allocating the minimum guaranteed current value A to each vehicle, assuming that the capacity of the entire charging facility is E. In other words, the charging processing unit 112 calculates the sum of R=EA. (Step S4-1) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0.

[0045] (Step S5-1) If R>0 is not satisfied, the charging processing unit 112 applies the minimum guaranteed current value A to each vehicle. Then, the process proceeds to step S1-1. (Step S6-1) If R>0, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there is a vehicle for which one hour has not yet elapsed since the charging reservation start time and the current value to be charged has not reached MAX (maximum).

[0046] (Step S7-1) When it is determined in step S6-1 that there is a vehicle whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are two or more vehicles whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum and whose charging reservation start time is the earliest among the vehicles that have not yet passed one hour since the charging reservation start time. (Step S8-1) If it is determined in step S7-1 that there are not two or more vehicles with the earliest charging reservation start time, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the smaller current value of either (MAX current value - current current value) or the remaining current value R to the vehicle with the earliest charging reservation start time among the vehicles for which less than one hour has elapsed since the charging reservation start time and for which the planned charging current value has not reached MAX. Here, the allocated current value is designated as B. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 8B.

[0047] (Step S1-2) When it is determined in step S7-1 that there are two or more vehicles with the earliest charging reservation start time, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank among the vehicles with the earliest charging reservation start time that have not yet passed one hour since the charging reservation start time and whose planned charging current value has not reached MAX. (Step S2-2) If it is determined in step S1-2 that there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank, the charging processing unit 112 distributes the remaining current value R evenly among all of the highest-ranked vehicles among those that have not yet passed one hour since the charging reservation start time, have not reached the maximum charging current value, and have the earliest charging reservation start time. Here, the charging processing unit 112 regards the current value that cannot be distributed evenly, that is, that cannot be divided, as a remainder. The distributed current value is designated as B.

[0048] (Step S3-2) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the current value B allocated to the number of vehicles from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=R−(B×number of allocated vehicles). (Step S4-2) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the current value to be charged to the vehicle to which the current value B is allocated is at the maximum. If it is determined that the current value is not at the maximum, the process proceeds to step S9-1 in Fig. 8A. The description will continue with reference to Fig. 8A. (Step S9-1) The charging processing unit 112 performs a process of causing a current to flow to a vehicle having a minimum guaranteed current value A and an allocated current value B, by adding the allocated amount to the vehicle. Specifically, the charging processing unit 112 creates control information for causing the charging device 50 to cause a current to flow to a vehicle having a minimum guaranteed current value A and an allocated current value B, by adding the allocated amount to the vehicle, and transmits the control information to the charging device 50. The charging device 50 receives the control information transmitted by the information processing device 100, and causes a current to flow to the vehicle based on the received control information. Then, the process proceeds to step S1-1. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 8B.

[0049] (Step S5-2) If it is determined in step S1-2 that there are not two or more vehicles with the highest rank, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the remaining current value R to the vehicle with the highest rank among the vehicles that have not yet passed one hour since the charging reservation start time, that have not reached the maximum current value for the scheduled charging, and that have the earliest charging reservation start time, by allocating the smaller current value between (MAX current value - current current value) and the remaining current value R. Here, the allocated current value is designated as B. (Step S6-2) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=RB.

[0050] (Step S7-2) After the process of step S8-1 in Fig. 8A, the charge processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, R = RB is calculated. (Step S8-2) When the planned charging current value of the vehicle to which current value B was allocated in step S4-2 is MAX, charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0, after the processing of step S6-2 or after the processing of step S7-2. If R>0, the process proceeds to step S6-1, and if R>0 is not, the process proceeds to step S9-1. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 8C.

[0051] (Step S1-3) If it is determined in step S6-1 that there are no vehicles for which the planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are any vehicles for which the planned charging current value has not reached the maximum for one hour since the charging reservation start time.If there are no vehicles for which the planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, the process proceeds to step S9-1 in FIG. 8A.

[0052] (Step S2-3) If the charging processing unit 112 determines in step S1-3 that there is a vehicle whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, it determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the highest ranking among the vehicles whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum. (Step S3-3) If it is determined in step S2-3 that there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank, the charging processing unit 112 distributes the current value equally among all of the vehicles with the highest rank among the vehicles whose planned charging current value is not at MAX. Here, the charging processing unit 112 sets the current value that cannot be distributed equally, that is, the current value that cannot be divided, as a remainder. The distributed current value is designated as B.

[0053] (Step S4-3) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the current value B allocated to the number of vehicles from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=R−(B×number of allocated vehicles). (Step S5-3) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the current value scheduled to be charged to the vehicle allocated current value B has reached its maximum. If the current value has not reached its maximum, the process proceeds to step S9-1 in FIG. 8A.

[0054] (Step S6-3) If it is determined in step S2-3 that there are not two or more highest-ranked vehicles, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the smaller current value of either (MAX current value - current current value) or the remaining current value R to the highest-ranked vehicle among the vehicles whose planned charging current value is not at MAX. The allocated current value is designated as B. (Step S7-3) After the process of step S6-3, or when it is determined in step S5-3 that the current value has reached MAX, charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0. If R>0, the process proceeds to step S1-3, and if R>0 is not true, the process proceeds to step S9-1 in FIG. 8A.

[0055] 9A to 9C are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. (Step S1-4) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether or not there is a vehicle that has been disconnected from the charging device 50. If there is no vehicle that has been disconnected from the charging device 50, the process returns to step S1-4. (Step S2-4) If there is a vehicle that has been disconnected from the charging device 50, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the minimum guaranteed current value A for each rank to each vehicle that is currently being charged.

[0056] (Step S3-4) The charging processing unit 112 calculates the remaining current value R after ensuring the minimum guaranteed current value for each vehicle, assuming that the capacity of the entire facility is E. In other words, the charging processing unit 112 calculates the sum of R=E-minimum guaranteed current value A. (Step S4-4) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0.

[0057] (Step S5-4) If R>0 is not satisfied, the charging processing unit 112 applies the minimum guaranteed current value A to each vehicle. Then, the process proceeds to step S1-4. (Step S6-4) If it is determined in step S4-4 that R>0, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether or not there is a vehicle for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum within less than one hour from the scheduled charging time.

[0058] (Step S7-4) When it is determined in step S6-4 that there is a vehicle whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the earliest scheduled charging time among the vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour and whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum. (Step S8-4) If it is determined in step S7-4 that there are not two or more vehicles with the earliest scheduled charging times, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the smaller current value of either (MAX current value - current current value) or the remaining current value R to the vehicle with the earliest scheduled charging time among the remaining vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour and whose scheduled charging current value has not yet reached MAX. Here, the allocated current value is designated as B. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 9B.

[0059] (Step S1-5) When it is determined in step S7-4 that there are two or more vehicles with the earliest scheduled charging times, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank among the vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour, whose scheduled charging current value has not reached MAX, and that have the earliest scheduled charging times. (Step S2-5) If it is determined in step S1-5 that there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank, the charging processing unit 112 distributes the remaining current value R evenly among all vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour, have not reached the maximum charging current value, and have the earliest scheduled charging time, and are the highest ranked vehicles. Here, the charging processing unit 112 considers any current value that cannot be distributed evenly, that is, that cannot be divided, to be the remainder. The distributed current value is designated as B.

[0060] (Step S3-5) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B for each vehicle from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=R−(B×number of vehicles to which the current value B is allocated). (Step S4-5) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the current value to be charged to the vehicle to which current value B is allocated is at the maximum. If it is determined that the current value is not at the maximum, the process proceeds to step S9-4 in Fig. 9A. The description will continue with reference to Fig. 9A. (Step S9-4) The charging processing unit 112 performs a process of causing a current to flow to a vehicle having a minimum guaranteed current value A and an allocated current value B, by adding the allocated amount to the vehicle. Specifically, the charging processing unit 112 creates control information for causing the charging device 50 to cause a current to flow to a vehicle having a minimum guaranteed current value A and an allocated current value B, by adding the allocated amount to the vehicle, and transmits the control information to the charging device 50. The charging device 50 receives the control information transmitted by the information processing device 100, and causes a current to flow to the vehicle based on the received control information. Then, the process proceeds to step S1-4. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 9B.

[0061] (Step S5-5) If it is determined in step S1-5 that there are not two or more vehicles with the highest rank, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the remaining current value R to the vehicle with the highest rank among the vehicles for which charging has started less than one hour ago, for which the planned charging current value has not yet reached the maximum, and for which the charging reservation time is the earliest, by allocating the smaller current value between (MAX current value - current current value) and the remaining current value R. Here, the allocated current value is designated as B. (Step S6-5) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, R=RB is calculated.

[0062] (Step S7-5) After the process of step S8-4 in Fig. 9A, the charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R = RB. (Step S8-5) If charging processing unit 112 determines in step S4-5 that the planned charging current value of the vehicle to which current value B is allocated has reached MAX, then after processing in step S6-5 or after processing in step S7-5, it determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0. If R>0, the process proceeds to step S6-4, and if R>0 is not, the process proceeds to step S9-4. The description continues with reference to FIG. 9C.

[0063] (Step S1-6) If it is determined in step S6-4 that there are no vehicles for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are any vehicles for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum for one hour or more from the scheduled charging time. If there are no vehicles for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum, the process proceeds to step S9-4 in FIG. 9A.

[0064] (Step S2-6) If the charging processing unit 112 determines in step S1-6 that there is a vehicle whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, it determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the highest ranking among the vehicles whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum. (Step S3-6) If it is determined in step S2-6 that there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank, the charging processing unit 112 distributes the remaining current value R evenly among all of the highest-ranked vehicles among the vehicles whose planned charging current value is not at the maximum. Here, the charging processing unit 112 defines the current value that cannot be distributed evenly, that is, the current value that cannot be divided, as the remainder. The distributed current value is defined as B.

[0065] (Step S4-6) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B for each vehicle from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=R−(B×number of vehicles to which the current value B is allocated). (Step S5-6) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the current value scheduled to be charged to the vehicle allocated current value B has reached its maximum. If the current value has not reached its maximum, the process proceeds to step S9-4 in FIG. 9A.

[0066] (Step S6-6) If it is determined in step S2-6 that there are not two or more highest-ranked vehicles, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the smaller current value of either (MAX current value - current current value) or the remaining current value R to the highest-ranked vehicle among the vehicles whose planned charging current value is not at MAX. The allocated current value is designated as B. (Step S7-6) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=RB.

[0067] (Step S8-6) After the process of step S7-6, or when it is determined in step S5-6 that the current value has reached MAX, charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0. If R>0, the process proceeds to step S1-6, and if R>0 is not true, the process proceeds to step S9-4 in FIG. 9A.

[0068] 10A to 10C are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. (Step S1-7) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether or not there is a vehicle connected to the charging device 50. If there is no vehicle connected to the charging device 50, the process returns to step S1-7. (Step S2-7) When there is a vehicle connected to the charging device 50, the authentication unit 106 performs user authentication between the charging device 50 and a smartphone app, an IC card, or the like installed on the terminal device 10 of the user U.

[0069] (Step S3-7) The charging processing unit 112 identifies the rank of the user U from the user rank information 208 stored in the server 200 . (Step S4-7) The charging processing unit 112 displays the rank of the user U and the conditions for promotion on the screen (display unit) of the charging device 50 (not shown).

[0070] (Step S5-7) The charging processing unit 112 allocates the minimum guaranteed current value A for each rank to the vehicles currently being charged. (Step S6-7) The charging processing unit 112 calculates the remaining current value R after ensuring the minimum guaranteed current value for each vehicle, assuming that the capacity of the entire facility is E. In other words, the charging processing unit 112 calculates the sum of R = (E - minimum guaranteed current value A).

[0071] (Step S7-7) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0. (Step S8-7) If it is determined in step S7-7 that R is not greater than 0, the charging processing unit 112 applies the minimum guaranteed current value A to each vehicle, and then returns to step S1-7.

[0072] (Step S9-7) If it is determined in step S7-7 that R>0, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are any vehicles for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum within less than one hour from the scheduled charging time. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 10B. (Step S1-8) When it is determined in step S9-7 that there is a vehicle whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the earliest scheduled charging time among the vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour and whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum.

[0073] (Step S2-8) When it is determined in step S1-8 that there are two or more vehicles with the earliest scheduled charging times, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank among the vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour, whose scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum, and whose scheduled charging times are the earliest. (Step S3-8) If the charging processing unit 112 determines in step S2-8 that there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank, it distributes the remaining current value R evenly among all vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour, have not reached the maximum charging current value, and have the earliest scheduled charging time, and are the highest ranked vehicles. Here, the charging processing unit 112 defines the current value that cannot be distributed evenly, that is, the current value that cannot be divided, as the remainder. The distributed current value is defined as B.

[0074] (Step S4-8) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R for the number of vehicles to which the current value B is allocated. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=R-(B×number of vehicles to which the current value B is allocated). (Step S5-8) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the current value to be charged to the vehicle allocated current value B has reached its maximum. If the current value to be charged to the vehicle allocated current value B has not reached its maximum, the process proceeds to step S10-7 in Fig. 10A. The description will continue with reference to Fig. 10A. (Step S10-7) The charging processing unit 112 performs a process of causing a current to flow to a vehicle having a minimum guaranteed current value A and an allocated current value B, by adding the allocated amount to the vehicle. Specifically, the charging processing unit 112 creates control information for causing the charging device 50 to cause a current to flow to a vehicle having a minimum guaranteed current value A and an allocated current value B, by adding the allocated amount to the vehicle, and transmits the control information to the charging device 50. The charging device 50 receives the control information transmitted by the information processing device 100, and causes a current to flow to the vehicle based on the received control information. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 10B.

[0075] (Steps S6-8) If it is determined in step S1-8 that there are not two or more vehicles with the earliest scheduled charging times, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the smaller current value of either (MAX current value - current current value) or the remaining current value R to the vehicle with the earliest scheduled charging time among the remaining vehicles that have been charging for less than one hour and whose scheduled charging current value has not reached MAX. Here, the allocated current value is designated as B. (Step S7-8) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=RB.

[0076] (Step S8-8) If it is determined in step S2-8 that there are not two or more vehicles with the highest rank, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the smaller current value of either (MAX current value - current current value) or the remaining current value R to the vehicle with the highest rank among vehicles for which charging has started less than one hour ago, for which the planned charging current value has not yet reached MAX, and for which the charging reservation time is earliest. The allocated current value is designated as B. (Step S9-8) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=RB.

[0077] (Step S10-8) When the planned charging current value of the vehicle to which current value B was allocated in step S5-8 is MAX, charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0, after processing of step S7-8 or after processing of step S9-8. If the remaining current value R is not greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S10-7 in Fig. 10A, and if the remaining current value R is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S9-7 in Fig. 10A. The description will continue with reference to Fig. 10C. (Step S1-9) If it is determined in step S9-7 that there are no vehicles for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are any vehicles for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum for one hour or more from the scheduled charging time. If it is determined that there are no vehicles for which the scheduled charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 proceeds to step S10-7 in FIG. 10A.

[0078] (Step S2-9) When it is determined in step S1-9 that there is a vehicle whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum, the charging processing unit 112 determines whether there are two or more vehicles with the highest ranking among the vehicles whose planned charging current value has not reached the maximum. (Step S3-9) If the charging processing unit 112 determines in step S2-9 that there are two or more vehicles with the highest rank, it distributes the remaining current value R evenly among all of the highest-ranked vehicles among the vehicles whose planned charging current value is not at the maximum. The charging processing unit 112 defines the current value that cannot be distributed evenly, that is, the current value that cannot be divided, as the remainder. The distributed current value is designated as B.

[0079] (Step S4-9) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B for each vehicle from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=R−(B×number of vehicles to which the current value B is allocated). (Step S5-9) The charging processing unit 112 determines whether the current value scheduled to be charged to the vehicle allocated current value B has reached its maximum. If the current value has not reached its maximum, the process proceeds to step S10-7 in FIG. 10A.

[0080] (Step S6-9) If it is determined in step S2-9 that there are not two or more highest-ranked vehicles, the charging processing unit 112 allocates the smaller current value of either (MAX current value - current current value) or the remaining current value R to the highest-ranked vehicle among the vehicles whose planned charging current value is not at MAX. The allocated current value is designated as B. (Step S7-9) The charging processing unit 112 subtracts the allocated current value B from the remaining current value R. That is, the charging processing unit 112 calculates R=RB.

[0081] (Step S8-9) After the process of step S7-9, or when it is determined in step S5-9 that the current value has reached MAX, charging processing unit 112 determines whether the remaining current value R is greater than 0, that is, whether R>0. If R>0, the process proceeds to step S1-9, and if R>0 is not true, the process proceeds to step S10-7 in FIG. 10A.

[0082] 11A and 11B are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the electric vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment. (Step S1-10) In the terminal device 10, the user U starts the smartphone app installed on the terminal device 10 and specifies desired charging time information such as the time period during which charging is desired, and a desired charging location such as a destination. (Step S2-10) The terminal device 10 transmits the user information, search range, and time period to the information processing device 100. The user information includes the user U's user identification information.

[0083] (Step S3-10) In the information processing device 100, the search unit 107 searches for reservation information of charging devices within the search range. (Step S4-10) In the information processing device 100, the search unit 107 determines whether or not there is a charging device capable of charging within the specified range.

[0084] (Step S5-10) In the information processing device 100, when it is determined in step S4-10 that there is a charging device that can be charged within the range specified, the charging processing unit 112 calculates the amount of charge that can be charged at each charging device based on the reservation status of the charging device, user information, and time period. (Step S6-10) If it is determined in step S4-10 that there is no chargeable charging device within the specified range, or after the processing of step S5-10, the terminal device 10 receives information about chargeable charging devices within the specified search range and time period.

[0085] (Step S7-10) The terminal device 10 determines whether or not a charging device that satisfies the specified search range and time period has been proposed. (Steps S8-10) When the terminal device 10 determines that a charging device satisfying the search range and time period specified in step S7-10 has been proposed, the terminal device 10 displays the charging devices and their charge amounts in the smartphone app installed on the terminal device 10 in order of proximity to the destination. Here, the charging devices can be sorted in order of the amount of charge. The description will continue with reference to FIG. 11B.

[0086] (Step S1-11) The terminal device 10 determines whether or not the user U has selected a charging device at the destination specified by the user U. If no charging device has been selected, the process ends. (Step S2-11) When the user U selects a charging device, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not a reservation operation has been performed. If a reservation operation has not been performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process ends.

[0087] (Step S3-11) If it is determined in step S2-11 that a reservation operation has been performed, the terminal device 10 transmits to the information processing device 100 the user information and information on the selected charging device (charging device identification information). (Step S4-11) In the information processing device 100, the reservation processing unit 111 registers reservation information for the charging device and notifies the terminal device 10 of the completion of the registration of the reservation information.

[0088] (Step S5-11) The terminal device 10 displays the result of the reservation registration based on the completion of the registration of the reservation information notified by the information processing device 100. (Step S6-11) When it is determined that no charging device satisfying the search range and time period specified in step S7-10 of FIG. 11A has been proposed, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not an operation to expand the specified range has been performed by the user U.

[0089] (Step S7-11) The terminal device 10 expands the search range when it determines that an operation to expand the specified range has been performed by the user U. Then, the process proceeds to step S2-10. (Steps S8-11) If it is determined in step S6-11 that the user U has not performed an operation to widen the range specified within a predetermined time, the terminal device 10 determines whether the user U has performed an operation to change the charging time.

[0090] (Steps S9-11) The terminal device 10 changes the time period when it determines that an operation to change the charging time has been performed by the user U. Then, the process proceeds to step S2-10. (Step S10-11) If it is determined in step S8-11 that the user U has not performed the charging operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the terminal device 10 displays a message saying "No charging device available for charging was found" and ends the process.

[0091] Next, the charging flow and priority transitions will be explained in detail. Here, as an example, the charging levels are divided into four ranks: Rank A, Rank B, Rank C, and Rank D, with the ranking of rank A > Rank B > Rank C > Rank D. A minimum current value is set for each rank. The minimum current value associated with each rank is the current value guaranteed when distributing current to each vehicle, and it is assumed that the current will not fall below this value during charging.

[0092] The minimum current value for each rank is shown below. Rank A: 15A Rank B: 10A Rank C:8A Rank D:6A In this case, the minimum current value for each rank is set provisionally, and any value can be used in practice. However, the product of the (highest rank minimum current value) and (number of charging devices) ((highest rank minimum current value) x (number of charging devices)) must be less than the total capacity of the charging devices.

[0093] This will be explained using a test case. In the test case, the total capacity of the charging devices, the number of charging devices, and the minimum current value of the highest rank (Rank A) are as follows: Total capacity of charging device: 50A Number of charging devices: 3 The minimum current value for the highest rank (A rank): 15A These meet the above conditions.

[0094] When charging, if any one of the following conditions (1) to (3) is met, the current value is recalculated and allocated internally when charging each vehicle. (1) When a new vehicle starts charging (2) When a vehicle has finished charging (3) When one hour has passed since the start of charging a vehicle.

[0095] The charging flow will now be explained. When calculating the current value, the minimum current value for each rank is allocated to each vehicle. If there is any excess current, the priority is calculated and the maximum current that can be passed to one vehicle is passed on in order of priority, and if there is any excess current, it is passed on to the vehicle with the next highest priority. As an example, in this case, the maximum current that can be passed to one vehicle is set to 30A.

[0096] Based on the above, the test cases will be explained. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing an application example of the electric vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment. In this test case, FIG. 12A is used as an actually assumed case, and FIG. 12B is used as a case where the priority order is complex.

[0097] In this test case, we show an A-rank vehicle, a B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), a B-rank vehicle (second vehicle), a C-rank vehicle, and a D-rank vehicle. We also show the state after one hour of charging and the state within one hour of charging. This is the same for Figures 12A and 12B.

[0098] First, a description will be given with reference to Figure 12A. In Figure 12A, the horizontal axis represents time [minutes] and the vertical axis represents charging current [A]. Figure 12A shows a charging flow for 240 minutes, in which five vehicles are connected to charging devices 50-1 to 50-3, and then disconnected from one of charging devices 50-1 to 50-3. Below, the description will be divided into time intervals of 0 to 30 minutes, 30 to 60 minutes, 60 to 75 minutes, 75 to 90 minutes, 90 to 120 minutes, 120 to 135 minutes, 135 to 150 minutes, 150 to 195 minutes, 195 to 210 minutes, and 210 to 240 minutes. The case where the time interval is 0 to 30 minutes will be explained. A C-rank vehicle starts charging and is given priority for one hour. Here, priority means the right to be charged preferentially, and a vehicle that has been given priority is charged before other vehicles that have not been given priority. Since there are no other vehicles charging besides the C-rank vehicle, it is charged at 30A.

[0099] The following explains the case where the time interval is 30 to 60 minutes. The B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) starts charging and is given priority for one hour. The B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) has been given priority, but the C-rank vehicle has a higher priority because it started charging first and has been given priority. The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after the remaining current value is allocated to the C-rank vehicle, which has a higher priority, the remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle).

[0100] The following explains the case where the time interval is between 60 and 75 minutes. The C-rank vehicle loses priority because it has been one hour since charging began. The B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) still has priority because it has not been one hour since charging began, and the priority order is B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), then C-rank vehicle. The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after the remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), which has the higher priority, the remaining current value is allocated to the C-rank vehicle.

[0101] We will explain the case where the time interval is 75 to 90 minutes. The A-rank vehicle starts charging and is given priority for one hour. The B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) has not been charging for one hour and arrived before the A-rank vehicle, so the priority order is B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), A-rank vehicle, and C-rank vehicle. The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and any remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), which has the higher priority.

[0102] We will explain the case where the time interval is 90 to 120 minutes. The B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) loses priority because it has been one hour since charging began. The A-rank vehicle still has priority because it has not been one hour since charging began, and between the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) and the C-rank vehicle, which do not have priority, the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) is of a higher rank, so the priority order is A-rank vehicle, B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), and C-rank vehicle. The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after the remaining current value is allocated to the A-rank vehicle, which has a higher priority, the remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle).

[0103] The following explains the case where the time interval is between 120 and 135 minutes. The C-rank vehicle finishes charging. As it has not been an hour since the A-rank vehicle started charging, it still has priority, and the order of priority is A-rank vehicle, then B-rank vehicle (first vehicle). The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after the remaining current value is allocated to the A-rank vehicle, which has the higher priority, the remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle).

[0104] We will explain the case where the time interval is 135 to 150 minutes. The B-rank vehicle (second vehicle) starts charging and is given priority for one hour. One hour has passed since the A-rank vehicle started charging, so it no longer has priority. The B-rank vehicle (second vehicle) has been given priority, and between the A-rank vehicle and the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), which do not have priority, the A-rank vehicle is of a higher rank, so the priority order is B-rank vehicle (second vehicle), A-rank vehicle, B-rank vehicle (first vehicle). A minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and any remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (second vehicle), which has a higher priority.

[0105] The following explains the case where the time interval is between 150 and 195 minutes. The A-rank vehicle finishes charging. The B-rank vehicle (second vehicle) still has priority because it has not been one hour since it started charging, and the priority order is B-rank vehicle (second vehicle), B-rank vehicle (first vehicle), from highest to lowest. The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after the remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (second vehicle), which has the higher priority, the remaining current value is allocated to the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle).

[0106] Let's take a look at the case where the time interval is between 195 and 210 minutes. One hour has passed since the B-rank vehicle (second vehicle) started charging, so it no longer has priority. Since the B-rank vehicle (second vehicle) and the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) both no longer have priority and are the same rank, the current value is allocated equally.

[0107] We will explain the case where the time interval is between 210 and 240 minutes. D-rank vehicles start charging and are given priority for one hour. The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank. Since D-rank vehicles have priority, current values ​​are allocated to D-rank vehicles first. In this case, there was no surplus current value, but if there was, it would be allocated equally between the B-rank vehicle (first vehicle) and the B-rank vehicle (second vehicle) because they are of the same rank.

[0108] Next, explanation will be made with reference to FIG. 12B. In FIG. 12B, the horizontal axis is time [minutes] and the vertical axis is charging current [A]. FIG. 12B shows the charging flow for 120 minutes, and the explanation of the priority is more complicated than that of FIG. 12A. Below, explanation will be made for time intervals of 0 to 30 minutes, 30 to 60 minutes, 60 to 90 minutes, and 90 to 120 minutes.

[0109] The case where the time interval is between 0 and 30 minutes will be explained. A C-rank vehicle starts charging and is given priority for one hour. Since there are no other vehicles charging besides the C-rank vehicle, it is charged at 30A.

[0110] An example will be explained where the time interval is 30 to 60 minutes. Rank B and D vehicles start charging and are given priority for one hour. Rank B and D vehicles are also given priority, but since the rank C vehicle started charging first and was given priority, the rank C vehicle has a higher priority. Rank B and D vehicles are both given priority, but since the rank B vehicle is a higher rank, it has a higher priority. Therefore, the priority order is C, B, and D vehicles. A minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after any remaining current value is allocated to the rank C vehicle, which has a higher priority, any remaining current value is allocated to the rank B vehicle.

[0111] A case where the time interval is 60 to 90 minutes will be described. Rank C vehicles no longer have priority because it has been an hour since they started charging. Rank B and D vehicles still have priority because it has not been an hour since they started charging, and the priority order is B, D, and C vehicles. A minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after the remaining current value is allocated to B-rank vehicles, which have a higher priority, the remaining current value is allocated to D-rank vehicles.

[0112] An example will be given for a time interval of 90 to 120 minutes. Rank B and D vehicles no longer have priority because one hour has passed since charging began. Rank C, B, and D vehicles all have no priority, so priority is assigned in the order of rank, with rank B vehicles, C vehicles, and D vehicles taking priority. The minimum current value is allocated according to each rank, and after any remaining current value is allocated to rank B vehicles, which have a higher priority, the remaining current value is then allocated to rank C vehicles.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, a case where the charging time prioritized by reservation is one hour has been described as an example, but this is not limiting. For example, the charging time prioritized by reservation can be set to any time, such as 20 minutes. Furthermore, the charging time prioritized by reservation may be changed for each charging device or each charging spot. Furthermore, the charging time prioritized by reservation can also be changed for each hour. In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the information processing device 100 may be realized by a plurality of devices. In the above-described embodiment, the electric vehicle charging system 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10.

[0114] According to the electric vehicle charging system 1 according to this embodiment, the information processing device 100 is capable of communicating with each of the multiple charging devices 50. The information processing device 100 includes: a reception unit 104 that receives user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in a charging device proposal request transmitted by the terminal device 10; charging device installation facility information 202 that associates, for each of the multiple charging devices stored in the server 200 as a storage unit, the identification information of the charging device with information indicating the facility where the charging device is installed; and a selection unit 108 that selects a charging device to be used by the user based on the user usage history associated with the user identification information, the desired charging time information and the desired charging location information received by the reception unit 104, and the usage information, reservation information, and information indicating the facility where the multiple charging devices are installed, based on the user usage history associated with the user identification information, the desired charging time information, and the desired charging location information received by the reception unit 104.

[0115] By configuring in this manner, the information processing device 100 can select the charging device to be used by the user based on the user's usage history, desired charging time information, desired charging location information, usage information of multiple charging devices, reservation information, and information indicating the installed facilities.Therefore, compared to setting certain standards such as charging time and charging capacity and charging in sequence within those charging limits, the information on usage and reservation information of the charging device can be taken into account, allowing the charging device to be used more efficiently.

[0116] In the information processing device 100, the storage unit further stores user rank information 208 that associates user identification information with information indicating a rank that indicates the degree to which the user is a frequent customer, for each of a plurality of users. The selection unit 108 selects a charging device to be used by the user based further on the information indicating the rank associated with the user identification information. By configuring in this manner, the information processing device 100 can select the charging device to be used by the user based additionally on the information indicating the rank, thereby giving preferential treatment to users with higher ranks compared to when the selection is not based on the information indicating the rank.

[0117] In the information processing device 100, the usage information of the multiple charging devices 50 includes the total amount of charge currently being supplied by the multiple charging devices 50 and the upper limit of the charge amount of the multiple charging devices 50. The information processing device 100 further includes a charging processing unit 112 that creates control information for supplying power to the electric vehicle EV within a range in which the total amount of charge does not exceed the upper limit of the charge amount. By configuring in this manner, the information processing device 100 can cause the charging device 50 to supply power to the electric vehicle EV within a range in which the total charging amount does not exceed the upper charging amount limit, thereby enabling the charging device to be used efficiently within a range in which the total charging amount does not exceed the upper charging amount limit.

[0118] In the information processing device 100, each of the reservation information for the multiple charging devices includes reservation time information for starting use of the charging device, and the charging processing unit 112 creates control information for supplying power to an electric vehicle EV that has not yet elapsed a predetermined period of time since the reservation time, based on the reservation time information. With this configuration, the information processing device 100 can prioritize the supply of power to electric vehicles EV for which a certain amount of time has not yet elapsed since the reserved time. This makes it possible to allocate power without regard to the condition that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the reserved time.

[0119] In the information processing device 100, when there are a plurality of electric vehicles EV for which a certain time or more has not yet elapsed since the reserved time, the charging processing unit 112 creates control information for supplying power to the electric vehicle EV with the earliest reserved time. With this configuration, when there are multiple electric vehicles EV for which a certain amount of time has not passed since the reserved time, the information processing device 100 can supply power preferentially to the electric vehicle EV with the earliest reserved time. Therefore, when there are multiple electric vehicles EV for which a certain amount of time has not passed since the reserved time, the time required from the reserved time to complete charging can be made fairer compared to when power is supplied to electric vehicles EV randomly.

[0120] In the information processing device 100, when there are no electric vehicles EV for which a certain amount of time has not passed since the reserved time and there are multiple electric vehicles EV with the same reserved time, the charging processing unit 112 creates control information for preferentially supplying power to the electric vehicles EV with a higher rank based on information indicating the rank associated with each of the multiple user identification information. By configuring in this manner, when there are no electric vehicles EV for which a certain amount of time has not passed since the reserved time and there are multiple electric vehicles EV with the same reserved time, the information processing device 100 can supply power preferentially to electric vehicles EV with a higher rank based on the information indicating the rank, thereby allowing for preferential treatment of users with a higher rank compared to when power is not supplied based on the information indicating the rank.

[0121] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the present invention. For example, a computer program for realizing the functions of each of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer program recorded on this recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system. Note that the "computer system" referred to here may also include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0122] Additionally, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and flash memories, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a computer program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0123] The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1...electric vehicle charging system, 10...terminal device, 50-1 to 50-n...charging device, 100...information processing device, 102...communication unit, 104...reception unit, 106...authentication unit, 108...selection unit, 109...creation unit, 110...storage unit, 111...reservation processing unit, 112...charging processing unit, 200...server, 202...charging device installation facility information, 204...user usage history information, 206...charging device reservation status information, 208...user rank information

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with each of a plurality of charging devices, a reception unit that receives user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in the charging device proposal request transmitted by the terminal device; a selection unit that selects a charging device to be used by a user based on charging device installation facility information that associates, for each of a plurality of charging devices stored in a storage unit, identification information of the charging device with information indicating the facility where the charging device is installed, and user usage history information that associates, for each of a plurality of users, user identification information with usage history of the user, the usage history of the user associated with the user identification information, desired charging time information and desired charging location information accepted by the acceptance unit, and usage information and reservation information of the plurality of charging devices; An information processing device comprising:

2. the storage unit further stores, for each of a plurality of users, user rank information that associates user identification information with information indicating a rank that indicates a degree of loyalty of the user; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the selection unit selects a charging device to be used by the user based further on information indicating a rank associated with the user identification information.

3. the usage information of the plurality of charging devices includes a total amount of charge currently supplied by the plurality of charging devices and an upper limit value of the amount of charge supplied by the plurality of charging devices; The information processing device includes: a charging processing unit that generates control information for supplying power to the electric vehicle within a range in which the total amount of charge does not exceed the upper limit of the amount of charge; The information processing device according to claim 2 , further comprising:

4. each of the reservation information of the plurality of charging devices includes reservation time information for starting use of the charging device; The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the charging processing unit generates control information for supplying power to an electric vehicle for which a predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the reserved time, based on the reserved time information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4 , wherein, when there are a plurality of electric vehicles for which a certain time or more has not elapsed since the reserved time, the charging processing unit creates control information for supplying power to an electric vehicle with an earlier reserved time.

6. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein, when there are no electric vehicles for which a certain amount of time has not passed since the reserved time and there are multiple electric vehicles with the same reserved time, the charging processing unit creates control information for supplying power preferentially to electric vehicles with a higher rank based on information indicating a rank associated with each of the multiple pieces of user identification information.

7. An information processing method executed by an information processing device capable of communicating with each of a plurality of charging devices, receiving user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in the charging device proposal request transmitted by the terminal device; selecting a charging device to be used by the user based on charging device installation facility information, which associates, for each of the multiple charging devices stored in the storage unit, identification information of the charging device with information indicating the facility where the charging device is installed, and user usage history information, which associates, for each of the multiple users, user identification information with usage history of the user, the user usage history associated with the user identification information, desired charging time information and desired charging location information received in the receiving step, and usage information and reservation information of the multiple charging devices; An information processing method comprising:

8. A computer of an information processing device capable of communicating with each of the plurality of charging devices receiving user identification information, desired charging time information, and desired charging location information included in a charging reservation request transmitted by the terminal device; selecting a charging device to be used by the user based on charging device installation facility information, which associates, for each of the multiple charging devices stored in the storage unit, identification information of the charging device with information indicating the facility where the charging device is installed, and user usage history information, which associates, for each of the multiple users, user identification information with usage history of the user, the user usage history associated with the user identification information, desired charging time information and desired charging location information received in the receiving step, and usage information and reservation information of the multiple charging devices; A program that executes.

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