Control system and control method

Abstract

To provide a control system capable of suppressing unauthorized use of an outdoor power supply.SOLUTION: A control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires information indicating a usage status of an outdoor power supply 40 that supplies power to a load located outdoors, and a control unit 55 that performs at least one of notification to an information terminal 70 used by a manager of the outdoor power supply 40 and control to stop the outdoor power supply 40 when it is determined that the outdoor power supply 40 is used outside a predetermined available period based on the acquired information. When it is determined that the outdoor power supply 40 is used within the available period on the basis of the acquired information, the control unit 55 performs another notification to the information terminal 70 different from the above notification, or does not perform the notification to the information terminal 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed relating to outdoor power sources such as outdoor outlets, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle charger that functions as an outdoor power source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-051090 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a control system and a control method that can prevent an outdoor power source from being used without permission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the usage status of a power source that supplies power to a load located outdoors, and a control unit that, when it determines based on the acquired information that the power source is being used outside a specified available period, performs at least one of notifying an information terminal used by an administrator of the power source and controlling the power source to be stopped; and when the control unit determines based on the acquired information that the power source is being used within the available period, it either sends a different notification to the information terminal than the notification, or does not send a notification to the information terminal.

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method executed by a computer, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the usage status of a power source that supplies power to a load located outdoors, and a control step of, if it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used outside a specified available period, performing at least one of notifying an information terminal used by an administrator of the power source and controlling the power source to be stopped; in the control step, if it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used within the available period, performing another notification different from the notification to the information terminal, or not notifying the information terminal.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The control system and control method of the present invention can prevent outdoor power sources from being used without permission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the outdoor outlet and EV charging device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the start time of use of the outdoor outlet falls outside the available period. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the start time of use of the outdoor outlet falls within the available use period. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use of the EV charging device falls outside the available use period. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of a notification screen when the start time of use of the EV charging device falls within the available use period. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram when the suspension of the charging function is released in the second operation example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a third operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a first sequence diagram of the fourth operation example (first half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a first sequence diagram of the fourth operation example (second half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a second sequence diagram of the fourth operation example (second half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a second sequence diagram of the fourth operation example (first half) of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of a modified example of the second operation example of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows another example of the notification screen when the start time of use of the EV charging device falls outside the available use period. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , the control system 10 includes a control terminal 20, a distribution board 30, an outdoor power supply 40, a first server 50, a second server 60, and an information terminal 70. The control terminal 20 and the distribution board 30 are installed inside a residence 80, and the outdoor power supply 40, the first server 50, and the second server 60 are installed outside the residence 80. The control terminal 20 and the distribution board 30 may be installed outside the residence 80 but within the premises of the residence 80. The information terminal 70 is located outside the residence 80, but may also be located inside the residence 80. The residence 80 may be, for example, a detached house, and the outdoor power supply 40 is installed outside the detached house but within the premises of the detached house. The residence 80 may be an apartment building, in which case the outdoor power supply 40 is installed, for example, near a parking lot (which may be a parking lot on the premises of the apartment building or a parking lot outside the premises) to which the resident of the residence 80 has a contract.

[0014] The control system 10 can control devices (not shown) that are communicatively connected to the control terminal 20, such as lighting devices or air conditioning devices, based on operations performed by a resident of the house 80 on the operation reception unit 21 of the control terminal 20. The control system 10 also has a power theft prevention support function that prevents the outdoor power source 40 (specifically, the outdoor outlet 41 or the EV (Electric Vehicle) charging device 42) from being used without permission from the manager of the outdoor power source (the resident of the house 80). Details of this function will be described later. Note that it is not essential for the control system 10 to have the function of controlling devices.

[0015] Each device included in the control system 10 will be described in detail below. The control terminal 20 is an example of an information terminal, and specifically, an EMS (Energy Management System) controller with an energy management function. The control terminal 20 manages the power consumption of devices installed in the same house 80 as the control terminal 20, based on the amount of power consumption measured by the distribution board 30. The control terminal 20 also controls devices communicatively connected to the control terminal 20 and manages the device status. The device status management here includes status management of the outdoor power source 40, and specifically includes management of the charging status (charging / discharging / stopped, etc.) of the EV charging device 42, and management of the amount of charge and discharge of the EV charging device 42.

[0016] The control terminal 20 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another controller without an energy management function or a gateway device. The control terminal 20 includes an operation receiving unit 21, a display unit 22, an information processing unit 23, a storage unit 24, a first communication unit 25, and a second communication unit 26.

[0017] The operation reception unit 21 receives operations from residents of the house 80, for example. The operation reception unit 21 is realized by a touch panel, for example, but may also be realized by hardware keys, etc. The operation reception unit 21 does not need to be integrated with the control terminal 20, and an external terminal connected to the control terminal 20 for communication may be used as the operation reception unit 21. In this case, the external terminal is, for example, an intercom master unit.

[0018] The display unit 22 displays an image. The display unit 22 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The display unit 22 does not need to be integrated with the control terminal 20, and an external terminal connected to the control terminal 20 for communication may be used as the operation reception unit 21. In this case, the external terminal is, for example, an intercom master unit.

[0019] The information processing unit 23 performs information processing related to device control. The information processing unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 23 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 24.

[0020] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 23. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0021] The first communication unit 25 is a communication circuit that enables the control terminal 20 to communicate with the first server 50 and the like via the wide area communication network 90. ​​The first communication unit 25 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 25.

[0022] The first communication unit 25 is configured to be communicatively connected to the wide area communication network 90 via, for example, a home router (not shown), and the first communication unit 25 itself is not directly communicatively connected to the wide area communication network 90. ​​However, the first communication unit 25 itself may be configured to be equipped with a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, and thereby directly connect to the wide area communication network 90. ​​The first communication unit 25 may also have an access point function and be configured to connect to the wide area communication network 90 via a mobile communication network by performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal or the like in accordance with a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0023] The second communication unit 26 is a communication circuit that enables the control terminal 20 to communicate with devices (not shown) that are communicatively connected to the control terminal 20, the distribution board 30, the EV charging device 42, and the like via a local communication network. The second communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the second communication unit 26.

[0024] The distribution board 30 distributes AC power supplied from a system power supply to a plurality of branch circuits. Devices (not shown), such as lighting equipment or air conditioning equipment, outdoor outlets 41, or EV charging devices 42 are connected to the plurality of branch circuits. The distribution board 30 also has a power consumption measurement function and can measure the power consumption of each branch circuit. The measured power consumption values ​​are transmitted to the control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26). In this embodiment, the distribution board 30 individually measures the power consumption of the outdoor outlets 41 (more specifically, the power consumption of the loads connected to the outdoor outlets 41) and transmits the measured values ​​to the control terminal 20.

[0025] The outdoor power supply 40 supplies power to a load located outside the house 80. The outdoor power supply 40 is basically installed outside the house 80, but a part of it may be located inside the house 80. The outdoor power supply 40 includes an outdoor outlet 41 and an EV charging device 42. FIG. 2 is an external view of the outdoor outlet 41 and the EV charging device 42.

[0026] Outdoor outlet 41 is connected to one of the plurality of branch circuits and supplies AC power obtained from the system power supply through that branch circuit to a load connected to outdoor outlet 41. Outdoor outlet 41 is an example of a power source that supplies power to a load located outdoors. Outdoor outlet 41 is installed on an exterior wall of house 80, for example.

[0027] The EV charging device 42 is connected to one of the multiple branch circuits and charges an EV (more specifically, a battery in the EV) using AC power obtained from the grid power supply through that branch circuit. The EV charging device 42 is another example of a power supply that supplies power to a load (EV) located outdoors. The EV charging device 42 is realized by a power conversion circuit that converts AC power obtained from the grid power supply into DC power, a microcomputer for charging control, and the like. The EV charging device 42 is installed on an exterior wall of the house 80, for example.

[0028] The first server 50 is a cloud server that processes information related to the above-mentioned power theft prevention support function. Specifically, the first server 50 notifies users of the usage status of the outdoor power source 40 and controls the EV charging device 42. The first server 50 is used, for example, by a business that manufactures or sells the control terminal 20 and devices that are communicatively connected to the control terminal 20 (hereinafter also referred to as a device provider). Specifically, the first server 50 includes a communication unit 51, an information processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

[0029] The communication unit 51 is a communication circuit that enables the first server 50 to communicate with the control terminal 20, the second server 60, the information terminal 70, and the like through the wide area communication network 90. ​​The communication unit 51 is, for example, a wired communication unit that performs wired communication, but may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the communication unit 51.

[0030] The information processing unit 52 processes information related to the power theft prevention support function. Specifically, the information processing unit 52 is realized by a microcomputer or a processor. The information processing unit 52 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 54, a control unit 55, and a generation unit 56. The functions of the acquisition unit 54, the control unit 55, and the generation unit 56 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 52 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53. The functions of the acquisition unit 54, the control unit 55, and the generation unit 56 will be described in detail below.

[0031] The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the information processing, the computer programs, etc. The storage unit 53 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0032] The second server 60 is a cloud server used by a company that provides a parking lot sharing service to manage reservations for parking lots.

[0033] The information terminal 70 is an information terminal used by a resident of the house 80 (in other words, the manager of the outdoor power source 40) to receive notifications regarding the usage status of the outdoor power source 40. The information terminal 70 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The information terminal 70 may also be a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer. Note that a dedicated application program required for receiving the above notifications is pre-installed in the information terminal 70.

[0034] [Example 1] As described above, the control system 10 has a power theft prevention support function, and one of such functions is the ability to provide notification regarding the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41. An operation example 1 of such a control system 10 will now be described. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 1 of the control system 10.

[0035] First, the manager of the outdoor outlet 41 (a resident of the house 80) inputs the available and unavailable periods into the information terminal 70, and the information terminal 70 accepts such input (S11).

[0036] The available period is a period during which use of the outdoor outlet 41 is permitted, and the unavailable period is a period during which use of the outdoor power source 40 is prohibited. The available period and unavailable period are input, for example, in a format specifying a time period on a daily or weekday basis, but may also be input in a format allowing any period to be specified. Furthermore, it is sufficient to input at least one of the available period and unavailable period. If only the available period is input, for example, the entire period other than the available period is considered to be the unavailable period. Similarly, if only the unavailable period is input, for example, the entire period other than the unavailable period is considered to be the available period. Note that, hereinafter, the expressions "within the available period" and "outside the available period" are used, but "outside the available period" can be rephrased as "within the unavailable period."

[0037] The information terminal 70 generates a registration request that includes at least the available period as information, and transmits the generated registration request to the first server 50 (S12).

[0038] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the registration request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the available period included in the received registration request, and registers (stores) it in the storage unit 53 (S13).

[0039] Thereafter, the second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 receives from the distribution board 30 a measurement value of the amount of power consumed in the branch circuit to which the outdoor outlet 41 is connected (S14). When the information processing unit 23 detects from the received measurement value that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet 41 (S15), it transmits a start-of-use notification to the first server 50 (S16). More specifically, the start-of-use notification is transmitted to the first server 50 by the first communication unit 25. The start-of-use notification is an example of information indicating the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41 (outdoor power source 40), and more specifically, is information indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 has started to be used.

[0040] In addition, in step S14, the second communication unit 26 receives information from the outdoor outlet 41 indicating that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet (i.e., information indicating that the state of the outdoor outlet 41 has changed), and in step S15, the information processing unit 23 may detect that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet 41 based on the received information.

[0041] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the usage start notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received usage start notification (S17). The control unit 55 determines whether the usage start time determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S17 is within the usage period registered in step S13 (S18). Note that the usage start time is, for example, included as information in the usage start notification, but the control unit 55 may regard the time when the usage start notification is received by the communication unit 51 as the usage start time.

[0042] If the control unit 55 determines in step S18 that the usage start time is outside the usage period, the control unit 55 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 (S19). More specifically, the notification information is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0043] When the information terminal 70 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen based on the received notification information (S20). Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen when the usage start time is outside the available usage period. As shown in Fig. 4, the notification screen when the usage start time is outside the available usage period includes a description (message) indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 is being used unauthorizedly.

[0044] Note that the notification information is transmitted from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 only when it is determined that the usage start time is outside the available use period, but it may also be transmitted from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 when it is determined that the usage start time is within the available use period. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the usage start time is within the available use period. As shown in Fig. 5, the notification screen when the usage start time is within the available use period includes a description (message) indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 is being used.

[0045] As described above, the control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires a usage start notification (information indicating the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41), and a control unit 55 that issues a notification to the information terminal 70 when the acquired usage start notification indicates that the outdoor outlet 41 is being used outside of the usage period predetermined by the administrator. When the acquired usage start notification indicates that the outdoor outlet 41 is being used within the usage period, the control unit 55 does not issue a notification to the information terminal 70, but may issue a notification different from the notification in question.

[0046] The control system 10 can realize a power theft prevention support function by determining whether the start time of use of the outdoor outlet 41 is within the available use period.

[0047] [Example 2] As described above, as one of the power theft prevention support functions, the control system 10 can notify the user of the usage status of the EV charging device 42 and control the shutdown of the EV charging device 42. A second operation example of the control system 10 will now be described. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of the second operation example of the control system 10.

[0048] First, the manager of the EV charging device 42 (a resident of the house 80) inputs the available and unavailable periods into the information terminal 70, and the information terminal 70 accepts this input (S21). The information terminal 70 generates a registration request that includes at least the available period as information, and transmits the generated registration request to the first server 50 (S22).

[0049] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the registration request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the available period included in the received registration request and registers (stores) it in the storage unit 53 (S23). The processes of steps S21 to S23 above are the same as steps S11 to S13, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0050] Thereafter, second communication unit 26 of control terminal 20 receives an EV connection notification from EV charging device 42 indicating that an EV has been connected to EV charging device 42 (S24). When information processing unit 23 detects from the received EV connection notification that an EV has been connected to EV charging device 42 (S25), it transmits a start-of-use notification to first server 50 (S26). More specifically, the start-of-use notification is transmitted to first server 50 by first communication unit 25. The start-of-use notification is an example of information indicating the usage status of EV charging device 42 (outdoor power source 40), and more specifically, is information indicating that use of EV charging device 42 has started.

[0051] In step S24, the second communication unit 26 may receive information indicating the charging state (or information indicating the discharging state) or information indicating the charging amount (or information indicating the discharging amount) from the EV charging device 42, and in step S25, the information processing unit 23 may detect that the EV has been connected to the EV charging device 42 based on the received information.

[0052] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the use start notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received use start notification (S27). The control unit 55 determines whether the use start time determined by the use start notification acquired in step S27 is within the use period registered in step S23 (S28). Note that the use start time is, for example, included as information in the use start notification, but the control unit 55 may regard the time when the use start notification is received by the communication unit 51 as the use start time.

[0053] If the control unit 55 determines in step S28 that the usage start time falls outside the available usage period, it transmits a function stop command to the control terminal 20 to stop the charging function (in other words, the function as a power source) of the EV charging device 42 (S29). More specifically, the function stop command is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0054] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the function stop command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the function stop command to the EV charging device 42 (S30).

[0055] When EV charging device 42 receives the function stop command, it stops the charging function (S31). That is, EV charging device 42 transitions to a state in which it is unable to charge the EV connected to EV charging device 42.

[0056] On the other hand, the first server 50 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 in addition to the function stop command (S32). More specifically, the notification information is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0057] When the information terminal 70 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen based on the received notification information (S33). Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen when the usage start time falls outside the available usage period. As shown in Fig. 7, the notification screen when the usage start time falls outside the available usage period includes a description (message) indicating that the charging function of the EV charging device 42 has been stopped.

[0058] The notification information is transmitted from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 only when it is determined that the usage start time is outside the available use period, for example, but may also be transmitted from the first server 50 to the information terminal 70 when it is determined that the usage start time is within the available use period. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen when the usage start time is within the available use period. As shown in Fig. 8, the notification screen when the usage start time is within the available use period includes a description (message) indicating that the EV charging device 42 is being used.

[0059] In the second operational example, when the start time of use of EV charging device 42 falls outside the available period, both control to stop the charging function of EV charging device 42 and notification that use of EV charging device 42 has started are performed, but it is sufficient if at least one of the control and the notification is performed. Specifically, when the start time of use of EV charging device 42 falls outside the available period, only the control may be performed out of the above control and the notification, or only the notification may be performed out of the above control and the notification.

[0060] As described above, control system 10 includes acquisition unit 54 that acquires a usage start notification (information indicating the usage status of EV charging device 42), and control unit 55 that, when the acquired usage start notification indicates that EV charging device 42 is being used outside of an available usage period predetermined by the administrator, performs at least one of notifying information terminal 70 and controlling the stopping of the charging function of EV charging device 42. When the acquired usage start notification indicates that EV charging device 42 is being used within the available usage period, control unit 55 does not notify information terminal 70 or control the stopping of the charging function of EV charging device 42, but may perform a different notification.

[0061] The control system 10 as described above can realize a power theft prevention support function by determining whether the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 is within the available use period.

[0062] The notification screen in Fig. 7 includes an icon 71 for canceling the suspension of the charging function. The administrator can cancel the suspension of the charging function even outside the available period by operating this icon 71. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram when the suspension of the charging function is canceled in the second operation example.

[0063] When the information terminal 70 receives an operation on the icon 71 (S34), it transmits a release request to the first server 50 to request release of the function suspension (S35).

[0064] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the release request. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received release request (S36). When the acquisition unit 54 acquires the release request, the control unit 55 transmits a release command to the control terminal 20 to release the suspension of the function as a power source of the EV charging device 42 (S37). More specifically, the release command is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0065] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the cancellation command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the cancellation command to the EV charging device 42 (S38).

[0066] When the EV charging device 42 receives the release command, it releases the suspension of the charging function (function as a power source) of the EV charging device 42 (S39). In other words, the EV charging device 42 transitions (returns) to a normal state in which it is possible to charge the EV connected to the EV charging device 42.

[0067] In this way, the administrator can cancel the suspension of the charging function (allow EV charging) even outside the available period by operating the icon 71. If the operation on the icon 71 is not accepted in step S34, the EV charging device 42 returns to the normal state based on a cancellation request transmitted by the first server 50 at the start time of the next available period, for example.

[0068] The notification screen in Fig. 8 also includes an icon 72 for stopping the charging function. The administrator can stop the charging function even during the available period by operating this icon 72. The operation sequence in this case is the same as that in Fig. 9, and the release request and release command in Fig. 9 can be replaced with a function stop request and a function stop command, respectively.

[0069] [Example 3] In Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2, a determination is made as to whether the start time of use of the outdoor power source 40 is within the registered available use period. Instead of such a determination, a determination may be made as to whether the outdoor power source 40 has been used in a manner that deviates from a usage pattern (also referred to as usage pattern information) determined from the past usage history of the outdoor power source 40. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram of the operation of generating usage pattern information by the control system 10 (Operation Example 3).

[0070] The second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 receives from the distribution board 30 a measurement value of the amount of power consumed in the branch circuit to which the outdoor outlet 41 is connected (S41). When the information processing unit 23 detects from the received measurement value that a load has been connected to the outdoor outlet 41 (S42), it transmits a start-of-use notification to the first server 50 (S43). More specifically, the start-of-use notification is transmitted to the first server 50 by the first communication unit 25. The start-of-use notification is an example of information indicating the usage status of the outdoor outlet 41 (outdoor power source 40), and more specifically, is information indicating that the outdoor outlet 41 has started to be used.

[0071] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the use start notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received use start notification and stores the acquired use start notification in the storage unit 53 in association with the use start time (S44). Note that the use start time is, for example, included as information in the use start notification, but the acquisition unit 54 may regard the time when the use start notification is received by the communication unit 51 as the use start time.

[0072] When a large number of usage start times are accumulated in the storage unit 53 in this way, the generation unit 56 uses them as a usage history. The generation unit 56 generates usage pattern information based on the usage history and stores it in the storage unit 53 (S45). For example, the generation unit 56 divides a day into predetermined unit periods (e.g., one hour) and generates usage pattern information indicating unit periods with high usage and unit periods with low usage. If information about the day of the week is included in the usage start time, the generation unit 56 can generate usage pattern information indicating unit periods with high usage and unit periods with low usage for each day of the week. Note that the generation unit 56 may update the usage pattern information each time a usage start notification is received.

[0073] If the usage pattern information is stored in the storage unit 53 in this way, the control unit 55 can omit the processes of steps S11 to S13 in Operation Example 1 and make a determination based on a comparison of the usage start time with the usage pattern information in step S18. Specifically, if the usage start time determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S17 falls within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 for displaying the notification screen of Fig. 4. Furthermore, if the usage start time does not fall within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 does not transmit notification information to the information terminal 70, or transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 for displaying the notification screen of Fig. 5.

[0074] Although generation unit 56 generates the usage pattern information based on the time period during which outdoor outlet 41 is in use, generation unit 56 may generate the usage pattern information based on the amount of power consumed by the device connected to outdoor outlet 41. For example, generation unit 56 may generate usage pattern information indicating average power consumption in the past.

[0075] In this case, the use start notification includes information indicating the amount of power consumption. In step S18, the control unit 55 determines whether the amount of power consumption deviates from the average amount of power consumption (whether it is higher or lower by a predetermined value or more). Specifically, if the amount of power consumption determined by the use start notification acquired in step S17 deviates from the average amount of power consumption indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 for displaying the notification screen of FIG. 4. Furthermore, if the amount of power consumption does not deviate from the average amount of power consumption indicated by the usage pattern information, the control unit 55 does not transmit notification information to the information terminal 70, or transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 for displaying the notification screen of FIG. 5.

[0076] Although not shown in detail, generation unit 56 can also generate usage pattern information for EV charging device 42 based on the usage history of EV charging device 42 and store it in storage unit 53.

[0077] If the usage pattern information of EV charging device 42 is stored in storage unit 53 in this way, control unit 55 can omit the processes of steps S21 to S23 in Operation Example 2 and make a determination based on a comparison of the usage start time with the usage pattern information in step S28. Specifically, when the usage start time determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S27 falls within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, control unit 55 performs at least one of control to stop the charging function of EV charging device 42 and transmission of notification information to information terminal 70 for displaying the notification screen of Fig. 7. Furthermore, when the usage start time does not fall within a unit period of low usage indicated by the usage pattern information, control unit 55 either does not transmit notification information to information terminal 70 or transmits notification information to information terminal 70 for displaying the notification screen of Fig. 8.

[0078] As described above, the control system 10 includes the generation unit 56 that generates usage pattern information for the outdoor power source 40 based on the usage history of the outdoor power source 40. The control unit 55 performs at least one of notifying the information terminal 70 and controlling to stop the outdoor power source 40 based on the acquired usage start notification (information indicating the usage status of the outdoor power source 40) and the generated usage pattern information.

[0079] Such a control system 10 can realize a power theft prevention support function by determining whether the outdoor power source 40 (outdoor outlet 41 or EV charging device 42) has been used in a way that deviates from the usage pattern indicated by the usage pattern information, instead of determining whether the start time of use of the outdoor power source 40 is within the usage period.

[0080] [Example 4] By using a parking space sharing service, a resident of a house 80 can rent out a parking space located within the premises of the house 80 to another person (hereinafter also referred to as a reserving person) when the parking space is vacant. In such a case, the control system 10 can permit the reserving person to use the EV charging device 42 attached to the parking space during the period in which the reserving person plans to use the parking space (the reserved period), and prohibit the use of the EV charging device 42 outside the period in which the planned use is made. Below, a fourth operation example of the control system 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of the first half of the fourth operation example of the control system 10.

[0081] First, the manager of the EV charging device 42 (a resident of the house 80) inputs the reservation period, non-reservation period, and charging speed into the information terminal 70, and the information terminal 70 accepts such input (S51).

[0082] The reservation-enabled period is a period during which use of the parking lot is permitted, and the non-reservation period is a period during which use of the parking lot is prohibited. The reservation-enabled period and the non-reservation period are input, for example, in a format that specifies a time period on a daily or weekday basis, but may also be input in a format that allows any period to be specified. Furthermore, it is sufficient to input at least one of the reservation-enabled period and the non-reservation period; if only the reservation-enabled period is input, for example, the entire period other than the reservation-enabled period is considered to be the non-reservation period. Similarly, if only the non-reservation period is input, for example, the entire period other than the reservation period is considered to be the reservation-enabled period.

[0083] The charging speed entered in step S51 refers to the charging speed at which the person reserving the parking lot will use the EV charging device 42, and is entered by the administrator. The administrator may specify, for example, either 6 kW charging (fast charging) or 3 kW charging (normal charging) as the charging speed. The administrator can change the capacity (charging speed) of the EV charging device 42 taking into account the power usage situation within the residence 80, for example, by specifying a lower charging speed if the administrator wants to prioritize power usage within the residence 80.

[0084] The information terminal 70 generates a registration request including the reservation period and the charging speed as information, and transmits the generated registration request to the second server 60 (S52).

[0085] The second server 60 receives the registration request. The second server 60 acquires the reservation available period and the charging speed included in the received registration request, and registers (stores) them in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the second server 60 (S53).

[0086] Thereafter, the second server 60 accepts a reservation for the parking lot from the reserving person (more specifically, from the information terminal used by the reserving person) (S54). As a result, at least a part of the registered reservable period is reserved (registered) by the reserving person as a planned use period.

[0087] The second server 60 transmits to the first server 50 registration request information including charging speed information indicating the registered charging speed (charging speed designated by the administrator) and information indicating the planned usage period (S55).

[0088] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the registration request information. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the available use period (information indicating the available use period) and the charging speed information included in the received registration request information, and registers (stores) them in the storage unit 53 (S56).

[0089] The following describes the second half of the fourth operational example of the control system 10. Fig. 12 is a first sequence diagram of the second half of the fourth operational example of the control system 10. Specifically, Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram for when the EV charging device 42 is used outside the planned usage period of the parking lot.

[0090] Second communication unit 26 of control terminal 20 receives an EV connection notification from EV charging device 42 indicating that an EV has been connected to EV charging device 42 (S57). When information processing unit 23 detects from the received EV connection notification that an EV has been connected to EV charging device 42 (S58), it transmits a usage start notification of EV charging device 42 to first server 50 (S59). More specifically, the usage start notification is transmitted to first server 50 by first communication unit 25. The usage start notification is an example of information indicating the usage status of EV charging device 42 (outdoor power source 40), and more specifically, is information indicating that usage of EV charging device 42 has started.

[0091] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the use start notification. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received use start notification (S60). The control unit 55 determines whether the use start time of the EV charging device 42 determined by the use start notification acquired in step S60 is within the planned use period of the parking lot registered in step S56 (S61a). The planned use period is a period corresponding to the use period in operation examples 1 to 3. Note that the use start time is included as information in the use start notification, for example, but the control unit 55 may consider the time when the use start notification is received by the communication unit 51 to be the use start time.

[0092] When control unit 55 determines in step S61a that the start time of use of EV charging device 42 is outside the scheduled use period of the parking lot, control unit 55 transmits a function stop command to control terminal 20 to stop the charging function (in other words, the function as a power source) of EV charging device 42 (S62a). More specifically, the function stop command is transmitted to information terminal 70 by communication unit 51.

[0093] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the function stop command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the function stop command to the EV charging device 42 (S63a).

[0094] When EV charging device 42 receives the function stop command, it stops the charging function (S64a). That is, EV charging device 42 transitions to a state in which it is unable to charge the EV connected to EV charging device 42.

[0095] On the other hand, the first server 50 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 in addition to the function stop command (S65a). More specifically, the notification information is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0096] When the information terminal 70 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen as shown in FIG. 7 based on the received notification information (S66a).

[0097] Although both control to stop the charging function of EV charging device 42 and notification that use of EV charging device 42 has started are performed when the use start time of EV charging device 42 falls outside the scheduled use period of the parking lot, it is sufficient if at least one of the control and the notification is performed. Specifically, when the use start time of EV charging device 42 falls outside the scheduled use period of the parking lot, only the control may be performed out of the above control and the notification, or only the notification may be performed out of the above control and the notification.

[0098] In addition, the administrator can cancel the suspension of the charging function (allow EV charging) even outside the scheduled period of use of the parking lot by operating icon 71 included in the notification screen shown in Figure 7.

[0099] On the other hand, the sequence diagram when the EV charging device 42 is used during the planned usage period of the parking lot is as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a second sequence diagram of the fourth operational example (second half) of the control system 10.

[0100] The processing of steps S57 to S60 is the same as that in Fig. 12, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 55 determines whether the usage start time of the EV charging device 42 determined by the usage start notification acquired in step S17 is within the planned usage period of the parking lot registered in step S56 (S61b).

[0101] When control unit 55 determines in step S61b that the start time of use of EV charging device 42 falls within the planned use period of the parking lot, it transmits a setting command to control terminal 20 (S62b). The setting command is information for setting the charging speed of EV charging device 42 to the charging speed indicated by the charging speed information registered in step S56. More specifically, the setting command is transmitted to information terminal 70 by communication unit 51.

[0102] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the setting command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the setting command to the EV charging device 42 (S63b).

[0103] Upon receiving the setting command, EV charging device 42 sets the charging rate based on the setting command (S64b). After that, EV charging device 42 starts charging the EV connected to EV charging device 42 at the set charging rate.

[0104] On the other hand, the first server 50 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 in addition to the setting command (S65b). More specifically, the notification information is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0105] When the information terminal 70 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen as shown in Fig. 8 based on the received notification information (S66b). If the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 is outside the scheduled use period of the parking lot, the notification that use of the EV charging device 42 has started (processing of steps S65b and S66b) may be omitted. Furthermore, the manager can stop the charging function even during the scheduled use period of the parking lot by operating icon 72 included in the notification screen shown in Fig. 8.

[0106] As described above, control system 10 includes acquisition unit 54 that acquires a usage start notification (information indicating the usage status of EV charging device 42), and control unit 55 that, when the acquired usage start notification indicates that EV charging device 42 is being used outside the planned usage period of the parking lot, performs at least one of notifying information terminal 70 and controlling to stop the charging function of EV charging device 42. When the acquired usage start notification indicates that EV charging device 42 is being used within the planned usage period of the parking lot, control unit 55 does not notify information terminal 70 or control to stop the charging function of EV charging device 42, but may perform a different notification.

[0107] The control system 10 can realize a power theft prevention support function by determining whether the start time of use of the EV charging device 42 is within the planned use period of the parking lot.

[0108] In Operation Example 4, the acquisition unit 54 acquires charging speed information that specifies the charging speed of the EV charging device 42, and the control unit 55 sets the charging speed in the EV charging device 42 so that the reserving user can charge the EV at the charging speed specified by the charging speed information within the planned usage period. In other words, in Operation Example 4, processing related to setting the charging speed is performed. However, it is not essential that such processing be performed. The processing related to setting the charging speed may be omitted.

[0109] It is also assumed that an administrator may manage parking lot reservations based on an application program installed on the information terminal 70. In such a case, in operation example 4, registration request information is transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the first server 50, and the control system 10 can omit the processing performed by the second server 60 (processing of steps S52 to S54 in FIG. 11). FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of operation example 4 (first half) when registration request information is transmitted from the information terminal 70 to the first server 50 (S50 in FIG. 14).

[0110] [Modification of Operation Example 1] In the operation example 1 of the above embodiment, when the outdoor outlet 41 is used outside the available period, no control is performed to stop the function of the outdoor outlet 41 (control to stop the power supply from the outdoor outlet 41). However, in cases where the control system 10 can stop the function of the outdoor outlet 41, control to stop the function of the outdoor outlet 41 may be performed. Specifically, a case is assumed in which the control terminal 20 can control the on / off of a branch breaker of the distribution board 30. In other words, also in the operation example 1, when the outdoor outlet 41 is used outside the available period, at least one of a notification to the information terminal 70 and control to stop the function of the outdoor outlet 41 may be performed.

[0111] [Modification of Operation Example 2] Furthermore, in the second operational example of the embodiment described above, the charging function of the EV charging device 42 is automatically stopped when the EV charging device 42 is used outside the available period, but the charging function of the EV charging device 42 may be stopped with the consent of the resident of the house 80. A modified example of the second operational example of the control system 10 will be described below. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram of a modified example of the second operational example of the control system 10.

[0112] First, similarly to the second operational example (FIG. 6), the processes of steps S21 to S28 are performed.

[0113] If the control unit 55 of the first server 50 determines in step S28 that the usage start time is outside the usage period, the control unit 55 transmits notification information to the information terminal 70 (S71). More specifically, the notification information is transmitted to the information terminal 70 by the communication unit 51.

[0114] When the information terminal 70 receives the notification information, it displays a notification screen based on the received notification information (S72). Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen when the usage start time falls outside the available usage period. As shown in Fig. 16, the notification screen when the usage start time falls outside the available usage period includes a description (message) indicating that the EV charging device 42 is in use.

[0115] When such a notification screen is displayed, if a resident performs an operation (operation on icon 73) to instruct the EV charging device 42 to stop its charging function (in other words, its function as a power source), the information terminal 70 will accept such an operation (S73) and send a function stop command to the first server 50 to stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42 (S74).

[0116] The communication unit 51 of the first server 50 receives the function stop command and transmits the received function stop command to the control terminal 20 (S75).

[0117] The first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 receives the function stop command. The second communication unit 26 transmits the function stop command to the EV charging device 42 (S76).

[0118] When EV charging device 42 receives the function stop command, it stops the charging function (S77). That is, EV charging device 42 transitions to a state in which it is unable to charge the EV connected to EV charging device 42.

[0119] In this way, the control system 10 can stop the charging function of the EV charging device 42 after obtaining the resident's consent (through an operation on the information terminal 70). This modification can also be applied to Operation Example 4 (FIG. 12).

[0120] [Other variations] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information terminal 70 is used as a user interface for inputting information and displaying a notification screen, but the control terminal 20 may be used as a user interface instead of the information terminal 70.

[0121] Furthermore, the information terminal 70 and the control terminal 20 may be used together as a user interface. Specifically, information may be input through either the information terminal 70 or the control terminal 20. Furthermore, the notification screen may be displayed on both the information terminal 70 and the control terminal 20 (display unit 22).

[0122] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 54 that acquires information indicating the usage status of the outdoor power source 40 that supplies power to a load located outdoors, and a control unit 55 that performs at least one of notifying the information terminal 70 (or control terminal 20) used by the manager of the outdoor power source 40 and controlling to stop the outdoor power source 40, based on the acquired information. In the above embodiment, the information indicating the usage status is a usage start notification.

[0123] Such a control system 10 can prevent the outdoor power supply 40 from being used without permission.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, when the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used outside of a specified available period, the control unit 55 performs at least one of notifying the information terminal 70 and controlling the outdoor power supply 40 to stop operation.

[0125] Such a control system 10 considers the use of the outdoor power source 40 outside of a specified available period to be unauthorized use of the outdoor power source 40, and can prevent the outdoor power source 40 from being used without permission.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, the available period is determined by the manager of the outdoor power supply 40.

[0127] Such a control system 10 considers the use of the outdoor power source 40 outside the available period set by the administrator to be unauthorized use of the outdoor power source 40, and can prevent the outdoor power source 40 from being used without permission.

[0128] Also, for example, the outdoor power source 40 is an EV charging device 42 installed in a parking lot, and the available period is the planned period of use of the parking lot determined by the person reserving the parking lot.

[0129] Such a control system 10 considers the use of the EV charging device 42 outside the scheduled use period of the parking lot to be unauthorized use of the EV charging device 42, and can prevent the EV charging device 42 from being used without permission.

[0130] Furthermore, for example, acquisition unit 54 further acquires charging speed information that specifies the charging speed of EV charging device 42. Control unit 55 sets the charging speed in EV charging device 42 so that the reserving user can charge the EV at the charging speed specified by the charging speed information within the planned usage period.

[0131] Such a control system 10 can change the capacity of the EV charging device 42 and then permit the user to use the EV charging device 42.

[0132] Furthermore, for example, when the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used outside the available period, the control unit 55 notifies the information terminal 70 and performs control to stop the outdoor power supply 40. As a result of the notification, a notification screen including an icon 71 for canceling the stop of the outdoor power supply 40 is displayed on the information terminal 70.

[0133] Based on an administrator's operation on the icon 71, the control system 10 as described above can permit use of the outdoor power supply 40 even outside the available use period.

[0134] Furthermore, for example, when the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used within the available period, the control unit 55 neither notifies the information terminal 70 nor controls to stop the outdoor power supply 40.

[0135] When it is estimated that the outdoor power source 40 is being used appropriately, such a control system 10 can omit notification to the information terminal 70 and control to stop the outdoor power source 40, thereby reducing communication traffic and the amount of information processed.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, when the acquired information indicates that the outdoor power supply 40 is being used within the available period, the control unit 55 issues another notification, different from the above notification, to the information terminal 70. As a result of the other notification, a notification screen including an icon 72 for stopping the outdoor power supply 40 is displayed on the information terminal 70.

[0137] Based on an administrator's operation on the icon 71, the control system 10 can restrict (prohibit) the use of the outdoor power supply 40 even during the available use period.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the control system 10 further includes a generation unit 56 that generates usage pattern information for the outdoor power source 40 based on the usage history of the outdoor power source 40. The control unit 55 performs at least one of notifying the information terminal 70 and controlling the outdoor power source 40 to stop operation, based on the acquired information and the generated usage pattern information.

[0139] Such a control system 10 can determine that use of the outdoor power source 40 that deviates from the usage pattern information is unauthorized use of the outdoor power source 40, and can prevent the outdoor power source 40 from being used without permission.

[0140] Furthermore, the control method executed by a computer such as the control system 10 includes an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the usage status of the outdoor power source 40 that supplies power to a load located outdoors, and a control step of performing at least one of notifying the information terminal 70 used by the manager of the outdoor power source 40 and controlling the outdoor power source 40 to stop, based on the acquired information.

[0141] Such a control method can prevent the outdoor power supply 40 from being used without permission.

[0142] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0143] For example, in the above embodiment, the control system is realized by multiple devices, but it may also be realized as a single device. For example, the control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a control terminal or a server device. When the control system is realized by multiple devices, the components of the control system may be distributed in any way among the multiple devices. For example, some or all of the processing described as being performed by the server device in the above embodiment may be performed by the control terminal. In other words, the control terminal may have functional components corresponding to an acquisition unit, a control unit, and a generation unit.

[0144] For example, the communication method between the devices in the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (for example, a wireless router, etc.) not shown may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0145] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0146] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0147] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0148] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0149] For example, the present invention may be realized as a control terminal or a server device. The present invention may be realized as a control method executed by a computer such as a control system. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0150] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 10. Control System 20 Control terminal (information terminal) 40 Outdoor power supply (power supply) 41 Outdoor outlet 42 EV charging equipment 54 Acquisition Department 55 Control Unit 56 Generation part 70 Information terminal 71, 72, 73 Icons

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a usage status of a power source that supplies power to a load located outdoors; a control unit that, when it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used outside a predetermined available period, performs at least one of notifying an information terminal used by a manager of the power source and controlling the power source to be stopped; When the control unit determines that the power source is being used within the available period based on the acquired information, the control unit either issues another notification to the information terminal that is different from the notification, or does not issue a notification to the information terminal. Control system.

2. The available period is determined by the administrator of the power source. The control system of claim 1 .

3. the power source is an EV (electric vehicle) charging device installed in a parking lot, The available period is a planned period during which the parking lot is used, determined by the reservation by the person reserving the parking lot. The control system of claim 1 .

4. the acquisition unit further acquires charging speed information that specifies a charging speed of the EV charging device; The control unit sets a charging speed in the EV charging device so that the reserver can charge the EV at the charging speed specified by the charging speed information within the planned use period. The control system of claim 3 .

5. when it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used outside the available period, the control unit notifies the information terminal and controls to stop the power source; As a result of the notification, a notification screen including an icon for canceling the power supply stop is displayed on the information terminal. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the control unit determines, based on the acquired information, that the power source is being used within the available period, the control unit does not notify the information terminal or perform control to stop the power source. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit performs the other notification when it determines, based on the acquired information, that the power source is being used within the available period. As a result of the other notification, a notification screen including an icon for turning off the power is displayed on the information terminal. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. When it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used outside the predetermined available period, the control unit performs control to stop the power source without requiring a user operation on the information terminal. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. 1. A computer-implemented control method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating a usage status of a power source that supplies power to a load located outdoors; and a control step of performing at least one of a notification to an information terminal used by a manager of the power source and a control to stop the power source when it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used outside a predetermined available period, In the control step, when it is determined based on the acquired information that the power source is being used within the available period, a different notification from the notification is sent to the information terminal, or no notification is sent to the information terminal. Control method.

10. A program for causing the computer to execute the control method according to claim 9.

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