Information processing method, program, display method, and charging management system

Abstract

To provide an information processing method capable of bringing forward the time at which use of charging equipment is permitted by reservation. [Solution] The information processing method includes step S17 of receiving first check-in information transmitted by a mobile terminal 20 of a user who has been permitted to use a charging facility 30 from a first time onwards through a reservation; step S21 of transmitting notification information to the mobile terminal 20 to notify the user that the charging facility 30 will be available before the first time, based on the reservation status and usage status of the charging facility 30 of other users, if the first check-in information is received at a second time before the first time; and step S26 of causing the charging facility 30 to start charging the user's electric vehicle without waiting for the first time to arrive, if approval information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20 before the first time is received after transmitting the notification information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, a program, a display method, and a charge management system. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] Incidentally, when a charging facility for charging electric vehicles is shared by a plurality of users, it is conceivable to adopt a system in which each of the plurality of users reserves the charging facility when needed.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing method and the like that can bring forward the time at which use of charging equipment is permitted based on a reservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a server system regarding a first charging facility for charging an electric vehicle, and includes the steps of receiving first check-in information transmitted by a mobile terminal of a user who has been permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onwards through a reservation, the first check-in information indicating that the user has arrived at the installation location of the first charging facility; if the first check-in information is received at a second time before the first time, transmitting notification information to the mobile terminal to notify the user that the first charging facility will be available before the first time based on the reservation status and usage status of the first charging facility of other users; and if, after transmitting the notification information, approval information transmitted by the mobile terminal before the first time is received, allowing the user to use the first charging facility without waiting for the first time to arrive.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the server system to execute the information processing method.

[0008] A display method according to one aspect of the present invention is a display method related to a first charging facility for charging an electric vehicle, executed by a mobile terminal having a display unit, and includes the steps of: transmitting first check-in information indicating that a user who has been permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onwards by reservation has arrived at the installation location of the first charging facility to a server system at a second time before the first time; and, after transmitting the first check-in information, displaying a notification screen on the display unit indicating that the first charging facility will be available before the first time based on notification information received from the server system.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the mobile terminal to execute the display method.

[0010] A charging management system according to one embodiment of the present invention processes information regarding a first charging facility for charging an electric vehicle, and includes: a communication unit that receives first check-in information, transmitted by a mobile terminal of a user who has been permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onward through a reservation, indicating that the user has arrived at the installation location of the first charging facility; and an information processing unit that, if the first check-in information is received at a second time before the first time, uses the communication unit to send notification information to the mobile terminal to notify the user that the first charging facility will be available before the first time, based on the reservation status and usage status of the first charging facility of other users.After sending the notification information, if the information processing unit receives approval information transmitted by the mobile terminal before the first time, it allows the user to use the first charging facility without waiting for the first time to arrive. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The information processing method etc. of the present invention can bring forward the time at which use of the charging facility is permitted based on a reservation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a charge management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the charging facility in the charging management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the charge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the reservation screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reservation management database. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for accepting a checkout operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the charge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen that indicates that early use is possible. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a third operation example of the charge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when charging equipment that does not require a reservation is in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation for displaying the positions of a plurality of charging facilities. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the location information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the locations of a plurality of charging facilities. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the locations of a plurality of charging facilities and the end time of use. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the available times of charging facilities that do not require reservations. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a full charge notification operation of a charging facility that supports rapid charging. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of automatically performing checkout processing. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of the operation for measuring the usage time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a charge management system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the charge management system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of charging equipment in the charge management system according to an embodiment.

[0016] The charging management system 10 is a system that processes information related to the management and control of multiple charging facilities 30 so that multiple users can share multiple charging facilities 30 that can charge storage batteries 51 installed in electric vehicles 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , the charging management system 10 includes a mobile terminal 20, multiple charging facilities 30, and a server system 40.

[0017] The mobile terminal 20 is a mobile information terminal on which an application program (hereinafter also simply referred to as an app) required to use the charging facility 30 is installed. Specifically, the mobile terminal 20 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, but may also be a terminal dedicated to the charging management system 10. For example, the mobile terminal 20 may be a terminal mounted on an electric vehicle 50. Note that in the following embodiment, one mobile terminal 20 used by one user is described. However, in the charging management system 10, multiple charging facilities 30 are shared by multiple users by having each mobile terminal of multiple users perform information processing similar to that of the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a camera 22, an operation reception unit 23, a display unit 24, a storage unit 25, and an information processing unit 26.

[0018] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit that enables the mobile terminal 20 to communicate with the server system 40 via a wide area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 21 is wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination of these. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 21 is not particularly limited.

[0019] The camera 22 captures still or moving images and is realized by an image sensor and optical components.

[0020] The operation reception unit 23 receives operation input from the user. The operation reception unit 23 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by a microphone that receives voice input.

[0021] The display unit 24 displays images relating to the operation of the charge management system 10. The display unit 24 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display panel.

[0022] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores various types of information (such as the above-mentioned applications) required to use the charging facility 30. The storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory.

[0023] Information processing unit 26 processes information related to reservations for charging facility 30. Information processing unit 26 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of information processing unit 26 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting information processing unit 26 executing a computer program (such as the above-mentioned app) stored in storage unit 25.

[0024] The multiple charging facilities 30 are facilities for charging the storage batteries 51 of the electric vehicle 50. Each of the multiple charging facilities 30 includes an outlet into which the end of a cable for electrically connecting to the storage batteries 51 is inserted, and a switch for switching on and off the power supply to the outlet. Each of the multiple charging facilities 30 also includes a power conversion circuit that converts AC power obtained from a system power supply into DC power and supplies the DC power to the storage batteries 51, a control microcomputer and memory, a communication circuit for communicating with the mobile terminal 20, and the like. Alternatively, the multiple charging facilities 30 may charge the storage batteries 51 using power obtained using natural energy such as solar cells.

[0025] The multiple charging facilities 30 are installed in, for example, a parking lot or a charging spot, as shown in FIG. 2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the multiple charging facilities 30 are stand-type, but they may also be of a type that can be attached to the wall of a structure such as a building. Furthermore, the multiple charging facilities 30 do not need to be installed together in one place, but may be installed scattered across multiple locations or regions. Note that the multiple charging facilities 30 are all the same type of charging facilities, but may also include different types of charging facilities.

[0026] The server system 40 performs information processing related to the management and control of the multiple charging facilities 30. The server system 40 is realized by one or more server devices (cloud servers). The server system 40 includes a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0027] The communication unit 41 is a communication circuit that enables the server system 40 to communicate with the mobile terminal 20 and the plurality of charging facilities 30 via a wide area communication network. The communication unit 41 performs, for example, wired communication, but may also perform wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard for communication performed by the communication unit 41.

[0028] The information processing unit 42 processes information related to the management and control of the multiple charging facilities 30. The information processing unit 42 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 42 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43.

[0029] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary for managing and controlling the multiple charging facilities 30, such as a computer program executed by the information processing unit 42. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as a semiconductor memory.

[0030] The electric vehicle 50 is a vehicle used by a user who owns the mobile terminal 20. The electric vehicle 50 is, for example, an EV (Electric Vehicle) that runs by being driven by a motor, but may also be a vehicle that runs by using both an engine and a motor, such as a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The electric vehicle 50 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle, but may also be a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle.

[0031] The electric vehicle 50 includes a storage battery 51 as an energy source for propelling the electric vehicle 50. The storage battery 51 is a secondary battery mounted on the electric vehicle 50. The storage battery 51 can be charged by the charging facility 30 while still mounted on the electric vehicle 50. The storage battery 51 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0032] [Example 1] The multiple charging facilities 30 include charging facilities 30 that require advance reservations and charging facilities 30 that do not require advance reservations. First, a first operation example of the charging management system 10 when a user uses a charging facility 30 that requires advance reservations will be described. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram of the first operation example of the charging management system 10.

[0033] The user performs a designation operation on the mobile terminal 20 running the above-described app to designate the charging facility 30 that the user wishes to use from among the plurality of charging facilities 30. When the designation operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit 23 (S11), the information processing unit 26 displays a reservation screen on the display unit 24 for the user to input information necessary for reservation (S12). Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the reservation screen.

[0034] When the reservation screen of FIG. 4 is displayed, the user performs an input operation to input the date and time of use of charging facility 30. In other words, the date and time of use is the date and time the user desires to use the facility, and the date and time of use includes the date and time the user desires to start use (hereinafter also simply referred to as the use start time) and the date and time the user desires to end use (hereinafter also simply referred to as the use end time). When the input operation is accepted by operation accepting unit 23 (S13), information processing unit 26 transmits reservation information to server system 40 using communication unit 21 (S14). The reservation information includes the facility ID of charging facility 30 specified in step S11, the date and time of use entered in step S13, and the user ID set in the app.

[0035] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the reservation information. The information processing unit 42 updates the reservation management database by adding the received reservation information to the reservation management database (S15). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the reservation management database. The reservation management database is a database that manages the date and time of use and the user for each charging facility 30, and is stored in, for example, the storage unit 43. One row of information in the reservation management database corresponds to reservation information.

[0036] Thereafter, when the reserved date and time approaches, the user visits the target charging facility 30 and performs a check-in operation on the mobile terminal 20 running the above-mentioned app. The check-in operation includes inputting the facility ID of the target charging facility 30. The facility ID is displayed as characters or a two-dimensional code on the surface of the charging facility 30, for example. If the facility ID is displayed as characters, the user performs an input operation of the characters. If the facility ID is displayed as a two-dimensional code, the user performs an operation of photographing the two-dimensional code with the camera 22 of the mobile terminal 20 running the above-mentioned app.

[0037] When the operation reception unit 23 receives the check-in operation (S16), the information processing unit 26 transmits check-in information to the server system 40 using the communication unit 21 (S17). The check-in information includes the facility ID of the charging facility 30 input in step S16 and the user ID set in the app. The check-in information includes the facility ID displayed on the surface of the charging facility 30, and the facility ID cannot be input unless the user is at the installation location of the charging facility 30. Therefore, the check-in information can be said to be information indicating that the user has arrived at the installation location of the charging facility 30.

[0038] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the check-in information. The information processing unit 42 refers to the received check-in information and the reservation management database stored in the storage unit 43 to determine whether or not reservation information including the set of the facility ID and user ID included in the check-in information is present in the reservation management database (S18). If it is determined that the reservation information is not present, the processes from step S17 onwards are not performed, and the information processing unit 26 uses the communication unit 41 to send notification information to the mobile terminal 20 to notify that the check-in has failed (not shown).

[0039] When determining that there is reservation information, information processing unit 42 determines whether or not the current time (≒ the time of reception of check-in information) satisfies the requirement that the current time is earlier than the available time corresponding to a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes earlier) before the use start time included in the reservation information (S19a). If it is determined that the current time is earlier than the available time, that is, if it is determined that the user has arrived at the installation location of the target charging facility 30 earlier than the reserved time, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the charging facility 30 can be used earlier (see Operation Example 2 described later).

[0040] When the information processing unit 42 determines that the current time is after the available time, that is, when it determines that the user has arrived at the installation location of the target charging facility 30 at the reserved time, the information processing unit 42 performs check-in processing (S24). The check-in processing is, for example, processing to change the check-in status in the reservation information in the reservation management database to checked in.

[0041] The information processing unit 42 also uses the communication unit 41 to send notification information to the mobile terminal 20 to notify that check-in has been successful (S25). The information processing unit 42 also uses the communication unit 41 to send a charging permission command to the target charging facility 30 (S26). The target charging facility 30 that has received the charging permission command enters a state in which it is able to charge the electric vehicle 50 (a state in which it is able to accept predetermined operations by the user) from the usage start time to the usage end time. In other words, in step S26, it can be said that the server system 40 has permitted the user to use the target charging facility 30.

[0042] The communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the notification information. Based on the received notification information, the information processing unit 26 displays a notification screen to notify the user that check-in has been successful (S27). The user who sees the notification screen can charge the electric vehicle 50 using the charging facility 30 by connecting the charging facility 30 and the electric vehicle 50 (storage battery 51) with a cable and performing a predetermined operation on the charging facility 30.

[0043] After charging of the electric vehicle 50 is completed, the user performs a checkout operation on the mobile terminal 20 on which the above-mentioned app is running. The checkout operation is performed, for example, when a display screen such as that shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for accepting a checkout operation. The checkout operation is, for example, a selection operation of an icon labeled "Checkout" in FIG. 6.

[0044] When the operation reception unit 23 receives the check-out operation (S28), the information processing unit 26 transmits check-out information to the server system 40 using the communication unit 21 (S29). The check-out information includes the facility ID of the charging facility 30 input in step S16 and the user ID set in the app.

[0045] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the check-out information. The information processing unit 42 performs check-out processing (S30). The check-out processing is, for example, processing to change the check-out status in the reservation information in the reservation management database to checked out.

[0046] As described above, the charging management system 10 can process information related to the charging facility 30 so that a plurality of users can share the charging facility 30 requiring a reservation.

[0047] [Example 2] Next, an operation example will be described in which, when a user uses charging facility 30 that requires advance reservation, the user is permitted to use charging facility 30 ahead of schedule. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram of such an operation example 2 of the charging management system 10.

[0048] The processes in steps S11 to S18 are the same as those in the first operational example, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0049] When the information processing unit 42 of the server system 40 determines in step S18 that there is reservation information, it determines whether or not the current time (≈ the time of reception of the check-in information) satisfies the requirement that the current time is earlier than the available time corresponding to a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes earlier) before the usage start time included in the reservation information (S19b). When it is determined that the current time is earlier than the available time, that is, when it is determined that the user has arrived at the installation location of the target charging facility 30 earlier than the reserved time, the information processing unit 42 performs a process of determining whether or not the charging facility 30 can be used earlier (S20).

[0050] The information processing unit 42 refers to the reservation management database, and when there is a reservation by another user during the period from the current time to the available time and the other user has not checked out, determines that the charging facility 30 cannot be used ahead of schedule. In this case, the processes from step S21 onwards are not performed, and the information processing unit 26 transmits notification information to the mobile terminal 20 using the communication unit 41 to notify that check-in has failed (not shown).

[0051] The information processing unit 42 refers to the reservation management database, and determines that the charging facility 30 can be used earlier if there are no reservations for the target charging facility 30 by other users during the period from the current time to the available time. The information processing unit 42 also determines that the charging facility 30 can be used earlier if there is a reservation for the target charging facility 30 by other users during the period from the current time to the available time but the other users have checked out. In this way, the information processing unit 42 determines whether the charging facility 30 can be used earlier based on the reservation status and usage status of the charging facility 30 by other users.

[0052] When the information processing unit 42 determines that the charging facility 30 can be used ahead of schedule, it uses the communication unit 41 to send notification information to the mobile terminal 20 to notify the user that the target charging facility 30 can be used before the available time (S21).

[0053] The communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the notification information. Based on the received notification information, the information processing unit 26 displays on the display unit 24 a notification screen for notifying the user that the target charging facility 30 can be used before the available use time (advanced use is possible) (S22). Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen indicating that advanced use is possible.

[0054] The notification screen in Fig. 8 is also an approval screen for obtaining approval to use the charging facility 30 earlier than scheduled. If the user does not approve the earlier use of the charging facility 30, the information processing unit 26 transmits denial information to the server system 40 using the communication unit 21. In this case, the check-in fails, and the user must retry the check-in operation after the available time.

[0055] If the user approves the earlier use of the charging facility 30, the information processing unit 26 transmits approval information to the server system 40 using the communication unit 21 (S23).

[0056] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the approval information. The information processing unit 42 performs check-in processing based on the received approval information (S24). The subsequent processing is the same as in Operation Example 1, and therefore detailed description will be omitted. As a result of the processing in step S26, the charging facility 30 becomes capable of charging the electric vehicle 50 from the usage start time to the usage end time after the earlier shift. In other words, in step S26, the server system 40 can be said to have permitted the user to use the charging facility 30 without waiting for the available usage time to arrive.

[0057] As described above, in the charge management system 10, even if the user arrives early at the installation location of the target charging facility 30, if the charging facility 30 is available, the user is permitted to use the charging facility 30 ahead of schedule. This improves user convenience.

[0058] In addition, if the usage fee for the charging facility 30 varies depending on the time period, there is a possibility that the usage fee will change if the charging facility 30 is used earlier. Therefore, the information processing unit 42 of the server system 40 may calculate the fee for using the charging facility 30 without earlier use and the fee for using the charging facility 30 earlier, and include fee information indicating the calculated fees in the notification information transmitted in step S21. In other words, the notification information may include information indicating the fee for starting use of the charging facility 30 before the available time.

[0059] This allows the mobile terminal 20 to display the fee for using the charging facility 30 without bringing the charge forward and the fee for using the charging facility 30 with bringing the charge forward (see FIG. 8).

[0060] [Example 3] Next, an example of operation when a user uses charging facility 30 that does not require advance reservation will be described. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram of such an operation example 3 of charging management system 10.

[0061] The user visits the target charging facility 30 and performs a check-in operation on the mobile terminal 20 running the above app. The check-in operation includes inputting the usage time and the facility ID of the target charging facility 30. The facility ID is displayed as characters or a two-dimensional code on the surface of the charging facility 30, for example. If the facility ID is displayed as characters, the user performs an operation to input the characters. If the facility ID is displayed as a two-dimensional code, the user performs an operation to photograph the two-dimensional code using the mobile terminal 20 running the above app.

[0062] When the check-in operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit 23 (S41), the information processing unit 26 uses the communication unit 21 to transmit check-in information to the server system 40 (S42). The check-in information includes the usage time entered in step S41, the facility ID of the charging facility 30 entered in step S41, and the user ID set in the app.

[0063] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the check-in information. Here, the storage unit 43 stores a usage status management database that manages the usage status of charging equipment 30 that does not require advance reservations. The usage status management database is a database similar to the reservation management database (see FIG. 5), and is therefore not shown in the figure. The information processing unit 42 performs check-in processing to update the usage status management database based on the received check-in information (S43).

[0064] In the check-in process, the information processing unit 42 confirms that the target charging facility 30 identified by the facility ID included in the check-in information is not in use (no other user has checked in) by referring to the usage status management database stored in the storage unit 43. Then, the information processing unit 42 adds usage information that links the facility ID included in the check-in information with the user ID and usage time included in the check-in information to the usage status management database, and updates the usage status management database by changing the check-in status of the added usage information to checked-in.

[0065] The information processing unit 42 also uses the communication unit 41 to send notification information to the mobile terminal 20 to notify that check-in has been successful (S44). The information processing unit 42 also uses the communication unit 41 to send a charging permission command to the target charging facility 30 (S45). The target charging facility 30 that has received the charging permission command becomes capable of charging the electric vehicle 50 from the usage start time to the usage end time.

[0066] The communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the notification information. Based on the received notification information, the information processing unit 26 displays a notification screen to notify the user that check-in has been successful (S46). The user who sees the notification screen can charge the electric vehicle 50 using the charging facility 30 by connecting the charging facility 30 and the electric vehicle 50 (storage battery 51) with a cable and performing a predetermined operation on the charging facility 30.

[0067] After charging of the electric vehicle 50 is completed, the user performs a checkout operation on the mobile terminal 20 running the above-mentioned application.

[0068] When the operation reception unit 23 receives the check-out operation (S47), the information processing unit 26 transmits check-out information to the server system 40 using the communication unit 21 (S48). The check-out information includes the facility ID of the charging facility 30 input in step S16 and the user ID set in the app.

[0069] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the check-out information. The information processing unit 42 performs check-out processing (S49). The check-out processing is, for example, processing of changing the check-out status associated with the facility ID of the target charging facility 30 in the usage status management database to "checked out."

[0070] As described above, the charging management system 10 can process information about the charging facility 30 so that a plurality of users can share the charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation.

[0071] During use of charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation, information processing unit 26 of mobile terminal 20 displays the remaining time for which charging facility 30 can be used on display unit 24. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen during use of charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation. Information processing unit 26 can calculate the remaining time as the difference between the end time of use input in step S31 and the current time.

[0072] In this way, if the remaining time for which the charging facility 30 can be used is displayed while the charging facility 30 is being used, the user can more easily grasp the remaining time than when the start time and end time of use are displayed (e.g., Figure 6).

[0073] [Displaying the locations of multiple charging facilities] The charging management system 10 can assist the user in understanding the installation locations of the charging facilities 30 by displaying the locations of the multiple charging facilities 30 on a map on the display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 20. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of displaying the locations of the multiple charging facilities 30.

[0074] The user performs a predetermined operation on the mobile terminal 20 running the above-described app to display the locations of multiple charging facilities 30. When the predetermined operation is received by the operation receiving unit 23 (S51), the information processing unit 26 acquires map information by communicating with a map information providing server (not shown) using the communication unit 21 (S52).

[0075] Furthermore, the information processing unit 26 transmits a request for providing the location information of the plurality of charging facilities 30 to the server system 40 using the communication unit 21 (S53).

[0076] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the request to provide the location information. Based on the received request to provide the location information, the information processing unit 42 transmits the location information to the mobile terminal 20 using the communication unit 41 (S54). Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the location information.

[0077] 12, the location information indicates the location (place name, degrees, and longitude) of each of the multiple charging facilities 30 and whether or not a reservation is required for use of each of the multiple charging facilities 30. The location information also indicates whether or not a charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation is currently in use, and the end time of use of the currently used charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation, and the information processing unit 42 can include this information in the location information by referring to the usage status management database.

[0078] Communication unit 21 of mobile terminal 20 receives the location information. Information processing unit 26 displays the locations of the multiple charging facilities 30 based on the map information acquired in step S52 and the location information received in step S54 (S55). Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the locations of the multiple charging facilities 30.

[0079] On the display screen in Fig. 13, an icon for the charging facility 30 is displayed at the position of the charging facility 30 on the map indicated by the map information. An icon for charging facility 30 that requires a reservation displays the location name together with the character "Reservation," while an icon for charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation displays the location name together with the character "Available" or "Full." "Available" means that the charging facility 30 is not in use and is available, and "Full" means that the charging facility 30 is in use.

[0080] When an icon including the character "full" is selected, the usage end time (in other words, the time when the charging facility becomes available) is displayed. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the locations of multiple charging facilities 30, with the usage end time displayed.

[0081] As described above, the charging management system 10 can assist the user in understanding the installation locations of multiple charging facilities 30 by displaying the locations of multiple charging facilities 30 on a map on the display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 20.

[0082] The user can narrow down the icons displayed on the map by specifying filtering conditions, such as "display only facilities that require reservations," "display only facilities that do not require reservations," and "display only facilities that do not require reservations (available)."

[0083] [Fee calculation method] The charging facilities 30 that do not require a reservation include normal specification charging facilities 30 and rapid charging compatible charging facilities 30 that can charge an electric vehicle 50 more quickly than normal specification charging facilities 30. The usage times (times for which fees are calculated) of the normal specification charging facilities 30 and the rapid charging compatible charging facilities 30 will be described below. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the usage times of the charging facilities 30 that do not require a reservation.

[0084] FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the usage time of a standard-specification charging facility 30. The usage time of a standard-specification charging facility 30 is from the start time of use to the end time of use, and the user actually starts charging after the start time of use. In other words, the actual usage time is shorter than the usage time (from the start time of use to the end time of use) that is the subject of fee calculation. If such specifications are applied to a rapid-charging-compatible charging facility 30, the fee per unit time for the rapid-charging-compatible charging facility 30 will be high, and there is a risk that users will be dissatisfied with the fee.

[0085] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15(b), for the rapid charging-compatible charging equipment 30, the fee is calculated based on the usage time from when charging actually starts to when usage ends. To realize this fee calculation method, the rapid charging-compatible charging equipment 30 notifies the server system 40 of the timing when charging actually starts. The information processing unit 42 of the server system 40 calculates the fee (usage fee) for the rapid charging-compatible charging equipment 30 based on the length of the period from when charging actually starts by the rapid charging-compatible charging equipment 30, as notified by the rapid charging-compatible charging equipment 30, to the usage end time. The information processing unit 42 associates the calculated fee with the user ID and stores it in the storage unit 43 as fee management information.

[0086] This allows the charging management system 10 to prevent the user from feeling dissatisfied with the charges.

[0087] [Charging complete notification] The rapid charge-compatible charging facility 30 has a function of detecting full charge of the electric vehicle 50 (storage battery 51). The charge management system 10 may use this function to notify the user that charging of the electric vehicle 50 by the rapid charge-compatible charging facility 30 has been completed. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a notification operation of full charge of the rapid charge-compatible charging facility 30. Note that the rapid charge-compatible charging facility 30 here may be a charging facility 30 that requires a reservation, or may be a charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation.

[0088] When the rapid charging compatible charging equipment 30 detects that the electric vehicle 50 is fully charged (S61), it stops charging the electric vehicle 50 (S62) and transmits a full charge notification to the server system 40 (S63).

[0089] The communication unit 41 of the server system 40 receives the full charge notification. Based on the received full charge notification, the information processing unit 42 transmits a charging completion notification to the mobile terminal 20 of the user of the electric vehicle 50 (S64). The charging completion notification is specifically transmitted by the communication unit 41.

[0090] The communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the charging completion notification. Based on the received charging completion notification, the information processing unit 26 displays a notification screen indicating that charging has been completed on the display unit 24 (S65).

[0091] In this way, the charge management system 10 can notify the user that charging of the electric vehicle 50 by the charging equipment 30 that supports rapid charging has been completed.

[0092] [Automatic checkout process] In operation examples 1 to 3, the check-out process is performed to charge an additional fee if the check-out process is not performed by the end of the usage time. The user is required to check out before the end of the usage time to avoid incurring an additional fee.

[0093] Here, the multiple charging facilities 30 include charging facilities 30 for which an overage fee will be charged if check-out processing is not performed, and charging facilities 30 for which an overage fee will not be charged even if check-out processing is not performed. Therefore, for charging facilities 30 for which an overage fee will not be charged, check-out processing may be performed automatically if the user does not perform a check-out operation. Figure 17 is a flowchart of the operation for automatically performing check-out processing.

[0094] The information processing unit 42 of the server system 40 determines whether or not check-out information has been received at a predetermined timing after the usage end time of the charging facility 30 (whether or not check-out processing has been performed before the usage end time) (S71). If it is determined that check-out information has been received (Yes in S71), the operation ends.

[0095] When the information processing unit 42 determines that the check-out information has not been received (No in S71), it determines whether or not the charging facility 30 is one for which an overage fee will be charged (S72). For example, excess fee generation information that associates the ID of the charging facility 30 with whether or not an excess fee will be charged is stored in advance in the storage unit 43, and the information processing unit 42 can perform the determination process of step S72 based on the excess fee generation information. Note that whether or not an excess fee will be charged is set, for example, according to the intention of the owner of the charging facility 30.

[0096] If it is determined that the charging facility 30 is one for which an excess charge will be incurred (Yes in S72), the check-out process is not performed and the operation ends. On the other hand, if the information processing unit 42 determines that the charging facility 30 is one for which an excess charge will not be incurred (No in S72), the check-out process is performed even if check-out information has not been received (S73). In step S73, in addition to the check-out process similar to step S30 or step S49, a process of notifying the mobile terminal 20 (user) that the check-out process has been performed is performed.

[0097] In this way, the charging management system 10 can automatically perform checkout processing for the charging facility 30 for which no excess fee is charged, without the user having to perform a checkout operation.

[0098] [Usage time measurement] In the operation examples 1 to 3, when the charging equipment 30 is a normal-spec charging equipment 30, the usage time is measured by the charging equipment 30 that has received the charging permission command measuring the time (measuring the current time or operating a timer). Here, the usage time may be measured by the server system 40 instead of the charging equipment 30. For example, in a charging equipment 30 that supports rapid charging, the usage time may be measured by the server system 40. Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram of the usage time measurement operation.

[0099] After the check-in process, when the usage start time arrives, the information processing unit 42 of the server system 40 transmits a charging start request to the charging facility 30 using the communication unit 41 (S81). The charging facility 30 that has received the charging start request starts charging the electric vehicle 50 (S82).

[0100] The information processing unit 42 measures the time from when the charging start request is transmitted until the usage end time arrives (S83). The information processing unit 42 measures the time until the usage end time arrives, for example, by operating a timer and recording the elapsed time. When the information processing unit 42 determines that the usage end time has arrived, it transmits a charging stop request to the charging equipment 30 using the communication unit 41 (S84). The charging equipment 30 that has received the charging stop request stops charging of the electric vehicle 50 (S85).

[0101] If the user manually stops charging at the charging facility 30 before the usage end time arrives, a charging stop notification is sent from the charging facility 30 to the server system 40, and the timer is reset. As a result, a charging stop request is not sent from the server system 40 to the charging facility 30.

[0102] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the content that is applied to the charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation may also be applied to the charging facility 30 that requires a reservation. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the content that is applied to the charging facility 30 that supports rapid charging may also be applied to the charging facility 30 of normal specifications.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 and the charging facility 30 do not communicate directly with each other when the charging facility 30 is used, but the mobile terminal 20 and the charging facility 30 may communicate directly with each other based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE). For example, the charging facility 30 may start transmitting a beacon signal upon receiving a charging permission command from the server system 40, and the mobile terminal 20 may start direct communication with the charging facility 30 upon receiving the beacon signal, and instruct the charging facility 30 to start and stop charging through this communication.

[0104] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from the exemplified inventions will be explained.

[0105] Invention 1 is an information processing method executed by server system 40 regarding a first charging facility for charging an electric vehicle 50, the information processing method including: a step S17 of receiving first check-in information, transmitted by mobile terminal 20 of a user permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onward through a reservation, indicating that the user has arrived at the installation location of the first charging facility; a step S21 of transmitting notification information to mobile terminal 20, if the timing at which the first check-in information was received is a second time before the first time, based on the reservation status and usage status of the first charging facility of other users, to notify the user that the first charging facility will be available before the first time; and a step S26 of causing the first charging facility to start charging the user's electric vehicle 50 without waiting for the first time to arrive, if approval information transmitted by mobile terminal 20 before the first time is received after transmitting the notification information. The first charging facility is, for example, charging facility 30 requiring a reservation in the above embodiment, and the first time is, for example, the available time in the above embodiment.

[0106] According to this information processing method, if the user arrives at the location where the first charging facility is installed earlier than the first time and there is availability, the user can use the first charging facility earlier. In other words, the information processing method can bring forward the time at which use of the first charging facility is permitted by reservation.

[0107] Invention 2 is the information processing method of Invention 1, wherein the notification information includes information indicating a fee when use of the first charging facility is started before the first time.

[0108] According to this information processing method, the mobile terminal 20 can display the fee when the first charging facility is used ahead of schedule.

[0109] Invention 3 is an information processing method of Invention 1 or 2, further including a step S53 of receiving a request for providing location information of a plurality of charging facilities 30 including a first charging facility, transmitted by the mobile terminal 20, and a step S54 of transmitting, based on the received request, location information to the mobile terminal 20 indicating the location of each of the plurality of charging facilities 30 and whether or not a reservation is required for use of each of the plurality of charging facilities 30.

[0110] According to this information processing method, the mobile terminal 20 can display the location of each of the multiple charging facilities 30 and whether or not a reservation is required for use of each of the multiple charging facilities 30, based on the received location information.

[0111] Invention 4 is the information processing method of Invention 3, in which the location information includes information indicating whether any of the multiple charging facilities 30 that do not require a reservation for use is in use.

[0112] According to this information processing method, the mobile terminal 20 can display whether or not the charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation for use is in use.

[0113] Invention 5 is the information processing method of any of Inventions 1 to 4, further including a step S42 of receiving second check-in information transmitted by mobile terminal 20 for a user to use second charging facility that does not require a reservation for use and charges electric vehicle 50, the second check-in information including a start time and an end time of use, and a step of calculating a usage fee for the second charging facility depending on the length of the period from when charging actually starts at the second charging facility to the end time of use if the second charging facility is a rapid charging facility. The second charging facility is, for example, charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation in the above embodiment.

[0114] Such an information processing method can prevent users from becoming dissatisfied with the fees.

[0115] Invention 6 is an information processing method of any of Inventions 1 to 5, further including the steps of receiving third check-in information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20 for a user to use rapid charging equipment to charge the electric vehicle 50, and causing the rapid charging equipment to start charging the user's electric vehicle 50 based on the received third check-in information, wherein the rapid charging equipment stops charging the electric vehicle 50 and transmits a full charge notification to the server system 40 when it detects that the user's electric vehicle has reached a fully charged state, and the information processing method further includes the steps of receiving the full charge notification S63 and transmitting a charging completion notification to the mobile terminal 20 based on the received full charge notification S64.

[0116] According to this information processing method, the server system 40 can use the function of the rapid charging facility to detect when the electric vehicle 50 is fully charged, and notify the user that charging of the electric vehicle 50 is complete.

[0117] Invention 7 is an information processing method of any of Inventions 1 to 6, in which, if the first charging facility is a charging facility 30 for which an excess charge is incurred, the user is required to perform a check-out operation on the mobile terminal 20 before the end time of use of the first charging facility to avoid incurring an excess charge, the mobile terminal 20 transmits check-out information when the check-out operation is performed, and the server system 40 performs check-out processing when it receives the check-out information, and the information processing method further includes step S72 of determining whether the first charging facility is a charging facility 30 for which an excess charge is incurred if check-out information is not received after the end time of use of the first charging facility has passed, and step S73 of performing check-out processing even if check-out information has not been received when it is determined that the first charging facility is a charging facility 30 for which an excess charge is not incurred.

[0118] According to this information processing method, the server system 40 can automatically perform checkout processing for the first charging facility for which no excess fee is charged, even if the user does not perform a checkout operation.

[0119] Invention 8 is an information processing method of any of Inventions 1 to 6, further including the steps of receiving third check-in information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20 for a user to use a rapid charging facility to charge an electric vehicle 50, the third check-in information including a start time of use and an end time of use; step S81 of transmitting a charging start request to the rapid charging facility at the start time of use included in the received third check-in information; step S83 of measuring the time from transmitting the charging start request to the end time of use; and step S84 of transmitting a charging stop request to the rapid charging facility when it is determined that the end time of use has arrived.

[0120] According to this information processing method, the server system 40 can measure the usage time and control the start and stop of charging by the rapid charging equipment.

[0121] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a server system 40 to execute any one of the information processing methods of the first to eighth aspects.

[0122] According to this program, if the user arrives at the location where the first charging facility is installed earlier than the first time and there is availability, the user can use the first charging facility earlier. In other words, this program can bring forward the time at which use of the first charging facility is permitted by reservation.

[0123] Invention 10 is a display method related to a first charging facility for charging an electric vehicle 50, executed by a mobile terminal 20 having a display unit 24, and includes: a step S17 of transmitting first check-in information indicating that the user has arrived at the installation location of the first charging facility to the server system 40 at a second time before the first time, in response to an operation by a user who has been permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onwards by reservation; and a step S27 of displaying a notification screen on the display unit 24, after transmitting the first check-in information, based on notification information received from the server system 40, indicating that the first charging facility will be available before the first time.

[0124] According to this display method, the user can understand that if he or she arrives at the location where the first charging facility is installed earlier than the first time, he or she can use the first charging facility earlier than scheduled.

[0125] Invention 11 is the display method of Invention 10, in which the notification screen displays the charge when the first charging facility is started to be used before the first time.

[0126] According to this display method, the user can understand the charges that would be incurred if the first charging facility were used ahead of schedule.

[0127] Invention 12 is the display method of Invention 10 or 11, further including a step S53 of sending a request for providing location information of a plurality of charging facilities 30 including a first charging facility, and a display step S55 of displaying on the display unit 24 the location of each of the plurality of charging facilities 30 and whether or not a reservation is required for use of each of the plurality of charging facilities 30 based on the location information received from the server system 40 after sending the request.

[0128] According to this display method, the user can grasp the location of each of the plurality of charging facilities 30 and whether or not a reservation is required for use of each of the plurality of charging facilities 30.

[0129] Invention 13 is the display method of invention 12, wherein in the display step S55, the display unit 24 further displays whether or not any of the charging facilities 30 that do not require a reservation for use is in use.

[0130] According to this display method, the user can know whether or not charging facility 30 that does not require a reservation for use is in use.

[0131] Invention 14 is a display method of any of Inventions 10 to 13, further including a step S42 of transmitting second check-in information to the server system 40 for a user to use a second charging facility that does not require a reservation for use and that charges an electric vehicle 50, and a step of displaying on the display unit 24 the remaining time for which the second charging facility can be used after transmitting the second check-in information.

[0132] This display method allows the user to know the remaining time for which the second charging facility can be used.

[0133] Invention 15 is a display method of any of Inventions 10 to 14, further including a step of transmitting third check-in information to the server system 40 to enable a user to use the rapid charging facility for charging the electric vehicle 50; step S64 of receiving, after transmitting the third check-in information, from the server system 40 a charging completion notification indicating that the rapid charging facility has stopped charging the electric vehicle 50 because it has fully charged; and step S65 of displaying a notification screen based on the received charging completion notification.

[0134] This display method allows the user to know that charging of the electric vehicle 50 by the rapid charging facility has been completed.

[0135] A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a mobile terminal 20 to execute the display method according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth aspects.

[0136] According to such a program, if the user arrives at the location where the first charging facility is installed earlier than the first time, the user can know that the first charging facility can be used earlier than scheduled.

[0137] Invention 17 is a charging management system 10 that processes information about a first charging facility that charges an electric vehicle 50, and includes a communication unit 41 that receives first check-in information transmitted by a mobile terminal 20 of a user who has been permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onwards through a reservation, the check-in information indicating that the user has arrived at the installation location of the first charging facility, and an information processing unit 42 that, when the first check-in information is received at a second time that is earlier than the first time, transmits notification information to the mobile terminal 20 using the communication unit 41 to notify the user that the first charging facility will be available before the first time, based on the reservation status and usage status of the first charging facility of other users; and, when the information processing unit 42 receives approval information transmitted by the mobile terminal 20 before the first time after transmitting the notification information, causes the first charging facility to start charging the user's electric vehicle 50 without waiting for the first time to arrive.

[0138] According to the charging management system 10, if the user arrives at the installation location of the first charging facility earlier than the first time and there is availability, the user can use the first charging facility earlier. In other words, the charging management system 10 can bring forward the time at which use of the charging facility is permitted by reservation.

[0139] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0140] For example, in the above embodiment, the charge management system is realized by a plurality of devices, but may be realized as a single device. For example, the charge management system may be realized as a single server device included in the server system 40. When the charge management system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components of the charge management system may be allocated to the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0141] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited, and a relay device (not shown) may be used in the communication between the devices.

[0142] In addition, in the above embodiments, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. For example, in the above embodiments, some or all of the processes described as being executed by the server system may be executed by a mobile terminal or a charging facility. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] For example, the present invention may be realized as the mobile terminal, charging equipment, or server system of the above-described embodiments. Also, the present invention may be realized as a method executed by a computer of such a device or system, as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0147] 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 of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10 Charging Management System 20 Mobile devices 21, 41 Communications Department 22 Camera 23 Operation reception section 24 Display 25, 43 Storage section 26, 42 Information Processing Section 30 Charging equipment 40 Server System 50 Electric Vehicles 51 Storage battery

Claims

1. An information processing method relating to a first charging facility that charges an electric vehicle, executed by a server system, comprising: receiving first check-in information transmitted by a mobile terminal of a user who has been permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onward through a reservation, the first check-in information indicating that the user has arrived at a location where the first charging facility is installed; when the timing at which the first check-in information is received is a second time that is earlier than the first time, transmitting notification information to the mobile terminal to notify the user that the first charging facility will be available before the first time, based on a reservation status and a usage status of the first charging facility by other users; and permitting the user to use the first charging facility without waiting for the first time to arrive when approval information transmitted by the mobile terminal before the first time is received after transmitting the notification information. Information processing methods.

2. The notification information includes information indicating a fee when the use of the first charging facility is started before the first time. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. moreover, receiving a request for providing location information of a plurality of charging facilities including the first charging facility, the request being transmitted by the mobile terminal; and transmitting, to the mobile terminal, location information indicating the location of each of the plurality of charging facilities and whether or not a reservation is required for use of each of the plurality of charging facilities, based on the received provision request. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

4. The location information includes information indicating whether any of the charging facilities that does not require a reservation for use is currently in use. The information processing method according to claim 3 .

5. moreover, receiving second check-in information transmitted by the mobile terminal for the user to use a second charging facility that does not require a reservation for use and that charges the electric vehicle, the second check-in information including a start time and an end time of use; and if the second charging facility is a rapid charging facility, calculating a usage fee for the second charging facility according to a length of a period from a timing at which the second charging facility actually starts charging to the usage end time. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

6. moreover, receiving third check-in information transmitted by the mobile terminal, the third check-in information being used by the user to use a rapid charging facility for charging the electric vehicle; and causing the rapid charging equipment to start charging the electric vehicle of the user based on the received third check-in information; When the rapid charging facility detects that the electric vehicle of the user has reached a fully charged state, the rapid charging facility stops charging of the electric vehicle and transmits a full charge notification to the server system; The information processing method further comprises: receiving the full charge notification; and transmitting a charging completion notification to the portable terminal based on the received full charge notification. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

7. If the first charging facility is a charging facility that incurs an excess fee, the user is required to perform a check-out operation on the mobile terminal before the end time of use of the first charging facility in order to avoid incurring an excess fee; the mobile terminal transmits checkout information when the checkout operation is performed; When the server system receives the check-out information, the server system performs a check-out process. The information processing method further comprises: determining whether the first charging facility is a charging facility for which an excess fee is charged when the check-out information is not received after the end time of use of the first charging facility has elapsed; and performing the check-out process even if the check-out information has not been received when the first charging facility is determined to be a charging facility for which the excess fee does not apply. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

8. moreover, receiving third check-in information transmitted by the mobile terminal for the user to use the rapid charging facility for charging the electric vehicle, the third check-in information including a usage start time and a usage end time; transmitting a charging start request to the rapid charging facility at the use start time included in the received third check-in information; measuring the time from when the charging start request is transmitted to when the use ends; and transmitting a charging stop request to the rapid charging facility when it is determined that the usage end time has arrived. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

9. A program for causing the server system to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A display method related to a first charging facility that charges an electric vehicle, the display method being executed by a mobile terminal having a display unit, the method comprising: transmitting, to a server system, first check-in information indicating that a user who has been permitted to use a first charging facility from a first time onward through a reservation has arrived at a location where the first charging facility is installed, at a second time before the first time; and after transmitting the first check-in information, displaying on the display unit a notification screen indicating that the first charging facility will be available before the first time based on notification information received from the server system. Display method.

11. The notification screen displays a charge when the first charging facility is started to be used before a first time. The display method according to claim 10.

12. moreover, Transmitting a request to provide location information of a plurality of charging facilities including the first charging facility; and a display step of displaying, on the display unit, the location of each of the plurality of charging facilities and whether or not a reservation is required for use of each of the plurality of charging facilities, based on the location information received from the server system after transmitting the provision request. The display method according to claim 10.

13. In the display step, the display unit further displays whether or not a charging facility that does not require a reservation for use among the plurality of charging facilities is in use. The display method according to claim 12.

14. moreover, transmitting second check-in information to the server system for the user to use a second charging facility that does not require a reservation for use and that charges the electric vehicle; and after transmitting the second check-in information, displaying on the display unit a remaining time for which the second charging facility can be used. The display method according to claim 10.

15. moreover, transmitting third check-in information to the server system for the user to use a rapid charging facility for charging the electric vehicle; receiving, after transmitting the third check-in information, from the server system a charging completion notification indicating that the rapid charging equipment has stopped charging the electric vehicle because the electric vehicle is fully charged; and displaying a notification screen based on the received charging completion notification. The display method according to claim 10.

16. A program for causing the mobile terminal to execute the display method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. A charging management system that processes information about a first charging facility that charges an electric vehicle, a communication unit that receives first check-in information that indicates that a user who has been permitted to use the first charging facility from a first time onward through a reservation has arrived at an installation location of the first charging facility, the first check-in information being transmitted by a mobile terminal of the user; an information processing unit that, when the timing at which the first check-in information is received is a second time that is earlier than the first time, transmits notification information to the mobile terminal using the communication unit to notify the user that the first charging facility will be available before the first time, based on a reservation status and a usage status of the first charging facility by other users; When the information processing unit receives approval information transmitted by the mobile terminal before the first time after transmitting the notification information, the information processing unit permits the user to use the first charging facility without waiting for the first time to arrive. Charging management system.

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