Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

Regarding charging services where electric vehicles parked in parking spaces are charged using charging equipment, and the electric vehicle users pay for the charging, we will present appropriate plans that reflect the characteristics of the charging service. [Solution] The server information processing unit 10 of the information processing server 2, which is related to a charging service in which an electric vehicle parked in a parking space 6 of a specific parking lot 5 is charged by a charging device 8 and the user of the electric vehicle 7 pays the charging fee, has a function to present multiple plans in which the latest possible timing of the charging period differs when the electric vehicle 7 is charged in the parking space 6, and the later the latest timing of the charging period, the cheaper the plan becomes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method related to a charging service in which a vehicle parked in a parking space of a parking lot is charged with a charging device and the user of the vehicle pays a charging fee.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles have become widely popular. Regarding electric vehicles, a charging service is provided in which an electric vehicle parked in a parking space of a parking lot is charged with a charging device and the user of the electric vehicle pays a charging fee. For example, this type of charging service is provided in parking lots provided in response to airports, shopping centers, sports facilities, and other facilities. By using the charging service of the parking lot of the facility, the user can charge the electric vehicle while using the facility. Regarding charging using a parking lot, the following technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. That is, the control device 13 determines whether an electric vehicle designated with a scheduled departure time can be fully charged by equal charging by that time. If it can, it charges each electric vehicle parked in the parking lot equally. If it cannot, it preferentially charges the electric vehicle designated with the scheduled departure time first. The above technology is disclosed. According to Patent Document 1, efficient charging in a parking lot can be realized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the charging service mentioned above, it is conceivable to offer users multiple plans and charge their electric vehicles according to the plan they select. Furthermore, if the charging service has unique characteristics, there is a need to present users with an appropriate plan that reflects these characteristics.

[0005] This invention was made to solve such problems, and aims to present an appropriate plan that reflects the characteristics of a charging service in which electric vehicles parked in a parking space are charged with a charging device, and the electric vehicle user pays for the charging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention comprises the following configuration: an information processing system related to a charging service in which an electric vehicle parked in a parking space of a parking lot is charged with a charging device and the user of the electric vehicle pays the charging fee, the system comprising an information processing unit that has a function to present multiple plans in which the latest possible timing of the charging period, which is the latest possible timing of the charging period, differs, and the later the latest timing of the charging period, the cheaper the plan becomes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Regarding charging services, the later the possible charging time in a parking lot, the greater the flexibility of the charging schedule applied to electric vehicles, and the lower the cost borne by the user. Based on this, the present invention, configured as described above, offers multiple plans in which the latest possible charging time in a parking space differs, and the later the charging time, the lower the cost. Therefore, it is possible to present the user with an appropriate plan that reflects the above characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example configuration of a control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a designated parking area. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing server, user terminals, and management device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a charging device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the information processing methods for user terminals and information processing servers. [Figure 6] This diagram is used to explain the process of deriving the fastest predicted date and time. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of a charging plan display screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows examples of various screens used when entering the scheduled date and time for vehicle departure. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a charging plan presentation screen related to the second modified example. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a charging plan display screen. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a control system 1 (information processing system) according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the control system 1 is composed of an information processing server 2 (information processing system, information processing device, computer), one or more user terminals 3 (information processing system, terminal, computer), and one or more management devices 4 (information processing system, information processing device, computer). The information processing server 2, user terminals 3, and management devices 4 are all connectable to a network N including the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks.

[0010] The management device 4 is a device installed in accordance with the designated parking lot 5. The designated parking lot 5 is a parking lot that provides a designated charging service (charging service) in which electric vehicles 7 parked in parking spaces 6 are charged by a charging device 8, and a fee is paid by the user of the electric vehicle 7 as compensation for the charging. In this embodiment, "user" is a term conveniently used to refer to a person who can use the designated charging service. Figure 2 is a simplified schematic diagram showing an example of a designated parking lot 5 along with its related elements. As shown in Figure 2, the designated parking lot 5 is provided with multiple parking spaces 6. Each parking space 6 is a space in which one electric vehicle 7 can be parked. Each parking space 6 is provided with a charging device 8, which is a device capable of charging an electric vehicle 7. Each charging device 8 (including related devices) installed in one designated parking lot 5 constitutes a vehicle charging facility 9. The electric vehicle 7 broadly includes vehicles that can be charged by the charging device 8. The electric vehicle 7 may be a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) (and of course, other types of EVs are also acceptable), and may have four wheels, three wheels, or two wheels (and of course, other wheel configurations are also acceptable). Furthermore, the electric vehicle 7 may be used for any purpose, for example, as a passenger car, commercial vehicle, or government vehicle.

[0011] In this embodiment, the designated parking lot 5 is assumed to be a parking lot that can be used by an unspecified number of people. For example, the designated parking lot 5 is a parking lot provided in conjunction with a facility and used by users of that facility. The facility could be, for example, an airport, a shopping center, a sports facility, or an office building. However, the assumption that the designated parking lot 5 can be used by an unspecified number of people is for the sake of simplicity of explanation, and the designated parking lot 5 could be of other types. For example, the designated parking lot 5 could be a type of parking lot where the users of the parking spaces are predetermined. Also, in the example in Figure 2, charging devices 8 are provided for all parking spaces 6, but it is not necessary for charging devices 8 to be provided for all parking spaces 6 within the designated parking lot 5, and it is acceptable for some parking spaces 6 not to be equipped with charging devices 8. Furthermore, in Figure 2, the designated parking lot 5 is a parking lot provided on a flat site, but the designated parking lot 5 could be a multi-story parking garage. In other words, the location and structure of the designated parking lot 5 are not limited.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, one management device 4 is provided for each designated parking lot 5. Each charging device 8 installed in the designated parking lot 5 is connected to the management device 4. The connection method between the management device 4 and the charging devices 8 can be anything; it may be a connection via LAN, a connection via network N, or a direct connection via a dedicated line (including a virtual dedicated line). The management device 4 has the function of controlling the charging of each connected charging device 8 under the control of the information processing server 2. This function will be described later. The management device 4 does not need to be installed on the site of the designated parking lot 5. Also, the relationship between the management device 4 and the designated parking lot 5 does not have to be one-to-one; for example, it may be one-to-many.

[0013] User terminal 3 is a mobile device used by the user. In this embodiment, user terminal 3 is assumed to be a smartphone with a camera function. However, the use of a smartphone as user terminal 3 is for the sake of simplicity of explanation; user terminal 3 can be any device capable of performing the processing described later. For example, a tablet device without telephone functionality, a notebook computer, or a wearable device can function as user terminal 3.

[0014] The information processing server 2 is a server device connected to the network N. The information processing server 2 can communicate with the user terminal 3 and the management device 4 via the network N. The information processing server 2 has a function of providing a specific charging service for the specific parking lot 5. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 described later, the information processing server 2 is represented by one block. However, this does not mean that the information processing server 2 is composed of a single server device. Naturally, the information processing server 2 may include a virtual server. Also, the information processing server 2 may be composed of a plurality of server devices. In this case, the server device constituting the information processing server 2 may include a Web server or a Web application server. Also, in this case, the information processing server 2 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices that are load-balanced by a load balancer. In this case, each of the server information processing units 10 of the plurality of server devices, or a combination of the plurality of server information processing units 10 functions as an "information processing unit".

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the information processing server 2, the user terminal 3, and the management device 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing server 2 includes, as a functional configuration, a server information processing unit 10 (information processing unit), a server communication unit 11, and a server storage unit 12. The user terminal 3 includes, as a functional configuration, a terminal information processing unit 13 (information processing unit), a terminal communication unit 14, a terminal display unit 15, a terminal input unit 16, a terminal storage unit 17, and a camera 18. The management device 4 includes, as a functional configuration, a management device information processing unit 19 (information processing unit), a management device first communication unit 20, a management device second communication unit 21, and a management device storage unit 22.

[0016] The server information processing unit 10 of the information processing server 2 includes a processing device including a processor and a primary storage device. The server information processing unit 10 executes processing by reading a program stored in the storage area (which may be another storage area) of the server storage unit 12 into the primary storage device and executing it with the processing device. That is, the server information processing unit 10 executes processing through the cooperation of hardware and software. The server communication unit 11 includes a communication device including a communication control device and a network interface. The server communication unit 11 communicates with an external device by the communication device under the control of the server information processing unit 10. The server storage unit 12 stores data in a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a hard disk drive (which may be another magnetic storage device), a ROM, or a flash memory.

[0017] As described above, the user terminal 3 according to the present embodiment is a smartphone. The terminal information processing unit 13, the terminal communication unit 14, and the terminal storage unit 17 of the user terminal 3 each have a hardware configuration equivalent to the server information processing unit 10, the server communication unit 11, and the server storage unit 12 of the information processing server 2, and have equivalent functions due to the hardware configuration. That is, the terminal information processing unit 13 executes processing through the cooperation of hardware and software, such as reading a program stored in the storage area (which may be another storage area) of the terminal storage unit 17 into the primary storage device and executing it with the processing device. The terminal display unit 15 includes a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or other display panels. The display panel is provided in a wide area on the front surface of the housing of the user terminal 3 configured as a smartphone. The terminal display unit 15 displays various images on the display panel under the control of the terminal information processing unit 13. The terminal input unit 16 includes a touch panel disposed over the display panel and various switches. The terminal input unit 16 detects inputs to the touch panel and various switches and outputs the detection results to the terminal information processing unit 13. The camera 18 executes shooting and outputs the shooting results to the terminal information processing unit 13.

[0018] The management device information processing unit 19, the management device first communication unit 20, and the management device storage unit 22 of the management device 4 each have the same hardware configuration as the server information processing unit 10, the server communication unit 11, and the server storage unit 12 of the information processing server 2, and have the same functions through their hardware configuration. That is, the management device information processing unit 19 performs processing through the cooperation of hardware and software, such as when the processing unit reads a program stored in the storage area of ​​the management device storage unit 22 (or other storage area) into the primary storage device and executes it. The management device second communication unit 21 is connected to each of the charging devices 8 and enables communication with the charging devices 8 under the control of the management device information processing unit 19.

[0019] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the charging device 8. In Figure 4, the management device 4 connected to the charging device 8 and the electric vehicle 7 to be charged by the charging device 8 are also shown. As shown in Figure 4, the charging device 8 has a functional configuration comprising a charging device information processing unit 25, a charging device communication unit 26, a charging device storage unit 27, a power supply unit 28, and an explanation board 29. The charging device information processing unit 25 and the charging device storage unit 27 have hardware configurations equivalent to those of the server information processing unit 10 and the server storage unit 12, respectively, and have equivalent functions through their hardware configurations. That is, the charging device information processing unit 25 performs processing through the cooperation of hardware and software, such as the processing unit reading a program stored in the storage area of ​​the charging device storage unit 27 (or other storage area) into the primary storage device and executing it. The management device 4 is connected to the charging device communication unit 26, and communication with the management device 4 is realized under the control of the charging device information processing unit 25. The charging device 8 may also include a display unit with a display function and an input unit with an input receiving function.

[0020] The power supply unit 28 includes a charger 30 and supplies power to the vehicle battery 31 of the electric vehicle 7 under the control of the charging device information processing unit 25. In this embodiment, the charger 30 is configured to be able to receive power from the power grid 32 of the power company, energy storage equipment 33, and power generation equipment 34 (all of which are shown in Figure 2). Hereinafter, the power grid 32, energy storage equipment 33, and power generation equipment 34 are collectively referred to as the "power supply source". Regardless of the power supply from any of the power supply sources, appropriate conversion between DC and AC, appropriate voltage transformation, and other electrical processing are performed appropriately. For example, with respect to the power grid 32, if a specific parking lot 5 is provided in conjunction with the facility, power is supplied from the power grid 32 to the facility's power receiving device. After appropriate voltage transformation is performed at this power receiving device, power is supplied from the power receiving device to the distribution board, and then distributed at the distribution board to supply power to each charger 30.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 of this embodiment, power is supplied from the power source to the entities that consume power (hereinafter referred to as "related power-consuming entities 35") together with the vehicle charging equipment 9. In other words, the vehicle charging equipment 9 and the related power-consuming entities 35 share the power source. The related power-consuming entities 35 broadly include entities (e.g., facilities, equipment, or loads) whose power consumption must be considered simultaneously when considering the power consumption by the vehicle charging equipment 9. For example, if the specific parking lot 5 is a parking lot corresponding to a facility, the related power-consuming entities 35 are the various entities that consume power at the facility.

[0022] A power supply cable 38, with a connector 37 attached to its tip, is connected to the charger 30. When charging the electric vehicle 7, the connector 37 is connected to the port 39 of the electric vehicle 7, and power for charging is supplied from the charger 30 to the vehicle battery 31 via the power-related control unit 40. The power-related control unit 40 is equipped with a function to communicate with the charging device information processing unit 25. Hereinafter, the connection between the connector 37 on the charger 30 and the port 39 on the electric vehicle 7 may simply be described as "the cable 38 is connected to the electric vehicle 7."

[0023] In Figure 4, the charger 30 is shown as a so-called cable type as an example. However, the type of charger 30 is not limited to a cable type; for example, it could be a so-called outlet type. Furthermore, the charging method and standard of the charger 30 are not limited to any particular method or standard. The charging device 8 may also be configured to have a locking mechanism that locks the connection between the connector 37 on the charger 30 side and the port 39 on the electric vehicle 7 side. In this case, the locking and unlocking by the locking mechanism shall be performed under the control of a person with proper authority. Alternatively, a relay box may be provided between the charging device 8 and the management device 4 to electrically relay these connections.

[0024] A flat explanatory board 29 is attached to the charging device 8. The explanatory board 29 contains an overview of the specific charging service, points to note when using the charging device 8, and other information to be conveyed to the user. Furthermore, the explanatory board 29 is equipped with a two-dimensional barcode, the installation two-dimensional barcode 41. The installation two-dimensional barcode 41 contains a predetermined URL of the information processing server 2, and this predetermined URL includes the identification information of the charging device 8 (hereinafter referred to as the "charging device ID") and other necessary information as query parameters. The URL recorded in the installation two-dimensional barcode 41 (including the charging device ID) is called the "installation URL". The explanatory board 29 contains information that, in order to receive the specific charging service, after connecting the cable 38 to the electric vehicle 7 parked in the parking space 6, the installation two-dimensional barcode 41 should be read. The explanatory board 29 is attached in a conspicuous location on the charging device 8 (Figure 2 schematically depicts the explanatory board 29).

[0025] The charging device information processing unit 25 has at least the following functions. Specifically, the charging device information processing unit 25 has the function of dynamically changing the charging output of the power supply unit 28 within a predetermined range. For example, the charging device information processing unit 25 can dynamically change the charging output within a range of 0 to 50 kW (50 kW is just an example; for example, 20 kW, 80 kW, etc. are also acceptable). The charging device information processing unit 25 also has the function of detecting the amount of charge by charging the electric vehicle 7. Specifically, the charging device information processing unit 25 can detect the amount of charge up to the present time after charging the electric vehicle 7 has started.

[0026] Next, we will briefly explain the operation of the information processing server 2 and the management device 4 when charging is performed by the charging device 8. Below, we will explain the operation performed by the information processing server 2 and the management device 4 for a specific parking lot 5. The server information processing unit 10 creates an individual charging schedule for each of the parking spaces 6 in the specific parking lot 5 when a regularly occurring timing arrives, and when an event occurs that prompts the generation of an individual charging schedule on an ad-hoc basis. In this embodiment, the individual charging schedule is information that shows the charging plan for a certain period from the present moment. As an example, the individual charging schedule is information that records the "charging output every 5 minutes" for a period from the present moment to 30 minutes later. The server information processing unit 10 generates the individual charging schedule by reflecting various elements in addition to elements related to the charging plan (described later), the initial required charge amount (described later), and the remaining required charge amount (described later). Various elements include, for example, compliance conditions, the reservation status / individual charging schedule of parking spaces 6 other than the parking space of interest in the parking lot of interest, the demand forecast for the parking lot of interest, the availability of the energy storage equipment 33, the availability of the power generation equipment 34, and the power consumption forecast of related power consuming entities 35. The compliance conditions are those that must be observed when creating individual charging schedules, such as "the predicted demand value (average power over 30 minutes) does not exceed a threshold," "the contracted power is not exceeded when charging is performed according to the individual charging schedule," "the power consumption when charging is performed according to the individual charging schedule does not exceed the allowable limit," and "the charging standards are followed." However, all existing technologies can be applied to generate individual charging schedules. The server information processing unit 10 transmits the individual charging schedule to the corresponding management device 4 each time it is generated. The management device 4 receives the individual charging schedule and controls the charging by the corresponding charging device 8.

[0027] Next, we will explain the operation of control system 1 when a user uses a specific charging service. In the following, time will be expressed in 24-hour format. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the information processing methods by user terminal 3 and information processing server 2. Flowchart FA shows the information processing method by user terminal 3, and flowchart FB shows the information processing method by information processing server 2. In the following, a user using user terminal 3 will be referred to as a "user of interest" for convenience, to distinguish it from general users. Also, the electric vehicle of a user of interest will be referred to as a "electric vehicle of interest," to distinguish it from general electric vehicles 7.

[0028] Before the start of flowchart FA, the user of interest parks their electric vehicle of interest into one of the parking spaces 6 in designated parking lot 5 and connects the cable 38 to the electric vehicle of interest. Hereinafter, designated parking lot 5 where the electric vehicle of interest is parked will be referred to as the "parking lot of interest," and parking space 6 will be referred to as the "parking space of interest." Next, the user of interest reads the installation 2D barcode 41 with the camera 18 of their user terminal 3 according to the instructions written on the explanation board 29 and instructs to access the installation URL (step SA1). The browser on the user terminal 3 then opens, and the terminal information processing unit 13 accesses the installation URL using the browser's functions (step SA2). When the server information processing unit 10 of the information processing server 2 accesses the installation URL, it executes the initial required charge amount acquisition process (step SB1). This process acquires the amount of charge necessary to fully charge the user of interest's electric vehicle of interest. Hereinafter, the amount of charge necessary to achieve the target charge state at the start of charging will be referred to as the "initial required charge amount." The target charge state refers to the target state regarding charging in the specific charging service. In this embodiment, the target charge state is "fully charged". Step SB1 will be described in detail below.

[0029] First, the server information processing unit 10 requests the management device information processing unit 19 of the management device 4 of the parking space of interest to respond with the initial required charge amount for the electric vehicle 7 (= electric vehicle of interest) parked in the parking space of interest. Based on the charging device ID and other information included in the installation URL accessed in step SA2, the server information processing unit 10 identifies the management device 4 to which the request should be made. In response to this request, the management device information processing unit 19 requests the charging device information processing unit 25 of the charging device 8 of the parking space of interest to respond with the initial required charge amount for the electric vehicle 7 (= electric vehicle of interest) parked in that space. In response to this request, the charging device information processing unit 25 requests the power-related control unit 40 of the electric vehicle of interest to which the cable 38 is connected to respond with the initial required charge amount or information necessary to derive the initial required charge amount, and obtains the initial required charge amount or the information. This information is, for example, the maximum capacity of the onboard battery (information that can identify the maximum capacity (e.g., vehicle type) may also be used) and the current SOC (however, this is just an example). If the charging device information processing unit 25 obtains this information, it derives the initial required charge amount based on this information. Next, the charging device information processing unit 25 responds to the management device information processing unit 19 with the initial required charge amount, the management device information processing unit 19 responds with the initial required charge amount to the server information processing unit 10, and the server information processing unit 10 obtains the initial required charge amount. In this embodiment, the charging device information processing unit 25 is configured to derive the initial required charge amount, but it is also possible for the management device information processing unit 19 or the server information processing unit 10 to derive the initial required charge amount.

[0030] In addition, the server information processing unit 10 may acquire the initial required charge amount in a manner other than the one exemplified in this embodiment during the initial required charge amount acquisition process. For example, the following configuration may also be used. The server information processing unit 10 works in cooperation with the terminal information processing unit 13 to display a screen on the terminal display unit 15 of the user terminal 3 for inputting the initial required charge amount or information necessary to derive the initial required charge amount (hereinafter referred to as "initial required charge amount related information"). The server information processing unit 10 then acquires the initial required charge amount related information entered on the screen and acquires the initial required charge amount based on that information. It is possible to register an account in advance for specific charging services, and for users with an account, information related to the initial required charge amount is uploaded from the electric vehicle 7 as needed. The upload may be performed directly from the electric vehicle 7, or indirectly via the user terminal 3 or other devices. The upload may also be performed periodically, or in response to a request from the server information processing unit 10. The server information processing unit 10 then obtains the initial required charge amount based on the uploaded information.

[0031] After step SB1, the server information processing unit 10 executes the fastest predicted date and time derivation process (step SB2). This process derives the predicted date and time when the electric vehicle of interest will be fully charged if it is charged as quickly as possible. Hereinafter, the predicted date and time when the electric vehicle 7 will be fully charged if it is charged as quickly as possible will be referred to as the "fastest predicted date and time". Step SB2 will be described in detail below.

[0032] In this embodiment, charging plans (plans, first type plans) are provided as follows: the fastest plan, a 2-hour plan, a 5-hour plan, a 10-hour plan, and a 24-hour plan. As will become clear later, each charging plan has different achievement-related timings, which are the timing at which the target charging state (full charge in this embodiment) is achieved, or the timing indicating the deadline for achieving it, as well as different fees that the user must pay for charging (hereinafter referred to as "charging payment fees"). For the sake of simplicity in this embodiment, regarding fees, only the fee as consideration for charging (consideration for using a specific charging service) will be mentioned, and the usage fee for parking space 6 will not be mentioned. However, in reality, such usage fees will naturally be charged (although it is permissible to make such usage fees free). The usage fee and charging payment fees may be billed separately, or they may be billed together. Various taxes will also be appropriately reflected.

[0033] The fastest plan is the plan to achieve full charge (target charge state) of the vehicle battery 31 as quickly as possible. With regard to the fastest plan, the scheduled date and time when full charge is completed corresponds to the latest possible timing during the charging period. This is because charging will occur before this date and time, while charging is not expected to occur after this date and time. In particular, the scheduled date and time when full charge is completed is the "timing when the target charge state is achieved" and corresponds to the "achievement-related timing". Regarding the "timing when the target charge state is achieved", "achieving the target charge state" does not only mean that the target charge state is perfectly achieved, but also includes the achievement of the target charge state to a sufficient extent. Furthermore, "timing when the target charge state is achieved" does not only mean the exact timing when the target charge state is achieved, but also includes the approximate timing when the target charge state is achieved, the timing when the target charge state is expected to be achieved, and the timing when the goal is to achieve the target charge state.

[0034] The 2-hour plan is a plan to achieve a full charge within 2 hours. For the 2-hour plan, the timing of achieving a full charge is considered acceptable as long as it is within 2 hours of the start of charging. Similar to the 2-hour plan, the 5-hour plan, 10-hour plan, and 24-hour plan are plans to achieve a full charge within 5 hours, 10 hours, and 24 hours, respectively. Hereafter, charging plans that achieve a target charge state within a certain period (in other words, by a specific deadline), such as the 2-hour plan, 5-hour plan, 10-hour plan, and 24-hour plan, will be collectively referred to as "time-limited charging plans." Focusing on the 2-hour plan, in other words, the 2-hour plan is a plan to achieve the target charge state by 2 hours after the start of charging. In other words, for the 2-hour plan, "2 hours after the start of charging" corresponds to the latest possible timing within the period in which charging can take place. In particular, for the 2-hour plan, "2 hours after the start of charging" is the timing that indicates the deadline for achieving the target charge state and corresponds to the "achievement-related timing." The same applies to the 2-hour, 5-hour, 10-hour, and 24-hour plans. For time-limited charging plans, the timing of completion is latest in the order of 2-hour plan → 5-hour plan → 10-hour plan → 24-hour plan.

[0035] In step SB2, the server information processing unit 10 derives the earliest predicted date and time for the electric vehicle of interest, taking into account various factors. These factors include at least the initial required charge amount for the electric vehicle of interest, the charging status of other electric vehicles 7 parked in the parking lot of interest, and the simultaneous output limit of the parking lot of interest. The simultaneous output limit of the parking lot of interest refers to the upper limit of the total charging output that all charging devices 8 in the parking lot of interest can output simultaneously. For example, if the simultaneous output limit of a specific parking lot 5 with two charging devices 8A and 8B is 50kW, it is not possible for charging device 8A to take a charging output of 30kW and charging device 8B to take a charging output of 30kW at a given time. This is because the total charging output at that time would exceed the simultaneous output limit. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the various factors also include the reservation status of the parking space 6, rules regarding charging (for example, time limits for a single charge), predicted peak power consumption, predicted demand value, and reduction of charging output according to the charging rate.

[0036] The following describes the processing of the server information processing unit 10 when deriving the fastest predicted date and time, using three cases as examples. For the sake of explanation, the following assumptions are made in each of the following cases: The parking lot in question has two parking spaces 6A and 6B, and each parking space 6A and 6B is equipped with a charging device 8A and 8B. The charging output of charging devices 8A and 8B is either 20kW or 5kW. The charging output is switched only when the time (o'clock) changes, such as 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, etc. For example, if charging device 8A starts charging at 5kW at 8:00, the next time the charging output can be switched is 9:00. The maximum simultaneous output of the parking lot in question is "35kW". The initial required charge amount for the electric vehicle in question is "35kWh". Furthermore, in each of the following cases, the initial required charge amount of the electric vehicle in question, the charging status of other electric vehicles parked in the parking lot in question, and the simultaneous output limit of the parking lot in question will be taken into account when deriving the fastest predicted date and time. As mentioned above, in practice, the processing will be carried out taking into account all other factors.

[0037] <Case C1> In Case C1, at 8:00, electric vehicle 7A is parked in parking space 6A. At 8:00, the amount of charge required to fully charge electric vehicle 7A is 20kWh, and the fastest charging plan is adopted for electric vehicle 7A. Hereafter, when focusing on a particular electric vehicle 7, the amount of charge required to fully charge it at a given point in time will be referred to as the "remaining required charge." Considering the above circumstances, as shown in Figure 6(A), an individual charging schedule of "8:00~9:00 → charging output: 20kW" has been set for electric vehicle 7A. Under this individual charging schedule, electric vehicle 7A will be fully charged at 9:00. Note that the individual charging schedule confirmed for the fastest plan takes precedence, and in principle, the individual charging schedule will not be changed due to events that occur after confirmation.

[0038] In the above situation, if the electric vehicle of interest (initial required charge: 35kWh) is parked in parking space 6B and charging begins at 8:00, the server information processing unit 10 will create the following hypothetical individual charging schedule. That is, as shown in Figure 6(B), the individual charging schedule is "8:00~9:00 → charging output: 5kW, 9:00~10:00 → charging output: 20kW, 10:00~10:30 → charging output: 20kW". This individual charging schedule allows the electric vehicle of interest to be fully charged as quickly as possible while satisfying the conditions of not changing the individual charging schedule of electric vehicle 7A and the simultaneous output limit. In case C1, the server information processing unit 10 derives 10:30 as the earliest predicted date and time based on this individual charging schedule.

[0039] <Case C2> In Case C2, at 8:00, electric vehicle 7A (remaining required charge: 20kWh) is parked in parking space 6A, which is the same situation as in Case C1. However, in Case C2, the charging plan adopted for electric vehicle 7A is a 2-hour plan with a completion timing of 9:30 (i.e., a plan where full charge is achieved by 9:30), which is different from Case C1. Taking these circumstances into consideration, as shown in Figure 6(C), an individual charging schedule has been set for electric vehicle 7A as "8:00~9:00 → Charging output: 20kW". Under this individual charging schedule, electric vehicle 7A will be fully charged at 9:00.

[0040] In the above situation, if the electric vehicle of interest (initial required charge: 35kWh) is parked in parking space 6B and charging begins at 8:00, the server information processing unit 10 will create the following hypothetical individual charging schedule. That is, electric vehicle 7A needs to be fully charged by 9:30, and the current individual charging schedule for electric vehicle 7A (Figure 6(C)) cannot be changed. Based on this, the server information processing unit 10 will create the following hypothetical individual charging schedule. That is, as shown in Figure 6(B), the individual charging schedule is "8:00~9:00 → charging output: 5kW, 9:00~10:00 → charging output: 20kW, 10:00~10:30 → charging output: 20kW". With this individual charging schedule, the electric vehicle of interest can be fully charged as quickly as possible while satisfying the conditions for fully charging electric vehicle 7A by 9:30 and the conditions regarding the simultaneous output limit. In case C2, the server information processing unit 10 derives 10:30 as the earliest predicted date and time based on this individual charging schedule. <Case C3> In Case C3, at 8:00, electric vehicle 7A (remaining required charge: 20kWh) is parked in parking space 6A, which is the same situation as in Case C1. However, in Case C3, the charging plan adopted for electric vehicle 7A is a 5-hour plan with a completion timing of 12:30 (i.e., it is sufficient if full charge is achieved by 12:30), which is different from Case C1. Taking these circumstances into consideration, as shown in Figure 6(D), an individual charging schedule has been set for electric vehicle 7A as "8:00~9:00 → Charging output: 20kW". Under this individual charging schedule, electric vehicle 7A will be fully charged at 9:00.

[0041] In the above situation, if the electric vehicle of interest (initial required charge: 35kWh) is parked in parking space 6B and charging begins at 8:00, the server information processing unit 10 will perform a virtual rescheduling for electric vehicle 7A as follows, and then create the following virtual individual charging schedule for electric vehicle of interest. Specifically, the individual charging schedule for electric vehicle 7A is as shown in Figure 6(E) and is "8:00~9:00 → charging output: 5kW, 9:00~10:00 → charging output: 5kW, 10:00~10:30 → charging output: 20kW". With this individual charging schedule, electric vehicle 7A will be fully charged at 10:30. The individual charging schedule for electric vehicle of interest is as shown in Figure 6(F) and is "8:00~9:00 → charging output: 20kW, 9:00~9:45 → charging output: 20kW". With this individual charging schedule, vehicle of interest will be fully charged at 9:45. Based on the individual charging schedules for both electric vehicle 7A and the electric vehicle of interest described above, the electric vehicle of interest can be fully charged as quickly as possible while satisfying the conditions for fully charging electric vehicle 7A by 12:30 (achievement-related timing) and the simultaneous output limit. In case C3, the server information processing unit 10 derives 9:45 as the fastest predicted date and time based on the individual charging schedules described above.

[0042] The above is a detailed explanation of step SB2. In this way, when the server information processing unit 10 derives the fastest predicted date and time for a particular electric vehicle 7, it considers the charging plans of other electric vehicles 7 and, if it is possible to reschedule the individual charging schedules of those other electric vehicles 7, it reschedules them and then creates a hypothetical individual charging schedule that will allow the electric vehicle 7 to be fully charged as quickly as possible, and derives the fastest predicted date and time under that hypothetical individual charging schedule. Here, the fastest predicted date and time derived in step SB2 corresponds to the date and time when the electric vehicle of interest will be fully charged if the fastest plan is adopted. Hereafter, taking this into consideration, the date and time when the fastest plan will be fully charged may be referred to as the "fastest predicted date and time".

[0043] After step SB2, the server information processing unit 10 executes the presentation plan determination process (step SB3). This process determines which charging plan to present to the user from among the charging plans. Hereinafter, the plan presented to the user will be referred to as the "presented plan". In this embodiment, the fastest plan is predetermined to be the presented plan. Step SB3 will be described in detail below. In step SB3, the server information processing unit 10 excludes from the time-limited charging plans plans whose completion timing is earlier than the fastest predicted date and time from the presented plans, and determines plans that are later than this as the presented plans. This is because plans whose completion timing is earlier than the fastest predicted date and time cannot be realized. For example, suppose the current time is 8:00 and the fastest predicted date and time is 10:30. In this case, the server information processing unit 10 excludes the 2-hour plan, whose completion timing is 10:00, from the presented plans, and determines the 5-hour plan, 10-hour plan, and 24-hour plan as the presented plans. The above is a detailed description of step SB3.

[0044] The plans presented here include the fastest plan. Among the plans presented, the fastest plan has the earliest achievement timing. For example, if the adopted plans are the fastest plan, the 5-hour plan, the 10-hour plan, and the 24-hour plan, the achievement timing will be fastest → 5-hour plan → 10-hour plan → 24-hour plan.

[0045] Note that the processing in step SB3 is a simplified version. The server information processing unit 10 may also be configured to exclude plans that are actually impossible or difficult to implement from the proposed plans, taking into account various factors / conditions in addition to the relationship between the predicted achievement date and achievement-related timings. For example, as mentioned above, individual charging schedules are generated so that compliance conditions are met. Based on this, if a certain charging plan is adopted and an individual charging schedule is created according to that charging plan, the server information processing unit 10 will exclude that charging plan from the proposed plans if it would result in a situation where compliance conditions cannot be met.

[0046] After step SB3, the server information processing unit 10 executes the plan-specific fee derivation process (step SB4). This process derives the charging payment fee for each of the presented plans. Step SB4 is described in detail below. In the following explanation, the presented plans are assumed to be the fastest plan as well as all time-limited charging plans.

[0047] In step SB4, the server information processing unit 10 first derives the charging fee for the fastest plan (hereinafter referred to as the "fastest fee") using the following formula. (Formula) Fastest fare = Initial required charge amount × Base coefficient Here, the base coefficient is a coefficient set in advance, taking into account the unit price of electricity, the profit to be earned, and other factors, with the aim of deriving the fastest rate. The base coefficient may be a fixed value, or it may be a variable value that changes dynamically, taking into account the amount of initial charge required, the balance of electricity supply and demand, the demand forecast for the specific parking lot 5, and other factors. Furthermore, the server information processing unit 10 derives the charging payment fee for the 2-hour plan (hereinafter referred to as the "2-hour rate") using the following calculation formula. (Formula) 2-hour rate = Fastest rate × 2-hour coefficient However, the 2-hour coefficient is a coefficient that is less than 1 and greater than the 5-hour coefficient described later. The 2-hour coefficient may be a fixed value or a variable value that changes dynamically considering various factors. One of these factors is, for example, the discrepancy between the fastest predicted date and time and the achievement-related timing for the 2-hour plan. When this factor is considered, the 2-hour coefficient is adjusted to become smaller as the discrepancy increases. The same applies to the 5-hour, 10-hour, and 24-hour coefficients described later. Similarly, the server information processing unit 10 derives the 5-hour charge, 10-hour charge, and 24-hour charge, which are the respective charge payment fees for the 5-hour plan, 10-hour plan, and 24-hour plan, using the following formulas. (Formula) 5-hour rate = Fastest rate × 5-hour coefficient (Formula) 10-hour rate = Fastest rate × 10-hour coefficient (Formula) 24-hour rate = Fastest rate × 24-hour coefficient *However, 2-hour coefficient > 5-hour coefficient > 10-hour coefficient > 24-hour coefficient > 0

[0048] Using the method described above, the charging fees for each charging plan are derived, and the relative sizes of the fees are as follows. • Fastest rate > 2-hour rate > 5-hour rate > 10-hour rate > 24-hour rate Thus, in this embodiment, for each charging plan, the later the achievement timing, the lower the charging fee.

[0049] After step SB4, the server information processing unit 10 generates display data (including an HTML file and data associated with the HTML file; the same applies hereinafter) for displaying the charging plan presentation screen 50 (step SB5). Figure 7 shows an example of the charging plan presentation screen 50. As shown in Figure 7, each of the presented plans is displayed on the charging plan presentation screen 50 along with its description. Furthermore, the fastest predicted date and time derived in step SB2 is clearly indicated on the screen in association with the fastest plan. The fastest predicted date and time corresponds to the date and time when full charge is predicted to be achieved if charging is performed under the fastest plan. Furthermore, the charging payment amount derived in step SB4 is displayed on the screen for each charging plan. The screen also displays a user interface (radio buttons) that allows the user to select one of the charging plans or not to charge. After step SB5, the server information processing unit 10 sends the generated display data to the terminal information processing unit 13 (step SB6).

[0050] As shown in the flowchart FA, the terminal information processing unit 13 receives display data and displays a charging plan presentation screen 50 (Figure 7) on the terminal display unit 15 based on the display data (step SA3). The process by which the terminal information processing unit 13 displays the charging plan presentation screen 50 on the terminal display unit 15 corresponds to "a process that presents multiple plans in which the latest possible charging timing (latest charging period timing) differs when charging an electric vehicle in a parking space, and the later the latest charging period timing, the cheaper the plan becomes" and "a process that presents multiple Type 1 plans with different achievement-related timings, and for each Type 1 plan, presents a cheaper rate for later achievement-related timings." The user of interest refers to the displayed screen and selects one of the charging plans (step SA4). Hereinafter, the charging plan selected by the user of interest will be referred to as the "selected charging plan." However, the user of interest can also instruct not to charge by not selecting a charging plan. In this case, charging of the electric vehicle of interest is canceled, and the user of interest disconnects the electric vehicle of interest from the cable 38 and moves the electric vehicle of interest out of the parking space.

[0051] When a user selects a charging plan, the terminal information processing unit 13 accepts the selection and notifies the user of the selected charging plan (step SA5). In response to this notification, the server information processing unit 10 works with the terminal information processing unit 13 to execute payment-related processing (steps SB7, SA6). In the payment-related processing, the user is provided with various user interfaces, and the charging payment fee corresponding to the selected charging plan is billed, and settlement is performed upon payment by the user. Any method of payment is acceptable, such as payment using a QR code, payment by credit card, or payment by cash. The necessary equipment for realizing payment is appropriately provided.

[0052] Next, the server information processing unit 10 generates an individual charging schedule for the electric vehicle of interest and individual charging schedules for each of the other electric vehicles 7 according to the selected charging plan (step SB8). The server information processing unit 10 generates an individual charging schedule for the electric vehicle of interest in accordance with the selected charging plan, and also appropriately reschedules the individual charging schedules for the other electric vehicles 7. Next, the server information processing unit 10 transmits each individual charging schedule to the management device 4 of the parking lot of interest (step SB9). The management device information processing unit 19 controls charging by each charging device 8 based on each individual charging schedule.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal information processing unit 13 works in cooperation with the server information processing unit 10 to present multiple plans in which the latest possible timing for charging the electric vehicle 7 in the parking space 6 differs, and the later the latest timing for charging, the cheaper the plan becomes. More specifically, the terminal information processing unit 13 works in cooperation with the server information processing unit 10, When charging an electric vehicle 7 in parking space 6, the system presents multiple charging plans (Type 1 plans) with different achievement-related timings, which indicate the timing at which the target charging state is achieved or the deadline for achieving that state. Furthermore, each charging plan includes a function that displays a lower price the later the achievement-related timing. This configuration produces the following effects:

[0054] In other words, with respect to specific charging services, the later the latest possible timing for charging in the parking lot, the greater the flexibility of the individual charging schedule applied to electric vehicle 7, and the lower the cost borne by the user. In this embodiment, the later the completion-related timing of a charging plan, the greater the flexibility of the individual charging schedule and the lower the fee. This feature will be explained below using examples. For example, let's consider cases C1, C2, and C3 mentioned above. The charging plan for electric vehicle 7A is the fastest plan (completion-related timing = 9:00) in case C1, the 2-hour plan (completion-related timing = 9:30) in case C2, and the 5-hour plan (completion-related timing = 12:30) in case C3. In case C1, when deriving the fastest predicted date and time for the electric vehicle of interest, because the completion-related timing for electric vehicle 7A is 9:00, the individual charging schedule for electric vehicle 7A cannot be flexibly changed, and as a result, the fastest predicted date and time for the electric vehicle of interest became 10:30. Furthermore, in Case C1, it is not possible to charge the electric vehicle of interest according to the 2-hour plan, therefore the 2-hour plan is not offered to the user of interest.

[0055] Similarly, in case C2, when deriving the earliest predicted date and time for the electric vehicle of interest, the timing related to the achievement of electric vehicle 7A is 9:30. Therefore, compared to case C1, there is room to flexibly change the individual charging schedule for electric vehicle 7A, but not enough flexibility to advance the earliest predicted date and time for the electric vehicle of interest, resulting in the earliest predicted date and time for the electric vehicle of interest being 10:30. In this case C2, it is not possible to charge the electric vehicle of interest according to the 2-hour plan, so the 2-hour plan is not presented to the user of interest. On the other hand, in case C3, the timing related to the achievement of electric vehicle 7A is 12:30. Therefore, compared to cases C1 and C2, it is possible to flexibly change the individual charging schedule for electric vehicle 7A, resulting in the earliest predicted date and time for the electric vehicle of interest being 9:45. In this case C3, it is possible to charge the electric vehicle of interest according to the 2-hour plan, and the 2-hour plan is presented to the user of interest.

[0056] As described above, the later the completion timing for one electric vehicle 7, the greater the flexibility of the individual charging schedule for that electric vehicle 7. This increases the likelihood that the earliest predicted date and time for other electric vehicles 7 parked in the same designated parking lot 5 will be earlier when those vehicles begin charging. It is assumed that a considerable number of users intending to use the designated parking service would prefer an earlier predicted date and time. For such users, an earlier predicted date and time increases their motivation to use the designated charging service, while a later predicted date and time decreases their motivation. In the worst case, this decrease in motivation may lead to the cancellation of the designated charging service. Therefore, the later the completion timing for the charging plan selected by a user when parking, the more motivated other users intending to park there afterward to use the designated parking lot 5, thereby reducing the possibility of lost opportunities and improving the possibility of gaining profits. Considering these circumstances, it can be said that charging plans with later completion timings can be priced lower because they have a higher probability of reducing lost opportunities and improving profits. Furthermore, by offering lower prices for charging plans with later completion timings, an incentive can be provided for users to choose such plans. This concludes the explanation of the characteristics of the specific charging service. In the above explanation, we focused on the point that "the later the minimum charging timing, the lower the cost borne by the user," specifically how charging plans with later completion timings can be offered at lower prices. However, by the same logic, if the user pays the same price, the later the minimum charging timing, the greater the flexibility of the individual charging schedule applied to the electric vehicle 7, allowing for a larger amount of charging (= lower costs borne by the user). This characteristic is something that the inventor discovered or particularly focused on when creating the technology according to this embodiment.

[0057] Based on the above, with the above configuration, when the electric vehicle 7 is charged in the parking space 6, the latest possible timing of charging differs, and multiple plans are offered in which the later the timing, the cheaper it becomes. Therefore, an appropriate plan that reflects the above characteristics can be presented to the user.

[0058] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiments (including modifications; the same applies hereinafter) are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features. Modifications of the above embodiments are shown below. The following modifications may be implemented in combination if possible.

[0059] <First variation> In the above embodiment, the server information processing unit 10 presented the user with the fastest plan, a 2-hour plan, a 5-hour plan, a 10-hour plan, and a 24-hour plan, which are unrelated to the scheduled departure date and time, without obtaining the scheduled departure date and time. The scheduled departure date and time refers to the date and time when the parking space 6 is scheduled to be taken out. On the other hand, in the first modified example, the server information processing unit 10 obtains the scheduled departure date and time and presents a charging plan (hereinafter referred to as the "departure-related plan") in which the scheduled departure date and time is the "achievement-related timing indicating the deadline for achieving the target charging state." In other words, the departure-related plan is a plan to achieve the target charging state by the scheduled departure date and time.

[0060] For example, the terminal information processing unit 13 works in cooperation with the server information processing unit 10 to provide the user with a scheduled delivery date and time input screen 51 (see (A) in Figure 8) where the scheduled delivery date and time can be entered. The server information processing unit 10 then obtains the scheduled delivery date and time based on the input on this screen. When presenting charging plans, the server information processing unit 10 derives the charging payment fees for both the fastest plan and the delivery-related plan, such that the delivery-related plan, which has a later completion timing, is cheaper than the fastest plan. The terminal information processing unit 13 then works in cooperation with the server information processing unit 10 to present each plan to the user by providing the user with a delivery-related plan presentation screen 52 (see (B) in Figure 8) which displays both the fastest plan and the delivery-related plan, along with the charging payment fees associated with each plan.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8(C), the terminal information processing unit 13 may also be configured to present one or more time-limited charging plans with an earlier completion timing than the completion timing of the delivery-related plans, in addition to the fastest plan and the delivery-related plan. In this configuration, the server information processing unit 10 derives the charging payment fee for each charging plan so that the later the completion timing, the cheaper the fee. For example, as illustrated in Figure 8(C), when presenting the fastest plan, 2-hour plan, 5-hour plan, and delivery-related plan via the delivery-related plan presentation screen 52, the server information processing unit 10 derives the charging payment fees so that the price decreases in the order of fastest plan > 2-hour plan > 5-hour plan > delivery-related plan. In the example related to Figure 8(C), the terminal information processing unit 13 may also be configured to present the delivery-related plan and time-limited charging plan without presenting the fastest plan.

[0062] In this modified example, the server information processing unit 10 may be configured to obtain a specified completion date and time instead of the scheduled delivery date and time. The specified completion date and time is the deadline specified by the user as the deadline for achieving the target charge state. In this case, the terminal information processing unit 13 works in cooperation with the server information processing unit 10 to present a charging plan in which the specified completion date and time is the "completion-related timing indicating the deadline for achieving the target charge state," and further presents the charging payment fee for this charging plan. In this modified example, the terminal information processing unit 13 may also be configured to present a charging plan in which a predetermined timing defined by the scheduled delivery date and time is the completion-related timing. For example, the terminal information processing unit 13 may be configured to present a charging plan that aims for full charge by "the midpoint between the current time and the scheduled delivery date and time." In this configuration, "the midpoint between the current time and the scheduled delivery date and time" corresponds to the completion-related timing.

[0063] <Second variation> Next, a second modified example will be described. In the above embodiment, the terminal information processing unit 13 works in cooperation with the server information processing unit 10 to present multiple charging plans (Type 1 plans) with different completion timings, and for each charging plan, it presents a lower fee the later the completion timing. On the other hand, the terminal information processing unit 13 in this modified example works in cooperation with the server information processing unit 10 to perform the following processing. That is, when the electric vehicle 7 is charged in the parking space 6, the terminal information processing unit 13 presents a specific fee along with multiple Type 2 plans with different latest charging timings, which are the latest possible timings during the charging period, and for each Type 2 plan, it presents a larger charge amount the later the latest charging timing.

[0064] Figure 9 shows an example of the charging plan presentation screen 50A according to this modified example. In this modified example, for example, the terminal information processing unit 13 displays the charging plan presentation screen 50A shown in Figure 9 on the terminal display unit 15. The charging plan presentation screen 50A presents a fixed, specific fee (500 yen in the example of Figure 9) as the fee to be paid by the user. In other words, in this modified example, the fee paid by the user is the same regardless of the second type plan (described later) adopted by the user. Furthermore, the charging plan presentation screen 50A displays the fixed-rate 2-hour plan, the fixed-rate 5-hour plan, and the fixed-rate 10-hour plan as second type plans. The fixed-rate 2-hour plan is a plan in which 6kWh of charge is charged by the "latest possible timing of the charging period," which is 2 hours after the start of charging. In the screen 50A, the amount of charge (6kWh) to be charged under the fixed-rate 2-hour plan is presented in association with that plan. Similarly, the fixed-rate 5-hour plan sets the latest charging time to 5 hours after the start of charging, and charges 8kWh by that time. Screen 50A displays the amount of charge (8kWh) that will be charged under the fixed-rate 5-hour plan. The fixed-rate 10-hour plan sets the latest charging time to 10 hours after the start of charging, and charges 10kWh by that time. Screen 50A displays the amount of charge (10kWh) that will be charged under the fixed-rate 10-hour plan.

[0065] For the fixed-rate 2-hour plan, fixed-rate 5-hour plan, and fixed-rate 10-hour plan, the latest charging timing is latest in the order of fixed-rate 10-hour plan → fixed-rate 5-hour plan → fixed-rate 2-hour plan. Also, the amount of charge is highest in the order of fixed-rate 10-hour plan → fixed-rate 5-hour plan → fixed-rate 2-hour plan. When the user selects the fixed-rate 2-hour plan, the server information processing unit 10 ensures that 6kWh is charged to the target electric vehicle 7 within 2 hours of the start of charging. Similarly, the server information processing unit 10 ensures that 8kWh is charged in the case of the fixed-rate 5-hour plan, and 10kWh is charged in the case of the fixed-rate 10-hour plan.

[0066] This modified version produces the following effect: it allows us to present users with an appropriate plan that reflects the characteristics of the specific charging service described above.

[0067] In this modified example, instead of just one type of charge, multiple types of charges may be offered. For example, in addition to a group of plans for 500 yen, there may also be a group of plans for 1000 yen and a group of plans for 2000 yen. The charging plans within each group of plans will be appropriately set to reflect the amount of the specific charge.

[0068] In this modified example, the server information processing unit 10 calculates the charge amount for each second type plan, taking into consideration the various factors exemplified in the above embodiment.

[0069] Furthermore, with respect to this modified example, the charge amount for each of the second type plans may be a fixed value, or it may be a variable value dynamically determined by the server information processing unit 10 (which may be another information processing unit, or may be a collaboration between the server information processing unit 10 and other information processing units; this also applies to other processes) by considering various factors related to charging (which may include at least the factors exemplified in the above embodiment). An example of a method for deriving the charge amount when it is a variable value will be described later.

[0070] Furthermore, in this modified example, the amount of charge is a concept that includes the cumulative charging time. Cumulative charging time refers to the total time that charging is performed. For example, if charging is performed for 10 minutes, then for 10 minutes without charging, and then for 5 minutes during the period from timing T1 to timing T2, the cumulative charging time during that period would be "15 minutes". Cumulative charging time is basically an indicator used when the pattern of charging per unit time is fixed (for example, a constant amount of charging is performed per unit time).

[0071] Furthermore, in this modified configuration, the charging plan display screen 50A may also display a plan equivalent to the fastest plan as a second type of plan. In other words, the terminal information processing unit 13 may present this plan to the user. Alternatively, the screen 50A may also display a plan equivalent to the dispatch-related plan as a second type of plan. In other words, the terminal information processing unit 13 may present this plan to the user. In either configuration, the terminal information processing unit 13 presents a larger charge amount the later the latest charging timing.

[0072] <Third variation> The above embodiment describes a method for deriving the charging fee for each charging plan. However, the method for deriving the charging fee for each charging plan illustrated in the above embodiment is merely one example. In particular, the server information processing unit 10 may be configured to adjust the charging fee for each charging plan by reflecting various factors. Below, an example of adjustment of the charging fee by the server information processing unit 10 will be described using the 24-hour plan (one plan) as an example. However, the 24-hour plan is used as an example only for the sake of simplicity, and the following configuration can of course be applied to other charging plans. Regardless of how the charging fee for each charging plan is adjusted, the relationship that the later the achievement timing, the cheaper the charging plan fee will be will be maintained.

[0073] The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging fee for a 24-hour plan (one plan) according to the length of the period during which inexpensive electricity can be used in the period leading up to the achievement of the 24-hour plan (the period from the start of charging until 24 hours have elapsed; hereinafter referred to as the "first target period"), so that the longer the period, the lower the fee. This is because the longer the period, the cheaper the electricity cost for charging can be. In this configuration, the reason or cause for the electricity being inexpensive is not considered. The period during which inexpensive electricity can be used is a concept that includes the period during which inexpensive electricity is likely to be available and the period during which inexpensive electricity is expected to be available. Furthermore, the period during which inexpensive electricity can be used may be a series of intermittent periods. The above applies to the following similar periods. For example, if the "period during which inexpensive electricity can be used" in the first target period is 10 hours, the server information processing unit 10 will lower the charging fee for the 24-hour plan than if the period were 5 hours. This modified example may be applied to the second modified example to form the following configuration. In other words, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charge amount of one Type 2 plan according to the length of time during which inexpensive electricity can be used in the period until the latest timing of the charge period for that Type 2 plan (hereinafter referred to as the "Second Target Period"). The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging fee for the 24-hour plan so that the longer the period during which electricity supplied by the power generation equipment 34 can be used (the period during which inexpensive electricity can be used) in the first target period, the lower the fee becomes. Here, although the electricity from the power generation equipment 34 is generally cheaper than the electricity from the power grid 32, it has the characteristic that there are periods when no power is generated and electricity cannot be used. With this configuration, an appropriate charging fee that reflects the availability of the power generation equipment 34 can be derived. This modified example may be applied to a second modified example to have the following configuration. That is, for one type 2 plan, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging amount for that type 2 plan so that that the longer the period during which electricity supplied by the power generation equipment 34 can be used in the second target period, the lower the fee becomes. In a specific parking lot 5, the power supplied from the solar power generation device is configured to be usable for charging electric vehicles 7. The server information processing unit 10 then adjusts the charging fee for the 24-hour plan so that the longer the period during which power generation by the solar power generation device is possible in the first target period, the lower the fee becomes. In this configuration, for example, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging fee for the 24-hour plan according to the "length of time with sunshine" included in the first target period. In making the adjustment, the server information processing unit 10 may also reflect factors that affect the amount of electricity generated by solar power generation, such as weather, temperature, season, and other factors. This modified version may be applied to a second modified version to form the following configuration. That is, for one type 2 plan, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging amount for that type 2 plan according to the length of time during the second target period during which electricity can be generated by the solar power generation device.

[0074] The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging fee for the 24-hour plan so that the longer the period during which electricity supplied by the energy storage equipment 33 can be used, the lower the fee becomes. Here, although the electricity from the power generation equipment 34 is generally cheaper than the electricity from the power grid 32, it has the characteristic that there are periods when there is no remaining charge and electricity cannot be used. With this configuration, an appropriate charging fee that reflects the availability of the energy storage equipment 33 can be derived. This modified example may be applied to a second modified example to have the following configuration. That is, for one type 2 plan, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging amount for that type 2 plan according to the length of the period during which electricity supplied by the energy storage equipment 33 can be used in the second target period. The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging fee for the 24-hour plan so that the longer the period during which inexpensive electricity from the power grid 32 can be used, the lower the fee becomes. The power grid 32 may have different electricity rates depending on the time of day and other factors. Based on this, this configuration can derive an appropriate charging fee that reflects the electricity rates of the power grid 32. This modified example may be applied to the second modified example to get the following configuration. That is, for one type 2 plan, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging amount for that type 2 plan according to the length of the period during which inexpensive electricity from the power grid 32 can be used in the second target period. The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging fee for the 24-hour plan so that the lower the demand, the lower the fee becomes, according to the demand forecast for the specific parking lot 5 in the first target period. This configuration can derive an appropriate charging fee that reflects the demand situation of the specific parking lot 5. This modified example may be applied to the second modified example to get the following configuration. In other words, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging amount for one Type 2 plan according to the demand forecast for the specific parking lot 5 during the first target period, so that the price decreases as demand decreases. The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging payment fee for the 24-hour plan according to whether or not the first target period includes a period when demand for the specific parking lot 5 tends to be high, so that the price is lower if it does not include that period than if it does. Here, the specific parking lot 5 has periods of high demand depending on the day of the week, time of day, presence or absence of events, and other factors (however, periods of high demand vary from one specific parking lot 5 to another). For example, Friday evenings, specific times on days with specific events, and rainy times may be periods of high demand. Based on this, this configuration makes it possible to derive an appropriate charging payment fee that reflects the demand situation of the specific parking lot 5. This example may also be applied to the second modified example with the following configuration. In other words, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging amount of the charging plan for one of the second type plans, depending on whether the second target period includes a period during which demand for the specific parking lot 5 tends to be high, so that the charging amount is greater when the period does not include that period than when it does.The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the charging fee for the 24-hour plan according to the reservation status of the specific parking lot 5 during the first target period, so that the fee becomes cheaper the lower the utilization rate of the parking space 6 by reservation. With this configuration, an appropriate charging fee that reflects the reservation status of the specific parking lot 5 can be derived. This example may also be applied to a second modified example with the following configuration. That is, for one type 2 plan, the server information processing unit 10 adjusts the fee for that type 2 plan according to the reservation status of the specific parking lot 5 during the second target period up to the latest timing of the charging period for that type 2 plan.

[0075] <Other variations> In the above embodiment, the target charging state was full charge. However, the target charging state is not limited to full charge. For example, the target charging state may be a specific charge rate (e.g., 80% or 50%). Figure 10(A) shows an example of the charging plan presentation screen 50 when the target charging state is a charge rate of 80%. Alternatively, the target charging state may be a specific charge amount (e.g., 10kWh, 30kWh). If the target charging state is a charge amount of 10kWh, the target charging state is achieved when 10kWh of charging is completed, regardless of whether the vehicle battery 31 is fully charged or not. Figure 10(B) shows an example of the charging plan presentation screen 50 when the target charging state is a charge amount of 10kWh. Alternatively, the target charging state may be the cumulative charging time. As mentioned above, the cumulative charging time is an index that assumes charging is performed in a constant manner per unit time. Figure 10(C) shows an example of the charging plan presentation screen 50 when the target charging state is "cumulative charging time = 1 hour". In addition, the system may be configured to allow the user to set the target charging state. Furthermore, it may be configured to simultaneously present charging plans related to different types of target charging states.

[0076] The method for deriving the charging payment fee for each charging plan illustrated in the above embodiment is merely an example. That is, any method is acceptable for deriving the charging payment fee for each charging plan, as long as an appropriate amount is derived that reflects the amount of charge and other factors, on the premise that the value becomes cheaper the later the achievement-related timing is derived. For example, the following configuration is also acceptable: A fixed base fee is predetermined for each charging plan. The base fee is set lower for charging plans with later achievement-related timings. The server information processing unit 10 then derives the charging payment fee for a particular charging plan by multiplying the fixed fee for that charging plan by a coefficient corresponding to the amount of charge required to achieve the target charging state (this coefficient may be adjusted considering other factors). Alternatively, for example, the following configuration is also acceptable: The server information processing unit 10 creates a provisional individual charging schedule for each charging plan when the charging plan is adopted. The server information processing unit 10 then derives the cost incurred when charging according to the provisional individual charging schedule for each charging plan. The server information processing unit 10 derives the cost by reflecting the electricity rates for each time period, the availability of power supplied from the power generation equipment 34 and the energy storage equipment 33, and various other factors that affect the cost. The server information processing unit 10 adjusts the cost derived for each charging plan by reflecting the benefits to be obtained and other factors to be considered, and also derives the charging payment fee by making adjustments so that the fee becomes cheaper the later the achievement timing. If it is possible to set the charging payment fee for each charging plan as a fixed fee, it may be set as a fixed fee. Alternatively, instead of the server information processing unit 10 deriving the charging payment fee by calculation, it may be configured to derive the fee by obtaining a predetermined charging payment fee for each pattern / case from a table or database.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the charging fee was presented to the user before charging began, and the user prepaid the fee before charging started. In this configuration, the charging fee has the nature of a definite fee that the user must pay. However, the configuration related to the user's payment is not limited to the configuration in the above embodiment. For example, the following configuration is also possible. That is, the server information processing unit 10 derives the charging fee for each charging plan (presented plan) and presents the charging plan and the charging fee to the user. At this time, the server information processing unit 10 presents the charging fee as an estimate of the fee the user must ultimately pay. Then, when the user leaves the facility, the server information processing unit 10 derives the final billing fee by reflecting the actual costs incurred and factors that affect the fee in the charging fee presented as an estimate, and presents it to the user. The user pays the billing fee presented. The above configuration is also possible. In this configuration, the charging fee has the nature of an estimate of the fee the user must ultimately pay.

[0078] In the above embodiment, during the period in which the charging plan and charging payment fee are presented via the charging plan presentation screen 50, the server information processing unit 10 may recalculate the charging payment fee as time progresses and update the presented charging payment fee. In the above embodiment, the server information processing unit 10 presented the fastest plan to the user. However, the server information processing unit 10 may also be configured not to present the fastest plan. The contents of the charging plan exemplified in the above embodiment are merely examples. For example, there may be a 1-hour plan (a plan to fully charge within 1 hour), a 3-day plan (a plan to fully charge within 3 days), or a plan to fully charge by a certain time (the time may be predetermined or set by the user). Alternatively, the server information processing unit 10 may be configured to dynamically generate the charging plan. In this configuration, for example, the server information processing unit 10 performs the following process. That is, if the earliest predicted date and time is 9:45, the server information processing unit 10 does not present a plan to achieve the target charging state at 10:00, but presents a plan to achieve the target charging state at 11:00. In the above embodiment, the server information processing unit 10 of the information processing server 2 generated the individual charging schedule. In this regard, the management device information processing unit 19 of the management device 4 may be configured to generate the individual charging schedule for the specific parking lot 5 under its management. In the above embodiment, the user input various information to be notified to the information processing server 2 on the user terminal 3 owned by the user. In this regard, the charging device 8 (which may be the management device 4 or another device) may be equipped with a display device (display unit) and an input device (input unit), and the user may be configured to input some or all of the information to the screen / user interface displayed on the display device of the charging device 8. In this case, the user is appropriately identified by authentication using login information or other means.

[0079] In the above embodiment, a dedicated application may perform some or all of the processing that the browser would normally perform. The functional blocks shown in the above embodiments can be implemented using any hardware, or through the collaboration of any hardware and any software. In other words, these functional blocks are not limited to specific hardware. The processing units in the flowchart of the above embodiment are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing of each device can be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. It is also possible to divide a single processing unit so that it includes even more processing. Furthermore, the processing order in the flowchart above is not limited to the illustrated example, as long as similar processing can be performed. The embodiment may include providing a program to be executed by the computer of the information processing server 2, user terminal 3, or management device 4. The embodiment may also include providing a recording medium on which the program is recorded in a way that is readable by a computer. As the recording medium, a magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory device can be used. Specifically, examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray® Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the device having one function is not limited to the device exemplified as the device having one function. For example, consider a function that derives the charging payment fee for each charging plan (referred to as the "first function") and a function that presents charging plans and charging payment fees (referred to as the "second function"). In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 11(A), the server information processing unit 10 of the information processing server 2 has the first function, and the terminal information processing unit 13 of the user terminal 3 has the second function. In this configuration, the combination of the information processing server 2 and the user terminal 3 functions as an "information processing system". Also, the server information processing unit 10 and the terminal information processing unit 13 each function as an "information processing unit". On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11(B), the terminal information processing unit 13 of the user terminal 3 may have both the first and second functions. In this configuration, the user terminal 3 functions as an "information processing system", and the terminal information processing unit 13 functions as an "information processing unit". Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(C), the server information processing unit 10 of the information processing server 2 may be configured to have both a first function and a second function. In this configuration, the information processing server 2 functions as an "information processing system," and the server information processing unit 10 functions as an "information processing unit." When the server information processing unit 10 and the terminal information processing unit 13 each function as an "information processing unit," the functions provided in each information processing unit are not limited. Also, a configuration in which one function is realized through the cooperation of the server information processing unit 10 and the terminal information processing unit 13 is also possible. Moreover, the device that realizes a certain function may be a device other than the information processing server 2 and the user terminal 3. In this case, the functional unit of the device that has information processing capabilities functions as an "information processing unit." [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Control System (Information Processing System) 2. Information Processing Server (Information Processing System) 3. User terminal (information processing system) 4. Management device (information processing system) 5. Designated Parking Lots (Parking Lots) 7 Electric vehicles 8 Charging device 10. Server Information Processing Unit (Information Processing Unit) 13 Terminal Information Processing Unit (Information Processing Unit) 19. Management Device Information Processing Unit (Information Processing Unit) 33 Energy storage equipment 34 Power generation equipment

Claims

1. An information processing system related to a charging service in which an electric vehicle parked in a parking space in a parking lot is charged with a charging device, and the user of the electric vehicle pays the charging fee, The system includes an information processing unit that, when the electric vehicle is charged in the aforementioned parking space, has a function to present multiple plans where the latest possible timing of the charging period differs, and the later the latest timing of the charging period, the cheaper the plan becomes. An information processing system characterized by the following:

2. The latest timing in the charging period is an achievement-related timing that indicates the timing at which the target charging state is achieved or the deadline for achieving that state. The aforementioned information processing unit, The system offers multiple Type 1 plans with different achievement timings, and for each of the Type 1 plans, it provides a function that offers lower prices the later the achievement timing. The information processing system according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned information processing unit, With respect to one Type 1 plan, the system includes a function to adjust the price of the Type 1 plan according to the length of time during which inexpensive electricity can be used in the first target period leading up to the aforementioned achievement-related timing of the Type 1 plan. The information processing system according to feature 2.

4. The power supplied from the power generation equipment or energy storage equipment is configured to be usable for charging the electric vehicle, The aforementioned information processing unit, The system includes a function to adjust the rates of the first type of plan according to the length of time during which electricity supplied by the power generation equipment or the energy storage equipment can be used in the first target period. The information processing system according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned information processing unit, The system includes a function to adjust the price of the first type of plan according to the length of time during which inexpensive electricity from the power grid can be used during the first target period. The information processing system according to feature 3.

6. The aforementioned information processing unit, The system includes a function to adjust the price of the first type of plan according to the parking lot demand forecast or reservation status during the first target period leading up to the aforementioned achievement-related timing for the first type of plan. The information processing system according to feature 2.

7. The aforementioned information processing unit, The system includes a function to present the first type of plan that achieves the target charging state within a predetermined period. The information processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The aforementioned information processing unit, The system further includes a function to present the first type of plan that achieves the target charging state in the fastest possible time. The information processing system according to feature 7.

9. The aforementioned information processing unit, A function to obtain the scheduled departure date and time specified by the user or the specified achievement date and time indicating the deadline for achieving the target charging state, The system includes a function that presents the first type of plan, which uses the scheduled departure date and time or the designated achievement date and time as the achievement-related timing indicating the deadline for achieving the target charging state. The information processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

10. The aforementioned information processing unit, The system further includes a function to present the first type of plan that achieves the target charging state in the fastest possible time. The information processing system according to feature 9.

11. The aforementioned information processing unit, When the electric vehicle is charged in the aforementioned parking space, the system provides a specific fee along with a set of two types of plans, each with a different latest charging time, and for each of the two types of plans, it provides a function that displays a larger charge amount the later the latest charging time. The information processing system according to feature 1.

12. The aforementioned information processing unit, Regarding the first Type 2 plan, the system includes a function to adjust the amount of charge for the first Type 2 plan according to the length of time during which inexpensive electricity can be used in the second target period leading up to the latest timing of the charging period for the first Type 2 plan. The information processing system according to feature 11.

13. The power supplied from the power generation equipment or energy storage equipment is configured to be usable for charging the electric vehicle, The aforementioned information processing unit, The system includes a function to adjust the charge amount of the first type 2 plan according to the length of time during which electricity supplied by the power generation equipment or the energy storage equipment can be used in the second target period. The information processing system according to claim 12, characterized by the features described above.

14. The aforementioned information processing unit, The system includes a function to adjust the amount of charge for the first type 2 plan according to the length of time during which inexpensive electricity from the power grid can be used during the second target period. The information processing system according to claim 12, characterized by the features described above.

15. The aforementioned information processing unit, Regarding the first Type 2 plan, the system includes a function to adjust the amount of charging for the first Type 2 plan according to the demand forecast or reservation status of the parking lot during the second target period leading up to the latest charging timing for the first Type 2 plan. The information processing system according to feature 11.

16. An information processing method by an information processing system related to a charging service in which an electric vehicle parked in a parking space in a parking lot is charged with a charging device, and the user of the electric vehicle pays the charging fee, The steps include presenting multiple plans in which the latest possible timing for charging the electric vehicle in the aforementioned parking space differs, and the later the latest timing for charging, the cheaper the plan becomes; This includes a step of accepting the selection of any of the aforementioned plans. An information processing method characterized by the following:

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