Information inquiry service system, information inquiry method

Abstract

We provide technology that contributes to the utilization of charger / discharger usage information. [Solution] The information inquiry service system U includes a vehicle charging / discharging station 50 having a charger / discharger 51 and connected to a network 110, and a server device 130 connected to the charging / discharging station 50 via the network 110. The charging / discharging station 50 transmits usage information of each user of the charging / discharging station 50 to the server device 130. The server device 130 includes a storage unit 133 that stores the usage history of each user of the charging / discharging station 50 based on the usage information of each user transmitted from the charging / discharging station 50, and a control unit 131. The control unit 131 transmits information on the usage history of the charging / discharging station 50 in response to a request from a client device 150 connected via the network 110, or as an event.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology that contributes to the utilization of usage information of a charging and discharging station.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, from the viewpoints of strengthening environmental regulations and reducing CO2 emissions, the electrification of vehicles has been progressing. For the full-scale spread of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the development of charging infrastructure has been urgently required. On the other hand, when a power outage occurs during a disaster, a system that can supply power to a load is required. To meet both of these requirements, a bidirectional charger (charging and discharging stand) equipped with a discharging function in addition to a charging function of a vehicle has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the usage information (usage date and time, usage location, charging and discharging amount, etc. by users) of a charging and discharging station where a charger is installed, there is room for considering utilization. A charging and discharging station is expected to have a function of supplying power discharged from an in-vehicle battery of an EV or PHEV to a public load or the like during a power outage or peak cut. Conventionally, sufficient consideration has not been given to an incentive provision mechanism for vehicle owners such as EVs and PHEVs. The present invention provides a technology that contributes to the utilization of usage information of a charging and discharging station.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information inquiry service system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle charging and discharging station having a charger and discharger and connected to a network, and a server device connected to the charging and discharging station via the network, wherein the charging and discharging station transmits usage information of users of the charging and discharging station to the server device, and the server device includes a storage unit that stores the usage record of the charging and discharging station by the user based on the usage information of the user transmitted from the charging and discharging station, and a control unit, wherein the control unit transmits information on the usage record of the charging and discharging station in response to a request from a client device connected via the network, or as an event.

[0006] This technology may also be implemented as an information retrieval method for inquiring about the usage information of charging and discharging stations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above embodiment, it becomes possible to utilize the usage information of charging and discharging stations by inquiring about the usage information of charging and discharging stations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] System configuration diagram of a charging / discharging station [Figure 2] Perspective view of the charging / discharging station [Figure 3] Perspective view of the charging / discharging stand [Figure 4] System configuration diagram of the information inquiry service system [Figure 5] Block diagram of the information inquiry service system [Figure 6] Datasheet contents [Figure 7] Inquiry processing flowchart [Figure 8] Login screen [Figure 9] Inquiry screen [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This document outlines the information inquiry service system. The information inquiry service system includes a vehicle charging and discharging station having a charger and discharger and connected to a network, and a server device connected to the charging and discharging station via the network, wherein the charging and discharging station transmits usage information of users of the charging and discharging station to the server device, and the server device includes a storage unit that stores the usage history of the charging and discharging station by the user based on the usage information of the user transmitted from the charging and discharging station, and a control unit, wherein the control unit transmits information on the usage history of the charging and discharging station in response to a request from a client device connected via the network, or as an event.

[0010] Examples of transmitting information "as an event" include transmitting information at regular intervals, or transmitting information upon detecting when a user starts or stops using the charger / discharger. The information may be transmitted to the client device or to the charger / discharger station. If the information is transmitted to the charger / discharger station, it may be displayed on the charger / discharger's display panel.

[0011] Charging and discharging stations are expected to play a role in supplying power to public facilities such as road service areas, hospitals, and evacuation centers during emergencies such as power outages, by discharging the on-board batteries of EVs and PHEVs to meet power loads. In such emergencies, it is assumed that EVs and PHEVs belonging to public facilities will be primarily used for discharging to the loads. In addition, in the future, there is a possibility of accepting discharges from EVs and PHEVs that do not belong to public facilities (for example, those owned by users of public facilities).

[0012] In the above-described configuration, the server device stores the usage records of the charging and discharging stations for each user. As a result, it is possible to check the usage records of the charging and discharging stations by various users, such as the administrator of the public facility who uses the charging and discharging station, the user of the public facility, and the user of the charging and discharging station who visits with a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle battery for the purpose of power supply.

[0013] The usage record may include the amount of charge and discharge for each use. In this configuration, since it is possible to check the amount of charge and discharge for each use of each user, the usage information can be utilized for usage trend analysis and formulation of an energy management plan in the community.

[0014] The server device may grant a privilege according to the usage record of the charging and discharging station. In this configuration, it is possible to grant privileges to beneficiaries such as users and communities. This is effective for arousing and improving the willingness to use and promoting the use of the charging and discharging station.

[0015] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. 1. Description of Charging and Discharging Station 50 FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the charging and discharging station 50. The charging and discharging station 50 includes a plurality of charging and discharging stands 51 (EV power supplies) and a management device 85.

[0016] The charging and discharging stand 51 is an example of a "charger". The charging and discharging station 50 may have at least one charging and discharging stand 51, and is not limited to the case where a plurality of charging and discharging stands 51 are provided. Although not shown, instead of using the management device 85, one of the charging and discharging stands 51 may be used as a "master unit", and the charging and discharging stand 51 may be provided with the functions of the management device 85.

[0017] Each charging / discharging station 51 is connected in parallel to the AC power supply line Lo via branch lines L1 and L2. The power supply line Lo may be connected to the power grid of an electric utility or to a local microgrid.

[0018] The charging / discharging station 50 may be installed in a public place such as a public parking lot, or alternatively, it may be installed on the premises of a company.

[0019] The charging and discharging station 50 may be a centralized type with adjacent parking spaces S1 to S5, as shown in Figure 2, or it may be a distributed type with dispersed parking spaces, although this is not shown. In this embodiment, each parking space (S1, S2, ...) is provided with a charging / discharging stand 51, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0020] The charging / discharging stand 51 is, for example, a box-shaped structure that is long in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 3, and has a display panel 53 and an operation unit 54 on the front wall 52 of the housing. The operation unit 54 includes input keys 54A and execution keys 54B. The charging / discharging stand 51 has a communication board 73 (for example, a network interface card) inside the housing.

[0021] The side wall 55 of the housing holds the charge / discharge connector 57 and the charge / discharge cable 58. The charge / discharge connector 57 is inserted into the connection part (inlet) of a vehicle such as automobile 3 shown in Figure 2, and the charge / discharge connector 57 is mated with the charge / discharge connector of automobile 3.

[0022] By mating the connector, the charging / discharging stand 51 and the on-board battery 5 of the automobile 3 are electrically connected, allowing the on-board battery 5 to be charged or discharged via the charging / discharging stand 51. The charge / discharge connector 57 connecting the charge / discharge station 51 and the automobile 3 includes not only the main circuit cable necessary for power transmission but also signal lines for transmitting internal information between the two. The internal information of the automobile 3 includes the State of Charge (SOC) information of the onboard battery 5. Based on the vehicle's internal information obtained via the signal lines, the charge / discharge station 51 displays the SOC on the display panel 53.

[0023] Furthermore, the charging and discharging stand 51 calculates the charge and discharge amounts of the vehicle battery 5 based on the values ​​detected by the current detection unit and voltage detection unit located inside it.

[0024] The communication board 73 of each charging / discharging station 51 communicates with the management device 85 (see Figure 1). When each charging / discharging station 51, which is a slave unit, is used by a user, the usage of the charging / discharging station 51 The information is transmitted to the master control unit 85. The usage information for the charging / discharging station 51 includes "date and time of use," "location of use," "duration of use," and "charging / discharging amount (charge amount and / or discharge amount)."

[0025] The management device 85 shown in Figure 1 includes a control unit 86, a storage unit 87, and a communication device 88. The communication device 88 is used for communication with each charging / discharging station 51 and the network 110 (see Figure 4).

[0026] 2. Information Inquiry Service System The charging and discharging stations 50 are connected to the network 110 (wide-area network), as shown in Figure 4. There may be one or more charging and discharging stations 50 connected to the network 110. Figure 4 shows an example in which two charging and discharging stations 50 are connected to the network 110.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the charging / discharging station 50 may be directly connected to the network 110 via the communication device 88, or it may be connected via a LAN or router. The method of connecting to the network 110 is not particularly limited.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the network 110 may include a public communication network 110A, which is the so-called internet, and a carrier network 110B. The carrier network 110B implements wireless communication according to a predetermined mobile communication standard and includes a base station BS.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a server device 130 is connected to network 110.

[0030] The charging / discharging station 50 and the server device 130 constitute an information inquiry service system U that allows users of the charging / discharging station 50 to inquire about their usage history.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the server device 130 uses a server computer and includes a control unit 131, a storage unit 133, and a communication unit 135. Although the server device 130 is described as a single server computer, it may also be configured to distribute processing across multiple server computers.

[0032] The storage unit 133 uses, for example, non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 133 stores the server program 1P. The server program 1P includes a web server program and a usage history management program.

[0033] The control unit 131 performs the following processing upon execution of the server program 1P.

[0034] (A) Acceptance of login to the web-based information inquiry service (B) Creation of web pages based on user usage history (C) Sending the created web page to the client device (D) Management of usage history and provision of benefits

[0035] The communication unit 135 enables communication connection and data transmission / reception via the network 110. The communication unit 135 may also be a network interface card compatible with the network 110.

[0036] The server device 130 can perform personal identification authentication before a user uses the charging / discharging stand 51.

[0037] The method of personal identification and authentication is not particularly limited. For example, the identification number entered using the input key 54A of the charging / discharging stand 51 may be authenticated by querying the server device 130 from the management device 85. In other words, personal authentication may be performed by identifying the user's identification number from among the identification numbers pre-registered in the server device 130.

[0038] Alternatively, a 2D barcode displayed on the user's mobile communication terminal may be read by the camera on the charging / discharging stand 51, and that information may be queried from the management device 85 to the server device 130 for authentication.

[0039] If a user is identified through personal identification authentication, the server device 130 links the usage information of the charging / discharging stand 51 transmitted from the management device 85 of each charging / discharging station 50 to the user and manages it as usage history.

[0040] The usage history of the charging and discharging station 50, managed by the server device 130, includes the following information:

[0041] (1) Number of uses (2) Date and time of use (3) Place of use (4) Usage time (5) Charge / discharge amount (6) Special Offers

[0042] "Number of uses" refers to the number of times the user has used the charging / discharging station 50. The number of uses is not limited to the number of uses of the same station; if multiple charging / discharging stations 50 are connected to the network 110, it may be the total number of uses of all stations. "Date and time of use" refers to the year, month, and day the user used the charging / discharging station 50.

[0043] "Location of use" refers to the location where the charging / discharging station 50 was installed, and "Time of use" refers to the time the charging / discharging station 50 was used.

[0044] "Charge / discharge amount" includes "charge amount," "discharge amount," and "cumulative value." "Charge amount" is the amount of electricity charged into the on-board battery 5 of the automobile 3 via the charge / discharge station 51. "Discharge amount" is the amount of electricity discharged from the on-board battery 5 of the automobile 3 via the charge / discharge station 51. "Cumulative value" is the total charge / discharge amount obtained by accumulating the charge / discharge amounts for each usage.

[0045] "Benefits" are awarded based on usage. In this embodiment, as an example of benefits, a first benefit is awarded based on the number of times the charging / discharging station 51 is used. In the example in Figure 6, 50 points are awarded as usage points for every 5 uses. By awarding benefits based on the number of uses, it is possible to encourage users to use the charging / discharging station 50. This can increase users' motivation to utilize EVs and PHEVs, for example, to realize energy management in communities.

[0046] The points awarded as a reward may be exchangeable for electronic coupons or novelty items, or they may be exchangeable for electronic money.

[0047] The server device 130 has multiple data sheets (data files) D in its storage unit 133, and stores and manages the usage history of each user in one data sheet D.

[0048] Datasheet D stores usage history associated with user identification information, and the usage history data for each user can be retrieved based on the identification information.

[0049] The client device 150 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a computer used by users of the charging / discharging station 50. The client device 150 may be a smartphone or a tablet-type mobile communication terminal.

[0050] The client device 150 can communicate with the server device 130 via the network 110 from the base station BS, and can also communicate with the server device 130 via the network 110 through the access point AP.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the client device 150 includes a control unit 151, a storage unit 152, a communication unit 153, a display unit 155, an operation unit 156, and a camera 157.

[0052] The memory unit 152 uses, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The memory unit 152 stores various programs, including the browser program 2P. The browser program 2P includes a web browser program.

[0053] The control unit 151 communicates with the server device 130 via the network 110 using the communication unit 153.

[0054] The control unit 151 executes a web browser program to display the web page provided by the server device 130 on the display unit 155.

[0055] The operation unit 156 may be a touch panel on the display unit 155, or it may be a physical button provided on the housing. The operation unit 156 notifies the control unit 151 of the operation information from the user.

[0056] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the usage history inquiry process. The query process is performed by the server device 130 and includes eight steps from S10 to S80.

[0057] After the query processing begins, the server device 130 enters a waiting state to await a connection request from the client device 150 (S10).

[0058] When a user of the charging / discharging station 50 requests an inquiry service, they enter the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the server device 130 by clicking a link (connection information) on the web page displayed on the display unit 155 of the client device 150.

[0059] Upon entering the URL, the client device 150 sends a connection request (a request to access the login screen) to the server device 130 via the network 110, and the server device 130 receives the connection request. As a result, S10 determines YES, and the process proceeds to S20.

[0060] When transitioning to S20, the server device 130 responds to a connection request from the user by sending the login screen web page data to the client device 150. The sent login screen is displayed on the user's client device 150 (see Figure 8).

[0061] When a user enters their login information, namely their "User ID" and "Password," on the login screen, the login information is transmitted from the client device 150 to the server device 130. The transmitted login information is received by the server device 130 (S30).

[0062] The "User ID" may be the same as or different from the user identification information described earlier. When the server device 130 receives login information, it determines whether the received login information is correct or not (S40).

[0063] The server device 130 determines that the login information is correct if it matches the login information previously registered in the storage unit 133 (i.e., both the entered user ID and password match the registered user ID and password).

[0064] If the server device 130 determines that the login information is correct, it sends an access permission request to the client device 150. This enables the "Inquire" button on the login screen shown in Figure 8.

[0065] Subsequently, when the user operates the "Inquiry button" on the login screen, an inquiry request is sent from the client device 150 to the server device 130, and the server device 130 receives the inquiry request (S50).

[0066] Upon receiving an inquiry request, the server device 130 accesses the storage unit 133 and reads the user's usage history information based on the user's identification information (S60).

[0067] The server device 130 creates data for a web page that displays the user's usage history (S70).

[0068] The server device 130 sends the data of the created web page to the client device 150 (S80).

[0069] After the web page is submitted, the process returns to S10, and the server device 130 enters a waiting state, awaiting the next connection request.

[0070] Web pages sent from server device 130 are received by client device 150.

[0071] By processing the received web page data using a web browser, the usage data is displayed on the display unit 155 of the client device 150.

[0072] Figure 9 shows an example of how usage data is displayed. In this example, the six items stored in datasheet D are displayed as usage data in chronological order (oldest first).

[0073] 3. Explanation of Effects Since the server device 130 stores the usage history of each user's charging / discharging station 50, the usage history of the charging / discharging station 50 can be checked by querying the server device 130. Even when a discharge is received from an EV or PHEV that does not belong to a public facility where the charging / discharging station 50 is installed (for example, owned by a user of a public facility, or owned by a user who visited the charging / discharging station for the purpose of supplying electricity), the record is stored in the server device. This is a particularly useful mechanism for utilizing usage information when the electricity consumer (such as a public facility) and the electricity supplier (such as a user who visited the charging / discharging station for the purpose of supplying electricity) are different.

[0074] Since the information inquiry service system U utilizes the wide-area network 110, usage history can be checked from anywhere as long as the client device 150 can be connected to the wide-area network 110. Therefore, many users can check their usage history regardless of their location.

[0075] By using a widely used mobile communication terminal as the client device 150, inquiries can be easily made.

[0076] The server device 130 provides rewards based on usage. This stimulates and increases the desire to use the charging and discharging station 50, thereby promoting its use.

[0077] Furthermore, the information inquiry service system U can be used not only for inquiries about usage history, but also for metered commercial transactions related to the use of the charging and discharging station 50.

[0078] For example, it can be used in systems that charge based on the amount of electricity used (charged) during charging, or in systems that purchase electricity based on the amount of electricity supplied (discharged) during discharging.

[0079] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and for example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0080] (1) In this embodiment, the charging / discharging stand 51 was used to charge or discharge the on-board battery 5 of the automobile 3. The charging / discharging stand 51 can be used for vehicles other than the automobile 3 as long as they are equipped with a battery 5. For example, the charging / discharging stand 51 may be used to charge or discharge an electric motorcycle.

[0081] (2) In this embodiment, the client device 150 displayed the usage history web page data provided by the server device 130 using a web browser. Alternatively, the client device 150 may display the usage history using dedicated browsing software (such as a smartphone application) provided by the server device 130. The client device 150 is not limited to a mobile communication terminal.

[0082] (3) In this embodiment, as an example of a benefit granted according to usage history, the first benefit granted according to the number of uses was given as an example. The benefits granted according to usage history are not limited to the first benefit. For example, a second benefit may be granted in lieu of or in conjunction with the first benefit, based on the amount of charge or discharge per use. The second benefit may also be granted based on a cumulative value (total charge / discharge amount), in addition to the amount of charge or discharge per use. The second benefit may also be granted based on any one of the following: charge amount, discharge amount, cumulative value, or a combination thereof. The benefit is not limited to usage points; it may take any other form as long as it provides benefits based on usage history. Benefits may be granted for discharging from the vehicle when electricity demand is high (for example, when a downward demand response is implemented), and / or for charging the vehicle when there is a surplus of electricity (for example, when an upward demand response is implemented, or at night when electricity rates are low). When a request is made to a vehicle owner to discharge power from their vehicle (for example, when a power outage or power shortage occurs at a charging / discharging station 50 equipped with a power storage system and a discharge request is made), the sooner the vehicle is discharged from the time the request is made, the more benefits may be granted. By managing time information such as the date and time of use as usage history, it becomes possible to grant such benefits. Vehicles that are charged using electricity derived from renewable energy sources that do not emit carbon dioxide (for example, vehicles charged at charging stations equipped with solar or wind power) may be given many benefits when they are discharged. By managing location information such as the place of use as part of the usage record, it would be possible to provide such benefits.

[0083] (4) In this embodiment, usage information data was transmitted from the slave charge / discharge stand 51 to the master management device 85. Alternatively, one of the multiple charge / discharge stands 51 may be designated as the master unit without using a dedicated management device 85. In this case, the master charge / discharge stand 51 may be connected to the server device 130 via the network 110, and usage information from each charge / discharge stand 51 may be transmitted to the server device 130 via the master unit. The network 110 is not limited to a wide area network and may be a local area network.

[0084] (5) In the embodiment, the usage information of the charge / discharge station 50 was shown as "date and time of use," "location of use," "duration of use," and "charge / discharge amount (charge amount, discharge amount, cumulative value)." However, the usage information may consist of only some of these four pieces of information. Similarly, it is not necessary to manage all six pieces of information exemplified in the embodiment for usage records; only some of the information may be managed. The information managed as usage information and usage records is not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment, but may be any information relating to the use of the charge / discharge station 50.

[0085] (6) In this embodiment, information on the usage history of the charging / discharging station 50 was transmitted from the server device 130 to the client device 150. Alternatively, the usage history information may be transmitted from the server device 130 to the charging / discharging station 50 between the start and end of the user's use of the charging / discharging stand 51. Furthermore, the usage history information may be displayed on the display panel 53 of the charging / discharging stand 51 for at least a certain period between the start and end of the user's use of the charging / discharging stand 51. The user may be asked through the display panel 53 whether or not to take advantage of any benefits based on their usage history. Since the charging / discharging station 51 displays usage history information, users do not need to carry a client device. When charging or discharging begins, the user gets out of the vehicle, connects the charging / discharging connector 57 to the vehicle's connection point (inlet), and operates the charging / discharging station 51. Therefore, the user can reliably see the usage history information displayed on the charging / discharging station 51. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 50 charging / discharging stations 51. Charging / discharging stand (charger / discharger) 85 Management device 110 Network 130 Server equipment (information processing equipment) 150 Client devices (communication terminals) U Information Inquiry Service System

Claims

1. An information inquiry service system, A charging and discharging station for vehicles, equipped with chargers and dischargers and connected to a network, Includes a server device connected to the charging / discharging station via the aforementioned network, The charging / discharging station transmits user information of the charging / discharging station to the server device. The server device is A storage unit that stores the user's usage history of the charging and discharging station based on the user's usage information transmitted from the charging and discharging station, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit is an information inquiry service system that transmits information on the usage history of the charging and discharging station in response to a request from a client device connected via the network, or as an event.

2. The information inquiry service system according to claim 1, The aforementioned usage record is an information inquiry service system that includes the amount of charge and discharge for each usage.

3. An information inquiry service system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The server device is an information inquiry service system that provides benefits based on the usage history of the charging and discharging station.

4. The information inquiry service system according to claim 3, The aforementioned server device is an information inquiry service system that provides benefits based on the number of times it is used.

5. An information inquiry service system according to claim 3 or claim 4, The server device is an information inquiry service system that provides higher benefits to vehicles for discharging electricity when electricity demand is high, and / or for charging vehicles when there is a power surplus, compared to other times.

6. An information inquiry service system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The control unit is an information inquiry service system that transmits information on the usage history of the charging and discharging station to the charging and discharging station from the start to the end of the user's use of the charger / discharger.

7. The information inquiry service system according to claim 6, An information inquiry service system in which information on usage history is displayed on the display panel of the charger / discharger for at least a certain period from the start to the end of use by the user.

8. A method for retrieving information, A charging and discharging station for vehicles equipped with a charger and discharger transmits usage information of each user of the charging and discharging station to a server device via a wide-area network. The server device stores the usage history of each user of the charging and discharging station based on the usage information of each user transmitted from the charging and discharging station. An information inquiry method comprising the server device transmitting information on the usage history of the charging and discharging station in response to a request from a client device connected via the wide-area network, or as an event.

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