Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The information processing device performs information processing related to the usage plan of the reserved item. The information processing device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first information including a first period during which the reserved item is scheduled to be used for a first purpose; a second acquisition unit that acquires second information including a second period during which the reserved item is scheduled to be used for a second purpose; a determination unit that determines the usage plan based on the first and second information; and a presentation control unit that restricts the presentation of specific information, which is part of the usage plan, by a presentation unit that presents information related to the usage plan during a first time period, and allows the presentation of the specific information by the presentation unit during a second time period following the first time period.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for externally using the electric power stored in the battery of a vehicle. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document] Patent Document 1 International Publication No. 2024 / 070109

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] >It is desired to appropriately present a usage plan for a reservation target. <l

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus performs information processing related to a usage plan for a reservation target. The information processing apparatus includes a first acquisition unit that acquires first information including a first period in which the reservation target is scheduled to be used for a first use. The information processing apparatus includes a second acquisition unit that acquires second information including a second period in which the reservation target is scheduled to be used for a second use. The information processing apparatus includes a determination unit that determines the usage plan based on the first information and the second information. The information processing apparatus includes a presentation control unit that restricts the presentation of specific information, which is a part of the usage plan, by a presentation unit in a first time zone, and allows the presentation of the specific information by the presentation unit in a second time zone after the first time zone.

[0005] In the above information processing apparatus, the reservation target may be a vehicle including an energy storage device. The second use may be a use of the vehicle for energy transfer between the vehicle and an energy network capable of energy transfer.

[0006] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the first application may be an application that involves the movement of the vehicle.

[0007] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the first information may further include designation information that specifies a particular reserved item to be used for the first purpose from among a plurality of reserved items.

[0008] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the first information may further include information relating to the importance of the designated information.

[0009] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the first information may further include information relating to the importance of the first period.

[0010] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the specific information may include information that identifies the reserved item used for the first purpose in the usage plan.

[0011] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the presentation control unit may, during the first time period, allow the presentation unit to present the time or time period in which the reserved item in the usage plan will be used for the first purpose.

[0012] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the specific information may include information that identifies the time or time period during which the reserved item is used for the first purpose in the usage plan.

[0013] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the presentation control unit may, during the first time period, allow the presentation unit to present information identifying the reserved items to be used for the first purpose in the usage plan.

[0014] In any of the above-described information processing devices, the first time period may include a time period prior to the timing when the second acquisition unit acquires the second information. The second time period may include a time period after the second acquisition unit acquires the second information.

[0015] In a second aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided. The information processing method performs information processing related to the usage plan of a reserved object. The information processing method includes a step of acquiring first information including a first period during which the reserved object is scheduled to be used for a first purpose. The information processing method includes a step of acquiring second information including a second period during which the reserved object is scheduled to be used for a second purpose. The information processing method includes a step of determining the usage plan based on the first information and the second information. The information processing method includes a step of restricting the presentation of specific information which is part of the usage plan by a presentation unit that presents information related to the usage plan during a first time period, and allowing the presentation of the specific information by the presentation unit during a second time period following the first time period.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present invention, a program is provided which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to function as one of the above-described information processing devices.

[0017] The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all of its features. Furthermore, subcombinations of these features may also constitute an invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] A conceptual representation of how System 5 is used in one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] An example of the system configuration of the vehicle management device 60 is shown. [Figure 3] An example of the system configuration of the integrated management device 50 is shown. [Figure 4] This shows the execution sequence of the processing performed by the power control device 40, the integrated management device 50, and the vehicle management device 60. [Figure 5] Schematically shows an overview of the processes executed by the vehicle management device 60, the integrated management device 50, and the power control device 40. [Figure 6] Shows a screen 600 that provides a user interface provided to the user 20. [Figure 7] Shown in the data structure of the operation plan information indicating the operation plan determined by the vehicle management device 60 based on the reservation information. [Figure 8] Schematically shows a time table regarding the use of the vehicle 10 in the first application where the operation plan information shown in FIG. 7 is visualized. [Figure 9] Shows a screen 900 that provides a user interface provided to the user 20. [Figure 10] Shows a screen 1000 that provides a user interface provided to the user 20. [Figure 11] Shows a screen 1100 that provides a user interface provided to the user 20. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart regarding the process of determining the usage plan of the vehicle 10 executed in the system 5. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart regarding the process of presenting the usage plan of the vehicle 10 to the user 20 executed in the system 5. [Figure 14] Shows an example of a computer 2000 in which multiple embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in whole or in part.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 conceptually shows a usage configuration of System 5 in one embodiment. System 5 comprises a power generator 80, a plurality of vehicles including vehicles 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e, a plurality of terminals including terminals 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d, power control devices 40 and 41, integrated management devices 50 and 51, vehicle management devices 60 and 61, power control device 140, and a server 180.

[0021] The electricity consumer 70 and the power generation equipment 80 are connected to a power network 90. ​​The electricity generated by the power generation equipment 80 can be supplied to the electricity consumer 70 through the power network 90. ​​The power network 90 is, for example, a power grid.

[0022] Vehicles 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are electric vehicles equipped with batteries 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e, respectively, for storing power to propel the vehicles. An electric vehicle is an example of an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle is an example of a mobile device. In this embodiment, vehicles 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are collectively referred to as "vehicle 10," and batteries 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are collectively referred to as "battery 12." Battery 12 is an example of an "energy storage device."

[0023] Terminal 22a is used by user 20a, terminal 22b is used by user 20b, terminal 22c is used by user 20c, and terminal 22d is used by user 20d. In this embodiment, terminals 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d may be collectively referred to as "terminal 22". Users 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may be collectively referred to as "user 20". User 20 is the user of vehicle 10. User 20 uses terminal 22 to reserve the use of vehicle 10 and uses terminal 22 to check the status of the vehicle 10 reservation. Vehicle 10 is an example of a "reservation target".

[0024] Vehicle 10 is deployed at the business premises 30. Business premises 30 functions as a base for parking vehicle 10. In this embodiment, business premises 30 may be referred to as the "head office". Vehicle 10 may be, for example, a sales vehicle, or a vehicle for transporting goods such as merchandise handled at business premises 30. Power is supplied to business premises 30 through the power network 90.

[0025] The power control device 40, the integrated management device 50, and the vehicle management device 60 are installed in the business premises 30. The vehicle 10 is installed so that it can communicate with the vehicle management device 60 via a mobile communication network or the like. The business premises 30 has a local power network within the business premises, and power can be exchanged between the vehicle 10 and its battery 12 via the charging and discharging equipment installed in the business premises 30 and the power network within the business premises 30. In other words, the vehicle 10 can be used for energy management in the business premises 30. The battery 12 of the vehicle 10 can exchange power with the power network 90 via the power network within the business premises 30. The power control device 40 controls the charging and discharging of the vehicle 10 deployed in the business premises 30 so as to meet at least the power demand within the business premises 30. The power network 90 and the power network within the business premises 30 are examples of energy networks.

[0026] A power generation device 18 is installed at the business establishment 30. The power generation device 18 generates electricity using renewable energy. Specifically, the power generation device 18 generates electricity using natural energy. Examples of natural energy include energy obtained from natural phenomena, including solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, and tidal currents. The power generation device 18 generates electricity using at least one of the following: sunlight, wind energy, solar heat, heat in the atmosphere, other heat present in nature, and tidal currents. The electricity generated by the power generation device 18 is supplied and consumed by power loads within the business establishment 30, which are power consumers, through the power network within the business establishment 30. The electricity generated by the power generation device 18 can also be used to charge the battery 12 of the vehicle 10 through the power network within the business establishment 30 and the charge / discharge device installed at the business establishment 30. The electricity generated by the power generation device 18 can also be exchanged with the power network 90 through the power network within the business establishment 30.

[0027] The power control device 40, the integrated management device 50, and the vehicle management device 60 are managed, for example, at the business premises 30. The power control device 40 and the integrated management device 50 are provided to communicate with each other via a communication line. The integrated management device 50 and the vehicle management device 60 are provided to communicate with each other via a communication line. The integrated management device 50 and the vehicle management device 60 may be provided outside the business premises 30. The integrated management device 50 and the vehicle management device 60 may be provided to communicate with each other via a communication line such as the Internet. One or both of the integrated management device 50 and the vehicle management device 60 may be implemented by a server such as a cloud server.

[0028] User 20 makes a reservation to use vehicle 10 using terminal 22. For example, user 20 enters the departure time from business office 30, destination, and return time to business office 30 into terminal 22. Terminal 22 transmits the reservation information to vehicle management device 60 via communication network 190.

[0029] The vehicle management device 60 determines the departure and arrival times of the vehicle 10 from the business premises 30 based on the reservation information received from the terminal 22. The integrated management device 50 mediates to adjust the departure and arrival times of the vehicle 10 from the business premises 30 in order to meet the power demand at the business premises 30. For example, the integrated management device 50 mediates to adjust the departure and arrival times of the vehicle 10 from the business premises 30 in order to reduce the peak power demand at the business premises 30. The vehicle management device 60 manages the vehicle 10 based on the schedule of the vehicle 10 adjusted by the integrated management device 50. The power control device 40 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 12 of the vehicle 10 based on the schedule of the vehicle 10 adjusted by the integrated management device 50.

[0030] Vehicle 10e is deployed at business premises 31. Business premises 31 functions as a parking base for vehicle 10e. Vehicle 10e, like vehicle 10, may be a commercial vehicle and may be a vehicle for transporting goods such as merchandise handled at business premises 30. Power is supplied to business premises 31 through the power network 90. ​​Power control device 41, integrated management device 51, and vehicle management device 61 are installed at business premises 31.

[0031] At business establishment 31, the power control device 41, integrated management device 51, and vehicle management device 61 correspond to the power control device 40, integrated management device 50, and vehicle management device 60. The power control device 41, integrated management device 51, and vehicle management device 61 perform the same control as the power control device 40, integrated management device 50, and vehicle management device 60, except that the controlled object and / or managed object is business establishment 31 and / or vehicle 10e. Therefore, the explanation of the control related to the power control device 41, integrated management device 51, vehicle management device 61, and vehicle 10 will be omitted.

[0032] The power control device 140 communicates with power control devices 40 and 41 via the communication network 190 and oversees overall power control at business establishments 30 and 31. For example, the power control device 140 collects information on power supply and demand from power control devices 40 and 41 and controls power control devices 40 and 41 to minimize overall power costs at business establishments 30 and 31 by adjusting overall power supply and demand, including power trading with the power network 90.

[0033] The power control device 140 is connected to the server 180 via a communication network 190. The server 180 is a server used, for example, by a power aggregator. The server 180 conducts power trading in the power market. The power control device 140 can provide the server 180 with power resources aggregated and held by the business premises 30 and the vehicles deployed at business premises 30. The power control device 140 controls the charging and discharging of the batteries of each vehicle deployed at business premises 30 and business premises 31, and provides the power agreed upon by the server 180. For example, the power control device 140 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 12 by the power control device 40 in response to the demand from the server 180, and provides power according to the demand.

[0034] In relation to Figures 2 to 13, etc., the control systems mainly related to the business establishment 30 will be explained. Specifically, the control systems related to the power control device 40, the integrated management device 50, the vehicle management device 60, and the vehicle 10 will be explained. However, the control systems related to business establishment 30 can also be applied to the control systems related to business establishment 31.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an example of the system configuration of the vehicle management device 60. The vehicle management device 60 comprises a calculation unit 200, a storage unit 280, and a communication unit 290. The vehicle management device 60 performs information processing related to the usage plan of the vehicle 10. The vehicle management device 60 functions as at least part of an information processing device that performs information processing related to the usage plan of the vehicle 10.

[0036] The arithmetic unit 200 controls the communication unit 290. The communication unit 290 is responsible for communication between the vehicle 10, the integrated management device 50, and the terminal 22, etc. The arithmetic unit 200 is implemented by an arithmetic processing unit including a processor. The storage units 280 are each implemented with non-volatile storage media. The arithmetic unit 200 performs processing using the information stored in the storage units 280. The arithmetic unit 200 may be implemented by a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, bus, etc. The vehicle management device 60 may be implemented by a computer.

[0037] In this embodiment, the vehicle management system 60 is implemented by a single computer. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle management system 60 may be implemented by multiple computers. At least some of the functions of the vehicle management system 60 may be implemented by one or more servers, such as a cloud server.

[0038] The calculation unit 200 comprises a first acquisition unit 210, a decision unit 220, and a presentation control unit 230. The first acquisition unit 210 acquires reservation information related to the reservation of the vehicle 10. For example, the first acquisition unit 210 acquires reservation information transmitted from the terminal 22. The storage unit 280 stores the reservation information. The decision unit 220 acquires the reservation information from the storage unit 280 and formulates a usage plan for the vehicle 10 based on the acquired reservation information.

[0039] The reservation information includes first information, which includes a first period during which the vehicle 10 is scheduled to be used for the first purpose. In this embodiment, the first purpose is a purpose that involves the movement of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the first purpose is a purpose that involves the driving of the vehicle 10. The first purpose is a purpose that involves the driving of the vehicle 10 with the user 20 on board. The first period may include the time when the use of the vehicle 10 begins and the time when the use of the vehicle 10 ends. The first period may include the length of time the vehicle 10 is used.

[0040] The decision unit 220 formulates a usage plan for the vehicle 10 based on the first information. The usage plan includes the first information, which includes the first period determined by the decision unit 220. The decision unit 220 transmits the formulated usage plan to the integrated management device 50 via the communication unit 290. The decision unit 220 receives the mediation result of the usage plan by the integrated management device 50 and determines the usage plan for the vehicle 10 based on the received mediation result. The presentation control unit 230 restricts the presentation of specific information, which is part of the usage plan, by the terminal 22 that presents information related to the usage plan of the vehicle 10 during the first time period, and allows the presentation of specific information by the terminal 22 during the second time period following the first time period. The first time period is, for example, the time period during which the mediation of the usage plan by the integrated management device 50 takes place.

[0041] The first information may further include designation information that specifies a particular vehicle 10 to be used for the first purpose from among a plurality of vehicles 10. The first information may further include information regarding the importance of the designation information. The first information may further include information regarding the importance of the first period. The designation information may include information that identifies the vehicle 10 to be used for the first purpose in the vehicle 10 usage plan.

[0042] The specific information may include information that identifies the time or time period in which the vehicle 10 is used for the first purpose in the vehicle 10 usage plan.

[0043] The display control unit 230 allows the display unit to display the time or time period in which the vehicle 10 will be used for the first purpose in the usage plan during the first time period. The display control unit 230 also allows the display unit to display information identifying the vehicle 10 that will be used for the first purpose in the usage plan during the first time period.

[0044] The communication unit 290 transmits the operation plan to the integrated management device 50. The communication unit 290 may further transmit at least a portion of the reservation information to the integrated management device 50. If the vehicle 10 used by a user is changed by mediating conflicting reservations, the communication unit 290 may send a notification to the user who had reserved the changed vehicle 10 indicating that the vehicle 10 has been changed.

[0045] Figure 3 shows an example of the system configuration of the integrated management device 50. The integrated management device 50 comprises a calculation unit 300, a storage unit 380, and a communication unit 390. The integrated management device 50 performs information processing related to the vehicle usage plan of the vehicle 10. The integrated management device 50 functions as at least part of an information processing device that performs information processing related to the vehicle usage plan of the vehicle 10.

[0046] The arithmetic unit 300 controls the communication unit 390. The communication unit 390 is responsible for communication in the integrated management device 50. The communication unit 390 is responsible for communication between at least the power control device 140, the vehicle management device 60, and the power control device 40 and the integrated management device 50. The arithmetic unit 300 is implemented by an arithmetic processing unit including a processor. The storage units 380 are each implemented with non-volatile storage media. The arithmetic unit 300 performs processing using the information stored in the storage units 380. The arithmetic unit 300 may be implemented by a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, bus, etc. The integrated management device 50 may be implemented by a computer.

[0047] In this embodiment, the integrated management device 50 is implemented using a single computer. However, in other embodiments, the integrated management device 50 may be implemented using multiple computers. At least some of the functions of the integrated management device 50 may be implemented using one or more servers, such as a cloud server. In this embodiment, the integrated management device 50 and the vehicle management device 60 may be implemented using the same computer, or they may be implemented using different computers. All or at least some of the functions of the integrated management device 50 and the vehicle management device 60 may be implemented using the same computer.

[0048] The calculation unit 300 includes a first acquisition unit 310, a second acquisition unit 320, and a determination unit 340.

[0049] The first acquisition unit 310 acquires first information, including a first period during which the vehicle 10 is scheduled to be used for a first purpose. For example, the first acquisition unit 310 acquires information indicating a usage plan, which includes first information determined by the vehicle management device 60, transmitted from the vehicle management device 60. The storage unit 380 stores the acquired information indicating the usage plan.

[0050] The second acquisition unit 320 acquires second information, including a second period during which the vehicle 10 is scheduled to be used for the second purpose. For example, the second purpose is to use the vehicle 10 for energy exchange between the vehicle 10 and a power network capable of energy exchange.

[0051] Specifically, the second acquisition unit 320 acquires energy request information as second information, relating to the energy request to be provided from the vehicle 10. For example, the second acquisition unit 320 receives energy request information from the power control device 40. The energy request information may include information indicating the second period during which energy is requested. The energy request information may further include information indicating the amount of energy to be provided from the vehicle 10.

[0052] The decision unit 340 determines the usage plan based on the first information acquired by the first acquisition unit 310 and the second information acquired by the second acquisition unit 320. Based on the first and second information, the decision unit 340 determines the period during which the vehicle 10 will be used for the first purpose and the period during which the vehicle 10 will be used for the second purpose. For example, the decision unit 340 may determine the period during which the vehicle 10 will be used for the first purpose and the period during which the vehicle 10 will be used for the second purpose by considering the period during which the vehicle 10 will not be used for the first purpose as the period during which it will be used for the second purpose. If the decision unit 340 cannot determine the period during which the vehicle 10 will be used for the first purpose and the period during which the vehicle 10 will be used for the second purpose by considering the period during which the vehicle 10 will not be used for the first purpose as the period during which it will be used for the second purpose, it performs mediation between the first purpose and the second purpose. For example, the determination unit 340 determines the adjustment amount for the period used for the first purpose and / or the adjustment amount for the period used for the second purpose, and transmits the arbitration result indicating the determined adjustment amount to the vehicle management device 60 and the power control device 40.

[0053] In this embodiment, "electricity" will be used as an example of "energy" for explanation. In this embodiment, the exchange of electricity is an example of "energy exchange." However, energy is not limited to electricity. As an example, an embodiment can be adopted in which fuels such as hydrogen are used as an energy source as one form of "energy."

[0054] Figure 4 shows the execution sequence of processes performed by the power control device 40, the integrated management device 50, and the vehicle management device 60. The processes in Figure 4 represent the process from formulating the power plan and operation plan for a specific day to executing various controls according to the formulated plan. The power plan and operation plan are formulated on the day before or relatively early on the specific day in question.

[0055] As a control of the power control device 40, in S4010, at least one of the user of the power control device 40 and the power control device 140 sets constraints regarding the power plan at the business establishment 30 and notifies the power control device 40. The power control device 140 may set constraints at business establishment 30 to minimize the overall power costs at business establishments 30 and 31. The user is a person or system that inputs power management information at business establishment 30 to the power control device 40. The constraints are conditions that are restrictive in formulating a power plan. The constraints may include constraints necessary to meet the power demand. The constraints include, for example, information on the predicted amount of power generated, the predicted amount of power consumed, and electricity charges. The amount of power generated is, for example, the amount of power generated by the power generation device 80. The amount of power consumed is the amount of power consumed at business establishment 30. The electricity charges include the purchase price of electricity, the selling price of electricity, and the compensation obtained by reducing power consumption in accordance with demand response. The electricity purchase price is a condition relating to the amount charged to a business establishment 30 as compensation for receiving electricity from the power network 90. ​​The electricity sales price is a condition relating to the amount received by a business establishment 30 as compensation for supplying electricity to the power network 90.

[0056] In S4012, the power control device 40 formulates a power plan for the target day at the business establishment 30 based on constraint information. The power plan includes the amount of power consumed for each time period throughout the day. The power plan determines how much power will be consumed at the business establishment 30 during each time period. The amount of power consumed for each time period on the target day may be predicted from environmental information such as weather information for the target day and past performance data. The power plan may include peak cut information for peak cutting. The peak cut information may include information indicating how much power consumption should be suppressed at the business establishment 30 during each time period. The peak cut information may include information indicating how much power should be received from the outside at the business establishment 30 during each time period. The power plan may include power release information for releasing power from the business establishment 30 to the outside. The power release information may include information indicating how much power should be released to the outside at the business establishment 30 during each time period. For example, if it is predicted that the amount of electricity generated by the power generation device 18 will be less than the amount of electricity consumed at the business establishment 30, the power plan may include power release information that shows the amount of surplus electricity for each time period, calculated by subtracting the amount of electricity consumed at the business establishment 30 from the amount of electricity generated by the power generation device 18.

[0057] The power control device 40 may formulate an optimal power plan for the business establishment 30. For example, the power control device 40 may formulate a power plan such that the amount of electricity received from the power network 90 at the business establishment 30 is minimized. The power control device 40 may formulate a power plan such that the amount charged to the business establishment 30 as compensation for receiving electricity from the power network 90 is minimized. The power control device 40 may formulate a power plan such that, provided that the contracted power at the business establishment 30 is complied with, the amount of compensation received at the business establishment 30 for reducing its power consumption in response to demand response or for supplying power to the power network 90 is maximized. In this way, the power control device 40 formulates an optimal power plan for the business establishment 30 on the target day based on the constraints. This power plan determines the amount of electricity that needs to be received from the outside and / or released to the outside during each time period on the target day. The amount of electricity that needs to be received from an external source may be supplied from the battery 12 of the vehicle 10 parked at the business premises 30. The amount of electricity that needs to be released to the outside may be supplied to the battery 12 of the vehicle 10 parked at the business premises 30. The power control device 40 transmits the planned power plan to the integrated management device 50.

[0058] As a control related to the vehicle management device 60, in S4210, the user inputs reservation information regarding the dispatch of vehicle 10. The user is a person who uses vehicle 10, a system administrator, or a system, etc. The reservation information includes conditions that may be constraints when formulating an operation plan. The reservation information includes, for example, the departure point, destination, and return point, as well as the departure time at the departure point, the return time and departure time at the destination, and the return time to the return point. The departure point and destination determine which locations vehicle 10 needs to travel from and to. A time adjustment tolerance may be set for the departure time at the departure point and the return time at the return point, indicating the amount of time during which changes to those departure and return times are permitted. The reservation information input in S4210 is transmitted to the vehicle management device 60 and also transmitted to the integrated management device 50 through the vehicle management device 60.

[0059] In S4212, the decision unit 220 of the vehicle management device 60 aggregates the constraints notified by the user 20 and formulates an operation plan for the target day at the business office 30. For example, the decision unit 220 determines the vehicles 10 to be used for transporting people, the routes of the vehicles 10, and the speed of the vehicles 10 so as to satisfy the transportation demand determined by the reservation information. The vehicle management device 60 transmits the formulated operation plan to the integrated management device 50.

[0060] In S4110, the integrated management device 50 receives the power plan transmitted from the power control device 40 and the reservation information and operation plan transmitted from the vehicle management device 60.

[0061] In S4112, the decision unit 340 of the integrated management device 50 determines whether the power plan at the business premises 30 will be met if the vehicle 10 is operated according to the operation plan. For example, the operation plan determines the period during which the vehicle 10 is expected to be at the business premises 30. The decision unit 340 determines that the power plan will be met if it is expected that the business premises 30 can receive power from the battery 12 of the vehicle 10 that is at the business premises 30 during the period during which the business premises 30 needs to be supplied with power from an external source.

[0062] If the decision unit 340 determines that the power plan cannot be met if the vehicles are dispatched according to the operation plan, it determines how the operation plan should be modified to meet the power plan. For example, the decision unit 340 determines, as a mediation result, the amount of adjustment to the departure and arrival times of the vehicles 10 in the operation plan. The decision unit 340 may also determine, as a mediation result, information that the vehicles 10 used by the user 20 as defined in the operation plan should be changed. The mediation result may include information indicating the period during which the vehicles 10 will be used for peak shaving at the business premises 30. The mediation result may also include information indicating the period during which the vehicles 10 will be used to release surplus electricity generated at the business premises 30 to the outside.

[0063] The integrated management device 50 transmits the determined arbitration result to the vehicle management device 60. When the decision unit 220 of the vehicle management device 60 receives the arbitration result from the integrated management device 50, it determines the usage plan for the vehicle 10 by modifying the operation plan formulated in S4212 based on the arbitration result (S4213). For example, the decision unit 220 modifies the operation plan to satisfy the reservation information based on the adjustment amounts for departure and return times received from the integrated management device 50. The vehicle management device 60 transmits the modified operation plan result to the integrated management device 50. The integrated management device 50 and the vehicle management device 60 repeat the processes in S4112 and S4213 to determine an executable operation plan. In S4213, the decision unit 220 determines the route of the vehicle 10 and determines whether the vehicle 10 can return to the business premises 30 without running out of power, based on the vehicle 10's SOC and power consumption rate, when the vehicle 10 is driven in accordance with the departure and return times specified in the reservation information, thereby determining an executable operation plan. Furthermore, in S4112, the decision unit 340 may determine that the operation plan is executable if it is determined that an overall benefit can be obtained by considering the amount of power cost reduction for the business premises 30 obtained when power is exchanged between the battery 12 and the business premises 30 according to the determined power plan, and the operating costs and utilization rate of the vehicle 10 required when the vehicle 10 is operated according to the operation plan.

[0064] Once the operation plan is determined, the arbitration results, including the operation plan, are transmitted to the power control device 40. Upon receiving the arbitration results from the integrated management device 50, the power control device 40 reflects the arbitration results in the power plan (S4014) and notifies the user of the power plan that has been finalized by reflecting the arbitration results (S4015). In S4016, the user and the power control device 140 execute control according to the notified power plan.

[0065] The vehicle management device 60 finalizes the operation plan determined in S4213 (S4214). When the vehicle management device 60 receives a request for the operation plan from the user 20 via the terminal 22, it notifies the user of the finalized operation plan via the communication unit 290. In S4216, the user executes operation control of the vehicle 10 according to the notified operation plan. The presentation methods for the operation plan, specifically the presentation methods during periods when the operation plan is finalized and the presentation methods during periods when the operation plan is not finalized, will be described later.

[0066] Figure 5 schematically shows the processes performed by the vehicle management device 60, the integrated management device 50, and the power control device 40. In Figure 5, the day on which the vehicle 10 is used is referred to as the "target day."

[0067] User 20 can reserve vehicle 10 at any time prior to the time of use. When user 20 inputs reservation information for vehicle 10 using terminal 22, terminal 22 transmits the reservation information to vehicle management device 60. The reservation information includes first information indicating the period during which vehicle 10 will be used for driving.

[0068] In the vehicle management device 60, when the decision unit 220 receives reservation information including the first information, it determines the operation plan for the vehicle 10 by assigning the vehicle 10 to be used by the user 20 based on the reservation information and the operation plan for the vehicle 10 that has already been determined at the time the reservation information is received. At a predetermined first timing, the vehicle management device 60 transmits the operation plan including the first information determined by the decision unit 220 to the integrated management device 50.

[0069] The power control device 40 performs a power forecast for the target day. For example, the power control device 40 forecasts the amount of electricity consumed at the business establishment 30 and the amount of electricity generated by the power generator 18 for each time period on the target day, and determines the period and amount of electricity to be supplied from the vehicle 10 to the business establishment 30 based on the forecasted amount of electricity. At the first timing, the power control device 40 transmits a power plan to the integrated management device 50, which includes second information indicating the period and amount of electricity to be supplied from the vehicle 10 to the business establishment 30.

[0070] Figure 5 illustrates the case where the "first timing" is 7:00 AM on the day before the target date, but the "first timing" is not limited to 7:00 AM on the day before the target date. The "first timing" may be any time other than 7:00 AM on the day before the target date. The "first timing" may be any time before the day before the target date. The "first timing" may be a specific time on the target date itself.

[0071] The integrated management device 50 mediates the operation plan received from the vehicle management device 60 and the power plan received from the power control device 40, and transmits the mediation results to the vehicle management device 60 and the power control device 40. Between the first timing and the second timing, the integrated management device 50 mediates the operation plan and the power plan each time a new reservation is made by the user 20.

[0072] At the second timing, arbitration in the integrated management device 50 is completed, and the operation plan and power plan are finalized. The vehicle management device 60 controls the charging of the vehicle 10 according to the finalized operation plan. At least one of the vehicle management device 60 and the power control device 40 may cooperate, for example through the integrated management device 50, to determine information such as the battery 12 charging completion time and target SOC necessary for the power plan and operation plan, and control the charging of the vehicle 10 based on the determined information.

[0073] Figure 5 illustrates the case where the "second timing" is 6 PM on the day before the target date, but the "second timing" is not limited to 6 PM on the day before the target date. The "second timing" may be any time other than 6 PM on the day before the target date. The "second timing" may be any time before the day before the target date. The "second timing" may be a specific time on the target date itself.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5 as an example, in this embodiment, the time period before the second timing may correspond to the "first time period". In this embodiment, the time period after the second timing, up to the start of use of the vehicle 10, may correspond to the "second time period".

[0075] Thus, the "first time period" includes the time period before the timing when the second acquisition unit 320 of the integrated management device 50 acquires the power plan. In other words, the "first time period" includes the time period before the timing when the second acquisition unit 320 of the integrated management device 50 acquires the second information, and the "second time period" includes the time period after the second acquisition unit 320 acquires the second information. Specifically, the "second time period" includes the time period after the second acquisition unit 320 acquires the second information and after the second timing when the mediation period by the integrated management device 50 ends.

[0076] When the vehicle management device 60 receives a request from the user 20 to check the reservation status from the terminal 22, the display control unit 230 restricts the display of specific information, which is part of the operation plan, to the terminal 22 during the first time period, while allowing the display of such specific information to the terminal 22 during the second time period. The "specific information" may be, for example, information that identifies the vehicle 10 used by the user 20, and may be the start and end times when the user 20 uses the vehicle 10. In this way, according to system 5, in the first time period, when there is a relatively high possibility that the operation plan will be changed, the content of the notification to the user 20 can be controlled so that information that can identify the vehicle 10 used by the user 20 is not displayed to the user 20. As a result, even if the operation plan is changed in the first time period and the vehicle 10 used by the user 20 changes, the user 20 will not be notified, thus preventing the user 20 from worrying unnecessarily. On the other hand, in the second time period, when there is a relatively low possibility that the operation plan will be changed, information that can identify the vehicle 10 used by the user 20 can be displayed to the user 20, thereby improving the convenience of the user 20.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a screen 600 that provides a user interface to the user 20. Screen 600 is an example of a reservation screen provided via terminal 22 when the user 20 enters reservation information for the vehicle 10.

[0078] Screen 600 includes an input field 603 for entering the date to reserve vehicle 10 and a selection menu 604 for selecting the user of vehicle 10.

[0079] Screen 600 includes a selection menu 610 for selecting a departure location and an input field 611 for entering a departure time.

[0080] Screen 600 includes a selection menu 612 for selecting a destination (intermediate point). Screen 600 also includes a button 618 for adding a destination and a button 616 for deleting a destination.

[0081] Screen 600 includes a selection menu 620 for selecting a destination and an input field 621 for entering the arrival time, which is the time of arrival at the destination. The destination is the last point reached using the vehicle 10; that is, the point where the user ends their use of the vehicle 10. The departure time corresponds to the start time of use of the vehicle 10, and the arrival time corresponds to the end time of use of the vehicle 10. The information entered in input fields 611 and 621 is an example of information indicating the first period during which the vehicle 10 is scheduled to be used for the first purpose.

[0082] Screen 600 includes a selection menu 650 for choosing whether or not to allow changes to the reserved time. In the example on screen 600, it is selected not to allow changes to the time of use of vehicle 10 due to mediation. The information entered through the selection menu 650 is an example of information regarding the importance of the first period.

[0083] Screen 600 includes a selection menu 606 for the user to select the vehicle 10 to use, and a selection menu 607 for the user to select whether or not to allow a change in the vehicle 10 to be used. In the example of screen 600, it is shown that user 20 has reserved "Vehicle A" and allows the vehicle 10 to be used to be changed through mediation. The information entered through selection menu 606 is an example of specification information that specifies a particular vehicle 10. Selection menu 607 becomes available when a vehicle has been specified by selection menu 606. The information entered through selection menu 607 is an example of information regarding the importance of the vehicle 10 to be used.

[0084] Screen 600 includes a selection menu 608 for specifying the vehicle type 10 to be used by the user, and a selection menu 609 for selecting whether or not to allow a change in the vehicle type. In the example of screen 600, the user has reserved vehicle 10 of "vehicle type a" and indicates that they allow the vehicle type 10 to be used to be changed through mediation. The information entered via selection menu 607 is an example of information regarding the importance of the vehicle type 10 to be used.

[0085] Screen 600 includes a registration button 680 for registering a reservation. When the registration button 680 is pressed, reservation information, including the information entered on screen 600, is transmitted to the vehicle management device 60. Upon receiving the reservation information transmitted from terminal 22, the decision unit 220 of the vehicle management device 60 determines the operation plan for vehicle 10.

[0086] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the operation plan information, which indicates the operation plan determined by the vehicle management device 60 based on the reservation information. The operation plan information is generated, for example, based on the reservation information entered on screen 600.

[0087] Each piece of operational plan information includes information indicating the "user," "vehicle change," "vehicle type change," "time change," "vehicle specification," "vehicle type specification," "departure point," "departure time," "destination information," "return destination," and "return time." "Destination information" includes "destination," "arrival time," and "departure time." Figure 7 shows one piece of destination information specifically, but if multiple destinations are specified on screen 600, multiple pieces of "destination information" will be generated.

[0088] Among the information included in the operation plan information, "vehicle designation," "vehicle type designation," "departure time," and "return time" are examples of conditions that the vehicle 10 available to the user must meet. "Time change," "vehicle change," and "vehicle type change" are examples of information indicating the importance of each condition.

[0089] "User" is the identification information of the person using vehicle 10. "Time Change" is information indicating whether or not it is permissible to change the conditions related to the first period. The conditions related to the first period are the "Departure Time" and "Return Time" described later. "Not Permissible" for "Time Change" indicates that it is not permissible to change the conditions related to the first period. "Permissible" for "Time Change" indicates that it is permissible to change the conditions related to the first period. "Time Change" is an example of information regarding the importance of the first period.

[0090] "Vehicle Change" indicates whether or not it is permissible to change the conditions related to the vehicle 10 to be used. The conditions related to the vehicle 10 to be used are referred to as "Vehicle Designation" below. "Not Permitted" for "Vehicle Change" indicates that it is not permitted to change the conditions related to the vehicle 10 to be used. "Permitted" for "Vehicle Change" indicates that it is permitted to change the conditions related to the vehicle 10 to be used. "Vehicle Change" is an example of information indicating the importance of the vehicle 10 to be used.

[0091] "Vehicle type change" indicates whether or not it is permissible to change the conditions regarding the type (vehicle type) of vehicle to be used. The conditions regarding the vehicle type are referred to as "vehicle type specification" below. "Not permitted" for "Vehicle type change" indicates that it is not permitted to change the conditions regarding the vehicle type. "Permitted" for "Vehicle type change" indicates that it is permitted to change the conditions regarding the vehicle type. "Vehicle type change" is an example of information indicating the importance of the vehicle type.

[0092] "Vehicle specification" is used when a specific vehicle 10 is desired. "Vehicle specification" contains the identification information of the vehicle 10 that the user wishes to use.

[0093] "Vehicle type specification" is used when a user wishes to use a vehicle of a specific type (vehicle 10). The vehicle type identification information is set in the "Vehicle type specification."

[0094] "Departure point" indicates the departure point of vehicle 10. "Departure time" is the scheduled time for vehicle 10 to depart from the departure point. "Destination information" includes information about the destination of vehicle 10. "Destination" in "Destination information" indicates the location of the destination. "Arrival time" in "Destination information" indicates the scheduled time for arrival at the destination location. "Departure time" in "Destination information" indicates the scheduled time for departure from the destination location. The "Arrival time" and "Departure time" in "Destination information" may be determined by the determination unit 220 of the vehicle management device 60 based on route information from the departure point to the destination, route information between multiple different destinations, and / or route information from the destination to the return destination.

[0095] "Destination" is the final point to arrive at using vehicle 10; in other words, the point where the user ends their use of vehicle 10. "Time of arrival" is the time when vehicle 10 is scheduled to arrive at the destination.

[0096] For example, according to the example in Figure 7, User 1 has a reservation to use "Vehicle A," depart from the head office at 13:00, arrive at branch office 1 at 13:20, depart from branch office 1 at 13:40, and return to the head office at 14:00. User 1's reservation specifies that time changes are not permitted, but vehicle and vehicle type changes are permitted.

[0097] In the integrated management device 50, the decision unit 340 mediates the conflicting reservations based on the operation plan information when a reservation conflict occurs. For example, the decision unit 340 adjusts the conflicting reservations by adjusting the vehicle 10 to be used by the user 20 and / or by adjusting the departure time and return time based on the operation plan information.

[0098] Figure 8 schematically shows a timetable for the use of vehicle 10 in the first application, which visualizes the operation plan information shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 is simply a diagram to explain the operation plan information in an easy-to-understand manner. The vehicle management device 60 prevents the first information of the operation plan information from being presented to the user 20 via the terminal 22 during the first time period. The first information may be information that identifies the vehicle 10 assigned to be used by the user 20. The first information may be the start and end times of the use of vehicle 10 by the user 20. The first information may be information that identifies the type of vehicle 10 assigned to be used by the user 20.

[0099] Figure 9 shows a screen 900 that provides a user interface to user 20. Screen 900 is an example of a first reservation screen presented by terminal 22 during the first time period when user 20 sends a request to check the reservation status via terminal 22. Specifically, Figure 9 is an example of a first reservation screen presented by terminal 22 during the first time period when user 20 of "user 1", who allows changes to the vehicle 10 to be used, sends a request to check the reservation status via terminal 22.

[0100] Screen 900 includes information 903 indicating the date on which vehicle 10 is reserved, information 904 indicating the user of vehicle 10, information 910 indicating the departure location, information 911 indicating the departure time, information 920 indicating the return destination, and information 921 indicating the return time.

[0101] As shown in Figure 9, during the first time period, the information identifying the vehicle 10 used by the user 20 is restricted from being presented to the user 20 by the terminal 22. Specifically, the presentation control unit 230 of the vehicle management device 60 controls the system so that information identifying the vehicle 10 used by the user 20 is not presented to the user 20 via the terminal 22 during the first time period by not transmitting the information identifying the vehicle 10 used by the user 20 to the terminal 22.

[0102] Figure 10 shows a screen 1000 that provides a user interface to user 20. Screen 1000 is another example of the first reservation screen presented by terminal 22 during the first time period when user 20 sends a request to check the reservation status via terminal 22. Specifically, Figure 10 is an example of the first reservation screen presented by terminal 22 during the first time period when user 20 of "user 4", who allows changes to the usage time of vehicle 10, sends a request to check the reservation status via terminal 22.

[0103] Screen 1000 includes information 1003 indicating the date on which vehicle 10 is reserved, information 1004 indicating the user of vehicle 10, information 1010 indicating the departure point, information 1020 indicating the return destination, information 1030 indicating the vehicle to be used, and information 1032 indicating the time of use.

[0104] As shown in Figure 10, during the first time period, information indicating the start and end times of vehicle use by user 20 is restricted from being presented to user 20 by terminal 22. Specifically, the presentation control unit 230 of the vehicle management device 60 controls the system so that information indicating the start and end times of vehicle use by user 20 is not presented to user 20 via terminal 22 by not transmitting the information indicating the start and end times of vehicle use by user 20 to terminal 22 during the first time period.

[0105] Figure 11 shows a screen 1100 that provides a user interface to the user 20. Screen 1100 is an example of a second reservation screen that is presented by terminal 22 in the second time period when the user 20 sends a request to check the reservation status via terminal 22.

[0106] The second time period is the period after the mediation period performed by the integrated management device 50 has ended. As shown in reference numerals 1130 and 1140, mediation by the integrated management device 50 has determined that vehicle A will be used for peak power reduction (second use) at the business premises 30 from 13:00 to 15:00, and that vehicle B will be used for peak power reduction (second use) at the business premises 30 from 13:00 to 14:30. As a result, as shown in reference numeral 1110, the vehicle 10 used by "user 1" is changed from "vehicle A" to "vehicle B", and as shown in reference numeral 1120, the period during which "user 4" uses "vehicle C" is changed from the period of 14:00 to 15:00 to the period of 15:30 to 16:30.

[0107] As shown in Figure 11, unlike the first time period, in the second time period, information identifying the vehicle 10 used by user 20 of "user 1" is permitted to be presented to user 20 by terminal 22. Specifically, in the second time period, the presentation control unit 230 of the vehicle management device 60 transmits information identifying the vehicle 10 used by user 20 to terminal 22, thereby controlling the system so that information identifying the vehicle 10 used by user 20 can be presented to user 20 via terminal 22.

[0108] Similarly, as shown in Figure 11, unlike the first time period, in the second time period, information indicating the start and end times of vehicle 10 use by user 20 of "user 4" is permitted to be presented to user 20 by terminal 22. Specifically, in the second time period, the presentation control unit 230 of the vehicle management device 60 transmits information indicating the start and end times of vehicle 10 use by user 20 to terminal 22, thereby controlling the system so that information indicating the start and end times of vehicle 10 use by user 20 can be presented to user 20 via terminal 22.

[0109] In Figure 11, peak shaving is shown as an example of a second use of the vehicle 10. The second use is not limited to using the vehicle 10 to supply power to the business establishment 30, such as peak shaving. The second use includes using the vehicle 10 to receive power from the business establishment 30. For example, the second use includes the vehicle 10 receiving surplus power that is expected to be generated at the business establishment 30 and charging the battery 12.

[0110] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the process for determining the usage plan of vehicle 10, which is executed in system 5. In S1212, first information is acquired. For example, the first acquisition unit 210 of the vehicle management device 60 obtains reservation information transmitted from terminal 22, and the first acquisition unit 310 of the integrated management device 50 obtains the operation plan determined by the vehicle management device 60 based on the reservation information. The reservation information acquired by the first acquisition unit 210 of the vehicle management device 60 can be considered an example of first information. The operation plan acquired by the first acquisition unit 310 of the integrated management device 50 can be considered an example of first information.

[0111] In S1214, the second information is acquired. For example, the second acquisition unit 320 of the integrated management device 50 acquires the power plan transmitted from the power control device 40 as the second information.

[0112] In S1216, the usage plan for vehicle 10 is determined. Specifically, the decision unit 340 of the integrated management device 50 mediates between the usage period for the first use of vehicle 10 and the usage period for the second use of vehicle 10 based on the operation plan received from the vehicle management device 60 and the power plan transmitted from the power control device 40, and transmits the mediation result to the power control device 40 and the vehicle management device 60. The decision unit 220 of the vehicle management device 60 determines the usage plan for vehicle 10 for the first use by reflecting the received mediation result in the operation plan, and the power control device 40 determines the usage plan for vehicle 10 for the second use by reflecting the received mediation result in the power plan.

[0113] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the process performed in System 5 to present the vehicle usage plan for Vehicle 10 to User 20. The process in Figure 13 is initiated when the vehicle management device 60 receives a reservation status confirmation request transmitted from Terminal 22.

[0114] When the vehicle management device 60 receives a request to confirm the reservation status, in S1312, the presentation control unit 230 determines whether the current time is before the second time zone. For example, the presentation control unit 230 determines that the current time is before the second time zone if the current time is before the second time zone, and determines that the current time is not before the second time zone if the current time is after the second time zone.

[0115] If, in S1312, it is determined that the current time is earlier than the second time zone, then in S1314, the presentation control unit 230 generates presentation information that restricts specific information, which is part of the vehicle usage plan for the vehicle 10. For example, the presentation control unit 230 generates presentation information that does not include specific information from the vehicle usage plan for the vehicle 10 by the user 20, but includes information other than the specific information from the vehicle usage plan for the user 20. In other forms, the presentation control unit 230 may generate presentation information that includes the vehicle usage plan for the user 20 and instruction information that instructs not to present the specific information from the usage plan to the user 20.

[0116] If, in S1312, it is determined that the current time is not earlier than the second time zone, then in S1316, the presentation control unit 230 generates presentation information that allows the presentation of specific information, which is part of the vehicle usage plan for the vehicle 10. For example, the presentation control unit 230 generates presentation information that includes at least the specific information from the user 20's vehicle usage plan for the vehicle 10. The presentation control unit 230 may generate presentation information that includes the user 20's vehicle usage plan and instruction information that instructs the user 20 to allow the presentation of the specific information from the usage plan.

[0117] In S1318, the communication unit 290 of the vehicle management device 60 transmits the presentation information generated in S1314 or S1316 to the terminal 22. In S1320, the terminal 22 presents the vehicle usage plan for the vehicle 10 to the user 20 based on the received presentation information. For example, the terminal 22 displays the vehicle usage plan for the vehicle 10 based on the presentation information. For example, in the first time period, as explained in relation to Figure 9, the user 20 of "user 1" is presented with a screen 900 that does not contain information identifying the vehicle 10, and as explained in relation to Figure 10, the user 20 of "user 4" is presented with a screen 1000 that does not contain the start time and end time of use for the vehicle 10. On the other hand, in the second time period, as explained in relation to Figure 11, a screen 1100 is presented that includes information identifying the vehicle 10, as well as the start time and end time of use for the vehicle 10. As a result, in the first time period, the presentation of specific information to the user 20 is restricted, and in the second time period, the presentation of specific information to the user 20 is permitted.

[0118] According to the system 5 described above, in the first time period, a user 20 whose vehicle 10 may change can be presented with a usage plan that does not include information identifying the vehicle 10 used by the user 20. Furthermore, in the first time period, a user 20 whose period of use of the vehicle 10 may change can be presented with a service plan that does not include information specifying the period during which the user 20 will use the vehicle 10. On the other hand, in the second time period, a usage plan can be presented that includes information identifying the vehicle 10 used by the user 20 and information specifying the period during which the user 20 will use the vehicle 10, thereby improving the convenience for the user 20.

[0119] In the above description, we have described an embodiment in which the vehicle management device 60 and the integrated management device 50 work together to realize the function of an information processing device that processes information related to the usage plan of the reserved vehicle. However, as another embodiment, an embodiment in which the functions of the vehicle management device 60 and the integrated management device 50 are realized by a single information processing device may be adopted.

[0120] Figure 14 shows an example of a computer 2000 in which multiple embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. A program installed on the computer 2000 can cause the computer 2000 to function as a system 5 or parts of system 5 according to the embodiment, or as a device or part of such device, such as the power control device 40, the integrated management device 50, and the vehicle management device 60, to perform operations associated with such system or parts of the system or such device or part of such device, and / or to perform a process or a stage of such process according to the embodiment. Such a program may be executed by the CPU 2012 to cause the computer 2000 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the processing procedures and blocks of the block diagram described herein.

[0121] The computer 2000 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2012 and RAM 2014, which are interconnected by a host controller 2010. The computer 2000 also includes a ROM 2026, flash memory 2024, communication interface 2022, and input / output chip 2040. The ROM 2026, flash memory 2024, communication interface 2022, and input / output chip 2040 are connected to the host controller 2010 via an input / output controller 2020.

[0122] CPU2012 operates according to the programs stored in ROM2026 and RAM2014, thereby controlling each unit.

[0123] The communication interface 2022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The flash memory 2024 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2012 in the computer 2000. The ROM 2026 stores boot programs and / or hardware-dependent programs of the computer 2000, such as those executed by the computer 2000 upon activation. The input / output chip 2040 may also connect various input / output units, such as keyboards, mice, and monitors, to the input / output controller 2020 via input / output ports such as serial ports, parallel ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, monitor ports, USB ports, and HDMI® ports.

[0124] The program is provided via a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or memory card, or via a network. RAM2014, ROM2026, or flash memory 2024 are examples of computer-readable storage media. The program is installed in flash memory 2024, RAM2014, or ROM2026 and executed by CPU2012. The information processing described within these programs is read by computer 2000, resulting in coordination between the program and the various types of hardware resources described above. The apparatus or method may be configured to realize the operation or processing of information in accordance with the use of computer 2000.

[0125] For example, when communication is performed between computer 2000 and an external device, CPU 2012 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 2014 and, based on the processing described in the communication program, instruct the communication interface 2022 to perform communication processing. Under the control of CPU 2012, the communication interface 2022 reads the transmission data stored in the transmit buffer processing area provided in the recording medium such as RAM 2014 and flash memory 2024, sends the read transmission data to the network, and writes the received data received from the network to the receive buffer processing area provided on the recording medium.

[0126] Furthermore, CPU2012 may read all or necessary parts of a file or database stored on a recording medium such as flash memory 2024 into RAM2014, and perform various types of processing on the data in RAM2014. CPU2012 then writes the processed data back to the recording medium.

[0127] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU2012 may perform various types of processing on the data read from RAM2014, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgments, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information retrieval / replacement, etc., as described herein and specified by the program's instruction sequence, and write the results back to RAM2014. The CPU2012 may also retrieve information in files, databases, etc., within the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries are stored in the recording medium, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, the CPU2012 may search among the multiple entries for an entry that matches the condition where the attribute value of the first attribute is specified, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in that entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0128] The programs or software modules described above may be stored on or near computer-readable storage media on computer 2000. Recording media such as hard disks or RAM provided within a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as computer-readable storage media. Programs stored on computer-readable storage media may be provided to computer 2000 via the network.

[0129] A program installed on computer 2000, which causes computer 2000 to function as an integrated management device 50, may, when executed by the computer, interact with CPU 2012, etc., to cause computer 2000 to function as a part of the integrated management device 50. The information processing described in these programs is read by computer 2000, causing computer 2000 to function as a part of the integrated management device 50, which is a concrete means of collaboration between software and the various hardware resources described above. Then, by realizing the calculation or processing of information according to the purpose of use of computer 2000 in this embodiment, a unique integrated management device 50 tailored to the purpose of use is constructed.

[0130] A program installed on computer 2000, which causes computer 2000 to function as a vehicle management device 60, may interact with CPU 2012, etc., to cause computer 2000 to function as each part of the vehicle management device 60. The information processing described in these programs is read by computer 2000 and functions as each part of the vehicle management device 60, which is a concrete means of cooperation between software and the various hardware resources described above. Then, by realizing the calculation or processing of information according to the purpose of use of computer 2000 in this embodiment, a vehicle management device 60 specific to the purpose of use is constructed.

[0131] Various embodiments have been described with reference to block diagrams, etc. In a block diagram, each block may represent (1) a stage in a process in which an operation is performed, or (2) a part of a device that has the role of performing an operation. A particular stage and part may be implemented by a dedicated circuit, a programmable circuit supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or a processor supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The dedicated circuit may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. The programmable circuit may include reconfigurable hardware circuits, including logic AND, logic OR, logic XOR, logic NAND, logic NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, memory elements such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), etc.

[0132] A computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by a suitable device, and as a result, a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein constitutes at least part of a product containing instructions that can be executed to provide a means for performing an operation specified in a processing procedure or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, etc.

[0133] Computer-readable instructions may include assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, Java®, C++, and traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar programming languages.

[0134] Computer-readable instructions may be provided locally or via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN) or the internet to the processor or programmable circuit of a programmable data processing device such as a computer, and may be executed to provide a means for performing the described processing procedure or the operation specified in the block diagram.

[0135] Here, "computer" can refer to a personal computer (PC), tablet computer, smartphone, workstation, server computer, or general-purpose computer, and may also refer to a computer system in which multiple computers are connected. Such a computer system in which multiple computers are connected is also called a distributed computing system and is a computer in a broad sense. In a distributed computing system, each of the multiple computers executes a part of the program, and the multiple computers execute the program collectively by passing data from the computers during program execution as needed.

[0136] Examples of processors include computer processors, central processing units (CPUs), processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, and microcontrollers. A computer may have one or more processors. In a multiprocessor system with multiple processors, each processor executes a portion of the program, and the processors collectively execute the program by passing program execution data between them as needed. For example, in the execution of multitasking, each of the multiple processors may execute a portion of each task in small chunks by switching tasks at each time slice. In this case, which part of a program each processor executes changes dynamically. Alternatively, which part of a program each of the multiple processors executes may be statically determined by multiprocessor-aware programming.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0138] It should be noted that the execution order of operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not explicitly stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and can be implemented in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operation flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using phrases such as "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the operations in that order. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 5 Systems 10 vehicles 12 batteries 20 User 22 terminals 30, 31 offices 40, 41 Power control devices 50, 51 Integrated management device 60, 61 Vehicle management system 70 Electricity consumers 80 Power generation equipment 90 Power Network 140 Power control device 180 servers 190 Communication Networks 200 Arithmetic section 210 First acquisition part 220 Decision Section 230 Display Control Unit 280 Storage section 290 Communications Department 300 Arithmetic section 310 First acquisition part 320 Second Acquisition Department 340 Decision Section 380 Storage section 390 Communications Department 600, 900, 1000, 1100 screens 603 Input field 604, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 612, 620, 650 Selection Menu Input fields 611, 621 Buttons 616 and 618 680 Register button Information for 903, 904, 910, 911, 920, 921, 1003, 1004, 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1032. 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 code 2000 Computer 2010 Host Controller 2012 CPU 2014 RAM 2020 Input / Output Controller 2022 Communication Interface 2024 Flash Memory 2026 ROM 2040 Input / Output Chip

Claims

1. An information processing device that processes information related to the usage plan of a reserved item, A first acquisition unit acquires first information including the first period during which the reserved item is scheduled to be used for the first purpose, A second acquisition unit acquires second information including the second period during which the reserved item is scheduled to be used for the second purpose, A decision unit that determines the usage plan based on the first information and the second information, A presentation control unit that restricts the presentation of specific information which is part of the usage plan by a presentation unit that presents information related to the usage plan during the first time period, and allows the presentation of the specific information by the presentation unit during the second time period following the first time period. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned reservation targets are vehicles equipped with an energy storage device, The second application is the use of the vehicle for energy exchange between the vehicle and an energy network capable of energy exchange. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first application is one that involves the movement of the vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The first information further includes designation information that specifies a particular reservation target used for the first purpose from among multiple reservation targets. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first information further includes information regarding the importance of the designated information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first information further includes information regarding the importance of the first period. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned specific information includes information that identifies the reserved items to be used for the first purpose in the usage plan. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The presentation control unit allows the presentation unit to present, in the first time period, the time or time period in the usage plan for which the reserved item will be used for the first purpose. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned specific information includes information that identifies the time or time period during which the reserved item will be used for the first purpose in the usage plan. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The presentation control unit allows the presentation unit to present information identifying the reservation target to be used for the first purpose in the usage plan during the first time period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The first time period includes the time period prior to the timing at which the second acquisition unit acquires the second information. The second time period includes the time period after the second acquisition unit has acquired the second information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An information processing method for processing information related to the usage plan of a reserved item, The first step is to acquire first information, including the first period during which the reserved item is scheduled to be used for the first purpose, The stage of obtaining second information, which includes the second period during which the reserved item is scheduled to be used for the second purpose, A step of determining the usage plan based on the first information and the second information, In the first time period, the presentation unit that presents information related to the usage plan restricts the presentation of specific information that is part of the usage plan, and in the second time period following the first time period, the presentation unit allows the presentation of the specific information. An information processing method comprising the following:

13. A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to function as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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