Management device, terminal device, management method, and determination method

Abstract

Replace the battery appropriately based on its remaining charge. [Solution] The management device comprises a communication unit that receives communication signals from multiple terminal devices, an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of terminal devices and battery level information of terminal devices from the received communication signals, a detection unit that detects the number of charged batteries installed in the device whose charge level is above a predetermined value, a determination unit that determines which terminal devices are permitted to use the charged batteries from among the multiple terminal devices based on the battery level information and the number of charged batteries, and generates exchange permission information including identification information of the permitted terminal devices, and an information setting unit that stores the exchange permission information in the storage unit of the charged batteries.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a terminal device, a management method and a determination method. [Background Art]

[0002] When the remaining battery level of a battery mounted on an electronic device becomes low, it is common practice to replace the battery with a fully charged battery connected to a charging device for continued operation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for managing battery replacement reservations in consideration of the number of batteries to be returned. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-91426 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, since the technique of Patent Document 1 does not consider the remaining battery level of the returned batteries, there is a possibility that batteries with sufficient remaining power will be returned. In this case, there is a possibility that a battery with a low remaining power level cannot be properly replaced.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a management device, a terminal device, a management method and a determination method that can properly replace a battery based on the remaining battery level. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] The management device of this disclosure includes a communication unit that receives communication signals from a plurality of terminal devices; an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the terminal devices and battery level information of the terminal devices from the received communication signals; a detection unit that detects the number of charged batteries installed in the device whose charge level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a determination unit that determines which terminal devices from the plurality of terminal devices are permitted to use the charged batteries based on the battery level information and the number of charged batteries, and generates exchange permission information including identification information of the permitted terminal devices; and an information setting unit that stores the exchange permission information in the storage unit of the charged batteries.

[0007] The terminal device of this disclosure includes an authorization information acquisition unit that acquires replacement authorization information from a storage unit of a charged battery installed in the device, and a determination unit that determines not to use the charged battery if, in the acquired replacement authorization information, information indicating that the use of the charged battery is permitted is not associated with the identification information of the device.

[0008] The management method of this disclosure includes the steps of: receiving communication signals from a plurality of terminal devices; obtaining identification information of the terminal devices and battery level information of the terminal devices from the received communication signals; detecting the number of charged batteries installed in the device whose charge level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; determining which terminal devices from the plurality of terminal devices are permitted to use the charged batteries based on the battery level information and the number of charged batteries, and generating exchange permission information including identification information of the permitted terminal devices; and storing the exchange permission information in the storage unit of the charged battery.

[0009] The determination method of this disclosure includes the steps of: obtaining replacement permission information from the storage unit of a charged battery installed in the device; and determining that the charged battery will not be used if, in the obtained replacement permission information, information indicating that the use of the charged battery is permitted is not associated with the identification information of the device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, batteries can be replaced appropriately based on their remaining charge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of exchange permission information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a control device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of exchange permission information relating to the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of exchange permission information related to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the terminal device according to the second embodiment. [[MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION]]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments, and in the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit duplicate descriptions.

[0013] [First Embodiment] (Management System) A configuration example of the management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a management system 1 includes a management apparatus 10, a terminal apparatus 12a, and a terminal apparatus 12b. When there is no need to distinguish between the terminal apparatus 12a and the terminal apparatus 12b, they are collectively referred to as the terminal apparatus 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the management system 1 includes two terminal apparatuses 12: the terminal apparatus 12a and the terminal apparatus 12b, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of terminal apparatuses 12 included in the management system 1 may be two or more.

[0015] The management apparatus 10 is a charging apparatus that charges the battery of the terminal apparatus 12. A plurality of batteries are mounted on the management apparatus 10, for example. When the remaining battery level of the terminal apparatus 12 becomes low, a user of the terminal apparatus 12 can use a charged battery by replacing the battery mounted on the terminal apparatus 12 with a battery mounted on the management apparatus 10. The management apparatus 10 charges a battery when a battery with a low remaining capacity is mounted thereon. The management apparatus 10 is, for example, a portable charging apparatus that can be used outdoors, but is not limited thereto. The management apparatus 10 includes a communication function capable of communicating with the terminal apparatus 12.

[0016] The terminal device 12 is an electronic device equipped with communication capabilities that enable communication with the management device 10. The terminal device 12 is, for example, a business wireless communication terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0017] This section describes the processing overview of Management System 1. In Management System 1, terminal devices 12a and 12b communicate by sending and receiving communication signals to each other. These communication signals include, for example, voice signals and data signals. Terminal devices 12a and 12b transmit communication signals that include a terminal ID for identifying their own devices and battery level information of the battery installed in their devices. The terminal ID is also called identification information.

[0018] The management device 10 constantly receives communication signals transmitted and received between terminal device 12a and terminal device 12b. The management device 10 may intercept the communication signals, or it may receive communication signals transmitted to the management device 10 from terminal device 12a or terminal device 12b. The management device 10 obtains battery level information for each terminal device 12 from the received signals. Based on the obtained battery level information, the management device 10 determines whether or not to allow battery replacement. This allows the management device 10 to appropriately replace the batteries of each terminal device 12.

[0019] (Management device) The control device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the control device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the management device 10 includes a mounting unit 20. The mounting unit 20 has a configuration that allows multiple batteries for the terminal device 12 to be mounted. The management device 10 charges the batteries mounted in the mounting unit 20. When the battery level of the battery mounted in the terminal device 12 becomes low, the user of the terminal device 12 can use a fully charged battery by swapping the battery mounted in the terminal device 12 with the battery mounted in the mounting unit 20.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the management device 10 comprises a mounting unit 20, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 26.

[0022] The mounting section 20 is equipped with batteries 21-1 through 21-n (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Batteries 21-1 through 21-n are batteries that are installed in the terminal device 12. When there is no need to distinguish between batteries 21-1 through 21-n, they are collectively referred to as battery 21.

[0023] Batteries 21-1 through 21-n each include memory units 211-1 through 211-n. When there is no need to distinguish between memory units 211-1 through 211-n, they are collectively referred to as memory unit 211.

[0024] The memory unit 211 stores replacement permission information, which includes information about terminal devices 12 authorized to use the charged battery 21 installed in the mounting unit 20. The replacement permission information will be described later.

[0025] The communication unit 22 is a communication interface that performs communication between the management device 10 and external devices. The communication unit 22 intercepts communication signals being transmitted and received between terminal devices 12, for example. The communication unit 22 may also receive communication signals transmitted from terminal devices 12 to the management device 10, for example.

[0026] The memory unit 24 stores various types of information. The memory unit 24 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 26 and information such as programs. The memory unit 24 includes, for example, at least one of the following: RAM (Random Access Memory), main memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and external memory such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0027] The control unit 26 controls each part of the management device 10. The control unit 26 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 26 executes a program that controls the operation of the management device 10 according to the present invention. The control unit 26 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 26 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] The control unit 26 comprises an acquisition unit 30, a detection unit 32, a determination unit 34, and an information setting unit 36.

[0029] The acquisition unit 30 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 30 acquires identification information of the terminal device 12 and battery level information included in the communication signal received or intercepted by the communication unit 22 from the terminal device 12.

[0030] The acquisition unit 30 may, for example, acquire location information from each terminal device 12. The acquisition unit 30 may, for example, acquire communication history information from each terminal device 12.

[0031] The detection unit 32 detects the batteries 21 installed in the mounting unit 20. The detection unit 32 detects, for example, the number of batteries 21 installed in the mounting unit 20. The detection unit 32 detects, for example, the number of charged batteries among the batteries 21 installed in the mounting unit 20 whose charge level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value for the charge level at which a battery is determined to be charged can be set arbitrarily.

[0032] The decision unit 34 determines which terminal devices 12 are permitted to use the charged batteries from among the multiple terminal devices 12. For example, the decision unit 34 determines which terminal devices 12 are permitted to use the charged batteries from among the multiple terminal devices 12 based on the battery level information of the terminal devices 12 acquired by the acquisition unit 30 and the number of charged batteries 21 detected by the detection unit 32. For example, if there are 3 charged batteries 21, the decision unit 34 determines the 3 terminal devices 12 with the lowest battery levels to be permitted to use the charged batteries, in that order. This allows the batteries of terminal devices 12 with low battery levels to be replaced with charged batteries on a priority basis. The decision unit 34 generates replacement permission information that includes identification information of the terminal devices 12 permitted to use the charged batteries.

[0033] The information setting unit 36 ​​causes the storage unit 211 of the battery 21, which has been determined to be a fully charged battery, to store the replacement permission information. The information setting unit 36 ​​may or may not store the replacement permission information in the storage unit 211 of the battery 21 that is being charged. The information setting unit 36 ​​includes an interface for causing the storage unit 211 of the battery 21 to store the replacement permission information.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an example of exchange permission information according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the exchange permission information D1 includes items such as "terminal ID", "battery level", and "judgment result".

[0035] The terminal ID is information used to uniquely identify the terminal device 12. The battery level is information representing the remaining battery level of the battery 21 installed in the terminal device 12 with the corresponding terminal ID. The determination result is information indicating whether or not it is permitted to swap the battery 21 installed in the terminal device 12 with the corresponding terminal ID with the charged battery 21 installed in the mounting unit 20.

[0036] For example, terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#1" has a battery level of "50%" and the judgment result is "Not permitted". In this case, it means that terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#1" is not permitted to replace the battery 21.

[0037] For example, terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#2" has a battery level of "30%" and the judgment result is "permitted". In this case, terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#2" is permitted to replace the battery 21.

[0038] (Terminal device) An example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the terminal device 12 includes a removable battery 21, an input unit 40, a display unit 42, a microphone 44, a speaker 46, a communication unit 48, a GNSS receiver (Global Navigation Satellite System) 50, a storage unit 52, and a control unit 54. The battery 21 installed in the terminal device 12 is configured to supply power for the operation of the terminal device 12.

[0040] The input unit 40 receives various input operations for the terminal device 12. The input unit 40 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 54 corresponding to the received input operation. The input unit 40 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, and a PTT (Push-to-Talk) button. When a touch panel is used as the input unit 40, the input unit 40 is placed on the display unit 42.

[0041] The display unit 42 displays various types of images. The display unit 42 displays, for example, notification information and movement information acquired from the management device 10. The display unit 42 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0042] Microphone 44 is a microphone that detects sounds in the vicinity of the terminal device 12. Microphone 44 detects the voice of the user using the terminal device 12. Microphone 44 converts the detected sound into an audio signal.

[0043] Speaker 46 is a speaker that outputs various types of sounds. Speaker 46 outputs a notification sound, for example, when an unauthorized battery 21 is installed. Speaker 46 also outputs the voice of the user of the communication destination terminal device 12, for example.

[0044] The communication unit 48 is a communication interface that performs communication with other terminal devices 12. The communication unit 48 transmits a communication signal to other terminal devices 12, including, for example, its own device identification information and battery level information of the battery 21. The communication unit 48 may perform communication with other terminal devices 12 using long-range wireless communication, such as a commercial wireless communication network, or it may perform communication with other terminal devices 12 using short-range wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 48 may also communicate directly with the management device 10, for example.

[0045] The GNSS receiving unit 50 consists of a GNSS receiver and the like that receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites. The GNSS receiving unit 50 outputs the received GNSS signals to the control unit 54.

[0046] The memory unit 52 stores various types of information. The memory unit 52 stores the calculation contents of the control unit 54 and information such as programs. The memory unit 52 includes, for example, RAM, and at least one of the following: a main memory device such as ROM, or an external memory device such as an HDD.

[0047] The control unit 54 controls each part of the terminal device 12. The control unit 54 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or MPU and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 54 executes a program that controls the operation of the terminal device 12 according to the present invention. The control unit 54 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 54 may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0048] The control unit 54 includes a permission information acquisition unit 60, a determination unit 62, a notification unit 64, and a location information acquisition unit 66.

[0049] The authorization information acquisition unit 60 acquires the replacement authorization information stored in the storage unit 211 of the battery 21. For example, when a fully charged battery 21 is installed in the device, the authorization information acquisition unit 60 acquires the replacement authorization information from the storage unit 211 of the installed battery 21. The authorization information acquisition unit 60 includes an interface for acquiring the replacement authorization information from the installed battery 21.

[0050] The determination unit 62 determines whether or not to use the battery 21 installed in its own device. For example, when a charged battery 21 is installed in its own device, the determination unit 62 determines whether or not to use the installed battery 21 based on the replacement permission information acquired by the permission information acquisition unit 60. For example, if the replacement permission information associates information that permits the use of a charged battery 21 with the identification information of its own device, the determination unit 62 determines that the use of the battery 21 is permitted. For example, if the replacement permission information does not associate information that permits the use of a charged battery 21 with the identification information of its own device, the determination unit 62 determines that the use of the battery 21 is not permitted.

[0051] The notification unit 64 notifies the user of the device of various information. For example, if the determination unit 62 determines that the use of the charged battery 21 is not permitted, the notification unit 64 notifies the user that the installed battery 21 cannot be used. For example, the notification unit 64 may display on the display unit 42 that the installed battery 21 cannot be used, or it may output an audible notification from the speaker 46 that the installed battery 21 is not in use.

[0052] The location information acquisition unit 66 acquires location information indicating the current location of the device. The location information acquisition unit 66 acquires location information of the device based on the GNSS signal received by the GNSS receiver unit 50. The location information acquisition unit 66 acquires location information indicating the current location of the device periodically, for example.

[0053] (Processing details of the control device) The processing flow of the management device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the management device according to the first embodiment.

[0054] The communication unit 22 receives the communication signal transmitted by the terminal device 12 (step S10).

[0055] The acquisition unit 30 acquires identification information of the terminal device 12 and battery level information from the communication signal received by the communication unit 22 (step S12).

[0056] The detection unit 32 detects the number of fully charged batteries 21 among the multiple batteries 21 installed in the device (step S14).

[0057] The determination unit 34 generates replacement permission information based on the battery level information acquired by the acquisition unit 30 and the number of charged batteries 21 detected by the detection unit 32 (step S16).

[0058] The information setting unit 36 ​​stores the replacement permission information generated by the determination unit 34 in the storage unit 211 of the charged battery 21 (step S18).

[0059] The control unit 26 determines whether or not to terminate the process (step S20). The control unit 26 determines to terminate the process, for example, when the power is turned off. If it is determined to terminate the process (step S20; Yes), the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated. If it is not determined to terminate the process (step S20; No), the process returns to step S10 and the above process is repeated.

[0060] [Processing details of the terminal device] The processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0061] The control unit 54 determines whether a fully charged battery 21 has been installed in the device (step S30). The control unit 54 may also determine whether the battery 21 installed in the device has been replaced. If it is determined that a fully charged battery 21 has been installed in the device (step S30; Yes), the process proceeds to step S32. If it is not determined that a fully charged battery 21 has been installed in the device (step S30; No), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0062] Step S30; If Yes, the authorization information acquisition unit 60 acquires replacement authorization information from the storage unit 211 of the battery 21 installed in the device (Step S32).

[0063] The determination unit 62 determines whether or not the use of the battery 21 installed in its own device is permitted based on the replacement permission information acquired by the permission information acquisition unit 60 (step S34). If it is determined that the use of the battery 21 installed in its own device is permitted (step S34; Yes), the process proceeds to step S36. If it is determined that the use of the battery 21 installed in its own device is not permitted (step S34; No), the process proceeds to step S38.

[0064] Step S34; If Yes, the determination unit 62 determines that the battery 21 installed in its own device is usable (Step S36). In this case, the terminal device 12 can continue to use the battery 21 installed in its own device.

[0065] Step S34; If No, the determination unit 62 determines that the battery 21 installed in its own device will not be used (Step S38). In this case, the terminal device 12 cannot use the battery 21 installed in its own device.

[0066] The notification unit 64 notifies the user that the battery 21 installed in the device is unusable (step S40). Then, it returns to step S30 and repeats the process described above. From the time the battery 21 is installed in the device in step S30 until the time the user is notified in step S40 that the battery 21 is unusable, the terminal device 12 operates using the power of the installed battery 21, and may stop operating after step S40 to discontinue the use of the battery 21.

[0067] The control unit 54 determines whether or not to terminate the process (step S42). For example, the control unit 54 may determine to terminate the process if the power to its own device is turned off. If it is determined to terminate the process (step S42; Yes), the process shown in Figure 7 is terminated. If it is not determined to terminate the process (step S42; No), the process returns to step S30 and the above process is repeated.

[0068] As described above, the first embodiment determines which terminal devices are permitted to use a charged battery based on the remaining battery level of the terminal device and the number of charged batteries. The first embodiment then determines that the battery will not be used if a charged battery is installed in a terminal device that is not permitted to use a charged battery, and notifies the user. This allows the first embodiment to appropriately replace the battery in a terminal device that has a battery with low remaining charge with a charged battery.

[0069] [Modified version of the first embodiment] (Management device) Using Figure 8, an example of the configuration of a control device according to a modified version of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a control device according to a modified version of the first embodiment.

[0070] The control device 10A shown in Figure 8 differs from the control device 10 shown in Figure 3 in that it includes a light-emitting unit 23.

[0071] Multiple light-emitting units 23 are provided for each battery 21 mounting location. When the battery 21 is fully charged, the control unit 26 illuminates the corresponding light-emitting unit 23 to notify the user that charging is complete. This allows the user to easily identify fully charged batteries 21 when replacing the battery 21 installed in the terminal device 12.

[0072] Furthermore, the management device 10A may be equipped with a display unit such as an LED array or an LCD panel. In this case, the control unit 26 may display identification information of the terminal device 12 that is authorized to use a charged battery on the display unit. This allows the user to determine whether or not their device is authorized to use a charged battery 21 before replacing the battery installed in the terminal device 12.

[0073] (First variation of the exchange permission information) A first modified example of the exchange permission information will be described. For example, the determination unit 34 may determine which terminal device 12 to permit the use of a charged battery from among a plurality of terminal devices 12, based on the battery level information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the location information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, and the number of charged batteries 21 detected by the detection unit 32.

[0074] Figure 9 shows an example of exchange permission information relating to the first modification of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, exchange permission information D2 differs from exchange permission information D1 shown in Figure 4 in that it includes an item called "location information". In this case, the terminal device 12 transmits the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 66 along with the identification information of the terminal device 12 and the battery level information in the communication signal, and the management device 10 acquires the location information of the terminal device 12 from the communication signal received by the communication unit 22 using the acquisition unit 30 to create exchange permission information D2.

[0075] The location information represents the location of the terminal device 12 with the corresponding terminal ID. The location information is expressed as (latitude, longitude), for example, the location information of terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#1" is (N1, E1). In the example shown in Figure 9, the location information is conceptually shown as (N1, E1), but in reality, specific numerical values ​​are shown.

[0076] In this case, the decision unit 34 takes into account the location information of each terminal device 12 to determine whether or not to allow the use of the charged battery 21. Specifically, the decision unit 34 may calculate the distance between the management device 10 and each terminal device 12 based on the location information of the management device 10 and the location information of each terminal device 12, and then take into account the calculated distance to determine whether or not to allow the use of the charged battery 21. The location information of the management device 10 may be stored in the storage unit 24 in advance, or the management device 10 may have a function to receive GNSS signals and calculate location information based on GNSS signals.

[0077] The decision unit 34 may, for example, determine that if the distance between the management device 10 and the terminal device 12 is greater than a predetermined distance, even if the battery level is sufficient, it will take time to replace the battery 21, and therefore may allow the use of a pre-charged battery 21. For example, if terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#1" has a sufficient battery level of "50%", but is determined to be farther than a predetermined distance from the management device 10, the determination result will be "permitted". For example, a battery level score, which increases as the battery level decreases, and a distance score, which increases as the distance increases, are calculated, and the determination result is set to "permitted" for the number of pre-charged batteries 21 in order of the highest total value of the battery level score and distance score for each terminal device 12. In this way, convenience is improved by pre-allowing the replacement of the battery 21 for terminal devices 12 that are estimated to have a low battery level when approaching the management device 10, even if the battery level is sufficient.

[0078] (Second variation of the exchange permit information) A second variation of the exchange permission information will now be described. For example, the determination unit 34 may determine which terminal device 12 to permit the use of a charged battery from among a plurality of terminal devices 12, based on the battery level information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the communication history information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, and the number of charged batteries 21 detected by the detection unit 32.

[0079] Figure 10 shows an example of exchange permission information relating to a second modification of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, exchange permission information D3 differs from exchange permission information D1 shown in Figure 4 in that it includes an item called "communication history information".

[0080] The communication history information represents the communication history of terminal device 12 with the corresponding terminal ID. The communication history includes information such as the call destination and call duration. For example, the location information of terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#1" is shown as call history #1-1. In the example shown in Figure 10, the call history information is conceptually shown as call history #1-1, but in reality, it will show specific terminal IDs of the call destination and call duration.

[0081] The decision unit 34 may, for example, determine that if the communication frequency of the terminal device 12 is above a predetermined level, the battery power consumption will increase even if the battery level is sufficient, and therefore permit the use of a pre-charged battery 21. For example, if terminal device 12 with terminal ID "#1" has a sufficient battery level of "50%", but is determined to be above a predetermined level of communication frequency, the determination result will be "permitted". For example, the management device 10 receives or intercepts the communication signal transmitted from terminal device 12 with the communication unit 22 and creates a communication history of terminal device 12 based on the source and destination terminal IDs included in the communication signal and the time the communication signal was received. In this way, convenience is improved by pre-permitting the replacement of the battery 21 for terminal devices 12 that are estimated to run out of battery power quickly due to high communication frequency, even if the battery level is sufficient.

[0082] [Second Embodiment] (Management device) An example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the second embodiment will be described using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, the terminal device 12A has a control unit 54A which includes a request unit 68, a response unit 70, and a management unit 72.

[0084] If the determination unit 62 determines that the device is not permitted to use the charged battery 21, the request unit 68, based on the replacement permission information, sends a request signal via the communication unit 48 to the terminal device 12A, which has identification information that permits the use of the charged battery 21, requesting permission to use the charged battery 21.

[0085] The request unit 68 may, for example, if there are multiple terminal devices 12A that are permitted to use a charged battery 21, preferentially send the request signal to the terminal device 12A with the highest current battery level as indicated in the replacement permission information. This is because terminal devices 12A with a higher current battery level have a lower need to replace the currently installed battery 21, and therefore are more likely to be permitted to use the battery. The request unit 68 may, for example, preferentially send the request signal to the terminal device 12A with the smallest terminal ID indicated in the replacement permission information. The request signal can be described as an inquiry signal from a terminal device 12Aa that is not permitted to use a charged battery 21 to a terminal device 12Ab that is permitted to use a battery 21, asking if it is okay to use the charged battery 21 assigned to terminal device 12Ab.

[0086] When the communication unit 48 receives a request signal from another terminal device 12A, the response unit 70 determines whether or not to allow the other terminal device 12A to use the charged battery 21. For example, when the response unit 70 receives a request signal from another terminal device 12A, it may display on the display unit 42 that a request has been made to use the charged battery 21. The response unit 70 sends a response signal to the other terminal device 12A that sent the request signal, indicating whether or not to allow the use of the charged battery 21.

[0087] The response unit 70 may, for example, confirm the information displayed on the display unit 42 when the user of terminal device 12A checks the information and transmit a response signal to other terminal devices 12A according to the input operation entered into the input unit 40. For example, if the user of terminal device 12A inputs information to the input unit 40 indicating permission to use the charged battery 21, the response unit 70 transmits a response signal to the other terminal device 12A indicating permission to use the charged battery 21. For example, if the user of terminal device 12A inputs information to the input unit 40 indicating that permission to use the charged battery 21 is not permitted, the response unit 70 transmits a response signal to the other terminal device 12A indicating permission not to use the charged battery 21.

[0088] The response unit 70 may, for example, determine the current state of terminal device 12A and transmit a response signal to other terminal devices 12A according to the current state. For example, if the battery level of the battery 21 installed in its own device is above a predetermined level, the response unit 70 transmits a response signal to other terminal devices 12A indicating permission to use the charged battery 21. For example, if the battery level of the battery 21 installed in its own device is below a predetermined level, the response unit 70 transmits a response signal to other terminal devices 12A indicating permission not to use the charged battery 21.

[0089] When the management unit 72 receives a response signal from another terminal device 12A to which the communication unit 48 has sent a request signal, if the received response signal is a signal that permits the use of the charged battery 21, the management unit 72 continues to use the installed charged battery 21.

[0090] If the installed battery 21 is to be used continuously, the management unit 72 sends a notification signal to the management device 10 from another terminal device 12A indicating that permission has been granted to use the charged battery 21.

[0091] (Processing details of the communication system) The processing details of the communication system according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the communication system according to the second embodiment.

[0092] The example shown in Figure 12 illustrates the processing flow between the management device 10 and terminal devices 12Aa, 12Ab, and 12Ac.

[0093] The management device 10 stores the replacement permission information in the storage unit 211 of the charged battery 21 (step S50).

[0094] Terminal device 12Aa obtains the replacement permission information stored in the memory unit 211 of the charged battery 21 installed in itself (step S52). Terminal device 12Aa determines that it is not permitted to use the charged battery 21, and therefore cannot use the installed battery 21 (step S54). Terminal device 12Aa sends a request signal to terminal device 12Ab, which is permitted to use the charged battery 21, requesting permission to use the charged battery 21 (step S56).

[0095] Terminal device 12Ab determines that it will not permit terminal device 12Aa to use the charged battery 21 (step S58). Terminal device 12Ab sends a response signal (not permitted) to terminal device 12Aa indicating that it will not permit the use of the charged battery 21 (step S60).

[0096] When terminal device 12Aa receives a response signal (denial) from terminal device 12Ab, it sends a request signal to terminal device 12Ac, which is authorized to use the charged battery 21, asking for permission to use the charged battery 21 (step S62).

[0097] Terminal device 12Ac determines that it will allow terminal device 12Aa to use the charged battery 21 (step S64). Terminal device 12Ac sends a response signal (permission) to terminal device 12Aa indicating that it will allow the use of the charged battery 21 (step S66).

[0098] When terminal device 12Aa receives a response signal (permission), it terminates the inquiry (step S68). Terminal device 12Aa starts using the charged battery 21 installed in itself (step S70). Terminal device 12Aa sends a notification signal to the management device 10 indicating that it has been granted permission from terminal device 12Ac to use the charged battery 21 (step S72).

[0099] The management device 10 updates the replacement permission information stored in the storage unit 211 of the battery 21 according to the notification signal received from the terminal device 12Aa (step S74).

[0100] (Processing details of the control device) The processing flow of the management device according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the management device according to the second embodiment.

[0101] The processes from steps S80 to S88 are the same as the processes from steps S10 to S18 shown in Figure 6, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0102] The information setting unit 36 ​​determines whether or not it has received a communication signal from the terminal device 12A (step S90). Specifically, the information setting unit 36 ​​determines whether or not it has received a notification signal from the terminal device 12A indicating that it has been permitted to use the charged battery 21 by another terminal device 12A. If it is determined that a notification signal has been received from the terminal device 12A (step S90; Yes), the unit proceeds to step S92. If it is not determined that a notification signal has been received from the terminal device 12A (step S90; No), the unit proceeds to step S94.

[0103] Step S90; If Yes, the information setting unit 36 ​​updates the exchange permission information according to the notification signal received from terminal device 12A (step S92). Specifically, in the case of the notification signal in step S72 of Figure 12, the management device 10 receives a signal in the communication unit 22 indicating that terminal device 12Aa will use the charged battery 21 instead of terminal device 12Ac, and the information setting unit 36 ​​updates the determination result for terminal device 12Ac in the exchange permission information from "permitted" to "not permitted".

[0104] The process in step S94 is the same as the process in step S20 shown in Figure 6, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0105] (Processing details of the terminal device) The processing flow of the terminal device according to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the terminal device according to the second embodiment.

[0106] The processes from step S100 to step S106 are the same as the processes from step S30 to step S36 shown in Figure 7, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0107] The request unit 68 transmits a request signal via the communication unit 48 to the terminal device 12A, which has identification information in the exchange permission information that permits the use of the charged battery 21, requesting permission to use the charged battery 21 (step S108).

[0108] The management unit 72 determines whether or not the use of the charged battery 21 is permitted based on the response signal received by the communication unit 48 in response to the request signal (step S110). If it is determined that the use of the charged battery 21 is permitted (step S110; Yes), the process proceeds to step S112. If it is determined that the use of the charged battery 21 is not permitted (step S110; No), the process proceeds to step S116.

[0109] Step S110; If Yes, the device starts using the charged battery 21 installed in the device (Step S112).

[0110] The management unit 72 transmits a notification signal to the management device 10 indicating that the use of the charged battery 21 has been permitted, including the identification information of its own device and the identification information of the terminal device 12A that authorized the use of the charged battery 21 (step S114).

[0111] Step S110; If No, the request unit 68 determines whether there is another query destination to send the request signal to (Step S116). Specifically, the request unit 68 refers to the exchange permission information and determines that there is a query destination if there is a terminal device 12A among the terminal devices 12A with identification information that is permitted to be used after charging that has not sent a request signal. If it is not determined that there is a query destination to send the request signal to (Step S116; No), proceed to Step S118. If it is determined that there is a query destination to send the request signal to (Step S116; Yes), proceed to Step S122.

[0112] The processes in steps S118 and S120 are the same as those in steps S38 and S40 shown in Figure 7, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0113] Step S116; If Yes, the request unit 68 sends a request signal to the next terminal device 12A (step S122). Then, the process returns to step S110 and the above process is repeated.

[0114] As described above, in the second embodiment, even if the use of a fully charged battery 21 is not permitted, if permission to use a fully charged battery 21 is granted by a terminal device that is permitted to use a fully charged battery 21, the fully charged battery 21 can be used.

[0115] [Modified version of the second embodiment] In the second embodiment, the request unit 68 was described as sending a request signal to each of the other terminal devices 12A in sequence when there are multiple other terminal devices 12A that are permitted to use a charged battery 21, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0116] Furthermore, in a modified version of the second embodiment, if the replacement permission information includes location information, as shown in the replacement permission information D2 in Figure 9, the request unit 68 may determine the order in which to transmit the request signals based on the location information. In this case, the request unit 68 may transmit the request signals in order, for example, starting with the terminal devices 12A that are closest to the management device 10. This is because terminal devices 12A located far from the management device 10 will take time to travel to the management device 10 to replace the battery, and therefore, considering the battery consumption during travel, it may not permit the use of a fully charged battery 21 even if the battery level is high.

[0117] Furthermore, in a modified version of the second embodiment, if the exchange permission information includes communication history information, as shown in the exchange permission information D3 in Figure 10, the request unit 68 may determine the order in which to transmit the request signals based on the communication history information. In this case, the request unit 68 may, for example, transmit the request signals in order starting with terminal devices 12A with less communication history. This is because terminal devices 12A with a lot of communication history consume a lot of battery power, and therefore may not permit the use of a fully charged battery 21 even if the battery level is high.

[0118] Alternatively, if there are multiple other terminal devices 12A that are permitted to use the charged battery 21, the request unit 68 may simultaneously send a request signal to multiple terminal devices 12A. By simultaneously sending a request signal to multiple terminal devices 12A, the time until permission to use the charged battery 21 is granted can be shortened.

[0119] Each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, this distribution and integration configuration may be performed dynamically.

[0120] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Management System 10,10A management device 12, 12a, 12A, 12Aa, 12Ab, 12Ac, 12b Terminal device 20 Mounting part 21,21-1,21-n Battery 22,48 Communications Department 23 Light-emitting part 24,52,211,211-1,211-n Storage section 26,54,54A Control Unit 30 Acquisition Department 32 Detection unit 34 Decision Section 36 Information Setting Section 40 Input section 42 Display section 44 Mike 46 speakers 50 GNSS receiver 60 Permit information acquisition department 62 Judgment section 64 Hochi Department 66 Location information acquisition unit 68 Request part 70 Response section 72 Management Department

Claims

1. A communication unit that receives communication signals from multiple terminal devices, An acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the terminal device and battery level information of the terminal device from the received communication signal, A detection unit that detects the number of charged batteries installed in the device whose charge level is above a predetermined value, A determination unit determines which terminal devices are permitted to use the charged batteries from among a plurality of terminal devices based on the battery level information and the number of charged batteries, and generates exchange permission information including identification information of the permitted terminal devices. An information setting unit that stores the aforementioned replacement permission information in the storage unit of the charged battery, A control device equipped with the following features.

2. A permission information acquisition unit that acquires replacement permission information from the memory unit of a charged battery installed in the device, If, in the acquired exchange permission information, the device's identification information does not have information indicating that the use of the charged battery is permitted, the determination unit determines that the charged battery will not be used. A terminal device equipped with the following features.

3. If the determination unit determines that the charged battery will not be used, the exchange permission information includes a request unit that sends a request signal from the communication unit to another terminal device whose identification information allows the use of the charged battery, requesting permission to use the charged battery. A battery management unit that receives a response signal in response to the request signal in the communication unit, and uses the charged battery if the response signal is a signal that permits the use of the charged battery, comprises The terminal device according to claim 2.

4. The steps include receiving communication signals from multiple terminal devices, The steps include obtaining identification information of the terminal device and battery level information of the terminal device from the received communication signal, The steps include detecting the number of charged batteries installed in the device whose charge level is above a predetermined value, The steps include determining which terminal devices are permitted to use the charged batteries from among a plurality of terminal devices based on the battery level information and the number of charged batteries, and generating exchange permission information including identification information of the permitted terminal devices, The steps include storing the aforementioned replacement permission information in the storage unit of the charged battery, Management methods, including those mentioned above.

5. The steps include obtaining replacement permission information from the memory unit of a charged battery installed in the device, If, in the acquired exchange permission information, the device does not associate information indicating that the use of the charged battery is permitted with the device's identification information, the device determines that the charged battery will not be used. A determination method that includes this.

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