Information processing device, method, computer program, and readable storage medium for controlling a storage device for an energy storage device.

Abstract

This technology provides solutions to meet the needs of users in battery sharing services who want to either "store only" or "acquire only" batteries. [Solution] The information processing device 10 for controlling a storage device 200 that stores multiple energy storage devices 2 includes a request acquisition unit that acquires requests from users only for the provision of energy storage devices 2 that are currently in storage and / or requests from users only for the receipt of energy storage devices 2 that are currently in storage, and a switching unit that switches the operation of the storage device between a first operation mode and a second operation mode different from the first operation mode, according to the acquisition results of the request acquisition unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a method, a computer program, and a readable storage medium for controlling a storage apparatus of an electricity storage device.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, battery exchangers that allow users to replace batteries are known. In such exchangers, on the condition that a used battery is accommodated into the battery exchanger by a user, the battery exchanger provides a charged battery to the user. That is, the user can replace the battery at the battery exchanger.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

PATENT DOCUMENT 2

PATENT DOCUMENT 3

PATENT DOCUMENT 4

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] By the way, except for private use for operations such as delivery, battery exchangers are normally used by individual users. The movement of individual users does not necessarily involve departing from home by an electric vehicle and returning home by the same electric vehicle. As a movement pattern of an individual user, for example, a pattern is conceivable in which the user travels from home to the nearest station by an electric vehicle, travels from the nearest station to a station near the destination by train, and then travels from the station near the destination to the destination by bus, taxi, or the like.

[0005] For individual users who have a contract to use battery exchange machines and battery-powered vehicles such as electric vehicles as a set, there is a need to use them instead of buses or taxis when making the above-mentioned trips, if battery exchange machines or rental battery-powered vehicles are available at stations near their destination.

[0006] However, conventional battery replacement devices have the problem of being limited to only battery replacement and therefore failing to meet the above needs.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide technology that enables battery exchange machines to operate in a "receive only" or "supply only" manner, thereby meeting the above-mentioned user needs and improving the user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) An information processing device (for example, an information processing device 10 described later) for controlling a storage device (for example, a storage device 200 described later) that stores multiple energy storage devices (for example, an energy storage device 2 described later), A request acquisition unit (for example, the request acquisition unit 111 described later) that acquires requests from users only for the provision of the energy storage device while it is in storage and / or requests from users only for the receipt of the energy storage device while it is in storage, A switching unit switches the operation of the storage device between a first operating mode and a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, according to the acquisition result of the request acquisition unit. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

[0009] According to (1) above, if a user wants to perform either "storage only" or "acquisition only" operations on the storage device 200 corresponding to the information processing device 10, the user can perform either "storage only" or "acquisition only". Therefore, it is possible to meet the user's need to perform either "storage only" or "acquisition only", improve the user experience, and increase the user's satisfaction with the battery sharing service.

[0010] (2) When the request acquisition unit acquires a request for provision only, the system further comprises an extraction unit that extracts an energy storage device to be provided to the user from among the plurality of energy storage devices, and / or, when the request acquisition unit acquires a request for receipt only, an acceptance unit that accepts an energy storage device from the user. The information processing device according to (1), wherein the extraction unit extracts energy storage devices to be provided to the user based on an upper limit quantity indicating the upper limit of the number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a currently provided quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user.

[0011] According to (2) above, the number of energy storage devices 2 that can be provided to users can be managed, and it is possible to avoid providing users with more energy storage devices 2 than the upper limit. In addition, as long as the number is below the upper limit, any number of energy storage devices 2 can be acquired, so usage patterns such as switching from a two-wheeled vehicle to a four-wheeled vehicle become possible.

[0012] (3) When the storage device is provided to the user from the storage device, or when the receiving unit receives the power storage device from the user, the quantity currently provided is updated, as described in (2).

[0013] According to (3) above, the number of energy storage devices 2 that can be provided to users can be appropriately managed.

[0014] (4) The system further comprises a determination unit (for example, a determination unit 114 described later) that determines whether or not to provide the energy storage device to the user based on the upper limit quantity to be provided and the quantity currently being provided, The information processing apparatus according to (2) or (3), wherein the extraction unit extracts an energy storage device to be provided to the user based on the determination result by the determination unit.

[0015] According to (4) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0016] (5) The information processing apparatus according to (4), wherein the determination unit determines whether to provide the power storage device to the user based on whether or not the quantity of the power storage device requested by the user is equal to or less than a quantity obtained by subtracting the currently provided quantity from the upper limit provision quantity.

[0017] According to the above (5), it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the power storage device 2 can be provided to the user.

[0018] (6) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the request for provision only or the request for receipt only is determined based on the selection of the user.

[0019] According to the above (6), the same effect as the above (1) can be obtained.

[0020] (7) The request acquisition unit further acquires a request for provision of the power storage device being stored from the user and a request for receipt of the power storage device from the user, The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the switching unit further switches the operation of the storage device to a third operation mode different from the first operation mode and the second operation mode in accordance with the acquisition result of the request acquisition unit.

[0021] According to the above (7), the same effect as the above (1) can be obtained.

[0022] (8) An information processing apparatus for controlling a storage device that stores a plurality of power storage devices, the information processing apparatus comprising: an extraction unit that extracts a power storage device to be provided to the user from the plurality of power storage devices in response to a request from the user , wherein the extraction unit extracts the power storage device to be provided to the user based on an upper limit provision quantity indicating the upper limit of the quantity of power storage devices that can be provided to the user, and a currently provided quantity indicating the quantity of power storage devices currently being provided to the user.

[0023] According to (8) above, the user can perform an "acquisition only" operation of the energy storage device 2 in the storage device 200 corresponding to the information processing device 10. Therefore, it is possible to meet the user's need to perform an "acquisition only" operation, improve the user experience, and increase the user's satisfaction with the battery sharing service.

[0024] (9) A method for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A step of obtaining a request from the user for the provision of the energy storage device while it is in storage and / or a request from the user for the receipt of the energy storage device while it is in storage, Depending on the result of the step of obtaining the aforementioned request, the step of switching the operation of the storage device between a first operating mode and a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, Methods that include...

[0025] According to (9) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0026] (10) A method for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A process of selecting a power storage device to be provided to a user from among the multiple power storage devices in response to a user's request. Includes, The extraction step is a method that includes extracting energy storage devices to be provided to the user based on an upper limit supply quantity indicating the upper limit of the number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a supply quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user.

[0027] According to (10) above, the same effect as in (6) above can be obtained.

[0028] (11) A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A request acquisition unit that acquires requests from users only for the provision of the energy storage device while it is in storage and / or requests from users only for the receipt of the energy storage device while it is in storage, A switching unit switches the operation of the storage device between a first operating mode and a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, according to the acquisition result of the request acquisition unit. A computer program that makes something work.

[0029] According to (11) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0030] (12) A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, In response to a user's request, it functions as an extraction unit that extracts a power storage device from the plurality of power storage devices to be provided to the user. The extraction unit is a computer program that extracts energy storage devices to be provided to the user based on an upper limit quantity indicating the maximum number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a current quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user.

[0031] According to (12) above, the same effect as in (6) above can be obtained.

[0032] (13) A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in (11) or (12).

[0033] According to (13) above, the same effect as in (1) or (6) above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, the battery exchange machine can perform either "receiving only" or "providing only" batteries, thereby meeting the user's needs for a battery exchange machine and improving the user experience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a battery sharing service system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the server configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the tag list information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows user information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] This figure shows the processing flow related to the first control example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8B] This figure shows the processing flow related to the first control example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] This figure shows the processing flow related to the second control example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] This figure shows the processing flow related to the second control example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10A] This figure shows the processing flow related to the third control example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10B] This figure shows the processing flow related to the third control example of the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used to describe each embodiment. Furthermore, in the drawings and this specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements.

[0037] <First Embodiment> (Battery sharing service system) Figure 1 shows an example of a battery sharing service system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The battery share service system 100 includes an information processing device 10 (not shown in Figure 1) and a server 300. The information processing device 10 is installed in, for example, one or more storage devices 200 (two storage devices 200A and 200B are shown in Figure 1). In this case, the information processing device 10 controls the operation of the corresponding storage device 200. The information processing device 10 is connected to the storage devices 200 by wire or wireless. The information processing device 10 may be configured as a single device rather than as a separate device from the storage devices 200.

[0039] The storage device 200 comprises one or more enclosures 1. In Figure 1, one storage device 200 comprises three enclosures 1a, 1b, and 1c. When the storage device 200 comprises multiple enclosures, these enclosures are physically and / or electrically connected to each other. Even if the multiple enclosures are not physically and / or electrically connected, they may constitute a single storage device 200 if they are understood to belong to the same station.

[0040] The enclosure 1 is a device for storing the energy storage device 2. The enclosure 1 has one or more slots SL in which the energy storage device 2 can be accommodated and stored. In the example shown in Figure 1, one enclosure 1 has 12 slots SL. The slots SL detachably hold the energy storage device 2. Of the multiple slots SL of the enclosure 1, at least one slot SL is an empty slot, that is, a slot in which no energy storage device 2 is accommodated. A user P (also referred to as "user") can accommodate an energy storage device 2 owned by the user P in an empty slot.

[0041] The enclosure 1 is a device for charging and / or discharging the energy storage devices 2. The enclosure 1 can simultaneously charge multiple energy storage devices 2 (up to 12 energy storage devices 2 in the example shown in Figure 1) housed in multiple slots SL. "Simultaneous charging" is not limited to cases where charging of multiple energy storage devices 2 is started at the same time, but also includes cases where part of the charging time of a particular energy storage device 2 overlaps with part of the charging time of another energy storage device 2.

[0042] The enclosure 1 is connected to an external power supply 500. The external power supply 500 is, for example, a 100V AC commercial power supply. The power supplied from the external power supply 500 is used to charge the energy storage device 2 housed in slot SL.

[0043] If a fully charged energy storage device 2 exists within the enclosure 1, the enclosure 1 sends a notification to the information processing device 10 indicating the presence of a fully charged energy storage device 2 within the enclosure 1. This allows the information processing device 10 to recognize the energy storage device 2 available to user P.

[0044] When a user P visits the storage device 200 to exchange (i.e., receive and provide), acquire, or store a power storage device 2, the information processing device 10 controls whether a used power storage device 2 is stored in the enclosure 1 or a charged power storage device 2 in the enclosure 1 is provided to user P. User P acquiring a power storage device 2 can also be expressed as the provision of a power storage device 2 in the storage device 200. User P storing a power storage device 2 can also be expressed as the receipt of a power storage device 2 in the storage device 200.

[0045] If the storage device 200 is used for sharing the energy storage device 2 among multiple users P, the provision of the energy storage device 2 to users P in the storage device 200 may be described as users P borrowing the energy storage device 2. Furthermore, the receipt of the energy storage device 2 from users P in the storage device 200 may be described as users P returning the energy storage device 2.

[0046] For example, user P possesses an IC tag T and visits the storage device 200A. The IC tag T is provided to user P in advance, for example, by the operator of the battery sharing service system 100.

[0047] The IC tag T stores a tag identifier that uniquely identifies the IC tag T. As shown in Figure 5, the tag identifier is associated with the user identifier of a specific user P. As shown in Figure 4, the tag identifier is associated with the quantity to be provided, and the quantity of energy storage devices 2 that user P can obtain from the storage device 200 is set by the IC tag T corresponding to the tag identifier.

[0048] The IC tag T may be replaced by an IC card, credit card, etc. Alternatively, the operator of the battery sharing service system 100 may send a tag identifier via a QR code (registered trademark), etc., to any mobile device such as a smartphone of user P, and user P may use said mobile device as the IC tag T.

[0049] Instead of providing user P with the IC tag T itself, user P may be provided with an IC tag T that user P already possesses, by having another tag identifier overwritten by an arbitrary device, thereby storing the other tag identifier.

[0050] User P presents the IC tag T to the authentication unit 220 located at the end of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 reads the information from the IC tag T from the authentication unit 220 and authenticates that user P is a legitimate user. The extraction unit 112 located at the end of the information processing device 10 extracts the energy storage devices 2 that it has determined are available to user P. For example, if the tag identifier TA1 of the IC tag T shown in Figure 1 is associated with the quantity to be provided as "2", the extraction unit 112 extracts two energy storage devices 2 from the storage device 200.

[0051] The information processing device 10 indicates to the user P the location of the slot SL in which the extracted energy storage device 2 is housed by displaying it on the display unit of the storage device 200 (for example, included in the authentication unit 220) (see, for example, Figure 20 of Patent Document 2). If the display unit is a touch panel type, it can accept any touch input operation from the user P to the storage device 200.

[0052] User P confirms the position of slot SL shown on the display unit and obtains the two charged energy storage devices 2 housed in that slot (i.e., they are provided from the storage device 200). User P loads the two energy storage devices 2 obtained from the storage device 200 into the storage compartment of the electric motor 400A located in the vehicle storage space 600A adjacent to the storage device 200A, as shown in Figure 1. User P drives the electric motor 400A to the storage device 200B near the destination. At the storage device 200B, User P stores the used electric motor 400A in the vehicle storage space 600B adjacent to the storage device 200B. User P removes the two energy storage devices 2 from the storage compartment of the used electric motor 400A and stores the two energy storage devices 2 in the storage device 200B.

[0053] The electric motor 400 is any device that can be driven by power supplied from the energy storage device 2. The electric motor 400 is, for example, a vehicle 400A capable of housing two or more energy storage devices 2. For example, if the electric motor 400 is a vehicle 400B capable of housing four energy storage devices 2, the user P may obtain four energy storage devices 2 from the housing 1. The electric motor 400 may also be a portable power supply such as a mobile terminal capable of housing one energy storage device 2.

[0054] At least one enclosure (enclosure 1c in Figure 1) included in each storage device 200 is a station control device 210. The station control device 210 includes an authentication unit 220 (see, for example, Patent Document 3) that has the function of receiving operations from a user P. Through the authentication unit 220, the information processing device 10 can perform user authentication using an IC card, IC tag T, credit card, etc. The authentication unit 220 may be, for example, a user interface shown by reference numeral 136 in Patent Document 2. The station control device 210 may also have the functions of the information processing device 10.

[0055] The server 300 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes one or more of the following: the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The server 300 communicates with multiple storage devices 200 via the network NW and manages the multiple storage devices 200. For example, the server 300 receives information about each storage device 200 and / or information about the energy storage device 2 from each storage device 200, and determines the status of each storage device 200 and / or the energy storage device 2 based on this information.

[0056] Server 300 acquires and analyzes information about user P who uses the storage device 200 from the information processing device 10. Server 300 transmits some or all of the analysis results to the information processing device 10. The analysis results can be used as appropriate in the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0057] Server 300 may communicate directly or via a network NW with terminal device S (not shown) used by user P and manage reservations for the use of the energy storage device 2 stored in storage device 200. Server 300 may also transmit reservation information to storage device 200 based on reservations for the use of the energy storage device 2. Terminal device S is any electronic device, such as a stationary PC, notebook PC, or portable terminal device.

[0058] The services related to the battery sharing service system 100 may be provided for a fee or free of charge.

[0059] (Configuration of information processing device) Figure 2 shows the configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 comprises a processor 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0060] The processor 11 is any arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 11 performs various functions by operating according to a pre-prepared program. Specifically, the processor 11 has the functions of a request acquisition unit 111, an extraction unit 112, a receiving unit 113, and a determination unit 114. These functions will be described later.

[0061] The storage unit 12 is a storage device composed of semiconductor storage media such as SSDs, RAMs, and ROMs, or recording media such as HDDs, magnetic disks, and CD-ROMs. The storage unit 12 may be any temporary-readable storage medium or any non-temporary-readable storage medium. The storage unit 12 stores various data, such as computer programs used for the operation instructions of the processor 11 described above, and threshold data used in the processing of the processor 11. The computer programs or data may be delivered from other devices via the communication unit 13 during the operation of the processor 11, stored in the storage unit 12, and used as appropriate for the processing of the processor 11.

[0062] The communication unit 13 is an interface for connecting to a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. The information processing device 10 communicates with other devices such as the server 300 via the wide-area communication network and the communication unit 13.

[0063] (Server configuration) Figure 3 shows the configuration of server 300. Server 300 comprises a processor 310, a storage unit 320, and a communication unit 330.

[0064] The processor 310 is any arithmetic unit such as a CPU or MPU. The processor 310 performs various functions by operating according to a pre-prepared program. Specifically, the processor 310 has the functions of a supply quantity update unit 311 and a determination unit 312. These functions will be described later.

[0065] The memory unit 320 stores tag list information 321, which is used to authenticate that user P is a subscriber, as shown in Figure 4. The tag list information 321 stores the tag identifier and the quantity to be provided.

[0066] The tag identifier in tag list information 321 uniquely corresponds to the tag identifier stored in the IC tag T owned by user P. The tag identifier is stored in association with the quantity provided.

[0067] The quantity provided indicates the number of energy storage devices 2 provided to user P at one time via the IC tag T. For example, if user P has a contract to use only vehicle 400A capable of accommodating two energy storage devices 2, the tag identifier TA1 of the IC tag T provided to user P in advance will be associated with a quantity of "2". By using this IC tag T, user P can obtain two energy storage devices 2 from the storage device 200. The quantity provided may also correspond to the number of energy storage devices 2 that can be accommodated in the storage compartment of the electric motor 400 that user P has contracted in advance. In other words, the quantity provided may also be the number of energy storage devices 2 necessary to operate the contracted electric motor 400.

[0068] Furthermore, the storage unit 320 stores user information 322, which is used to confirm the maximum quantity to be provided to user P, as shown in Figure 5. The user information 322 stores a user identifier, a tag identifier, the maximum quantity to be provided, and the quantity currently being provided. The user identifier is an identifier used to identify the user.

[0069] The maximum supply quantity indicates the upper limit on the number of energy storage devices 2 that a user can possess (i.e., acquire) in the battery sharing service. In other words, the maximum supply quantity indicates the upper limit on the number of energy storage devices that the storage device 200 can provide to a user. Here, "number of energy storage devices that can be provided" indicates the number of energy storage devices provided to the user at the same time, and the number of energy storage devices 2 that have not been returned to the storage device 200 by the user. The maximum supply quantity is predetermined by the user's contract, etc. The maximum supply quantity can be changed as appropriate by the administrator of the battery sharing service, etc. For example, if a user has contracted for two energy storage devices 2, the maximum number of energy storage devices 2 that the user can possess is two. If a user has contracted for two energy storage devices 2, the user cannot possess three or more energy storage devices 2 at the same time.

[0070] The "Quantity Provided" indicates the number of energy storage devices 2 currently provided to the user. For example, if a user obtains two energy storage devices 2 from the storage device 200 and uses these two devices 2 in an electric two-wheeled vehicle 400A, the "Quantity Provided" is 2. Subsequently, if the user stores (or returns) these two energy storage devices 2 to the storage device 200, the "Quantity Provided" is updated to 0.

[0071] The storage unit 320 is a storage device composed of semiconductor storage media such as SSDs, RAMs, and ROMs, or recording media such as HDDs, magnetic disks, and CD-ROMs. The storage unit 320 may be any temporary-readable storage medium or any non-temporary-readable storage medium. The storage unit 320 stores various data, such as computer programs used for the operation instructions of the processor 310 described above, and threshold data used in the processing of the processor 310. The computer programs or data may be delivered from other devices via the communication unit 330 during the operation of the processor 310, stored in the storage unit 320, and used as appropriate for the processing of the processor 310.

[0072] The communication unit 330 is an interface for connecting to a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. The server 300 communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 10 via the wide-area communication network and the communication unit 330.

[0073] (Example of operation) (1) First example of operation The first operational example shown in Figure 6 is a processing flow for a user to simply place the energy storage device 2 into the storage device 200. Note that the content and sequence of processing shown below are just one example, and the following explanation is not intended to limit the content and sequence of processing.

[0074] Assume that the user information 322 shown in Figure 5 and the tag list information 321 shown in Figure 4 are stored in the storage unit 320 of the server 300. Also assume that user P1, whose user identifier is U1, is currently using two energy storage devices 2 in vehicle 400A. Furthermore, assume that the storage device 200A is equipped with an information processing device 10.

[0075] [Step S101] The server 300 transmits the tag list information 321 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 stores the tag list information 321 received from the server 300 in the storage unit 12.

[0076] User P1 will park the vehicle 400A that they used in vehicle storage space 600A.

[0077] [Step S102] User P1, who possesses the IC tag T1, has the authentication unit 220 of the storage device 200A read the IC tag T1. The information processing device 10 obtains the tag identifier TA1 stored in the IC tag T1.

[0078] [Step S103] The information processing device 10 authenticates user P1. Specifically, the information processing device 10 performs authentication by determining whether the acquired tag identifier TA1 is included in the tag list information 321 stored in the storage unit 12. Since the tag identifier TA1 is included in the tag list information 321, authentication is completed successfully.

[0079] At the same time, user authentication may be performed by reading a user identifier stored in an IC card, credit card, etc., from the authentication unit 220 and querying the server 300 for the said user identifier.

[0080] [Step S104] User P1 removes the two used energy storage devices 2 from the storage compartment of vehicle 400A and places the two used energy storage devices 2 into slot SL of storage device 200A.

[0081] [Step S105] User P1 selects not to replace the energy storage device 2 on the display unit of the storage device 200A. For example, if the display unit is a touch panel, the selection may be made by the user's touch input.

[0082] For example, in step S104, the display unit of the storage device 200A displays a button for selecting "Replace" (i.e., "Receive" and "Provide" in the storage device 200) and a button for selecting "Storage Only" (i.e., "Receive" only in the storage device 200). If user P1 presses the "Replace" button and then the "Confirm" button, user P1 is provided with two charged energy storage devices 2 to replace the two used energy storage devices 2 that have been stored. If user P1 presses the "Storage Only" button and then the "Confirm" button, user P1 can only store the two used energy storage devices 2. In other words, in this case, user P1 does not take the two charged energy storage devices 2 from the storage device 200A.

[0083] Even after user P1 has pressed the "Exchange" button or the "Storage Only" button, they can switch between "Exchange" and "Storage Only" input operations by pressing a button to redo an operation, such as "Back". In other words, even after user P1 has generated a "Storage Only Request" to storage device 200A, user P1 can generate an exchange request (i.e., an acquisition and storage request) for energy storage device 2 from storage device 200A.

[0084] Step S105 shows the case where user P1 presses the "Accommodate Only" button and then presses the "Confirm" button.

[0085] The fact that user P1 has chosen not to replace the energy storage device 2 indicates that user P1 has chosen to only install the energy storage device 2. If user P1 has chosen not to replace the energy storage device 2, the request acquisition unit 111 acquires the request from user P1 to install the energy storage device 2.

[0086] Furthermore, when the request acquisition unit 111 acquires a request from user P1 to accommodate the energy storage device 2, the acceptance unit 113 accepts the energy storage device 2 that has been accommodated in slot SL of the storage device 200A.

[0087] [Step S106] The information processing device 10 transmits the tag identifier TA1 and the fact that only the storage device 2 has been accommodated to the server 300.

[0088] [Step S107] The supply quantity update unit 311 updates the supply quantity in the user information 322.

[0089] Specifically, upon receiving information from the information processing device 10 indicating that only the tag identifier TA1 and the storage device 2 have been accommodated, the provision quantity update unit 311 subtracts the "provision quantity" of tag identifier TA1 from the provision quantity of the user of tag identifier TA1. In other words, the provision quantity update unit 311 updates the provision quantity corresponding to user identifier U1 shown in Figure 5 from 2 to 0.

[0090] (2) Second example of operation The second example of operation shown in Figure 7 is a processing flow for a user to perform only the task of acquiring energy storage device 2 from storage device 200A. Note that the content and sequence of processing shown below is just one example, and the following explanation is not intended to limit the content and sequence of processing.

[0091] Let's assume that the current time is after the processing flow shown in Figure 6 has been executed. That is, the quantity currently provided to user P1, whose user identifier is U1 as shown in Figure 5, has been updated to 0.

[0092] [Step S201] The server 300 transmits the tag list information 321 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 stores the tag list information 321 received from the server 300 in the storage unit 12.

[0093] User P1 visits storage unit 200A.

[0094] [Step S202] User P1, who possesses the IC tag T1, has the authentication unit 220 of the storage device 200A read the IC tag T1. The information processing device 10 obtains the tag identifier TA1 stored in the IC tag T1.

[0095] [Step S203] The information processing device 10 authenticates user P1. Specifically, the information processing device 10 performs authentication by determining whether the acquired tag identifier TA1 is included in the tag list information 321 stored in the storage unit 12. Since the tag identifier TA1 is included in the tag list information 321, authentication is completed successfully.

[0096] At the same time, user authentication may be performed by reading a user identifier stored in an IC card, credit card, etc., from the authentication unit 220 and querying the server 300 for the said user identifier.

[0097] [Step S204] User P1 selects on the touch panel display of the storage device 200A to acquire only the energy from the energy storage device 2.

[0098] For example, in step S204, the display unit of the storage device 200A displays a button for selecting "Replace" and a button for selecting "Acquire only" (i.e., "Provide" only in the storage device 200). If user P1 presses the "Replace" button and then the "Confirm" button, a screen prompting user P1 to place the two used energy storage devices 2 into the storage device 200A is displayed on the display unit. If user P1 presses the "Acquire only" button and then the "Confirm" button, user P1 can request the information processing device 10 to only acquire the two charged energy storage devices 2 in the storage device 200A without placing the energy storage devices 2 into the storage device 200A.

[0099] Even after user P1 has pressed the "Exchange" button or the "Acquire Only" button, they can switch between "Exchange" and "Acquire Only" input operations by pressing a button to redo an operation, such as "Back". In other words, even after user P1 has generated an "acquire only request" to the storage device 200A, user P1 can generate an exchange request for the energy storage device 2 from the storage device 200A (i.e., an acquisition and storage request).

[0100] Furthermore, in step S204, the display unit of the storage device 200A may display three buttons, including a button for selecting "Replace", a button for selecting "Acquire only" (i.e., "Provide" only in the storage device 200), and a button for selecting "Store only" (i.e., "Receive" only in the storage device 200). User P may generate a request to the storage device 200 by selectively pressing any of these three buttons.

[0101] Step S204 shows the case where user P1 presses the "Get Only" button and then presses the "Confirm" button.

[0102] If user P1 chooses to acquire only the energy storage device 2, the request acquisition unit 111 acquires the request from user P1 to acquire the energy storage device 2.

[0103] Furthermore, since the tag identifier TA1 of tag T1 is associated with the quantity "2", the acquisition request from user P1 is a request to acquire two fully charged energy storage devices 2.

[0104] [Step S205] The determination unit 114 determines whether or not there is an energy storage device 2 available to user P1 within the storage device 200A.

[0105] Specifically, if the number of charged energy storage devices 2 stored in the storage device 200A is less than the "quantity to be provided" associated with the tag identifier TA1 of tag T1, the determination unit 114 determines that there are no energy storage devices 2 available to provide to user P1. If the number of charged energy storage devices 2 in the storage device 200A is equal to or greater than the "quantity to be provided," the determination unit 114 determines that there are energy storage devices 2 available to provide to user P1.

[0106] [Step S206] If it is determined that there is no energy storage device 2 available to user P1 in the storage device 200A (Step S205: No), the information processing device 10 notifies user P1 that it is not possible to provide the energy storage device 2. For example, the display unit of the storage device 200A may display this notification.

[0107] [Step S207] If it is determined that there is a power storage device 2 available to user P1 in the storage device 200A (Step S205: Yes), the information processing device 10 sends a request to the server 300 to determine whether or not it can provide the power storage device 2 to user P1.

[0108] Specifically, the information processing device 10 sends the tag identifier TA1 of the tag T1 used by user P1, and a request to determine whether or not it is possible to provide the service, to the server 300.

[0109] [Step S208] The determination unit 312 determines whether or not it is possible to provide the energy storage device 2 to user P1 according to the following (Equation 1). That is, it determines whether or not the quantity to be provided Q1 associated with the tag identifier is less than or equal to the quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity currently provided Q3 from the upper limit quantity to be provided Q2 in the user information 322. Q1 ≤ Q2 - Q3 ... (Equation 1)

[0110] If Q1 is greater than (Q2-Q3), the determination unit 312 determines that it cannot provide the energy storage device 2 to the user. If Q1 is less than or equal to (Q2-Q3), the determination unit 312 determines that it can provide the energy storage device 2 to the user.

[0111] The quantity Q1 provided to tag identifier TA1 is "2". The upper limit quantity Q2 provided to tag identifier TA1 is "2". The current quantity Q3 provided to user P1 is "0". That is, Q1(=2)≦Q2(=2)-Q3(=0), and Q1 is less than or equal to (Q2-Q3). Therefore, the determination unit 312 determines that it can provide the energy storage device 2 to the user.

[0112] [Step S209] The server 300 transmits the determination result to the information processing device 10.

[0113] [Step S210] The determination unit 114 determines whether or not to provide the energy storage device 2 to user P1 based on the determination result received from the server 300.

[0114] If the determination result received from the server 300 indicates that the energy storage device 2 cannot be provided to the user, the determination unit 114 determines that the energy storage device 2 will not be provided to user P1 (step S210: No). At this time, the information processing device 10 notifies user P1 that the energy storage device 2 cannot be provided (step S206).

[0115] If the determination result received from the server 300 indicates that the energy storage device 2 can be provided to user P1, the determination unit 114 determines that the energy storage device 2 will be provided to user P1 (Step S210: Yes).

[0116] [Step S211] The information processing device 10 provides the user P1 with two charged energy storage devices 2.

[0117] Specifically, the extraction unit 112 of the information processing device 10 extracts two energy storage devices 2 from the charged energy storage devices 2 housed in the storage device 200A. The information processing device 10 then provides the two extracted energy storage devices 2 to the user P1.

[0118] [Step S212] The information processing device 10 transmits to the server 300 the tag identifier TA1 and that only the acquisition of the two energy storage devices 2 has been performed.

[0119] [Step S213] The supply quantity update unit 311 updates the supply quantity in the user information 322.

[0120] Specifically, upon receiving information from the information processing device 10 indicating that only the tag identifier TA1 and "two" energy storage devices 2 have been acquired, the provided quantity update unit 311 adds the "provided quantity" of tag identifier TA1 to the user's provided quantity of tag identifier TA1. In other words, the provided quantity update unit 311 updates the provided quantity corresponding to the user identifier U1 shown in Figure 5 from 0 to 2.

[0121] (Control example) Three control examples relating to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0122] (1) First control example Figure 8 shows an example of control where user P1 stores the energy storage device 2 in storage device 200A and acquires the energy storage device 2 in storage device 200B installed at the destination.

[0123] Assume that the user information 322 shown in Figure 5 and the tag list information 321 shown in Figure 4 are stored in the storage unit 320 of the server 300. Also assume that user P1, whose user identifier is U1, is currently using two energy storage devices 2 in the vehicle 400A1. Furthermore, assume that storage device 200A is equipped with an information processing device 10A, and storage device 200B is equipped with an information processing device 10B.

[0124] [Step S301] The server 300 transmits the tag list information 321 to the information processing device 10A and the information processing device 10B. The information processing device 10A and the information processing device 10B store the tag list information 321 received from the server 300 in their respective storage units 12.

[0125] User P1 drives vehicle 400A1 to the nearest station to User P1's home. User P1 arrives at the location of storage device 200A, which is located near the nearest station. User P1 stores vehicle 400A1 in vehicle storage space 600A, which is adjacent to storage device 200A.

[0126] [Steps S302 to S307] Steps S302 to S307 are the same as steps S102 to S107, so the explanation is omitted.

[0127] In step S307, the quantity currently available corresponding to the user identifier U1, as shown in Figure 5, was updated from 2 to 0.

[0128] Next, user P1 travels by train to the nearest station to user P1's company. User P1 arrives at the location of storage device 200B, which is installed at the station nearest to the company.

[0129] [Steps S402 to S413] Steps S402 to S413 are the same as steps S202 to S213, so the explanation is omitted.

[0130] In step S413, the quantity currently available corresponding to the user identifier U1 shown in Figure 5 is updated from 0 to 2.

[0131] User P1 loads the charged energy storage device provided in step S411 into the storage compartment of vehicle 400A2, which is housed in vehicle storage space 600B. User P1 drives vehicle 400A2 to user P1's company.

[0132] (2) Second control example Figure 9 shows an example of control for user P2 to switch from an electric two-wheeled vehicle 400A to an electric four-wheeled vehicle 400B in a vehicle storage space 600A adjacent to the storage device 200A.

[0133] Assume that the user information 322 shown in Figure 5 and the tag list information 321 shown in Figure 4 are stored in the storage unit 320 of the server 300. Also, the user identifier of user P2 is U2, and the maximum number of items provided to user P2 is 4. Furthermore, user P2 possesses IC tag T2 with tag identifier TA2 and IC tag T3 with tag identifier TA3.

[0134] User P2 is currently using two energy storage devices 2 in vehicle 400A. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the current "quantity provided" for user P2 is stored as 2 in the user information 322 of server 300. It is also assumed that the storage device 200A is equipped with an information processing device 10.

[0135] [Step S501] The server 300 transmits the tag list information 321 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 stores the tag list information 321 received from the server 300 in the storage unit 12.

[0136] User P2 drives vehicle 400A and arrives at the location of storage device 200A. User P2 then parks vehicle 400A in vehicle storage space 600A, which is adjacent to storage device 200A.

[0137] [Steps S502-S507] User P2 uses the IC tag T2 to move the two energy storage devices 2 stored in vehicle 400A into storage device 200A, in the same manner as described in steps S102-S107. Note that the detailed explanation of steps S502-S507 is the same as that of steps S102-S107, so the explanation is omitted.

[0138] In step S507, the quantity currently being offered, corresponding to the user identifier U2 shown in Figure 5, is updated from 2 to 0.

[0139] [Steps S602-S607] Next, user P2 performs the operation to acquire the four energy storage devices 2 using the IC tag T3, in the same manner as in steps S202-S207. Note that the detailed explanation of steps S602-S607 is the same as that of steps S202-S207, so the explanation is omitted.

[0140] [Step S608] The determination unit 312 determines whether or not it is possible to provide the energy storage device 2 to the user P2 according to (Equation 1) above.

[0141] Specifically, the quantity Q1 provided to tag identifier TA3 is "4". The upper limit quantity Q2 provided to tag identifier TA3 is "4". The current quantity Q3 provided to user P2 is "0". That is, Q1(=4)≦Q2(=4)-Q3(=0), and Q1 is less than or equal to (Q2-Q3). Therefore, the determination unit 312 determines that it can provide the energy storage device 2 to user P2.

[0142] [Steps S609-S613] User P2 acquires the energy storage device 2 in the same manner as in steps S209-S213. Note that the detailed explanation of steps S609-S613 is the same as that of steps S209-S213, so the explanation is omitted.

[0143] In step S613, the quantity currently available corresponding to the user identifier U2 shown in Figure 5 is updated from 0 to 4.

[0144] User P2 loads the four charged energy storage devices provided in step S611 into the storage compartments of the electric four-wheeled vehicle 400B, which is housed in the vehicle storage space 600A. User P2 then drives and moves the vehicle 400B.

[0145] (3) Third control example Figure 10 shows an example of control used by user P3, who operates a campsite, to allow their customers to use the energy storage device 2.

[0146] Assume that the user information 322 shown in Figure 5 and the tag list information 321 shown in Figure 4 are stored in the storage unit 320 of the server 300. Also, the user identifier of user P3 is U3, and the maximum quantity provided to user P3 is 3. Furthermore, user P3 possesses IC tag T4 with tag identifier TA4, IC tag T5 with tag identifier TA5, and IC tag T6 with tag identifier TA6. The quantity provided associated with tag identifiers TA4 to TA6 is "1" each.

[0147] User P3 is not currently using the energy storage device 2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the current "quantity provided" for user P3 is stored as 0 in the user information 322 of the server 300. It is also assumed that the storage device 200C is equipped with an information processing device 10. The storage device 200C is installed at user P3's campsite.

[0148] [Step S701] The server 300 transmits the tag list information 321 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 stores the tag list information 321 received from the server 300 in the storage unit 12.

[0149] User P3 provides IC tag T4 to customers who visit User P3's campsite.

[0150] [Steps S702-S707] The customer performs the operation to acquire one energy storage device 2 using the IC tag T4 in the same manner as in steps S202-S207. Note that the detailed explanation of steps S702-S707 is the same as that of steps S202-S207, so the explanation is omitted.

[0151] [Step S708] The determination unit 312 determines whether or not it is possible to provide the customer with the energy storage device 2 according to (formula 1) above.

[0152] Specifically, the quantity Q1 provided to tag identifier TA4 is "1". The upper limit quantity Q2 provided to tag identifier TA4 is "3". The current quantity Q3 provided to user P3 is "0". That is, Q1(=1)≦Q2(=3)-Q3(=0), and Q1 is less than or equal to (Q2-Q3). Therefore, the determination unit 312 determines that it can provide the energy storage device 2 to user P3's customer.

[0153] [Steps S709-S713] Customer P3 acquires the energy storage device 2 in the same manner as in steps S209-S213. Note that the detailed explanation of steps S709-S713 is the same as that of steps S209-S213, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0154] In step S713, the quantity currently available corresponding to the user identifier U3 shown in Figure 5 is updated from 0 to 1.

[0155] The customer uses the energy storage device 2, which was acquired from the storage device 200C, inside a tent at a campsite. For example, the energy storage device 2 is stored and used in a portable power supply such as a mobile device.

[0156] Next, the customer brings the used energy storage device 2 and IC tag T4 to the storage device 200C.

[0157] [Steps S802-S807] The customer uses the IC tag T4 to store the used energy storage device 2 in the storage device 200C, as described in steps S102-S107. Note that the detailed explanation of steps S802-S807 is the same as that of steps S102-S107, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0158] In step S807, the quantity currently available, corresponding to the user identifier U3 shown in Figure 5, is updated from 1 to 0.

[0159] The customer returns the IC tag T4 to user P3.

[0160] (Effects and Benefits) The above describes an information processing device 10 for controlling a storage device 200 that stores multiple energy storage devices 2, comprising: a request acquisition unit 111 that acquires requests from users for only the provision of energy storage devices 2 that are currently in storage and / or requests from users for only the receipt of energy storage devices 2 that are currently in storage; and a switching unit that switches the operation of the storage device between a first operation mode and a second operation mode different from the first operation mode, according to the acquisition results of the request acquisition unit 111. Here, "operation of the storage device" refers to the operation of the storage device 200 regarding the receipt and provision of energy storage devices 2. The first operation mode is an operation mode for providing energy storage devices only, and the second operation mode is an operation mode for receiving energy storage devices only. As a result, if a user wants to perform the operation of "storage only" or "acquisition only" of energy storage devices 2 in the storage device 200 corresponding to the information processing device 10, the user can perform either "storage only" or "acquisition only". Therefore, it is possible to meet the user's need to perform "storage only" or "acquisition only", improve the user experience, and improve the user's satisfaction with the battery sharing service.

[0161] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 further includes an extraction unit 112 that extracts a power storage device to be provided to the user from among multiple power storage devices when the request acquisition unit acquires a request for provision only, and / or an acceptance unit 113 that accepts a power storage device from the user when the request acquisition unit acquires a request for receipt only. The extraction unit 112 extracts the power storage device 2 to be provided to the user based on an upper limit provision quantity indicating the upper limit of the power storage device 2 that can be provided to the user, and an ongoing provision quantity indicating the number of power storage devices 2 currently being provided to the user. This makes it possible to manage the number of power storage devices 2 that can be provided to the user and to avoid providing the user with more power storage devices 2 than the upper limit quantity. Also, since any number of power storage devices 2 can be acquired as long as it is less than or equal to the upper limit quantity, usage patterns such as switching from a two-wheeled vehicle to a four-wheeled vehicle become possible.

[0162] Furthermore, when a power storage device 2 is provided to a user from the storage device 200, or when the receiving unit 113 receives a power storage device 2 from a user, the quantity currently provided is updated. This allows for appropriate management of the number of power storage devices 2 available to users.

[0163] Furthermore, the determination unit 114 determines whether or not to provide the energy storage device 2 to the user based on whether the quantity of energy storage device 2 requested by the user is less than or equal to the quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity currently being provided from the upper limit of the quantity to be provided. This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether or not the energy storage device 2 can be provided to the user.

[0164] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 for controlling the storage device 200 that stores multiple energy storage devices 2 includes an extraction unit 112 that, in response to a user's request, extracts an energy storage device to be provided to the user from among the multiple energy storage devices 2. The extraction unit 112 extracts the energy storage device 2 to be provided to the user based on an upper limit quantity indicating the maximum number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a currently provided quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user. This allows the user to perform an "acquisition only" operation of the energy storage device 2 in the storage device 200 corresponding to the information processing device 10. Therefore, it is possible to meet the user's need to perform an "acquisition only" operation, improve the user experience, and increase the user's satisfaction with the battery sharing service. <Second Embodiment> The first embodiment has been described above. Each operation in the first embodiment was performed by a functional unit provided in the information processing device 10A, the information processing device 10B, or the server 300. However, the main entity performing each operation in each embodiment is not limited to the functional unit described in the first embodiment.

[0165] For example, the server 300 may perform some or all of the processing performed by the information processing device 10 (information processing device 10A or information processing device 10B) in the first embodiment described above. That is, the processor 310 of the server 300 may perform processing as a request acquisition unit 111, an extraction unit 112, a receiving unit 113 and / or a determination unit 114.

[0166] For example, information for performing at least one of the authentication process in step S103, the inventory confirmation process in step S205, and the provision determination process in step S210, which were performed by the information processing device 10 in the first embodiment, is transmitted to the server 300. The server 300, upon receiving the information, performs at least one of these processes and transmits the execution result to the information processing device 10. This may realize the process performed by the information processing device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0167] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 (information processing device 10A or information processing device 10B) may perform some or all of the processing that the server 300 performs in the first embodiment described above. That is, the processor 11 of the information processing device 10 may perform processing as the supply quantity update unit 311 and / or determination unit 312.

[0168] For example, the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may store tag list information 321 and user information 322, and the processor 11 may perform the processing of step S208 of the determination unit 312 and the processing of step S213 of the provisioning quantity update unit 311 based on this information. Also, when the processor 11 performs the processing corresponding to step S213 of the provisioning quantity update unit 311, the user information 322 updated by the provisioning quantity update unit 311 may be transmitted to and shared with other information processing devices 10 corresponding to other storage devices 200.

[0169] Each device in the first embodiment (information processing device 10A, information processing device 10B, or server 300) may consist of multiple devices. Each device in the first embodiment may be implemented using cloud computing.

[0170] <Other Embodiments> Although the embodiments have been described above, they are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Each embodiment can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0171] 1 cabinet 10 Information Processing Devices 11 processors 111 Request acquisition part 112 Extraction part 113 Reception Department 114 Judgment section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 100 Battery Sharing Service System 200 Storage device 210 Station Control Unit 220 Authentication Department 300 servers 310 Processor 311 Quantity Update Department 312 Judgment section 320 Storage section 321 Tag List Information 322 User Information 330 Communications Department 2 Energy storage device 2 SL Slot 400 Electric Vehicles 500 external power supply 600 vehicle space P User TIC tag

Claims

1. An information processing device for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A request acquisition unit that acquires requests from users only for the provision of the energy storage device while it is in storage and / or requests from users only for the receipt of the energy storage device while it is in storage, A switching unit switches the operation of the storage device between a first operating mode and a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, according to the acquisition result of the request acquisition unit. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. If the request acquisition unit acquires a request for provision only, the system further comprises an extraction unit that extracts a power storage device to be provided to the user from among the plurality of power storage devices, and / or, if the request acquisition unit acquires a request for receipt only, an acceptance unit that accepts a power storage device from the user. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit extracts energy storage devices to be provided to the user based on an upper limit quantity indicating the upper limit of the number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a currently provided quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the quantity currently being provided is updated when the energy storage device is provided to the user from the storage device, or when the receiving unit receives the energy storage device from the user.

4. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to provide the energy storage device to the user based on the upper limit quantity to be provided and the quantity currently being provided. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the extraction unit extracts an energy storage device to be provided to the user based on the determination result by the determination unit.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not to provide the energy storage device to the user based on whether or not the quantity of energy storage devices requested by the user is less than or equal to the quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity currently being provided from the upper limit quantity to be provided.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the request for provision only or the request for receipt only is determined based on the user's choice.

7. The request acquisition unit further acquires a request from the user for the provision of the stored energy storage device and a request from the user for the receipt of the energy storage device. The switching unit further switches the operation of the storage device to a third operation mode that is different from the first and second operation modes, according to the acquisition result of the request acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing device for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, Extraction unit that, in response to a request from the user, extracts a power storage device to be provided to the user from among the plurality of power storage devices. Equipped with, The extraction unit is an information processing device that extracts energy storage devices to be provided to the user based on an upper limit quantity indicating the upper limit of the number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a currently provided quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user.

9. A method for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A step of obtaining a request from the user for the provision of the energy storage device while it is in storage and / or a request from the user for the receipt of the energy storage device while it is in storage, Depending on the result of the step of obtaining the above-mentioned request, the step of switching the operation of the storage device between a first operating mode and a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, Methods that include...

10. A method for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A process of selecting a power storage device to be provided to a user from among the multiple power storage devices in response to a user's request. Includes, The extraction step is a method that includes extracting energy storage devices to be provided to the user based on an upper limit supply quantity indicating the upper limit of the number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a supply quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user.

11. A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A request acquisition unit that acquires requests from users only for the provision of the energy storage device while it is in storage and / or requests from users only for the receipt of the energy storage device while it is in storage, A switching unit switches the operation of the storage device between a first operating mode and a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, according to the acquisition result of the request acquisition unit. A computer program that makes something work.

12. A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, In response to a user's request, it functions as an extraction unit that extracts a power storage device from the plurality of power storage devices to be provided to the user. The extraction unit is a computer program that extracts energy storage devices to be provided to the user based on an upper limit quantity indicating the maximum number of energy storage devices that can be provided to the user and a current quantity indicating the number of energy storage devices currently being provided to the user.

13. A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in claim 11 or 12.

Images