Information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

Provided are an information processing method and the like capable of suitably utilizing an electric vehicle as a distributed power supply.　The information processing method obtains information indicating a connection status of an electric vehicle to a charger / discharger (3) that is under control of an aggregator, identifies, in accordance with the connection status, the degree of contribution to the aggregator by the electric vehicle, and causes a computer to perform processing for giving a special benefit in association with the user of the electric vehicle in accordance with the identified degree of contribution. The degree of contribution is suitably identified on the basis of: the parallel waiting time and number of times of parallel waiting of the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger (3); and the number of times of charge and discharge, charge / discharge time, charge / discharge power, or charge / discharge power amount of the electric vehicle via the charger / discharger (3).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A method has been proposed in which electric vehicles are used as distributed power sources to adjust supply and demand in power transmission and distribution networks. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle management system that, when a user parks an electric vehicle in a parking lot with a charging station and supplies power to the power grid or charges the vehicle via the charging station, sets reward points that can be used for parking fees, etc., to the user according to transaction information on the charging and discharging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 130930 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the invention in Patent Document 1 merely sets reward points for users who park their vehicles in a specific parking lot, and does not provide users with any benefits when charging or discharging their vehicles at any location, such as their home or workplace.

[0005] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and the like that enables electric vehicles to be suitably utilized as distributed power sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect, the information processing method includes: Chargeable and dischargeable according to commands from Acquire information indicating the connection status of the electric vehicle to the charger; Parallel standby time during which the electric vehicle is connected to the charger / discharger, regardless of whether charging or discharging is performedIn response to the request, the computer executes a process of identifying a degree of contribution made by the electric vehicle to the aggregator, and granting a benefit to the user of the electric vehicle in accordance with the identified degree of contribution. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, electric vehicles can be suitably used as distributed power sources. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a charge / discharge management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal. [Figure 4] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of a user DB, an adjustment schedule DB, a charger / discharger DB, and a public charger DB. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of a terminal. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a point giving process. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for point usage processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for predicting a connection trend. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a charge / discharge management system. In this embodiment, a charge / discharge management system is described that, when an electric vehicle is connected to a charger / discharger 3 under the management of an aggregator that adjusts power supply and demand, a privilege is given to the user of the electric vehicle according to the degree of contribution to the aggregator by connecting the electric vehicle.

[0010] Before describing the charge / discharge management system according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "the system"), the operation form of the system will be described. The operator of the system serves as both a resource aggregator (RA) and an e-mobility service provider (eMSP), and provides power supply and adjustment capabilities to general power transmission and distribution companies, etc., and is also responsible for authentication, billing, etc., during charging at chargers installed in public spaces.

[0011] A resource aggregator is a business that collects a large number of small-scale energy resources (power generation facilities, power storage facilities, and / or load facilities) and utilizes them to provide power supply and adjust supply and demand equivalent to a large-scale power source. Resource aggregators bundle the energy resources of multiple consumers to provide integrated control of power supply and demand, and trade power with general power transmission and distribution businesses, retail businesses, etc.

[0012] In addition, the aggregator referred to in this specification is not limited to a resource aggregator that directly controls the energy resources of consumers, and may be an aggregation coordinator that aggregates multiple resource aggregators. In other words, the aggregator may be any business entity that can directly or indirectly integrate and control the energy resources of multiple consumers.

[0013] An e-mobility service provider is a business that develops the charging infrastructure for chargers installed in public spaces, etc., and handles user authentication when users use the chargers, settlement of charging fees, etc. E-mobility service providers centrally manage each user's payment information (credit card information, etc.), and when a user charges at a charger of an affiliated business, they authenticate the user (for example, ID authentication using an IC card) and settle the payment after charging is complete.

[0014] The present system will be described below. The present system includes an information processing device 1, a terminal 2, a charger / discharger 3, and a public charger 4. Each device is connected to a network N such as the Internet. The charger / discharger 3 and the public charger 4 are also connected to a power transmission / distribution network S, and transmit and receive power between them. Although one charger / discharger 3 and one public charger 4 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the following description will be given assuming that there are multiple chargers / dischargers 3 and multiple public chargers 4.

[0015] The information processing device 1 is an information processing device capable of various information processing and sending and receiving information, such as a server computer, a personal computer, etc. In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 is a server computer, and hereinafter will be read as server 1 for simplicity.

[0016] The server 1 is a server computer of the operator of this system, and identifies the degree of contribution of the user to the aggregator through the electric vehicle (for example, the degree of contribution to the adjustment of power supply and demand in the power transmission and distribution network S) according to the connection status of the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3 under the management of the aggregator (operator), and grants a privilege to the user. Specifically, as described later, the server 1 grants points (credits) that can be used to settle the charging fee at the public chargers 4 distributed in public spaces. By granting the privilege, the aggregator can increase the connection rate of electric vehicles to the charger / discharger 3, while reducing the subscription fee to the public charging service, which is a burden for electric vehicle users.

[0017] The terminal 2 is an information processing terminal used by a user who is a member of the system, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like. As will be described later, the server 1 distributes a connection request for an electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3 to the terminal 2 in response to an adjustment request from a general electricity transmission and distribution company or the like. The server 1 grants points to the user in accordance with the connection status of the electric vehicle in response to the connection request. For example, an application program for performing processing according to this embodiment is pre-installed in the terminal 2, and the terminal 2 executes the application program to display the connection request distributed from the server 1 (see FIG. 6) and allow the user to connect the electric vehicle.

[0018] The charger / discharger 3 is a charger for electric vehicles installed at each consumer and is under the management of an aggregator. The charger / discharger 3 is installed, for example, at the user's home, workplace, etc., and receives power from the power transmission / distribution network S for charging, and discharges (supplies power) from the electric vehicle to the power transmission / distribution network S. The charger / discharger 3 is connected to the server 1 so as to be able to communicate with it, and can charge and discharge in accordance with commands (demand response) from the server 1. As described later, the charger / discharger 3 may be owned by the user, or may be a leased product lent to the user.

[0019] The public chargers 4 are chargers managed by businesses affiliated with the operator of this system, and are distributed in public spaces (such as parking lots and commercial facilities). The public chargers 4 are managed by external CPOs (Charging Point Operators, businesses that install and maintain chargers) or e-mobility service providers other than the operator. The administrator of the public chargers 4 and the operator of this system may be the same person.

[0020] In this embodiment, the aggregator that grants the points and the e-mobility service provider that settles the charging fee for the public charger 4 using the points are described as being the same entity, but the two may be separate businesses. For example, the server 1 may only perform the function of the aggregator (management of the charger / discharger 3), and the function of the e-mobility service provider (settlement of the charging fee) may be performed by another computer. In this way, the two may be separate entities. In this case, the granting and management of points are performed by the server 1.

[0021] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 1. The server 1 includes a control unit 11, a main storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and an auxiliary storage unit 15.

[0022] The control unit 11 has one or more arithmetic processing devices such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc., and performs various information processing, control processing, etc. by reading and executing a program P1 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 15. The main storage unit 12 is a temporary storage area such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory, etc., and temporarily stores data required for the control unit 11 to execute arithmetic processing. The communication unit 13 is a communication module for performing processing related to communication, and transmits and receives information to and from the outside. The display unit 14 is a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays images.

[0023] The auxiliary storage unit 15 is a non-volatile storage area such as a large-capacity memory or a hard disk, and stores a program P1 and other data necessary for the control unit 11 to execute processing. The auxiliary storage unit 15 also stores a user DB 151, an adjustment schedule DB 152, a charger / discharger DB 153, and a public charger DB 154. The user DB 151 is a database that stores information about each user. The adjustment schedule DB 152 is a database that stores an adjustment schedule (schedule) for power supply and demand. The charger / discharger DB 153 is a database that stores information about each charger / discharger 3. The public charger DB 154 is a database that stores information about each public charger 4.

[0024] The auxiliary storage unit 15 may be an external storage device connected to the server 1. The server 1 may be a multi-computer consisting of a plurality of computers, or may be a virtual machine virtually constructed by software.

[0025] The server 1 may also include a reading unit that reads a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium 1a and reads a program P1 (program product) from the recording medium 1a. The program P1 may be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers interconnected via a network N.

[0026] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal 2. The terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a main memory unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, an input unit 25, and an auxiliary memory unit .

[0027] The control unit 21 has one or more processors such as CPUs, and performs various information processing by reading and executing the program P2 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 26. The main storage unit 22 is a temporary storage area such as RAM, and temporarily stores data necessary for the control unit 21 to execute arithmetic processing. The communication unit 23 is a communication module for performing processing related to communication, and transmits and receives information to and from the outside. The display unit 24 is a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays images. The input unit 25 is an operation interface such as a keyboard or mouse, and accepts operation input from the user. The auxiliary storage unit 26 is a non-volatile storage area such as a hard disk or large-capacity memory, and stores the program P2 and other data necessary for the control unit 21 to execute processing.

[0028] The terminal 2 may include a reading unit that reads a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium 2a and reads the program P2 (program product) from the recording medium 2a. The program P2 may be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers interconnected via a network N.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of the user DB 151, the adjustment schedule DB 152, the charger / discharger DB 153, and the public charger DB 154.

[0030] The user DB 151 includes a user ID column, a user name column, a payment column, and a point column. The user ID column stores a user ID that is an identifier for each user. The user name column, the payment column, and the point column store, in association with the user ID, the user name, payment information (e.g., credit card information) to be referenced when settling a bill with the user, and the number of points currently held by the user.

[0031] The adjustment schedule DB152 includes a date and time column, a target column, an adjustment amount column, an agreement price column, and an approved user column. The date and time column stores an adjustment time period during which the adjustment of the power supply and demand is scheduled. The adjustment time period stored in the adjustment schedule DB152 is a time period specified in an adjustment request for the power supply and demand from a general power transmission and distribution company, etc., and is, for example, an adjustment time period agreed upon in an electricity buying and selling transaction agreed upon with the general power transmission and distribution company, etc., via a predetermined electricity market (supply and demand adjustment market, etc.). The target column, the adjustment amount column, the agreement price column, and the approved user column store the range of the power transmission and distribution network S to be adjusted, the adjustment amount of the power supply and demand, the agreement price, and the user ID of a user who approved a connection request of an electric vehicle for supply and demand adjustment, in association with the adjustment time period. Note that the positive and negative signs of the adjustment amount indicate that a positive sign indicates a power supply from a consumer (charger / discharger 3) under the management of the aggregator, i.e., power selling, and that a negative sign indicates a creation of power demand, i.e., power buying.

[0032] The charger / discharger DB 153 includes a charger ID column, a user column, a location column, and a connection history column. The charger ID column stores a charger / discharger ID that is an identifier for each charger / discharger 3. The user column, location column, and connection history column store, in association with the charger / discharger ID, the user ID of the user (owner or lessee) of the charger / discharger 3, the installation location of the charger / discharger 3, and the connection history (connected date and time and charge / discharge amount) of the charger / discharger 3. Note that the positive / negative sign of the charge / discharge amount indicates either charge or discharge (for example, positive indicates discharge and negative indicates charge).

[0033] The public charger DB 154 includes a charger ID column, a partner business operator column, a location column, and a connection history column. The charger ID column stores a charger ID that is an identifier for each public charger 4. The partner business operator column, location column, and connection history column each store, in association with the charger ID, the partner business operator (CPO, etc.) that manages the public charger 4, the installation location of the public charger 4, and the connection history of the electric vehicle of the user of this system at the public charger 4 (for example, the date and time of connection, the amount of charge, the user ID, the charging fee, and the number of points used during charging).

[0034] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows how a user is given a reward according to the user's contribution to the aggregator, and how the reward points are used to charge the vehicle at a public charger 4. The overview of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0035] First, the granting of privileges to users will be described. As described above, the server 1 functions as an aggregator ("RA" in FIG. 5) that controls the energy resources of multiple consumers. A charger / discharger 3 capable of charging electric vehicles and discharging (supplying power) from electric vehicles to the power transmission and distribution network S is installed in some or all of the consumer facilities under the management of the aggregator.

[0036] For example, the charger / discharger 3 is installed at the home, workplace, etc. of a user of an electric vehicle. The charger / discharger 3 is provided (sold or leased) to the user by a predetermined sales company and / or leasing company, and the user charges the electric vehicle using the charger / discharger 3. In this embodiment, the sales company and / or leasing company of the target charger / discharger 3 is also affiliated with the operator of this system.

[0037] In addition, the server 1 not only provides benefits according to the connection status (degree of contribution) of the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3 as described below, but also preferably provides benefits when the user of the electric vehicle introduces (purchases or leases) the charger / discharger 3. Specifically, when a user who is a member of the present system introduces a new charger / discharger 3, the server 1 obtains introduction information indicating that the charger / discharger 3 has been introduced from a sales company and / or leasing company of the charger / discharger 3. The introduction information includes a user ID that is an identifier of the user who has introduced the charger / discharger 3, and information (such as product name) of the introduced charger / discharger 3. When the introduction information is obtained, the server 1 grants a predetermined number of points to the user. For example, the server 1 grants a number of points proportional to the purchase price or lease price of the charger / discharger 3.

[0038] In addition to the purchase price or lease price, the server 1 may change the amount of points awarded depending on whether the charger / discharger 3 is a rapid charger or not. For example, the server 1 may award more points if the charger is a rapid charger. Alternatively, the server 1 may award points only if the charger is a rapid charger. This promotes the spread of rapid chargers, and enables the rapid supply of power (discharging) to the power transmission and distribution network S and the rapid creation of demand (charging) when adjusting power supply and demand, which will be described later.

[0039] Each charger / discharger 3 is connected to be able to communicate with the server 1. The server 1 acquires connection information indicating the connection status of the electric vehicle (presence or absence of connection, amount of charging / discharging, etc.) from each charger / discharger 3. The server 1 stores the acquired connection information in the charger / discharger DB 153 as a connection history in association with a charger ID and a user ID.

[0040] The server 1 gives points to the user according to the connection status of the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3. The points can be used when charging at an affiliated public charger 4 and can be exchanged for the charging fee of the public charger 4. The server 1 specifies the price of points per unit quantity, and when the user uses the public charger 4, the server 1 exchanges the points for the charging fee.

[0041] In this embodiment, the points are used for charging fees, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the points of this system may be integrated with other point programs (such as retail chain point cards) and may be used for purchasing products.

[0042] In addition, in the present embodiment, points are given as a privilege to the user, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the server 1 may give a membership grade representing the rank of the member to a user who is a member of the present system. The membership grade is, for example, a right to charge the public charger 4 free of charge for a certain period of time. For example, when the server 1 specifies the degree of contribution to the aggregator and gives a privilege as described later, the server 1 gives a membership grade such as "platinum," "gold," or "silver" according to the degree of the contribution. The server 1 sets the length of the free period according to the membership grade, and during the free period, the charging fee at the public charger 4 is free of charge. In this way, the privilege given to the user is not limited to electronic points. In addition, the server 1 may change the grade of the privilege separately from the degree of contribution to the aggregator. For example, the server 1 gives a high membership grade to a user who purchases the charger 3 with a lump sum payment or who has signed a long-term (for example, 5-year) lease contract. On the other hand, the server 1 assigns a lower membership grade to a user who has purchased the charger / discharger 3 in installments (e.g., a five-year loan) or signed a short-term lease contract (e.g., a two-year lease). The server 1 stores the grade in the user DB 151 in association with the user ID. The server 1 refers to the user DB 151, and when the user's electric vehicle is charged using the public charger 4, allows charging under different conditions depending on the grade. Furthermore, a different privilege can be granted even if there is no contribution to the aggregator. For example, the server 1 may grant a second privilege to a user who has purchased the charger / discharger 3 or signed a lease contract. In this case, the server 1 stores the second privilege in the user DB 151 in association with the user ID. The server 1 refers to the user DB 151, and when the server 1 charges the electric vehicle of a user who has the second privilege using the distributed public chargers 4, allows charging free of charge or at a lower price than a user who does not have the second privilege or the privilege. The server 1 may also set the grade depending on the purchase or lease conditions. For example, the server 1 gives a high membership grade to a user who purchases the charger / discharger 3 with a lump sum payment or who enters into a long-term (eg, five-year) lease contract.On the other hand, the server 1 gives a low membership grade to a user who purchases the charger / discharger 3 in installments (for example, a five-year loan) or who has signed a short-term lease contract (for example, a two-year lease). The server 1 stores the second privilege and the grade in the user DB 151 in association with the user ID. The server 1 refers to the user DB 151, and when charging an electric vehicle of a user who has the second privilege with the public charger 4, permits charging under different conditions according to the grade. In addition, although an example of an individual user is shown in this embodiment, it is also applicable to a corporate user who owns multiple electric vehicles. In this case, the privilege or the second privilege is given to a predetermined number of staff users belonging to the corporation. Furthermore, the electric vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle, and may be charged and discharged by the charger / discharger 3 according to a pre-programmed schedule.

[0043] As described above, the server 1 grants points according to the connection status of the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3. In this case, the server 1 identifies the degree of contribution of the user to the aggregator according to the connection status of the electric vehicle. The server 1 grants points to the user based on the identified degree of contribution.

[0044] Specifically, the server 1 identifies the contribution as the parallel standby time of the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3, the number of parallel standby times, the number of times the electric vehicle is charged / discharged via the charger / discharger 3, the charge / discharge time, the charge / discharge power (kW), and / or the charge / discharge power amount (kWh) per unit period (week, month, etc.) or in a designated time period. Note that "parallel standby" refers to a state in which an electric vehicle is connected to the charger / discharger 3 (a state in which charging / discharging is possible), regardless of whether charging / discharging is occurring. The designated time period refers to a time period designated by the operator of this system, i.e., the aggregator, and in this embodiment refers to a time period for adjusting power supply and demand agreed (contracted) with a general power transmission and distribution business operator or the like, as described below.

[0045] The server 1 determines the degree of contribution based on at least one of the following data: parallel standby time, parallel standby count, charge / discharge count, charge / discharge time, charge / discharge power, and charge / discharge power amount. Note that these are examples of criteria for the degree of contribution, and other data may be used as the criteria.

[0046] The server 1 awards points such that the greater the contribution, the greater the amount of points awarded. For example, the server 1 awards points in a quantity proportional to the contribution. Alternatively, the server 1 may award points in a quantity proportional to a power of the contribution.

[0047] In this embodiment, as an example, the parallel standby time of electric vehicles in a designated time period designated by the aggregator is identified as the contribution degree, and points are awarded according to the parallel standby time. For example, the server 1 receives a request for adjusting power supply and demand from a general power transmission and distribution company, a retailer, etc., and sets the time period for adjusting power supply and demand designated by the general power transmission and distribution company, etc. as the designated time period.

[0048] For example, the operator of this system, i.e., an aggregator, conducts buying and selling transactions related to power supply and demand with general power transmission and distribution businesses, etc., via a specified power market (wholesale power market, supply and demand adjustment market, capacity market, etc.). The server 1 stores information on transactions agreed upon with general power transmission and distribution businesses, etc., in the adjustment schedule DB 152 as an adjustment request. Information stored in the adjustment schedule DB 152 includes, for example, information on the time period for adjusting power supply and demand, the adjustment amount (power amount), the agreed price, etc. In this system, profits from transactions with general power transmission and distribution businesses, etc., are the source of points.

[0049] In addition, the adjustment request may be received directly from a general electricity transmission and distribution company, etc., without going through the electricity market.

[0050] The server 1 requests each user to connect the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3 in accordance with the adjustment request stored in the adjustment schedule DB 152. Specifically, the server 1 distributes a connection request to the terminal 2 of each user to connect the electric vehicle during the adjustment time slot agreed upon with the general electricity transmission and distribution business operator or the like. In response to the connection request from the server 1, the terminal 2 accepts an operation input from the user as to whether or not to approve the connection request, that is, whether or not to cooperate with the supply and demand adjustment. When the server 1 accepts approval of the connection request from the user and the electric vehicle of the user is connected to the charger / discharger 3 during the adjustment time slot, the server 1 grants points to the user.

[0051] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the terminal 2. In FIG. 6, a display screen of a connection request distributed from the server 1 is shown.

[0052] The terminal 2 displays a screen including owned points 61 and demands 62, 62, 62.... The owned points 61 is the number of points currently owned by the user. The demands 62, 62, 62... are display fields showing connection requests for electric vehicles distributed from the server 1. The terminal 2 displays one or more connection requests distributed from the server 1 in a list as demands 62.

[0053] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the terminal 2 displays on the demand 62 the designated time period (adjustment time period) during which the electric vehicle should be connected and the number of points (amount granted per unit time) to be granted when the electric vehicle is connected during the designated time period. The amount of points to be granted displayed on the demand 62 is determined according to, for example, the trading price of electricity agreed upon with a general electricity transmission and distribution company or the like. The terminal 2 displays an approval button 621 on the demand 62. In response to an operation input to the approval button 621, the terminal 2 accepts approval of the connection request from the user.

[0054] When the server 1 accepts approval of a connection request from each user, the server 1 may change the amount of points given depending on the order in which the approval was accepted. For example, the server 1 may give more points to a certain number of users who are higher in the approval order than to users who are lower in the approval order. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the total number of currently approved users does not reach the capacity (certain number), the terminal 2 displays the added amount of points on the demand 62. This can guide the user to quickly receive approval from many users.

[0055] Returning to Fig. 5, the explanation will be continued. When the designated time period arrives, the server 1 determines whether or not the electric vehicle of each user whose connection request has been approved is connected to the charger / discharger 3. Then, the server 1 gives points to the user according to the time during which the electric vehicle is connected to the charger / discharger 3 during the designated time period, that is, the parallel standby time.

[0056] In this case, the server 1 may determine the degree of contribution of the user by taking into consideration factors other than the parallel waiting time and may award points. For example, if the electric vehicle is disconnected during the specified time period, the server 1 may lower the degree of contribution and award fewer points. This can guide the user not to disconnect during the specified time period.

[0057] Furthermore, the server 1 may specify the degree of contribution according to the remaining amount of stored power (remaining battery capacity) of the electric vehicle when it is connected to the charger / discharger 3. For example, when a request for adjusting power supply (power generation) is received from a general power transmission and distribution business operator, the server 1 increases the degree of contribution and the number of points awarded as the remaining amount of stored power increases. When a request for adjusting power consumption (demand creation) is received, the server 1 increases the degree of contribution and the number of points awarded as the remaining amount of stored power decreases. This makes it possible to guide the user to make an appropriate contribution to the adjustment request.

[0058] Next, the settlement process for charging fees at the public charger 4 using points will be described. For example, each user is issued a membership card (IC card) by the operator of this system (e-mobility service provider). The membership card is a card on which a user ID, which is an identifier for the user, is recorded. The public charger 4 reads the membership card with a reading means (not shown) and makes an inquiry to the server 1.

[0059] In this embodiment, the member card is issued by the operator of this system, but the member card may also be issued by an affiliated business that operates the public charger 4. The business that issues the member card may also be a third party other than the operator of this system and the affiliated business (for example, a business that operates a point program when the points of this system are integrated with another point program).

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, a membership card is used to authenticate the user, but for example, an application program installed on terminal 2 may have an authentication function (a function for sending and receiving an ID with public charger 4), and points may be made available by having public charger 4 communicate with terminal 2.

[0061] The server 1 acquires the user ID read from the membership card and the charger ID, which is an identifier of the public charger 4, from the public charger 4. The server 1 authenticates the user based on the user ID and returns the authentication result to the public charger 4. In addition, when charging is completed at the public charger 4, the server 1 acquires the charging amount (charging fee) from the public charger 4.

[0062] The server 1 reads out the number of points owned by the user associated with the user ID from the user DB 151, and executes a process of settling the charging fee. That is, the server 1 subtracts the number of points owned by the user according to the charging fee, and stores the number of points after subtraction in the user DB 151.

[0063] The server 1 stores information such as the user ID of the user who used the public charger 4, the date and time of use (time period), the amount of charging, the charging fee, and the points used as charging history in the public charger DB 154 in association with the charger ID of the public charger 4. The operator of this system (e-mobility service provider) uses the points to pay the deducted charging fee to the affiliated business.

[0064] If the number of points owned by a user does not reach a certain number, the server 1 may prohibit the user from using points when charging at the public charger 4. This can encourage the user to contribute to the aggregator.

[0065] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing a privilege according to the degree of contribution to the aggregator, it is possible to improve the connection rate of electric vehicles to the charger / discharger 3 and improve the predictability of whether or not they will be connected. In particular, in the present embodiment, by making the privilege available when charging at the public charger 4, it is possible to reduce the subscription fee to the public charging service, which is a burden on the user of the electric vehicle. In the present embodiment, an example in which the server 1 and the public charger 4 cooperate to perform settlement is shown, but this is not limited to this. For example, the CPO may specify the amount of charging of each user at the public charger 4 and transmit a bill according to the specified amount of charging of each user to the server 1. Specifically, the operator of this system distributes a card that can be used at the CPO to the user. The user can use the card to charge at the public charger 4 free of charge. The CPO bills the operator of this system for the user usage fee. The present system accepts the user usage fee and subtracts points. In addition, in the case of a free period depending on the grade of the user, the points are not subtracted.

[0066] 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the point giving process, with reference to which the flow of the process when points are given will be described.

[0067] The control unit 11 of the server 1 reads out an adjustment request for power supply and demand from the adjustment schedule DB 152 (step S11). The adjustment request is an adjustment request for power supply and demand from a general power transmission and distribution business operator, a retail business operator, etc., and is, for example, information on a purchase and sale transaction of power agreed upon with a general power transmission and distribution business operator, etc. in the power market. The control unit 11 reads out information related to the adjustment request (power supply and demand adjustment time period, adjustment amount, etc.) from the adjustment schedule DB 152.

[0068] Based on the read information related to the adjustment request, the control unit 11 distributes a connection request for the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3 to the terminal 2 of each user (step S12). The connection request includes a specified time period (adjustment time period) for connecting the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3, an amount of points to be awarded according to the parallel waiting time, and the like. The control unit 11 accepts approval of the connection request from the terminal 2 of each user (step S13). The control unit 11 stores an identifier (user ID) of the user who approved the connection request in the adjustment schedule DB 152.

[0069] The control unit 11 judges whether or not the start time of the designated time period has arrived (step S14). If it is judged that the start time has not arrived (S14: NO), the control unit 11 waits for processing. If it is judged that the start time has arrived (S14: YES), the control unit 11 sequentially acquires connection information indicating the connection status of the electric vehicle from the charger / discharger 3 corresponding to the user who has approved the connection request, and stores the information in the charger / discharger DB 153 (step S15).

[0070] The control unit 11 determines whether the end of the designated time slot has arrived (step S16). If it has not arrived (S16: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S15. If it has arrived (S16: YES), the control unit 11 identifies the user's contribution to the aggregator according to the connection status of the electric vehicle to the charger / discharger 3 (step S17). Specifically, the control unit 11 identifies the parallel waiting time as the contribution. The control unit 11 assigns points to the user according to the identified contribution (step S18), and ends the series of processes.

[0071] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the point usage process. The flow of the settlement process of the charging fee of the public charger 4 using the points will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0072] When an electric vehicle is connected to the public charger 4, the control unit 11 of the server 1 accepts a charging request for the electric vehicle (step S31). The charging request includes an identifier of the user of the electric vehicle (user ID) and an identifier of the public charger 4 (charger ID).

[0073] The control unit 11 reads out the number of points owned by the user corresponding to the user ID from the user DB 151 (step S32). When charging is completed, the control unit 11 performs settlement processing for the charging fee based on the read number of points (step S33). That is, the server 1 subtracts the number of points owned by the user according to the charging fee, and stores the number of points after subtraction in the user DB 151. The control unit 11 stores the connection history of the electric vehicle to the public charger 4 in the public charger DB 154 (step S34), and ends the series of processes.

[0074] In the above description, it is assumed that the owner of the charger / discharger 3 and the owner of the electric vehicle are the same person, and a special benefit is given to the owner (user) of the electric vehicle, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the server 1 may give a special benefit to the owner of the charger / discharger 3 when the owner of the charger / discharger 3 and the owner of the electric vehicle are different. This case is assumed to be, for example, a case where the user's workplace company is the owner of the charger / discharger 3, or a case where the charger / discharger 3 is installed in a facility used by an unspecified number of users, such as a hotel. In the above case, by giving a special benefit to the owner of the charger / discharger 3, an incentive to contribute to the aggregator can be given not only to the owner of the electric vehicle, but also to a person, organization, etc. that allows the owner of the electric vehicle to use the charger / discharger 3.

[0075] As described above, according to the first embodiment, electric vehicles can be suitably used as distributed power sources.

[0076] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which points that can be used when charging at a public charger 4 are given to a user depending on the connection status to the charger / discharger 3. In the present embodiment, a configuration is described in which the connection trend of an electric vehicle to each charger (the charger / discharger 3 and the public charger 4) is predicted based on the connection history of each charger. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the contents that overlap with the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[0077] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the embodiment 2. Fig. 9 shows an example of a screen displaying a prediction result of predicting future connection trends of the charger / discharger 3 and the public charger 4. The overview of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0078] As described above, the server 1 gives points to the user according to the connection status to the charger / discharger 3, and executes a charging fee settlement process using the points when charging at the public charger 4. As a result, the connection history to each charger is recorded in the charger / discharger DB 153 and the public charger DB 154. The server 1 predicts future connection trends at each charger based on the connection history stored in each database.

[0079] In this embodiment, the connection trends of both the charger / discharger 3 and the public charger 4 are predicted, but the connection trends of only one of them may be predicted.

[0080] Although the specific method of predicting the connection trend is not particularly limited, for example, the server 1 tally up the number of connections, connection time, connection rate (value obtained by dividing the connection time by the unit period) of the electric vehicle per unit period (e.g., one day) for each charger and for each period such as day of the week or season. Based on the tally up results, the server 1 predicts the number of connections, connection time, connection rate, etc. at a certain date and time in the future as connection trends. The server 1 may also predict the next connection date and time of the electric vehicle or the number of connections in a unit period (e.g., next week) based on the connection history of the electric vehicle. In this case, the server 1 stores in the user DB 151 the history of the connection start date and time, connection end date and time, connection target device, charge amount, discharge amount, remaining battery amount, etc. obtained from the electric vehicle when it is connected to the charger / discharger 3 or the public charger 4, etc., in association with the user ID. The server 1 predicts the next connection date and time or the number of connections of the electric vehicle based on the history accumulated in chronological order. Specifically, when the server 1 receives a history obtained in a time series, the server 1 performs prediction by using a machine learning model that predicts a future connection date and time or the number of connections per unit week. By executing this prediction for many electric vehicles, it can be utilized for various power supply services including demand forecasting or installation plans for public chargers 4. Furthermore, the server 1 may predict a predicted charging time zone and a predicted discharging time zone for a specific day of the week based on a history of a user's charging time zone and discharging time zone in the charger / discharger 3. Similarly, the server 1 may estimate a predicted charging frequency and a predicted discharging frequency for a specific month or week based on a history of a user's charging frequency and discharging frequency in the charger / discharger 3. In addition, the server 1 may predict a predicted charging time zone for a specific day of the week based on a history of a user's charging time zone in the public charger 4. Furthermore, the server 1 may predict a connection rate of the charger / discharger 3 where an electric vehicle is connected and contributes to discharging by machine learning. In this case, the learning model receives an adjustment amount, weather, a day of the week, or a time zone, and learns by referring to the weather history, the adjustment schedule DB 152, and the charger / discharger DB 153 so as to output a connection rate at which an electric vehicle that performs discharging is connected. The connection rate is, for example, the number of chargers / dischargers 3 to which discharging electric vehicles are connected, divided by the total number of chargers / dischargers 3 present in the prediction area, and multiplied by 100.The learning model may be, for example, deep learning, LSTM (Long-Short Term Memory), Transformer, decision tree, or SVM (Support Vector Machine), etc. This allows the server 1 to obtain a predicted connection rate by inputting the weather, day of the week, or time period in addition to the adjustment amount requested for the target area into the learning model.

[0081] For example, the server 1 may predict the connection trend to the charger to be predicted by referring to the connection history of other chargers installed in the vicinity of the charger to be predicted, in addition to the connection history of each charger. For example, the server 1 predicts the connection trend by referring to the connection history of chargers located within a predetermined geographical range from the charger to be predicted. This makes it possible to more appropriately predict the connection trend of each charger.

[0082] The server 1 displays the predicted results of the connection trends on the display unit 14. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the server 1 displays a map image showing the location of each charger, and also displays the number of connections, connection time, connection rate, etc. in association with each charger.

[0083] For example, the server 1 provides the predicted connection trend results shown in Fig. 9 to each user who uses the charger and to the affiliated business that manages the public charger 4. The predicted results may also be provided to a third party other than the user and the affiliated business. The server 1 outputs the predicted results to the user and the affiliated business, and enables them to view the screen shown in Fig. 9, etc.

[0084] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for predicting a connection trend, with reference to which the process procedure executed by the server 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0085] The control unit 11 of the server 1 reads out the connection history of each of the charger / discharger 3 and / or the public charger 4 from the charger / discharger DB 153 and / or the public charger DB 154 (step S201). The connection history of the charger / discharger 3 includes the date and time (time period) when the electric vehicle of the user of the present system was connected to the charger / discharger 3, the amount of charge and discharge, etc. The connection history of the public charger 4 includes the time period when the electric vehicle of the user of the present system was connected to the public charger 4, the amount of charge, etc.

[0086] The control unit 11 predicts the connection trend of electric vehicles to the charger / discharger 3 and / or public charger 4 based on the charging history of the charger / discharger 3 and / or public charger 4 (step S202). For example, the control unit 11 predicts the number of connections, connection time, connection rate, etc. of each charger / discharger 3 and / or public charger 4 at a certain date and time in the future. The control unit 11 outputs the prediction result to the user, affiliated business, etc. (step S203), and ends the series of processes.

[0087] Although the above describes a form in which connection trends to each public charger 4 are predicted from the connection history, the number of points required for settling the charging fee for each public charger 4 may be changed according to the connection history to each public charger 4. For example, the server 1 may lower the exchange price per point at the time of settling the charging fee the higher the value of the number of connections, the connection time, the connection rate, etc. is. Alternatively, the server 1 may prohibit the settlement using points when the value of the number of connections, the connection time, the connection rate, etc. is equal to or higher than a certain value. In this way, by raising the number of points required or prohibiting the use of points the higher the frequency of electric vehicles connecting to the public charger 4 (the number of connections per unit period, the connection time, the connection rate, etc.), it is possible to suppress concentration of use at some public chargers 4.

[0088] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to further improve the predictability of whether or not each charger is connected. (Appendix 1) Acquire information indicating the connection status of electric vehicles to chargers under the management of the aggregator; Identifying a contribution of the electric vehicle to the aggregator according to the connection status; A privilege is given to the user of the electric vehicle in accordance with the identified degree of contribution. An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer. (Appendix 2) A second benefit will be given to users who purchase or lease a charger / discharger. 2. An information processing method as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The electric vehicle of a user who has the second privilege is charged at a distributed public charger free of charge or at a lower charge than for a user who does not have the privilege or the second privilege. 2. An information processing method as described in Appendix 2.

[0089] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. Server (information processing device) 11 Control section 12 Main memory 13. Communications Department 14 Display section 15 Auxiliary storage P1 Program 151 User DB 152 Adjustment Plan DB 153 Charger / discharger DB 154 Public charger DB 2. Terminal 21 Control section 22 Main memory 23 Communications Department 24 Display section 25 Input section 26 Auxiliary storage P2 Program 3 Charger / discharger 4 public chargers

Claims

1. Acquire information indicating a connection status of the electric vehicle to a charger that can charge and discharge the electric vehicle in accordance with a command from the aggregator; determining a degree of contribution of the electric vehicle to the aggregator according to a parallel standby time during which the electric vehicle is connected to the charger / discharger, regardless of whether or not the electric vehicle is being charged or discharged; A privilege is given to the user of the electric vehicle in accordance with the identified degree of contribution. An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer.

2. The degree of contribution is determined based on the parallel waiting time during a designated time period designated by the aggregator. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. Obtaining a request for adjusting power supply and demand in a power transmission and distribution network to which the charger / discharger is connected; The degree of contribution is identified based on the parallel waiting time in the adjustment time period specified in the adjustment request.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The benefit that can be used for settling charging fees at distributed public chargers is granted according to the degree of contribution. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Points that can be exchanged for charging fees at the public charger are given as the benefit. The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. The privilege is a free charging period during which charging can be performed at the public charger.

6. The information processing method according to claim 4 or 5.

7. When the user uses the public charger, the benefit corresponding to the user is read from a storage unit; Execute a settlement process for the charging fee according to the read benefit. The information processing method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. When the electric vehicle is connected to the charger / discharger or the public charger, an identifier of the charger / discharger or the public charger and an identifier of the user or the electric vehicle are acquired; An identifier of the charger / discharger or public charger, an identifier of the electric vehicle or user, and a connection date and time of the electric vehicle are stored in a storage unit in association with each other. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A connection trend of electric vehicles to each charger / discharger or each public charger is predicted based on a connection history of each charger / discharger or each public charger stored in the storage unit. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. Acquire introduction information indicating that the user has newly introduced the charger / discharger; When the introduction information is acquired, the privilege is given to the user in association with the introduction information. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a connection status of an electric vehicle to a charger that can charge and discharge in accordance with a command from an aggregator; an identification unit that identifies a contribution of the electric vehicle to the aggregator according to a parallel standby time during which the electric vehicle is connected to the charger / discharger, regardless of whether or not the electric vehicle is being charged or discharged; an awarding unit that awards a benefit to a user of the electric vehicle in accordance with the identified degree of contribution; An information processing device comprising:

12. Acquiring a connection request for an electric vehicle to a charger that can charge and discharge in accordance with a command from an aggregator, the connection request including a designated time period designated by the aggregator; a display unit displays the designated time period and the number of benefits to be provided according to a parallel standby time during which the electric vehicle is connected to the charger / discharger during the designated time period, regardless of whether charging or discharging is performed; A user is asked to input whether or not to approve the connection request. A program that causes a computer to carry out processing.

13. Acquiring information indicating the connection status of electric vehicles to chargers and dischargers under the management of an aggregator; Identifying a contribution of the electric vehicle to the aggregator according to the connection status; According to the identified degree of contribution, a privilege that can be used for settling charging fees at public chargers distributed in a public space is given to the user of the electric vehicle in association with the user. An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer.

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