Method, server, and terminal device for supporting centralized management of batteries installed in multiple vehicles

Abstract

To assist the collective management of batteries loaded on a plurality of vehicles, respectively.SOLUTION: A method is to assist the collective management of batteries 4a of a plurality of vehicles 4. Vehicle information containing vehicle identification information, vehicle position information and battery voltage information is obtained from each of the vehicles 4. A plurality of sub areas 80 is designed in a vehicle storage area 5. A charging necessary vehicle 4' that needs charging is extracted. A first display D1 that displays determination information on the charging necessary vehicle 4' is displayed on a terminal device 2 in a manner divided into each of the sub areas 80. When a predetermined operation is made on the terminal device 2, for the charging necessary vehicle 4' in a managing sub area 80a, a second display D2 that displays the vehicle identification information and the vehicle position information is displayed on the terminal device 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a method, a server, and a terminal device for supporting centralized management of batteries installed in each of a plurality of vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] The disclosed technology discloses a remote vehicle management system that is composed of a vehicle, a server, and a mobile phone (Patent Document 1). In this remote vehicle management system, the owner of the vehicle operates the mobile phone to send a request email to the server. This allows the owner to remotely manage the vehicle he or she owns. Specifically, the vehicle's location can be confirmed, the doors can be opened and closed, and the battery can be charged remotely. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-334862 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Transport ports, transportation companies, dealerships, and the like have locations where a large number of vehicles are stored. In such locations, the stored vehicles need to be maintained in order to maintain the quality of the vehicles.

[0005] For example, the voltage of a battery installed in a vehicle will drop if it is left unused. If the battery voltage continues to drop, the battery will irreversibly deteriorate. Therefore, the battery needs to be periodically charged and managed so that the voltage is maintained at a predetermined value or higher.

[0006] Therefore, in places where many vehicles are stored as described above, in addition to checking the status of the stored vehicles, the voltage of the batteries installed in the stored vehicles is also managed. That is, vehicles that need charging are selected from the many stored vehicles. Then, the worker performing the management work goes to the place where the vehicle is parked and finds the target vehicle. Then, the condition of the vehicle, such as the appearance, is checked. At the same time, the worker charges the battery.

[0007] For example, at a transportation port, hundreds of vehicles are usually stored in a vast space. Because of the huge number of vehicles, it is not easy to select the vehicles that need charging from among them. In addition, because the space is vast, it takes time and effort for workers to go to the location where the vehicle that needs charging is parked. Since many similar vehicles are parked, it is also difficult for workers to find the target vehicle from among them.

[0008] Furthermore, it usually takes a long time to charge a battery. For example, when charging a battery by driving an engine, it takes several hours for the battery voltage to reach an appropriate value. Therefore, currently, one worker can only manage the battery voltage of a few vehicles per day.

[0009] In particular, it is expected that the number of electrical devices installed in vehicles will increase in the future. As the number of electrical devices increases, the amount of power consumed by stored vehicles will also increase. Battery voltage will also decrease more easily, so the workload for managing the batteries is likely to increase.

[0010] Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can support the centralized management of batteries installed in multiple vehicles and reduce the workload involved.

[0011] It is also conceivable to apply the above-mentioned remote vehicle management system to charge the battery remotely. However, the above-mentioned remote vehicle management system is targeted at one vehicle owned by the owner. Therefore, the owner who manages the vehicle only needs to manage a specific vehicle and battery. The owner who manages the vehicle is also familiar with the vehicle model, period of use, and other conditions of the vehicle and battery. Therefore, management is easy.

[0012] In contrast, in the case of stored vehicles as described above, there are a large number of vehicles to be managed. Moreover, the workers who manage the vehicles must manage unspecified vehicles whose conditions are unknown. Therefore, management is difficult.

[0013] Furthermore, when the engine is started remotely from a distance to charge the battery, if a problem occurs, it cannot be dealt with immediately, making it difficult to ensure safety. In contrast, if the engine is started while the worker is directly checking the vehicle, it can be dealt with immediately if a problem occurs, making it possible to ensure safety.

[0014] Therefore, this specification discloses a technique for supporting the centralized management of batteries installed in multiple vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The disclosed technique relates to a method for supporting collective management of batteries mounted on each of a plurality of vehicles parked in a predetermined vehicle storage area, the method including the following plurality of actions.

[0016] The method includes: acquiring vehicle information from each of the vehicles, the vehicle information including vehicle identification information enabling identification of the vehicle, vehicle position information enabling specification of the position of the vehicle, and battery voltage information relating to the voltage of the battery; setting a plurality of sub-areas within the vehicle storage area; extracting vehicles that require charging from the plurality of vehicles based on the battery voltage information; displaying a first display on a predetermined portable terminal device, the first display displaying judgment information regarding the vehicles that require charging in a state in which the judgment information is divided into each of the sub-areas; and displaying a second display on the terminal device, when a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal device based on the first display, the second display displaying the vehicle identification information and the vehicle position information for the vehicles that require charging in a management sub-area selected from the sub-areas.

[0017] That is, this method targets a number of vehicles parked in a specified vehicle storage area and supports the centralized management of the batteries installed in each of these vehicles. Vehicle information is acquired from each of these vehicles. As a result, the location, characteristics, and battery voltage of each vehicle are identified. Then, a number of sub-areas are further set within the vehicle storage area. As a result, the vehicle storage area is subdivided.

[0018] Based on the battery voltage information, vehicles that need to be charged are extracted. As a result, vehicles that require battery management are identified. Then, a first display in which judgment information regarding the vehicles that need to be charged is displayed in a state in which the information is divided into sub-areas is displayed on a portable terminal device. As a result, vehicles that require battery management can be judged for each subdivided area at any location. Therefore, the areas to be managed (management sub-areas) can be further appropriately narrowed down. Since the management range is effectively limited, work efficiency is improved.

[0019] Then, when a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal device based on the first display, the terminal device is caused to display a second display that displays vehicle identification information and vehicle position information for vehicles in the management sub-area that need charging. This allows the second display to be displayed, for example, near the site. Then, near the site, the vehicle that requires battery management can be identified by the second display. Therefore, the vehicle for which management work is to be performed can be found simply and appropriately.

[0020] In this way, this method can effectively support the centralized management of batteries installed in a plurality of vehicles, improving work efficiency and reducing the burden of management work.

[0021] The method may also include the judgment information including a minimum voltage value that is the lowest voltage value of the battery among the vehicles requiring charging parked in the same sub-area, and displaying the minimum voltage value in each of the sub-areas in the first display.

[0022] The lower the battery voltage, the more likely it is that irreversible deterioration will progress. Therefore, by displaying the lowest voltage value in the same sub-area in each sub-area of ​​the first display, the priority of battery management work can be determined. This makes it easier to select a management sub-area.

[0023] The method may also be such that the determination information includes a number of the vehicles requiring charging parked in the same sub-area, and the number of the vehicles requiring charging is displayed in each of the sub-areas in the first display.

[0024] If the number of vehicles that need charging and are parked in the same sub-area is known, the amount of battery management work that needs to be performed in that sub-area can be predicted, making it easier to select the management sub-area.

[0025] The method may also include, when displaying the second display on the terminal device, causing the terminal device to illustrate the positions of the vehicles parked in the management sub-area in a map form, including the position of the vehicle needing charging, and displaying the vehicle identification information of the vehicle needing charging together with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle needing charging that is adjacent to the vehicle needing charging.

[0026] If the vehicle's location is displayed on a map on the terminal device, the vehicle's location can be visually recognized. This makes it easy to identify vehicles that need charging. However, if there is a vehicle that is the same as the vehicle that needs charging in the management sub-area, even if the vehicle that needs charging can be identified, it cannot be determined from its appearance. Therefore, the vehicle that needs charging cannot be found from a distance. In contrast, if the vehicle that needs charging can be identified as well as the vehicles adjacent to the vehicle that needs charging, it can be determined from the combination of these vehicles. Therefore, the vehicle that needs charging can be found even from a distance.

[0027] The method may also include, when displaying the second display on the terminal device, having the terminal device illustrate the positions of the vehicles parked in the management sub-area, including the position of the vehicle needing charging, in a map-like manner, obtaining terminal position information from the terminal device that enables the position of the terminal device to be identified, and, when a specified operation is performed on the terminal device, calculating a route from the terminal device to the vehicle needing charging based on the vehicle position information and the terminal position information of the vehicle needing charging, and displaying the route on the second display.

[0028] If the route from the terminal device to the vehicle in need of charging is displayed on the second display, the user can reach the vehicle in need of charging by following that route, making it easy to find the vehicle in need of charging.

[0029] The method may also include having the terminal device display the locations of all of the vehicles parked in the vehicle storage area in a map-like manner, and setting at least one of the sub-areas by operating the terminal device based on the display.

[0030] By displaying the locations of all vehicles parked in the vehicle storage area on a map on a terminal device, it is possible to visually grasp all vehicles that may be subject to management, which effectively supports appropriate setting of sub-areas.

[0031] The method may also include calculating a distance between adjacent vehicles for all the vehicles parked in the vehicle storage area, and defining at least one of the sub-areas by identifying a group of vehicles parked in close proximity such that the distance between the vehicles is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0032] Vehicles parked in a vehicle storage area are generally distributed in a dense state in multiple locations. Therefore, by identifying a group of vehicles parked in close proximity with the distance between adjacent vehicles being equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is possible to appropriately set sub-areas. Moreover, the setting of sub-areas can be automated.

[0033] The disclosed technology also relates to a server that supports the centralized management of batteries installed in each of a plurality of vehicles parked in a specified vehicle storage area.

[0034] The server includes each of the plurality of vehicles and a specified portable terminal device, an interface that enables input and output of specified vehicle information via a network, a memory that stores the vehicle information and a specified control program, and a processor that processes the vehicle information by executing the control program.

[0035] The vehicle information includes vehicle storage area information enabling identification of the vehicle storage area, vehicle identification information enabling identification of the vehicle, vehicle position information enabling identification of the vehicle, and battery voltage information regarding the voltage of the battery. Then, the processor cooperates with the terminal device to execute the following processes.

[0036] acquiring the vehicle identification information, the vehicle position information, and the battery voltage information by requesting each of the vehicles to output the information based on a command input from the terminal device; A process of setting a plurality of sub-areas within the vehicle storage area based on the vehicle storage area information; extracting a vehicle that needs to be charged from among the plurality of vehicles based on the battery voltage information; A process of displaying, on the terminal device, a first display in which determination information related to the vehicle in need of charging is displayed in a state in which the determination information is divided into each of the sub-areas; and a process of causing the terminal device to display a second display, which displays the vehicle identification information and the vehicle position information for the vehicles requiring charging in a management sub-area selected from among the sub-areas, when a specified command is input from the terminal device.

[0037] That is, this server is used in the above-mentioned support method. The server supports the centralized management of batteries by executing the above-mentioned process. Therefore, similar to the above-mentioned support method, this server can effectively support the centralized management of batteries installed in multiple vehicles. Work efficiency is improved, and the burden of management work can be reduced.

[0038] The disclosed technology also relates to a portable terminal device that supports the collective management of batteries installed in each of a plurality of vehicles parked in a specified vehicle storage area.

[0039] The terminal device comprises a specified server, an interface that enables input and output of specified vehicle information via a network, a memory that stores the vehicle information and a specified control program, a processor that processes the vehicle information by executing the control program, a display that displays the information processed by the processor, and a device that allows input of commands to request the processor to perform specified processing.

[0040] The vehicle information includes vehicle storage area information that enables the location of the vehicle storage area to be specified, vehicle identification information that enables the identification of the vehicle, vehicle location information that enables the location of the vehicle to be specified, and battery voltage information regarding the voltage of the battery. Then, the processor cooperates with the server to execute the following processes.

[0041] acquiring the vehicle identification information, the vehicle position information, and the battery voltage information by requesting each of the vehicles to output the information based on a command input from the device; A process of setting a plurality of sub-areas within the vehicle storage area based on the vehicle storage area information; extracting a vehicle that needs to be charged from among the plurality of vehicles based on the battery voltage information; A process of displaying, on the display, a first display in which determination information related to the vehicle in need of charging is displayed in a state in which the determination information is divided into each of the sub-areas; and a process of displaying, when a predetermined command is input by the device based on the first display, a second display on the display, the second display displaying the vehicle identification information and the vehicle position information of the vehicles requiring charging in a management sub-area selected from among the sub-areas.

[0042] That is, this terminal device is used in the above-mentioned support method. The terminal device supports the centralized management of batteries by executing the above-mentioned process. Therefore, similar to the above-mentioned support method, this terminal device can effectively support the centralized management of batteries installed in multiple vehicles. Work efficiency is improved, and the burden of management work can be reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0043] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to effectively support the centralized management of batteries installed in multiple vehicles, thereby reducing the burden of the management work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a support system based on the disclosed technology. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server and the terminal device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a table of vehicle storage area information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a table of vehicle identification information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle storage area used in explaining the support method. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the overall process flow in the support method. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the overall display. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a sub-area. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a sub-area. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting sub-areas. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first display. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the second display. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the second display illustrating a route. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the third display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an example of the disclosed technology.

[0046] <Support system> 1 shows the configuration of a system for supporting the centralized management of a plurality of batteries 4a (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a support system) based on the disclosed technology. The support system includes a predetermined server 1 and a predetermined terminal device 2.

[0047] The server 1 and the terminal device 2 are configured to be able to communicate with a plurality of vehicles 4 via a network 3. The plurality of vehicles 4 are targets of support in the support system. That is, the above-mentioned plurality of batteries 4a are batteries 4a (vehicle-mounted batteries) mounted on each of the plurality of vehicles 4. The plurality of vehicles 4 are parked in a predetermined vehicle storage area 5.

[0048] A vehicle storage area 5 is a place where a large number of vehicles 4 are stored in a crowded state. Specific examples of vehicle storage areas 5 include, for example, a transportation port, a transportation company, a dealership, etc. Any place where a large number of vehicles 4 are stored in a crowded state for a relatively long period of time can be a vehicle storage area 5.

[0049] (vehicle) The vehicle 4 is, for example, an automobile, a motorcycle, etc. In particular, an automobile is a preferable target for the assistance of this assistance system. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle 4 will be described as an automobile. The vehicle 4 is equipped with a battery 4a mainly as a power source for electrical equipment.

[0050] The battery 4a is generally a lead-acid battery that outputs a voltage of 12V. If the battery 4a is left alone, it will discharge and its voltage will decrease. When the voltage decreases, it will deteriorate irreversibly (so-called sulfation). Therefore, the battery 4a needs to be charged periodically even if it is not in use, and the voltage needs to be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0051] For example, a battery 4a with a voltage lower than 12.6V can be determined to require charging. A battery 4a that requires charging must be charged until it reaches 12.6V or higher. Normally, the battery is charged until it is fully charged (approximately 13V). In the case of normal charging using engine driving, it takes several hours to reach full charge. The assistance system assists in this type of centralized management of the voltages of multiple batteries 4a.

[0052] In this embodiment, the vehicle 4 runs by being driven by an engine. The vehicle 4 may be an electric vehicle that runs by being driven by a motor, or a hybrid vehicle that runs by being driven by both an engine and a motor. In addition to the battery 4a, the vehicle 4 is equipped with various electrical components such as headlights, hazard lights, a horn, and an air conditioner.

[0053] The vehicle 4 is also equipped with a controller that controls the operation of the engine (motor). That is, each vehicle 4 is equipped with electronic devices 4b, such as these electrical components and controllers, that are powered by a battery 4a, together with the battery 4a. The vehicle 4 has an in-vehicle network (Controller Area Network: CAN) 4c. The battery 4a and electronic devices 4b described above are connected to this in-vehicle network 4c.

[0054] Each vehicle 4 is also equipped with an on-board device 4d that constitutes the assistance system. This on-board device 4d is also connected to an on-board network 4c. The on-board device 4d communicates with the battery 4a and the electronic device 4b via the on-board network 4c. The on-board device 4d is composed of a communication device 10, an on-board memory 11, an on-board processor 12, a vehicle control device 13, a vehicle positioning device 14, and the like.

[0055] The communication device 10 enables connection to an external network 3. That is, each of these vehicles 4 is capable of communicating with an external device via a WAN (Wide Area Network) (a so-called connected car).

[0056] The on-board memory 11 stores vehicle information and a control program related to the vehicle 4. That is, the on-board memory 11 stores vehicle identification information that enables identification of the vehicle 4. The vehicle identification information is, for example, a vehicle identification number (Vehicle Identification Number: VIN), a vehicle model name, a vehicle body color, etc. The control program is software, and includes control commands required for receiving assistance in the vehicle 4.

[0057] The in-vehicle processor 12 executes various processes related to the assistance according to the control program. For example, the vehicle control device 13 controls the battery 4a and each electronic device 4b in response to a request from the in-vehicle processor 12. The vehicle control device 13 also acquires information related to the voltage of the battery 4a (battery voltage information) by using the in-vehicle network 4c in response to a request from the in-vehicle processor 12.

[0058] The vehicle control device 13 outputs the acquired battery voltage information to the in-vehicle processor 12. Based on this battery voltage information, the voltage value of the battery 4a is identified. The battery voltage information may be the voltage value of the battery 4a itself.

[0059] The vehicle positioning device 14 is a device capable of measuring the position of the vehicle 4 with high accuracy using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or the like. The vehicle positioning device 14 measures the position of the vehicle 4 in response to a request from the on-board processor 12, and outputs information on the measurement value (vehicle position information) to the on-board processor 12. The on-board processor 12 also outputs each of vehicle identification information, vehicle position information, and battery voltage information to the terminal device 2 or the server 1 in accordance with a command (information on instructions) input from the terminal device 2 or the server 1.

[0060] (server) The server 1 is a high-performance, non-portable computer constituting the assistance system. The server 1 has, as hardware, a server interface 20, a server memory 21, an I / O device 22, a monitor 23, a server processor 24, and the like. The server 1 is connected to a network 3 via the server interface 20. This allows the server 1 to input and output information between the server 1 and each of the multiple vehicles 4 and the terminal devices 2.

[0061] The server 1 also has, as software, a control program for executing each process of the assistance system, and data used therefor. These control programs and data are stored in a server memory 21. The data includes vehicle information acquired from a plurality of vehicles 4. The data is accumulated in the server memory 21. The data accumulated in the server memory 21 is rewritten or erased as necessary.

[0062] The I / O devices 22 include devices that enable input of information to the server 1, such as a keyboard and a mouse. The I / O devices 22 also include devices that enable output of information from the server 1, such as a printer. By inputting a command, the server processor 24 can be requested to execute a specified process. The monitor 23 displays information processed by the server processor 24 in response to the command input by the I / O devices 22.

[0063] The server processor 24 executes a control program in accordance with commands input by the I / O device 22 or commands input from the terminal device 2. The server processor 24 processes various information including vehicle information by executing the control program.

[0064] (Terminal Device) The terminal device 2 is a portable computer constituting the support system. For example, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or the like can be used as the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 has, as hardware, a terminal positioning device 30, a terminal interface 31, a terminal memory 32, an input device 33, a display 34, a terminal processor 35, and the like.

[0065] The terminal device 2 is connected to the network 3 via a terminal interface 31. This allows the terminal device 2 to input and output information to and from each of the multiple vehicles 4 and the server 1.

[0066] The terminal positioning device 30 is a device that can measure the position of the terminal device 2 with high accuracy using GNSS or the like. The terminal positioning device 30 measures the position of the terminal device 2 in response to a request from the terminal processor 35, and outputs information on the measurement value (terminal position information) to the terminal processor 35.

[0067] The terminal device 2 also has, as software, a control program for executing each process of the assistance system, and data used therefor. These control programs and data are stored in the terminal memory 32. The data includes vehicle information acquired from a plurality of vehicles 4 via the server 1. The data is accumulated in the terminal memory 32. The data accumulated in the terminal memory 32 is rewritten or erased as necessary.

[0068] The input device 33 includes a device that enables input of information to the terminal device 2, such as a touch pen. By inputting a command, a request can be made to the terminal processor 35 to execute processing. From the viewpoint of portability, the input device 33 is preferably a touch panel that can be operated with a fingertip. In this case, the display 34 functions as a touch panel and displays information processed by the processor in response to commands input by the touch pen, fingertip, or the like. The display 34 functioning as a touch panel constitutes the input device 33.

[0069] The terminal processor 35 executes a control program based on commands inputted through the input device 33. The terminal processor 35 processes various information including vehicle information by executing the control program.

[0070] In this support system, a command input from the terminal device 2 is also output to the server 1. Then, based on the command, the server processor 24 executes the control program. That is, various processes related to the support are executed in each of the terminal device 2 and the server 1 based on the command input from the terminal device 2. The server 1 and the terminal device 2 cooperate with each other to perform various processes related to the support.

[0071] Typically, the performance of the hardware, such as memory and processor, is higher in the server 1 than in the terminal device 2. The memory storage capacity of the server 1 is also greater than that of the terminal device 2. Therefore, it is preferable for the server 1 to perform complex processing and the terminal device 2 to perform simple processing. The server 1 and the terminal device 2 complement each other by making the most of their respective features. In this way, various support-related processing can be performed efficiently. The series of processing described below is one example.

[0072] (Functional configuration of server and terminal device) 2 shows the functional configuration of the server 1 and the terminal device 2. Each of the server 1 and the terminal device 2 has a functional configuration. These functional configurations are realized by a combination of hardware such as a processor and software such as a control program.

[0073] The server 1 has, as its functional components, a server communication unit 40, a server information processing unit 41, and a server database 42. The terminal device 2 has, as its functional components, a terminal communication unit 50, a terminal information processing unit 51, and a terminal database 52.

[0074] The server communication unit 40 communicates with each of the multiple vehicles 4 and the terminal device 2 via the network 3. The server information processing unit 41 processes various information input through the server communication unit 40 and information stored in the server database 42. The server information processing unit 41 then outputs the processed information to each of the multiple vehicles 4 and the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 40.

[0075] The server database 42 stores various pieces of information input through the server communication unit 40 and information obtained by processing the pieces of information in the server information processing unit 41. The server database 42 stores vehicle information such as vehicle storage area information, vehicle identification information, vehicle position information, and battery voltage information.

[0076] The vehicle storage area information is information that enables identification of the location of the vehicle storage area 5. The vehicle storage area information includes location information that identifies the range that divides the area by latitude, longitude, etc. The vehicle storage area information can be acquired, for example, by using GNSS, etc.

[0077] The vehicle storage area information needs to be registered in advance in the server database 42 in association with each vehicle storage area 5 that may be the target of support. For example, the information can be input using the I / O device 22 and stored in the server database 42. The vehicle storage area information is stored in a predetermined table in the server database 42.

[0078] 3 shows an example of a vehicle storage area information table 60. Seven vehicle storage areas 5, designated A1 to A7, are registered in this table 60. The location information L1 to L7 for each of these areas is stored in association with each of the vehicle storage areas 5. It is sufficient that one or more pieces of vehicle storage area information are stored in advance in the table 60.

[0079] The vehicle identification information stored in the server database 42 is a collection of vehicle identification information, and is composed of the vehicle identification information of multiple vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5. The vehicle identification information of each vehicle 4 is stored in the on-board memory 11. The vehicle identification information is acquired from each vehicle 4 by the server 1 via the network 3. The vehicle identification information is temporarily stored in a predetermined table in the server database 42.

[0080] 4 illustrates an example of a vehicle identification information table 61. This table 61 stores the vehicle identification information of all vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5. Each piece of vehicle identification information is composed of a vehicle identification number, a vehicle model name, a vehicle color, etc. These pieces of information are associated with each other.

[0081] The vehicle identification information is preferably registered in advance in table 61. At least the vehicle identification number needs to be registered in table 61 for the period during which the vehicle 4 is stored in the vehicle storage area 5. For example, when the vehicle 4 is brought in and taken out, the vehicle identification information is input or erased using the I / O device 22. In this way, the vehicle identification information can be stored in the server database 42 for a certain period of time.

[0082] The vehicle position information stored in the server database 42 is a collection of information indicating the positions of multiple vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5. Each vehicle 4 outputs the vehicle position information of that vehicle 4 to the server 1 in response to a command input from the server 1. The server database 42 temporarily stores the vehicle identification information acquired from each vehicle 4 in a state associated with the vehicle identification information of the corresponding vehicle 4.

[0083] The battery voltage information stored in the server database 42 is a collection of battery voltage information, and is composed of battery voltage information for each of the multiple vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5. Each vehicle 4 outputs the battery voltage information of that vehicle 4 to the server 1 in response to a command input from the server 1. The battery voltage information acquired from each vehicle 4 is temporarily stored in the server database 42 in a state associated with the vehicle identification information of the corresponding vehicle 4.

[0084] The terminal communication unit 50 communicates with the server 1 via the network 3. The terminal information processing unit 51 processes various information input from the server 1 through the terminal communication unit 50 and information stored in the terminal database 52. Then, the terminal information processing unit 51 outputs the processed information to the server 1 through the terminal communication unit 50. The terminal database 52 stores various information input through the terminal communication unit 50 and information obtained by processing the terminal information processing unit 51 based on this information.

[0085] The terminal device 2 is carried by a worker who performs management work. From the viewpoint of portability of the terminal device 2, main processing is performed by the server 1 in the support system of this embodiment. The terminal device 2 acquires the minimum necessary vehicle information from the server 1 via the network 3 as necessary. As a result, a relatively small amount of vehicle information, that is, vehicle storage area information, vehicle identification information, vehicle position information, battery voltage information, etc., is temporarily stored in the terminal database 52.

[0086] The terminal device 2 is mainly used as a tool for the worker to input commands for processing related to assistance. Therefore, the display of the display 34 of the terminal device 2, which functions as a touch panel, is designed to facilitate input of commands involving situational judgment (details will be described later).

[0087] <Support method> A support method using the above-mentioned support system will be described. This support method is targeted at a plurality of vehicles 4 parked in a predetermined vehicle storage area 5. This support method supports the collective management of the batteries 4a installed in each of these vehicles 4.

[0088] An example of a vehicle storage area 5 is shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a vehicle storage area 5 at a transportation port. The vehicle storage area 5 is partitioned into a vast space in one section of the port. In Figure 5, three vehicle storage areas 5, 5A, 5B, and 5C, are partitioned. Each of these vehicle storage areas 5 stores a plurality of vehicles 4, for example, several hundred vehicles.

[0089] As shown in an enlarged view in Fig. 5, each vehicle storage area 5 is further partitioned into a plurality of parking areas 70 so that the vehicles 4 can be parked in an aligned state one by one. Between each parking area 70, there is provided a track 71 through which the vehicles 4 can pass. In these parking areas 70, vehicles 4 of various models and colors that have been transported by ship are stored until they are handed over to the transport company.

[0090] During this time, maintenance is required to maintain the quality of these vehicles 4. For example, predetermined checks such as appearance checks and engine operation are performed on each vehicle 4 at intervals. In addition to these checks, the voltage of the battery 4a installed in each vehicle 4 is also managed.

[0091] That is, a vehicle 4 that needs charging is selected from among the stored vehicles 4. After that, the worker goes to the location where the vehicle 4 is parked and finds the target vehicle 4. Then, the worker checks the vehicle 4 and charges the battery 4a.

[0092] However, a huge number of vehicles 4 are stored in the vehicle storage area 5. Moreover, there are many vehicles 4 that are difficult to distinguish between, such as vehicles 4 of the same color and model, and vehicles 4 of the same model that differ only in color. Therefore, it is not easy to find the vehicles 4 that need charging among these vehicles 4. In addition, because the vehicle storage area 5 is a large space, it takes time and effort for workers to go to the vehicles 4 that need charging.

[0093] Furthermore, it generally takes a long time to charge the battery 4a. For example, when charging the battery 4a by driving the engine, it takes several hours for the voltage of the battery 4a to reach an appropriate value. Therefore, the reality is that one worker can only charge a few vehicles per day. This is extremely inefficient and improvements are needed.

[0094] Therefore, this support method supports the collective management of the batteries 4a so that such work can be performed simply and efficiently. That is, this support method includes actions for executing information acquisition processing, whole display processing, sub-area setting processing, target extraction processing, first display processing, second display processing, and guidance processing using the above-mentioned support system. These actions support the collective management of the batteries 4a. Details of these actions will be described later.

[0095] Here, the information acquisition process is a process of acquiring vehicle identification information, vehicle position information, and battery voltage information from each vehicle 4. The overall display process is a process of causing the terminal device 2 to display, in map form, the positions of all vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5. The sub-area setting process is a process of setting a plurality of sub-areas 80 within the vehicle storage area 5. The target extraction process is a process of extracting vehicles 4 that require charging (vehicles 4' that require charging) from among the plurality of vehicles 4 based on battery voltage information.

[0096] The first display process is a process for causing the terminal device 2 to display a first display D1 that displays determination information related to the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, with the first display D1 divided into each of the subareas 80. The second display process is a process for causing the terminal device 2 to display a second display D2 that displays vehicle identification information and vehicle position information of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged that is parked in the management subarea 80a, when an operation for selecting the management subarea 80a from the subareas 80 based on the first display D1 is performed on the terminal device 2. The guidance process is a process for guiding the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged.

[0097] Specific examples of these processes are shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the overall flow of these processes. In FIG. 6, the sequence on the left side shows the flow of the processes executed in vehicle 4. Note that there are multiple vehicles 4 (usually several hundred), but for convenience, only vehicles 4 that do not require charging and vehicles 4 that require charging (vehicles 4' that require charging) are shown here. In FIG. 6, the sequence in the center shows the flow of the processes executed in server 1. In FIG. 6, the sequence on the right side shows the flow of the processes executed in terminal device 2.

[0098] As described above, vehicle storage area information and vehicle identification information are stored in advance in the server 1 (server database 42). In this explanation, it is assumed that one vehicle storage area 5A is the subject of management among three vehicle storage areas 5A, 5B, and 5C shown in Fig. 5. The vehicle storage area 5 to be managed is not limited to one. There may be multiple areas, and they can be set arbitrarily.

[0099] First, the terminal device 2 is carried by a worker who performs management work. Here, the terminal device 2 is described as a tablet PC. Then, the worker operates the terminal device 2, specifically the display 34, to start a predetermined application that executes support (step ST1). As a result, the terminal information processing unit 51 and the server information processing unit 41 in the terminal device 2 and the server 1 start executing a series of processes related to the support.

[0100] The worker operates the display 34 to input a command to transmit the vehicle information (step ST2). As a result, the terminal device 2 (more specifically, the terminal information processing unit 51, the same applies hereinafter in this description) outputs a command C1 to the server 1 (more specifically, the server information processing unit 41, the same applies hereinafter in this description) to request each vehicle 4 to output vehicle information (specifically, vehicle identification information, vehicle position information, and battery voltage information).

[0101] Based on the command C1, the server 1 simultaneously transmits a command C2 instructing the transmission of the vehicle information to all the vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5 (step SS1). Note that the processes of steps ST2 and SS1 may be performed automatically by starting an application.

[0102] In each vehicle 4, when command C2 is input, the in-vehicle processor 12 outputs vehicle information D1 including vehicle identification information, vehicle position information, and battery voltage information to the server 1 (step SV1). Note that if the vehicle identification information has been registered in advance in the server database 42, outputting the vehicle identification information to the server 1 is not essential.

[0103] Steps ST1 and ST2 in the terminal device 2, step SS1 in the server 1, and step SV1 in the vehicle 4 correspond to the information acquisition process described above.

[0104] When the server 1 receives vehicle information D1 from each vehicle 4, it outputs a command C3 instructing an all-over display DT to the terminal device 2 (step SS2). When the command C3 is received, the terminal device 2 displays the all-over display DT on the display 34. Here, the all-over display DT is a display that illustrates the positions of all vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5 in a map-like manner.

[0105] An example of the overall display DT is shown in Fig. 7. In the overall display DT, the entire target vehicle storage area 5 is illustrated in map form on the screen of the display 34. In the illustrated vehicle storage area 5, the distribution of the vehicles 4 parked there is displayed in accordance with the display of the vehicle storage area 5. In Fig. 7, each of the marks M1 shown as a rectangle represents a vehicle 4. Note that the shape of the marks M1 is just an example.

[0106] When the overall display DT is performed, for example, vehicle storage area information and vehicle position information of each vehicle 4 are transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 executes a process of illustrating the overall display DT on the display 34 based on this information.

[0107] The whole display DT displayed on the display 34 can be enlarged or reduced. For example, the whole display DT can be enlarged or reduced by performing a pinch operation (a pinching operation with two fingers) on the display 34. This is effective when the display 34 is small, such as a smartphone, and the vehicle storage area 5 is large.

[0108] Step ST3 in the terminal device 2 and step SS2 in the server 1 correspond to the above-mentioned whole display process.

[0109] The worker operates the terminal device 2 based on the illustrated overall display DT to set the sub-areas 80. The sub-areas 80 are areas that are set in the vehicle storage area 5. The sub-areas 80 divide the multiple vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5 into smaller groups.

[0110] By setting the sub-areas 80, the large number of vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5 can be arbitrarily divided into smaller areas. For example, if there are areas that are clearly not subject to management, such as areas that were subject to management the previous day, these areas can be excluded in advance by setting the sub-areas 80. By setting the sub-areas 80, the number and areas of vehicles 4 to be subject to management can be narrowed down. Work efficiency is improved.

[0111] There are various possible methods for setting the sub-area 80. FIG. 8 shows an example of a method by an operator (manual method). One of these is to surround the sub-area 80 by touching the screen of the display 34 with a fingertip or a touch pen, as indicated by the arrow Y1. The other is to display a rectangular frame on the screen of the display 34 and surround the sub-area 80 with the frame, as indicated by the thin solid line L1. The frame can be displayed in any size and shape at any position by specifying two diagonal points P1 and P2 on the screen. The frame may be circular.

[0112] The sub-area 80 may be set in advance. For example, the sub-area information may be registered at the same time as the vehicle storage area information is registered. Specifically, the sub-area information that enables the location of the sub-area 80 to be specified is stored in the server database 42 in association with the vehicle storage area information. In this way, the sub-area 80 can be automatically displayed together with the whole display DT, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 8.

[0113] The worker may specify the number of sub-areas 80, and the sub-areas 80 may be set accordingly. That is, the terminal device 2 divides the vehicle storage area 5 into equal sections according to the specified number, and displays each of the equal sections as a sub-area 80 on the overall display DT.

[0114] 9 illustrates an example of the overall display DT when nine sub-areas 80 are specified. Each sub-area 80 has the same area. The vehicle storage area 5 is divided into a grid pattern by straight lines (dividing lines L2) along latitude and longitude. However, the shapes of the vehicle storage areas 5 vary. Furthermore, the parking positions of the vehicles 4 also vary. Therefore, it is difficult to appropriately set the sub-areas 80 by simply dividing them into equal areas.

[0115] Therefore, it is preferable to make the position of the demarcation line L2 adjustable by the worker. For example, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 9, the worker looks at the overall display DT and moves the end of the demarcation line L2 so that the sub-area 80 is appropriately set. In this way, the demarcation line L2 can be adjusted by moving it up and down, left and right, or tilting it.

[0116] The sub-area 80 may be automatically set based on the density of the vehicles 4. That is, in the vehicle storage area 5, the vehicles 4 are generally parked in a state where they are relatively close together, as in the above-mentioned parking area 70. Therefore, based on the density of the vehicles 4, an appropriate sub-area 80 can be automatically set.

[0117] A specific example is shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 5, in the vehicle storage area 5, a plurality of parking areas 70 are adjacent to each other via a lane 71. The width of the lane 71 is set to a size (e.g., 3 m) that allows vehicles 4 to pass through. In contrast, in the parking areas 70, the vehicles 4 are parked in a densely packed state. Therefore, the intervals between adjacent vehicles 4 are narrow.

[0118] Therefore, the server 1 performs a process of calculating the interval (vehicle interval) between adjacent vehicles 4 for all vehicles 4 parked in the vehicle storage area 5. The vehicle interval referred to here is not the interval between the marks M1 but the actual interval between the vehicles 4.

[0119] In this case, when the vehicle 4 is adjacent to the vehicle 4 only in one of the directions of the front, rear, left and right, there may be a plurality of vehicle intervals of different sizes (for example, V1, V2, V3 in FIG. 10). In such a case, the server 1 adopts the smallest interval (for example, G1, G2, G3 in FIG. 10) as the vehicle interval of the vehicle 4.

[0120] The server 1 then identifies a group of vehicles 4 that are stopped close to each other and have a vehicle interval equal to or less than a predetermined value. By setting a predetermined value, such as 2 m, taking into consideration the vehicle intervals G1, G2, and G3 and the aisle width G4, the parking area 70 can be automatically set as a sub-area 80.

[0121] The set sub-area 80 can be reset. For example, it is preferable to be able to reset the sub-area 80 by touching the inside of the sub-area 80 displayed on the screen of the display 34. Setting of the sub-area 80 may be performed by any one of the above-mentioned methods, or by combining these methods. It may also be performed by a method other than the above-mentioned methods. In this embodiment, it is assumed that five sub-areas 80 consisting of A to E are set.

[0122] When the sub-area 80 is set by the operator, the terminal device 2 outputs a command C4 to the server 1 based on the setting (step ST4). When the command C4 is input, the server 1 executes a process of setting the sub-area 80 in the vehicle storage area 5 as data (step SS3).

[0123] Step ST4 in the terminal device 2 and step SS3 in the server 1 correspond to the sub-area setting process described above. If the entire sub-area setting process is performed automatically, the whole display process is unnecessary and can be omitted. Similarly, the process of step ST4 in the terminal device 2 can also be omitted.

[0124] Once the sub-areas 80 are set, the server 1 executes a process of extracting vehicles 4' in need of charging in each sub-area 80 (step SS4).

[0125] Specifically, the server 1 identifies the voltage value of the battery 4a of the vehicle 4 parked in each set sub-area 80 based on the acquired battery voltage information of each vehicle 4. Then, the server 1 determines whether or not the battery 4a needs to be charged based on these voltage values. For example, the server 1 determines that the battery 4a with a voltage lower than 12.6V needs to be charged.

[0126] A reference value (a voltage value or a value equivalent to a voltage value) for determining the necessity of charging is set in advance in the server 1. By comparing with the reference value, the server 1 extracts vehicles 4 that need charging (vehicles 4′ in need of charging) in each of the sub-areas 80.

[0127] Step SS4 in the server 1 corresponds to the target extraction process described above.

[0128] After performing the target extraction process, the server 1 and the terminal device 2 execute a first display process. That is, the server 1 generates a first display D1 (more specifically, data for displaying the first display D1) that displays determination information related to the vehicle 4' that needs charging (step SS5). Then, the server 1 transmits data D2 of the generated first display D1 to the terminal device 2. Upon receiving the data D2 of the first display D1 from the server 1, the terminal device 2 displays the first display D1 on the display 34 of the terminal device 2 in a state where it is divided into each of the sub-areas 80 (step ST5).

[0129] An example of the first display D1 is shown in Fig. 11. Five set sub-areas 80 (A to E) are displayed in the first display D1. In the first display D1, these sub-areas 80 are illustrated in a map-like manner while maintaining their relative positions to one another in order to facilitate visual recognition. In the first display D1, the shape of each sub-area 80 is also simplified, for example, shown in a rectangular frame.

[0130] The size of each subarea 80 may be represented so as to be proportional to the actual surface area of ​​each subarea 80. This makes it easier to visually identify the size of each subarea 80. The size of each subarea 80 may also be represented so as to be proportional to the number of vehicles 4 parked in each subarea 80. This makes it easier to visually identify the number of vehicles 4 in each subarea 80. In either case, this makes it easier to narrow down the subareas 80 that are the subject of management operations.

[0131] The size of the above-mentioned sub-area 80 or the number of parked vehicles 4 may be distinguished by coloring each sub-area 80 and distinguishing the number of parked vehicles 4 by the shade of the color. In this case, it is also possible to easily distinguish visually. Note that the first display D1 displayed on the display 34 can be enlarged and reduced in the same way as the whole display DT.

[0132] As information for narrowing down the sub-areas 80 to be subject to management work, judgment information related to the vehicles 4' needing charging is displayed in each of the sub-areas 80 displayed in the first display D1. The judgment information includes the number of vehicles 4' needing charging in each sub-area 80 (number of vehicles), and the minimum voltage value of the batteries 4a of the vehicles 4' needing charging in each sub-area 80.

[0133] Specifically, each sub-area 80 displays the number of vehicles 4' that need to be charged and are parked in the same sub-area 80. For example, in sub-area 80(A), there are no vehicles 4' that need to be charged, so the number of vehicles is displayed as "0." In sub-area 80(D), there are five vehicles 4' that need to be charged, so the number of vehicles is displayed as "5." This display makes it easy to estimate the time required for management work.

[0134] Furthermore, each sub-area 80 also displays the lowest voltage value (minimum voltage value) of the battery 4a among the vehicles 4' that need to be charged and are parked in the same sub-area 80. For example, in sub-area 80(C), there is one vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, so the voltage value (12.0V) of that battery 4a is displayed. In sub-area 80(D), the lowest voltage value (10.8V) of the battery 4a among the five vehicles 4' that need to be charged is displayed. The lower the voltage value, the greater the need for charging. Therefore, this display makes it possible to determine the priority order of the batteries 4a that need to be charged.

[0135] By using such a first display D1, the worker can easily and efficiently narrow down the sub-area 80 to be managed. That is, as described above, the vehicle storage area 5 is vast. Therefore, if the entire area is to be managed, the worker must walk a long distance. This places a heavy physical burden on the worker and reduces work efficiency.

[0136] In contrast, in this support method, multiple small sub-areas 80 are set in advance within the vehicle storage area 5. Then, from among these sub-areas 80, the sub-areas 80 to be managed (managed sub-areas 80a) are narrowed down based on judgment information related to the vehicles 4' that need to be charged. This eliminates the need for workers to walk long distances. Management work can also be consolidated. This reduces the physical burden on workers and improves work efficiency. When there are multiple workers, it is easy to set the allocation of work among them, which is also advantageous in that respect.

[0137] When the first display D1 is displayed on the display 34 of the terminal device 2, the worker looks at the first display D1 and narrows down the management sub-area 80a. Then, the worker touches the management sub-area 80a displayed on the display 34. That is, the worker inputs a command to select the management sub-area 80a to the terminal device 2 using the display 34. Then, the terminal device 2 selects the narrowed down management sub-area 80a, and transmits data D3 specifying the management sub-area 80a to the server 1 (step ST6).

[0138] Here, it is assumed that the sub-area 80(E) has been narrowed down as the management sub-area 80a. Step SS5 in the server 1 and steps ST5 and ST6 in the terminal device 2 correspond to the first display process described above.

[0139] After performing the first display process, the server 1 and the terminal device 2 execute the second display process. That is, the server 1 generates a second display D2 (more specifically, data for displaying the second display D2) that displays the vehicle identification information and vehicle position information of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged and is parked in the management sub-area 80a (step SS6). Then, the server 1 transmits data D4 of the generated second display D2 to the terminal device 2. Upon receiving the data D4 of the second display D2 from the server 1, the terminal device 2 displays the second display D2 on the display 34 of the terminal device 2 (step ST7).

[0140] 12 shows an example of the second display D2. As described above, in the first display D1, the sub-area 80(E) is selected as the managed sub-area 80a, and therefore in the second display D2, the positions of the vehicles 4 parked in the sub-area 80(E), including the position of the vehicle 4' that needs charging, are illustrated in a map-like manner on the display 34. Note that the second display D2 shown on the display 34 can be enlarged and reduced in the same way as the entire display DT and the first display D1.

[0141] Each vehicle 4 is displayed in a simplified state as an icon I, including its front / rear and left / right orientation. The positional relationship of the icon I of each vehicle 4 is displayed in the same manner as the actual vehicle 4, based on the vehicle position information. The vehicle model name is displayed in the icon I of each vehicle 4, based on the vehicle identification information. The icon I of each vehicle 4 is colored based on the vehicle identification information. In other words, the icon I of each vehicle 4 is displayed in a color corresponding to the body color of the actual vehicle 4.

[0142] The second display D2 does not display the vehicle identification number. In order to identify the vehicle identification number, it is necessary to directly approach the vehicle 4. In contrast, the vehicle type and body color can be identified without directly approaching the vehicle 4. Therefore, since the vehicle 4 can be identified from a distance, the worker can easily find the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged.

[0143] The icon Ic of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged is further highlighted, for example by being drawn with a thick line. The icon Ic of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged is particularly set to display a speech bubble B. In addition, the model name, body color, and voltage value of the battery 4a related to the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged are displayed in the speech bubble B.

[0144] The vehicle model names do not have to be displayed for all vehicles 4 parked in the management sub-area 80a, but may be displayed along with the vehicle model name of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, as well as the vehicle model names of the vehicles 4 adjacent to the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged. Even if the vehicle model name and body color of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged are identified, if there is a vehicle 4 with the same model name and body color in the management sub-area 80a, it will be difficult to find the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged from a distance.

[0145] In contrast, if the model name and body color of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged can be identified along with the model name and body color of the vehicle 4 adjacent to the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, then a combination of multiple vehicles 4 can be identified. Therefore, the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged can be found even from a distance. There only needs to be one or more vehicles 4 adjacent to the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged and that display the model name. Compared to displaying all vehicles 4 parked in the management sub-area 80a, the amount of information displayed is reduced, which has the advantage of making it easier to see as well as reducing the information processing burden.

[0146] The vehicle model name may also be displayed when the second display D2 is enlarged to a predetermined size or larger. When the management sub-area 80a is large or there are many vehicles 4 parked in the management sub-area 80a, it may be difficult to see the vehicle model name if the entire management sub-area 80a is displayed on the display 34.

[0147] In such a case, the display of the model name will not function. If many small model names are displayed, the second display D2 may become difficult to see. In contrast, if the model name is displayed when the second display D2 is enlarged to a predetermined size or larger, the model name can be seen and the second display D2 can be easily seen.

[0148] After performing the second display process, the server 1 and the terminal device 2 execute the guidance process according to the need of the worker. That is, the guidance process is not essential to the support method. The guidance process is executed when the worker requests guidance to the vehicle 4' that needs charging and inputs a command for that purpose.

[0149] Specifically, as shown by mark M2 in Fig. 12, the second display D2 displays the current location of the worker. Because the worker carries the terminal device 2, the current location of the worker can be identified in real time based on the terminal location information. While the second display D2 is being displayed, the terminal device 2 displays mark M2 on the second display D2. Mark M2 moves in accordance with changes in the current location of the worker.

[0150] In the guidance process, an optimal route (walking route) from the terminal device 2 to the vehicle 4' in need of charging is calculated based on the vehicle position information of the vehicle 4' in need of charging and the terminal position information. Then, the route is displayed on the second display D2.

[0151] 12, the second display D2 displays a button S1 for executing a guidance process. When the worker touches the button S1, the terminal device 2 outputs a command C5 for instructing the server 1 to display a route together with terminal position information data D5 (step ST8).

[0152] When the data D5 and command C5 are input, the server 1 calculates an optimal route for traveling around each of the vehicles 4' that need to be charged, based on the vehicle position information of each vehicle 4' that needs to be charged parked in the management subarea 80a and the input terminal position information. After calculating the route, the server 1 outputs data D6 about the route to the terminal device 2 (step SS7).

[0153] For example, the route can be a route that travels around the vehicles 4' that need charging in ascending order of the voltage value of the battery 4a. With this route, the battery 4a that is more likely to irreversibly deteriorate can be charged first. Therefore, more appropriate centralized management of the batteries 4a can be performed.

[0154] The route can also be the shortest route that travels around the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged. This route can minimize the amount of walking that the worker has to do, thereby reducing the worker's effort and travel time.

[0155] These routes may be selectable by the worker. For example, after the worker touches a button, a display (route selection display) is displayed on the display 34 for selecting one of a route that travels around the vehicles 4' needing charging in ascending order of the voltage value of the battery 4a, and a route that travels around the vehicles 4' needing charging in the shortest distance. Then, when the worker selects one of the routes on the route selection display, the terminal device 2 outputs the information to the server 1 together with the terminal position information D5 and the command C5.

[0156] When the route data D6 is input, the terminal device 2 illustrates the route in the second display D2 displayed on the display 34 based on the data D6 (step ST9).

[0157] FIG 13 shows an example of the second display D2 illustrating a route. In FIG 13, the route that travels around the vehicles 4' needing charging in order of lowest battery 4a voltage value is displayed with a thick solid arrow Y2. A mark M3 indicating the order of travel is displayed on the icon Ic of the vehicles 4' needing charging. For example, there are three vehicles 4' needing charging in the management sub-area 80a shown in FIG 13. Of these, the vehicle 4' needing charging located in the top row has the lowest battery 4a voltage value. Therefore, a "No. 1" mark M3 is displayed on the icon Ic of the vehicle 4' needing charging.

[0158] The route for the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged is shown in the second display D2 by an arrow Y2 along the route and a mark M3 indicating the order of the route. The worker can easily grasp the route visually, which improves work efficiency.

[0159] The dashed arrow Y3 in Fig. 13 is an example of a route that travels around the vehicles 4' that need to be charged in the shortest distance. When the worker selects a route that travels around the vehicles 4' that need to be charged in the shortest distance, the route indicated by the dashed arrow Y3 is displayed in a thick solid line. The order of travel is also changed accordingly.

[0160] When the second display D2 is displayed on the display 34 of the terminal device 2, the worker selects a vehicle 4' that needs to be charged to be managed, based on the second display D2. For example, in the second display D2 shown in Fig. 12 or 13, the worker performs an operation of touching the icon Ic of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged or its speech bubble B.

[0161] The terminal device 2 then selects the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, and displays a third display D3 that displays vehicle information about the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged on the display 34 (step ST10). Fig. 14 shows an example of the screen of the display 34 displaying the third display D3.

[0162] Fig. 14 shows the third display D3 when a vehicle 4' that needs to be charged and is located in the top row in Fig. 12 or 13 is selected. The third display D3 displays vehicle information about the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, such as the vehicle identification number, the model name, the body color, and the voltage value of the battery 4a installed in the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged.

[0163] When an operation of touching the screen displaying the third display D3 is performed, the terminal device 2 displays the original screen of the second display D2. Therefore, the worker can switch the display between the second display D2 and the third display D3 as necessary. The worker can check the vehicle information of the selected vehicle 4' that needs to be charged based on the third display D3. Since it becomes easier to identify the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, work efficiency is improved.

[0164] The third display D3 further displays a button S2 for turning on hazard lights. When the button S2 is touched, the terminal device 2 outputs a command C6 for turning on the hazard lights of the identified vehicle 4' that needs to be charged to the server 1 (step ST11). When the command C6 is input, the server 1 outputs a command C7 for turning on the hazard lights of the corresponding vehicle 4' that needs to be charged (step SS8).

[0165] When command C7 is input, the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged (on-vehicle device 4d) turns on the hazard lights (step SV2). By turning on the hazard lights, an operator can easily find the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged and is the subject of management.

[0166] The horn may be activated together with or instead of turning on the hazard lights. This also makes it possible to easily find the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged. The terminal device 2 may output a command to turn on the hazard lights directly to the identified vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, without going through the server 1.

[0167] When a worker finds a vehicle 4' that needs to be charged and is a target of management, the worker checks the vehicle 4' and charges the battery 4a. This is efficient because the check and charging of the battery 4a can be performed simultaneously.

[0168] The battery 4a may be charged by normal charging using the engine or by rapid charging using a dedicated charger. Normal charging takes a long time, but rapid charging can be completed in a short time.

[0169] In the case of normal charging driven by the engine, the engine may be started by directly operating the vehicle 4, or the engine may be started remotely. For example, an operator operates the display 34 to request the terminal device 2 to start the engine. In response to this operation, the terminal device 2 instructs the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged to start its engine, either via the server 1 or directly. Based on this instruction, the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged starts its engine.

[0170] Since the worker starts the engine while directly checking the vehicle 4, any trouble that occurs can be dealt with immediately. In addition, since the worker can check the state of the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged and the state around the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged, the worker can also check the possibility of trouble occurring after the engine is started. Therefore, safety during charging of the battery 4a can be ensured.

[0171] Once the engine has started stably and its subsequent safety has been confirmed, it is preferable to automatically stop the engine by remote control. For example, after the engine has started, the server 1 periodically acquires battery voltage information from the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged. Then, when the voltage value of the battery 4a reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the server 1 instructs the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged to stop the engine. Based on this instruction, the vehicle 4' that needs to be charged stops the engine.

[0172] This allows the worker to start managing the next vehicle 4' that needs charging without waiting for the charging of the battery 4a to finish, and the work time per vehicle can be shortened, improving work efficiency.

[0173] In this way, the support method disclosed in this embodiment makes it possible to efficiently narrow down the vehicles 4 that actually require attention even if there are many vehicles 4 to be managed. Therefore, the work efficiency in the centralized management of the batteries 4a can be improved, and the work burden can be reduced.

[0174] The battery 4a can be charged while directly checking the vehicle 4. Therefore, the battery 4a can be charged at the same time as checking the vehicle 4, resulting in excellent work efficiency. It is also possible to shorten the time required for charging the battery 4a. Safety can also be ensured. Thus, according to the assistance method disclosed herein, effective assistance can be achieved for the centralized management of the batteries 4a installed in each of the multiple vehicles 4.

[0175] The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various other configurations.

[0176] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 2 communicates with each of the multiple vehicles 4 via the server 1. However, the terminal device 2 may communicate with each of the multiple vehicles 4 directly without communicating with the server 1.

[0177] There may be a plurality of terminal devices, which allows a plurality of workers to collectively manage the batteries more efficiently. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 1 Server 2 Terminal Device 3. Network 4. Vehicles 4' Vehicles that require charging 4a battery 5. Vehicle storage area 80 Subareas 80a Management Subarea D1 1st display D2 2nd display D3 3rd display

Claims

1. A method for supporting an operator who performs centralized management of batteries installed in a plurality of vehicles parked in a specified vehicle storage area, using a support system including a predetermined terminal device and a server configured to be capable of communicating with a plurality of vehicles via a network, comprising: The server and the terminal device carried by the worker are configured to cooperate with each other to execute an information acquisition process, a sub-area setting process, an object extraction process, a first display process, and a second display process, The information acquisition process acquires vehicle information from each of the vehicles, the vehicle information including vehicle identification information that enables identification of the vehicle, vehicle position information that enables identification of the vehicle's position, and battery voltage information regarding a voltage of the battery; By the sub-area setting process, a plurality of sub-areas are set within the vehicle storage area, extracting a vehicle that needs to be charged from among the plurality of vehicles based on the battery voltage information by the target extraction process; displaying, on the terminal device, a first display in which determination information related to the vehicle in need of charging is displayed in a state in which the determination information is divided into each of the sub-areas by the first display process; When a predetermined operation is performed by the worker on the terminal device based on the first display, the second display processing causes the terminal device to display a second display that displays the vehicle identification information and the vehicle position information for the vehicles requiring charging in a management sub-area selected from among the sub-areas.

2. 10. The method of claim 1 , the determination information includes a minimum voltage value that is the lowest voltage value of the battery among the vehicles that need to be charged and are parked in the same sub-area, causing the minimum voltage value to be displayed in each of the sub-areas in the first representation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, the determination information includes the number of the vehicles that need to be charged parked in the same sub-area, The method includes displaying the number of the vehicles requiring charging in each of the sub-areas in the first display.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When the second display is displayed on the terminal device, the positions of the vehicles parked in the management sub-area, including the positions of the vehicles in need of charging, are illustrated on the terminal device in a map form; A method for displaying the vehicle identification information of the vehicle in need of charging together with the vehicle identification information of the vehicle in need of charging that is adjacent to the vehicle in need of charging.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the second display is displayed on the terminal device, the positions of the vehicles parked in the management sub-area, including the positions of the vehicles in need of charging, are illustrated on the terminal device in a map form; acquiring terminal location information from the terminal device that enables identification of the location of the terminal device; A method for calculating a route from the terminal device to the vehicle in need of charging based on the vehicle position information of the vehicle in need of charging and the terminal position information when a specified operation is performed on the terminal device, and displaying the route on the second display.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The positions of all the vehicles parked in the vehicle storage area are displayed on the terminal device in a map form; A method in which at least one of the sub-areas is set by operating the terminal device based on the illustration.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Calculating an interval between adjacent vehicles for all of the vehicles parked in the vehicle storage area; A method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sub-areas is defined by identifying a group of the vehicles parked in close proximity such that the separation between the vehicles is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

8. A server that supports centralized management of batteries installed in each of a plurality of vehicles parked in a predetermined vehicle storage area, an interface that enables input and output of predetermined vehicle information via each of the plurality of vehicles and a predetermined portable terminal device and a network; a memory for storing the vehicle information and a predetermined control program; a processor that processes the vehicle information by executing the control program; Equipped with The vehicle information includes vehicle storage area information enabling identification of a location of the vehicle storage area, vehicle identification information enabling identification of the vehicle, vehicle position information enabling identification of the vehicle, and battery voltage information regarding a voltage of the battery; The processor, In cooperation with the terminal device, acquiring the vehicle identification information, the vehicle position information, and the battery voltage information by requesting each of the vehicles to output the vehicle identification information, the vehicle position information, and the battery voltage information based on a command input from the terminal device; A process of setting a plurality of sub-areas within the vehicle storage area based on the vehicle storage area information; extracting a vehicle that needs to be charged from among the plurality of vehicles based on the battery voltage information; a process of causing the terminal device to display a first display in which determination information related to the vehicle in need of charging is displayed in a state in which the determination information is divided into each of the sub-areas; a process of causing the terminal device to display, when a predetermined command is input from the terminal device, a second display that displays the vehicle identification information and the vehicle position information for the vehicles in need of charging in a management sub-area that is selected from among the sub-areas; The server that runs

9. A portable terminal device that supports collective management of batteries installed in each of a plurality of vehicles parked in a predetermined vehicle storage area, an interface that enables input and output of predetermined vehicle information via a predetermined server and a network; a memory for storing the vehicle information and a predetermined control program; a processor that processes the vehicle information by executing the control program; a display for displaying information processed by the processor; and a device capable of inputting a command for requesting the processor to execute a predetermined process; Equipped with The vehicle information includes vehicle storage area information enabling identification of a location of the vehicle storage area, vehicle identification information enabling identification of the vehicle, vehicle position information enabling identification of the vehicle, and battery voltage information regarding a voltage of the battery; The processor, In cooperation with the server, acquiring the vehicle identification information, the vehicle position information, and the battery voltage information by requesting each of the vehicles to output the vehicle identification information, the vehicle position information, and the battery voltage information based on a command input from the device; A process of setting a plurality of sub-areas within the vehicle storage area based on the vehicle storage area information; extracting a vehicle that needs to be charged from among the plurality of vehicles based on the battery voltage information; a process of displaying, on the display, a first display in which determination information related to the vehicle in need of charging is displayed in a state in which the determination information is divided into each of the sub-areas; a process of displaying, when a predetermined command is input by the device based on the first display, a second display on the display, the second display displaying the vehicle identification information and the vehicle position information for the vehicles in need of charging in a management sub-area selected from among the sub-areas; A terminal device that executes the above.

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