Power supply method and power supply system

Abstract

To appropriately discriminate an automatic driving electric vehicle can execute power supply to a power supply target according to the state of provision of a service by the automatic driving electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A power supply method includes: discriminating if power supply to a power supply target 30 is required; discriminating if provision of a predetermined service by an automatic driving electric vehicle 10 is currently stopped or the provision of the service can be stopped; and in response to the discrimination that power supply to the power supply target is required and the discrimination that the provision of the service is currently stopped or the provision of the service can be stopped, supplying power to the power supply target from the automatic driving electric vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply method and a power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] A power supply method is known in which, when the remaining power in the battery of a first electric vehicle (EV) is insufficient relative to the amount of power required by the first electric vehicle and the remaining power in the battery of a second electric vehicle is surplus to the amount of power required by the second electric vehicle, power is supplied from a second electric vehicle to a first electric vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, vehicles that provide predetermined services are known. One example of such a vehicle is a route bus. A route bus provides a passenger transportation service by transporting passengers according to a predetermined driving plan (route, time, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-143875 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The second electric vehicle needs to be close to or adjacent to the first electric vehicle during power supply. Therefore, the second electric vehicle needs to move or stop together with the first electric vehicle. Therefore, if the second electric vehicle is, for example, a route bus, the route bus may no longer be able to operate according to the operation plan. In other words, when a vehicle providing a service supplies power to a power supply target, the provision of the vehicle's service may be stopped or interrupted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the following is provided: [Configuration 1] A power supply method, comprising: Determining whether power needs to be supplied to the power supply target; Determining whether provision of a predetermined service by the autonomous electric vehicle is suspended or whether provision of the service can be suspended; In response to determining that power supply to the power supply target is necessary and determining that provision of the service is stopped or that provision of the service can be stopped, supplying power from the autonomous driving electric vehicle to the power supply target; A control method comprising: [Configuration 2] 2. The power supply method according to claim 1, wherein the service includes a passenger or baggage transportation service. [Configuration 3] 3. The power supply method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, when the service is a patrol service, that provision of the service can be stopped. [Configuration 4] The power supply method according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising moving the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target by autonomous driving prior to supplying power from the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target. [Configuration 5] The method further includes determining whether a possible power supply amount of the autonomous electric vehicle is sufficient to supply power to the power supply target; Supplying power from the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target is executed in response to a further determination that a possible power supply amount of the autonomous electric vehicle is sufficient to supply power to the power supply target. A power supply method according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. [Configuration 6] A power supply system, comprising: An autonomous electric vehicle providing a predefined service; A power supply determination unit configured to determine whether power supply to a power supply target is necessary; A service determination unit configured to determine whether provision of the service by the autonomous driving electric vehicle is stopped or whether provision of the service can be stopped; a power supply unit configured to supply power from the autonomous driving electric vehicle to the power supply target in response to a determination that power supply to the power supply target is necessary and a determination that provision of the service is stopped or that provision of the service can be stopped; A power supply system comprising: [Configuration 7] The power supply system of configuration 6, wherein the service includes a passenger or luggage transportation service. [Configuration 8] 8. The power supply system according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein the service determination unit is configured to determine that provision of the service can be stopped when the service is a patrol service. [Configuration 9] The power supply system according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, further comprising a moving unit configured to move the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target by autonomous driving prior to power supply from the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target. [Configuration 10] Further comprising an electric power amount determination unit that determines whether a possible power supply amount of the autonomous driving electric vehicle is sufficient for supplying power to the power supply target, The power supply unit is configured to supply power from the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target in response to a further determination that a possible power supply amount of the autonomous electric vehicle is sufficient for supplying power to the power supply target. A power supply system according to any one of configurations 6 to 9. Effect of the Invention

[0007] Depending on the status of service provision by the autonomously driving electric vehicle, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not power can be supplied from the autonomously driving electric vehicle to the power supply target. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic overall view of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example autonomous electric vehicle according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power supply target according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example server according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating a power supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a power supply control routine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a power supply control routine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server in an embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an autonomous electric vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the power supply system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power supply vehicle 10, a power supply target 30, and a server 50. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply vehicle 10, the power supply target 30, and the server 50 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network N such as the Internet. In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, power is supplied from the power supply vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30.

[0010] In the embodiment according to the present disclosure, the power supply vehicle 10 is an autonomous electric vehicle, i.e., an electric vehicle (EV) that performs autonomous driving. An example of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is a large vehicle such as a bus. Other examples of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 include trucks, taxis, and the like. Meanwhile, the power supply target 30 in the embodiment according to the present disclosure is an electric vehicle that performs or does not perform autonomous driving. An example of the power supply target 30 is a passenger car for personal use or car sharing. In FIG. 1, a battery 10a of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 and a battery 30a of the power supply target 30 are respectively depicted.

[0011] An electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electric motor that drives the vehicle and a battery that supplies power to the electric motor. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery 10a of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 can be externally powered, and the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 can be externally charged. In addition, the battery 10a of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 has a relatively large capacity, and the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 has a relatively small capacity.

[0012] Examples of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 include a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that has an electric motor without an internal combustion engine and is driven by an electric motor powered by an externally chargeable battery, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that is driven by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine powered by a battery that cannot be externally charged, or by an electric motor powered by a battery that cannot be externally charged and powered by a generator driven by an internal combustion engine, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that is a hybrid vehicle whose battery can be externally charged, and a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) that has an electric motor without an internal combustion engine and is driven by an electric motor powered by a battery that is powered by a fuel cell. On the other hand, examples of the power supply target 30 include a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that is a hybrid vehicle whose battery can be externally charged, and a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV).

[0013] As shown generally in FIG. 2, an autonomous electric vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more processors 11, one or more memories 12, a storage device 13, and an input / output interface (IF) 14, which are communicatively connected to each other by a bidirectional bus.

[0014] The memory 12 in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a volatile or non-volatile memory. Various programs and the like are stored in the memory 12, and these programs are executed by the processor 11. The storage device 13 in the embodiment of the present disclosure stores a calculation model, a driving route of the autonomous electric vehicle 10, and the like.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input / output IF 14 is communicatively connected to a communication device 15, an input / output device 16, one or more sensors 17, a GPS receiver 18, an automatic driving device 19, a power supply device 20, a possible power supply sensor 21, and a situation sensor 22.

[0016] The communication device 15 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure is communicatively connected to the above-mentioned communication network N. The input / output device 16 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a media reader / writer, an in-vehicle display, and the like. The sensor 17 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a camera for autonomous driving, LiDAR, and the like, as well as a terrain sensor for detecting terrain information (e.g., above sea level, height difference from surroundings, and the like) at the position of the autonomous electric vehicle 10. The GPS receiver 18 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure receives a signal from a GPS satellite, thereby detecting information representing the absolute position (e.g., longitude and latitude) of the autonomous electric vehicle 10. The autonomous driving device 19 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure includes actuators for driving, steering, and braking the autonomous electric vehicle 10.

[0017] The power supply device 20 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure supplies electric power stored in the battery 10a of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 to the outside of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 in a contact or non-contact manner.

[0018] The possible power supply amount sensor 21 in the embodiment according to the present disclosure detects the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10. In one example, the possible power supply amount is obtained by subtracting the amount of power required by the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 after power supply (e.g., the amount of power required for the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 to return to a charging station) from the amount of power stored in the battery 10a of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10. In a case where the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 has a power generation function (e.g., HEV, FCEV), the possible power supply amount is obtained by subtracting the amount of power required by the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 after power supply from the sum of the amount of power stored in the battery 10a of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 and the amount of power that the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 can generate.

[0019] The situation sensor 22 in the embodiment of the present disclosure detects the service situation of the autonomous electric vehicle 10. In one example, the situation sensor 22 is an in-vehicle camera for detecting whether a passenger or luggage is present in the autonomous electric vehicle 10.

[0020] As shown generally in FIG. 3, the power supply target 30 of an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises one or more processors 31, one or more memories 32, a storage device 33, and an input / output interface (IF) 34, which are communicatively connected to each other by a bidirectional bus.

[0021] A communication device 35, an input / output device 36, one or more sensors 37, a GPS receiver 38, an automatic driving device 39, a power receiving device 40, and an electric energy sensor 41 are communicatively connected to the input / output IF 34 in the embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0022] The power receiving device 40 in an embodiment according to the present disclosure receives power in a contact or non-contact manner from outside the power supply target 30, and supplies the power to the battery 30a of the power supply target 30. In the embodiment according to the present disclosure, the power receiving device 40 cooperates with the power supply device 20 of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 to supply power from the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30.

[0023] The power sensor 41 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure detects the amount of stored power (or the charging rate SOC) of the battery 30a of the power supply target 30.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, the server 50 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure includes one or more processors 51, one or more memories 52, a storage device 53, and an input / output interface (IF) 54, which are communicatively connected to each other by a bidirectional bus. A communication device 55 and an input / output device 56 are communicatively connected to the input / output IF 54 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0025] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 31, memory 32, storage device 33, input / output IF 34, communication device 35, input / output device 36, sensor 37, GPS receiver 38, and automatic driving device 39 of the power supply target 30 are similar to the processor 11, memory 12, storage device 13, input / output IF 14, communication device 15, input / output device 16, sensor 17, GPS receiver 18, and automatic driving device 19 of the autonomous driving electric vehicle 10, so their descriptions are omitted. In addition, the processor 51, memory 52, storage device 53, input / output IF 54, communication device 55, input / output device 56, and sensor 57 of the server 5 are similar to the processor 11, memory 12, storage device 13, input / output IF 14, communication device 15, input / output device 16, and sensor 17 of the autonomous driving electric vehicle 10, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0026] Meanwhile, the autonomous electric vehicle 10 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure provides a predetermined service. For example, when the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is a route bus, the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is driven according to a predetermined driving plan (route, time, etc.) to provide a passenger transport service to transport passengers. When the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is a truck, the autonomous electric vehicle 10 provides a baggage transport service to transport baggage. When the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is a vehicle equipped with a camera, the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is driven according to a predetermined driving plan (route, time, etc.) to provide a patrol service to patrol the city.

[0027] Next, a power supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The server 50 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure determines whether or not power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary. In one example, when the amount of stored power in the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 is less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary, and when the amount of stored power in the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 is greater than the threshold value, it is determined that power supply to the power supply target 30 is not necessary. In another example, when the amount of stored power in the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 is less than the required power amount of the power supply target 30 (for example, the amount of power required for the power supply target 30 to move to a destination), it is determined that power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary, and when the amount of stored power in the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 is greater than the required power amount of the power supply target 30, it is determined that power supply to the power supply target 30 is not necessary. In yet another example, when the power supply target 30 is a car sharing vehicle and there is a reservation for use within a certain period, it is determined that power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary, and when there is no reservation for use, it is determined that power supply to the power supply target 30 is not necessary. Note that data on the amount of stored power in the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 or data on the amount of power required by the power supply target 30 is transmitted in advance from the power supply target 30 to the server 50. The server 50 calculates the amount of power supply required by the power supply target 30. In one example, the amount of power supply required by the power supply target 30 is represented by the difference (>0) between the amount of stored power in the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 and the above-mentioned threshold value, and in another example, it is represented by the difference (>0) between the amount of stored power in the battery 30a of the power supply target 30 and the amount of power required by the power supply target 30.

[0028] Furthermore, the server 50 in the embodiment according to the present disclosure determines whether or not the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30. In one example, when the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is greater than the required power supply amount of the power supply target 30, it is determined that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30, and when the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is less than the required power supply amount of the power supply target 30, it is determined that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is not sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30. Note that the possible power supply amount data of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is transmitted in advance from the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 to the server 50. In another example, when the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is greater than a certain amount, it is determined that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for supplying power to the power supply target 30, and when the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is less than a certain amount, it is determined that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is insufficient for supplying power to the power supply target 30.

[0029] Furthermore, the server 50 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure determines whether the provision of the service of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is stopped or can be stopped. In the case where the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is a route bus, in one example, when the autonomous electric vehicle 10 finishes driving according to the driving plan and is returning to the vehicle depot (garage), it is determined that the provision of the service is stopped, and when the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is scheduled to drive according to the driving plan or is in the middle of driving, it is determined that the provision of the service is not stopped. Alternatively, when there is no passenger in the autonomous electric vehicle 10 and there is no plan (reservation) for a passenger to board the autonomous electric vehicle 10, it is determined that the provision of the service can be stopped, and when there is a passenger in the autonomous electric vehicle 10 or when a passenger is scheduled to board the autonomous electric vehicle 10, it is determined that the provision of the service cannot be stopped. Note that information on whether the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is driving according to the driving plan or information on the presence or absence of a passenger in the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is transmitted in advance from the autonomous electric vehicle 10 to the server 50.

[0030] Next, in response to the determination that power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary, the determination that the available power supply amount of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30, and the determination that the provision of the service of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 is stopped or can be stopped, the server 50 in the embodiment according to the present disclosure controls the power supply device 20 of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 and the power receiving device 40 of the power supply target 30 to supply power from the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30. In one example, the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 supplies only the amount of power requested by the power supply target 30 to the power supply target 30.

[0031] Furthermore, the server 50 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure controls the automatic driving device 19 of the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 to move the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30 by automatic driving, prior to the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 supplying power to the power supply target 30. In this case, the power supply target 30 is not moved. Next, when the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 moves to the power supply target 30, power supply from the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30 is executed. In another example, the server 50 moves the power supply target 30 to the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 by automatic driving without moving the automatic driving electric vehicle 10. In yet another example, the server 50 moves the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 and the power supply target 30 to a common power supply point by automatic driving, respectively. Note that the position information (e.g., absolute position) of the power supply target 30 or the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 is transmitted in advance from the power supply target 30 or the automatic driving electric vehicle 10 to the server 50.

[0032] In this manner, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, whether or not power can be supplied from the autonomous electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30 is appropriately determined depending on the status of the service provided by the autonomous electric vehicle 10. Moreover, the possible power supply amount of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 and the status of the service provided by the autonomous electric vehicle 10 are appropriately determined. both Whether or not power supply can be executed is determined according to the above. Such a concept has never existed before.

[0033] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the battery 10a of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 has a relatively large capacity, power can be reliably supplied to the power supply target 30, and therefore the power supply target 30 can be reliably rescued.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a power supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of Fig. 5, an autonomous electric vehicle 10 provides a service of transporting a passenger along a route R. When it is determined that the provision of the service can be stopped, the autonomous electric vehicle 10 deviates from the route R, as indicated by X in Fig. 5, moves to the power supply target 30, and supplies power to the power supply target 30.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a power supply control routine in an embodiment according to the present disclosure. This routine is executed by, for example, the processor 51 of the server 50. Referring to FIG. 6, in step 100, it is determined whether or not power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary. When it is determined that power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary, the process proceeds to step 101, in which it is determined whether or not the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30. When it is determined that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30, the process proceeds to step 102, in which it is determined whether or not the provision of the service of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is stopped or the provision of the service can be stopped. When it is determined that the provision of the service of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is stopped or the provision of the service can be stopped, the process proceeds to step 103, in which the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is moved to the power supply target 30 by autonomous driving. In the following step 104, power is supplied from the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30. In contrast, when it is determined in step 100 that power supply to the power supply target 30 is not necessary, when it is determined in step 101 that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is not sufficient to supply power to the power supply target 30, or when it is determined in step 102 that the provision of services by the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is stopped or the provision of the service cannot be stopped, the processing cycle is terminated.

[0036] Next, another embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. To explain the difference from the above-mentioned embodiment according to the present disclosure, in the another embodiment according to the present disclosure, for example, the autonomous electric vehicle 10 provides passenger transportation services during the day and patrol services during the night or late at night.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the service provided by the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is a patrol service, it is determined that the provision of the service can be stopped. Alternatively, the determination of whether the provision of the service is stopped or can be stopped is skipped. In either case, the supply of power to the power supply target 30 is prioritized over the provision of the service.

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a power supply control routine in another embodiment according to the present disclosure. This routine is executed by the processor 51 of the server 50, for example. To explain the difference from the routine in Fig. 6, in the routine in Fig. 7, when it is determined in step 101 that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30, the routine proceeds to step 101a, where it is determined whether the service provided by the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is a patrol service. When it is determined that the service provided by the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is a patrol service, the routine jumps to step 103. On the other hand, when it is determined that the service provided by the autonomously driven electric vehicle 10 is not a patrol service, the routine proceeds to step 102.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the processor 51 of the server 50 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the processor 51 of the server 50 includes a power supply determination unit A1, a service determination unit A2, an electric power amount determination unit A3, a power supply unit A4, and a moving unit A5. The power supply determination unit A1 determines whether power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary based on the output of the electric power amount sensor 41 of the power supply target 30. The service determination unit A2 determines whether the provision of the service by the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is stopped or can be stopped based on the output of the status sensor 22 of the autonomous electric vehicle 10. The electric power amount determination unit A3 determines whether the possible power supply amount of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 is sufficient to supply power to the power supply target 30 based on the output of the possible power supply amount sensor 21 of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 and the electric power amount sensor 41 of the power supply target 30. In response to a determination that power supply to the power supply target 30 is necessary, a determination that the possible power supply amount of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 is sufficient for power supply to the power supply target 30, and a determination that the provision of the service of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 is stopped or can be stopped, the power supply unit A4 controls the power supply device 20 of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 and the power receiving device 40 of the power supply target 30 to supply power from the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30. Prior to supplying power from the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30, the movement unit A5 controls the automatic driving device 19 of the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 to move the autonomously driving electric vehicle 10 to the power supply target 30.

[0040] In another example, the processor 11 of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 includes at least one of the power supply determination unit A1, the service determination unit A2, the power amount determination unit A3, the power supply unit A4, and the movement unit A5. In yet another example, the processor 31 of the power supply target 30 includes at least one of the power supply determination unit A1, the service determination unit A2, the power amount determination unit A3, the power supply unit A4, and the movement unit A5.

[0041] 9 shows an example in which the processor 11 of the autonomous electric vehicle 10 includes all of the power supply determination unit A1, the service determination unit A2, the power amount determination unit A3, the power supply unit A4, and the movement unit A5. In this example, the server 50 is omitted. The autonomous electric vehicle 10 and the power supply target 30 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other directly or by vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0042] In the embodiment according to the present disclosure described above, the power supply target 30 is an electric vehicle. In another embodiment, the power supply target 30 is a portable or stationary electronic device or electrical equipment (e.g., a smartphone, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1. Power Supply System 10. Self-driving electric vehicles 20 Power supply device 30 Power Supply Target 40 Power receiving device 50 Servers

Claims

1. A power supply method, comprising: A processor determines whether power needs to be supplied to a power supply target; determining whether provision of a predetermined service by the autonomous electric vehicle is stopped or whether provision of the service can be stopped; In response to determining that power supply to the power supply target is necessary and determining that provision of the service is stopped or that provision of the service can be stopped, the processor moves the power supply target to the autonomously driven electric vehicle by autonomous driving without moving the autonomously driven electric vehicle, or moves the autonomously driven electric vehicle and the power supply target to a common power supply point by autonomous driving, and supplies power from the autonomously driven electric vehicle to the power supply target; wherein the power supply target is an autonomously driven electric vehicle.

2. The power supply method according to claim 1 , wherein the service comprises a passenger or baggage transportation service.

3. The power supply method according to claim 1 , wherein, when the service is a patrol service, the processor determines that provision of the service can be stopped.

4. The method further includes determining whether the power supply capacity of the autonomous electric vehicle is sufficient to supply power to the power supply target, Supplying power from the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target is executed in response to it being further determined that a possible power supply amount of the autonomous electric vehicle is sufficient to supply power to the power supply target. The power supply method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A power supply system, comprising: An autonomous electric vehicle providing a predefined service; A power supply determination unit configured to determine whether power supply to a power supply target is necessary; A service determination unit configured to determine whether provision of the service by the autonomous driving electric vehicle is stopped or whether provision of the service can be stopped; a power supply unit configured to, in response to a determination that power supply to the power supply target is necessary and a determination that provision of the service is stopped or can be stopped, move the power supply target to the autonomously driven electric vehicle by autonomous driving without moving the autonomously driven electric vehicle, or move the autonomously driven electric vehicle and the power supply target to a common power supply point by autonomous driving, and supply power from the autonomously driven electric vehicle to the power supply target; wherein the power supply target is an autonomously driven electric vehicle.

6. The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the service includes a passenger or baggage transportation service.

7. The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the service determination unit is configured to determine that provision of the service can be stopped when the service is a patrol service.

8. Further comprising an electric power amount determination unit that determines whether a possible power supply amount of the autonomous driving electric vehicle is sufficient for supplying power to the power supply target, The power supply unit is configured to supply power from the autonomous electric vehicle to the power supply target in response to a further determination that a possible power supply amount of the autonomous electric vehicle is sufficient for supplying power to the power supply target. The power supply system according to claim 5 or 6.

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